We are looking to stay in Asheville on our way to Savannah, and were wondering which would be the best area to stay in? The last time we were in Ashville, we stayed near the Biltmore, but would like to try somewhere else this time. Hotels downtown look very limited, so we were looking at the area around Biltmore Square Mall off of I-26 or at the area along Tunnel Road. The Biltmore Square area would be along our line of travel, but Tunnel Road looks more convenient to downtown and looks to have a better selection of restaurants. Any advice?

The Haywood Park Hotel downtown is very nice. Driving from either the I-26 area or Tunnel Road is relatively easy.

Onn Priceline, there is a separate 'Biltmore Square Mall' area, with the "Comfort Suites Biltmore Mall" listed as 2*. You can check it out:

http://p198.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...picID=58.topic

We stayed at the Hampton Inn/Tunnel Rd location, and had a nice, comfortable stay. We also had a very enjoyable meal at Carraba's Italian Restaurant, just a block away. I believe there was also a Courtyard by Marriot in the same location.

Although the hotels downtown may be limited, it is a much quainter/charming area (great little shops, restaurants, cafes, etc) than staying near the Mall area (most of those restaurants are chains)... the Renaissance downtown is nice and in a good locale. If you want to really treat yourself for the night, go to the Grove Park Inn...