Kimpton Hotel Arras

Kimpton Hotel Arras, Asheville, United States: A Comprehensive Review

Kimpton Hotel Arras, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, stylish design, and prime downtown location in Asheville, North Carolina. It stands as a beacon of modern elegance blended with local charm, offering guests a luxurious and memorable stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Kimpton Hotel Arras is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional. The hotel boasts an impressive overall rating of 9.7 out of 10 on some platforms, and a high score of 19.5 out of 20 from verified Michelin Guide guests. It is widely considered a top choice for discerning travelers visiting Asheville.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Kimpton Hotel Arras. The service is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with staff going above and beyond. The location in the heart of downtown Asheville on Pack Square is a major draw, offering easy access to local attractions. The hotel's design and decor, a blend of modern elegance and classic charm with contemporary works by local artists, are also highly appreciated. Notable amenities include being incredibly pet-friendly (with pets staying for free, regardless of size), a complimentary happy hour, and morning coffee.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Kimpton Hotel Arras are described as spacious, comfortable, and tastefully upscale. Guests are impressed by the modern and stylish decor. Many rooms offer stunning city or Blue Ridge Mountain views, often through floor-to-ceiling windows. Beds feature luxurious Frette Italian sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. The bathrooms are particularly magnificent, offering a luxurious retreat with sleek designs, high-end amenities, designer toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Some suites even include a full-size tub and a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, alongside a wide vanity. Standard in-room amenities include a mini-bar, safe, flat-screen TV, work desk, complimentary WiFi, hair dryer, and iron/ironing board. Yoga mats are also provided in rooms, a signature Kimpton touch.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features two on-site restaurants: Bargello and District 42, both led by Executive Chef Tyler Slade. Bargello offers a modern, romantic setting with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, including hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizza, open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. District 42 provides a more casual experience with craft cocktails and sharable plates, also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests have generally enjoyed the food, although one review noted that breakfast portions might be small for some, though staff were very accommodating and offered discounts for delays. Live music and a wide selection of wines further enhance the dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Kimpton Hotel Arras receive consistent accolades. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as kind, courteous, attentive, professional, and genuinely helpful. They are noted for going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, offering great recommendations and efficient valet service. The pet-friendly policy also extends to the staff, who give special attention to furry guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Kimpton Hotel Arras boasts a prime location in the true heart of downtown Asheville, situated directly on Pack Square. This central position means guests are just steps away from a vibrant array of local galleries (over 30), boutique shopping, craft breweries, and beloved cafés. Nearby attractions within a short walk include the Asheville Art Museum, Harrah's Cherokee Center, Asheville Museum of Science, and various entertainment venues. While the hotel offers impressive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its windows, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and major attractions like the Biltmore Estate are a short drive away. For transport, valet parking is available for a fee, which is a convenient option given that self-parking in downtown Asheville can be challenging, especially on weekends.

7. Value & Pricing

Kimpton Hotel Arras is considered an upscale hotel that offers exceptional value, particularly given its high level of service and amenities. Average room prices have been observed around $372, though rates can fluctuate significantly, ranging from approximately $124 to $996 depending on the season and room type. April is noted as potentially the cheapest month to stay, while December can be the most expensive. While generally seen as a good value for the luxury provided, some guests have felt the hotel was overpriced.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor criticisms include the perception by a few guests that the hotel can be overpriced. Additionally, one guest noted that breakfast portions might be on the smaller side. Parking is primarily valet-only and comes with a nightly charge, and finding alternative self-parking in downtown Asheville can be difficult, which could be an inconvenience for some travelers.

Sources

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