It’s road trip time! From rugged mountains and charming towns to a dynamic craft beer scene, North Carolina has many reasons to explore the state. Next year, that list will grow even further, adding seven new or newly renovated hotels, highlighting the state’s ever-growing number of contemporary hotels. Most of these properties are located in or near the very popular town of Asheville.
Here’s your guide to the ‘Must Stay’ in Thar Heel Province in 2023.
Mirror HotelMarshall
Opening in early 2023, Asheville Glamping introduces a set of 18 ‘invisible’ cabin suites featuring architectural mirrors that reflect the natural surroundings. In addition to hotel-style amenities, the outdoor space features a large deck, grill and pizza oven, fire pit, hot tub, and other delights. The owner plans to extend this concept to other destinations. Anyone interested in booking a stay should join the mailing list.
The Flat Iron HotelAsheville
Indigo Road Hospitality Group plans to open the 71-room inn in Spring 2023. It’s a repurposed Flatiron Building from his Roaring ’20s that sparked a remarkable building boom in Asheville. The eight-story, wedge-shaped hotel includes a restaurant with a wood-burning oven, a craft cocktail bar, and a rooftop bar.
Rose Motor LodgeBoone
In late spring/early summer 2023, the old Greene’s Motel, built in the 1950s, will be stylishly renovated. Rose Motor Lodge The hotel is owned by Loden Hospitality, which owns Raleigh’s retro-chic Longleaf Hotel and quaint guest house. With its outdoor design and laid-back atmosphere, the 53-room hotel aims to appeal to family adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and casual travelers. Plans include restaurants, bars and an outdoor gathering space for locals and travelers.
zelda darlingAsheville
Opening in summer 2023 and centered around the restoration of three historic homes in the South Slope District, the 20-room hotel pays tribute to Zelda Fitzgerald and her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Developed by Atlanta-based Hatteras Sky in partnership with her Fitzgerald estate, Zelda Dearest includes 20 guest rooms, outdoor spaces, and food and beverage service by her acclaimed local chef, Jacob Sessoms. F. Scott Fitzgerald spent her two summers in Asheville, where his wife was admitted to Highland Hospital, the sanitary premises where she died in the 1948 fire.
radicalAsheville
Opening in summer 2023 and also off of Hatteras Sky, this 70-room hotel is a converted vacant warehouse in the River Arts District. Retro-luxury interiors, expansive lawns and outdoor courtyards are promised, along with a food and beverage program led by Jacob Sessoms that includes restaurants, coffee lounges, cocktail bars and a rooftop bar.
Cataloochee RanchMaggie Valley
Opening Fall 2023, this beloved rustic retreat adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park features redesigned interior spaces where guests can dine or enjoy the warmth of a newly remodeled double-sided fireplace. We are reopening with a new wraparound terrace to enjoy. Other changes are designed to improve views from the top of the 1.6-kilometer-high Fee Top Mountain and bring more natural light into the stone and wood building, which first opened as an accommodation in 1939. Although the lodge is closed, owners David and Annie say Colquitt continues to offer horseback riding, including lunch excursions to The Swag, a nearby all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux property. .
Newray HotelBurnsville
Opening in late 2023, North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating hotel will begin a new chapter after a full restoration of the 16,500-square-foot colonial-style inn. In addition to structural work, James and Amanda Keith are rescuing artifacts and collecting stories from its history dating back to 1833. As the stagecoach stops en route to Asheville, the hotel boasts a list of guests including Mark his Twain, Elvis his Presley, and Christopher. Reeve and Jimmy Carter. Located about 20 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Newray offers 24 rooms and suites.