Girls' weekend suggestions: Asheville or Charleston hotel
Jan 25th, 2006, 08:47 AM
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Girls' weekend suggestions: Asheville or Charleston hotel
Hello! 5 of my college friends are planning our first girls' weekend together, in either May or June. We have narrowed it down to two locations: Asheville or Charleston.
One of the deciding factors between the two will be budget. I'm hoping some of my fellow Fodorites can offer suggestions for budget-friendly places (around $150-175 a night) that can sleep 5 comfortably. A kitchen would be great, but isn't necessary. We would be open to a cabin or apartment rental as well.
Thank you!
One of the deciding factors between the two will be budget. I'm hoping some of my fellow Fodorites can offer suggestions for budget-friendly places (around $150-175 a night) that can sleep 5 comfortably. A kitchen would be great, but isn't necessary. We would be open to a cabin or apartment rental as well.
Thank you!
Jan 25th, 2006, 11:23 AM
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I don't know if you'll find budget to sleep five in Asheville or Charleston with a kitchen for your rate.
That is peak season for Charleston and shoulder for Asheville.
I would think Asheville would probably be a better bet but you'll be looking at a motel on Tunnel Road or East Asheville.
That is peak season for Charleston and shoulder for Asheville.
I would think Asheville would probably be a better bet but you'll be looking at a motel on Tunnel Road or East Asheville.
Jan 25th, 2006, 11:44 AM
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I have found one in Charleston so far- Spring Hill Suites has two double beds and a sleeper sofa, for $169.00. That's on the high end of the budget, but is definitely an option.
Anyone else?
Anyone else?
Jan 25th, 2006, 12:07 PM
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I stayed at the Elliot House Inn in charleston last novemeber with my boyfriend and we LOVED it! http://www.elliotthouseinn.com/rates.htm You can;t all stay in the same room though. It is really nice, affordable, in the center of town and the people are wonderful. You get wine and cheese and breakfast. There is also a hot tub right in the middle of the courtyard. If you go, have lunch next door at 82 Queen and get the She-crab soup. Delish!
Jan 25th, 2006, 12:16 PM
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have you checked vrbo.com? Starting to get sort of hot-ish in Charleston by that time and it is high season at the nearby beaches.
HOw are you going to sleep 5 on 2 double beds and a sleeper sofa? That sounds pretty cramped. You might be able to priceline 2 hotel rooms in Asheville and put a cot in 1 and get in around your budget.
HOw are you going to sleep 5 on 2 double beds and a sleeper sofa? That sounds pretty cramped. You might be able to priceline 2 hotel rooms in Asheville and put a cot in 1 and get in around your budget.
Jan 25th, 2006, 01:15 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions! I hadn't thought about vrbo.com, so I'll look into that.
2 people can fit in a double bed, so we'd have four on beds and one on the sleeper. Cramped, I know, but budget may be the deciding factor here (2 of our 5 are still in grad school).
We may end up trying Priceline for 2 rooms, particularly because then we'd get 2 showers. But please keep the suggestions coming! I welcome any ideas.
Thank you!
2 people can fit in a double bed, so we'd have four on beds and one on the sleeper. Cramped, I know, but budget may be the deciding factor here (2 of our 5 are still in grad school).
We may end up trying Priceline for 2 rooms, particularly because then we'd get 2 showers. But please keep the suggestions coming! I welcome any ideas.
Thank you!
Jan 25th, 2006, 01:31 PM
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Sorry, I guess those days of piling a bunch of people into one room are long gone for me - yeah! but I'm showing my age... I'm sure you'll have fun. Try the priceline thing and get 2 rooms so you can have 2 showers - ..also more outlets for hairdryers, more mirrors, etc etc
You'll enjoy Asheville...I can give you lots of ideas on things to do depending on your interests.
You'll enjoy Asheville...I can give you lots of ideas on things to do depending on your interests.
Jan 26th, 2006, 05:19 AM
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Unless you plan to go to the beach, Asheville would be a better choice weather-wise in June.
VRBO is great. I haven't used them for the Asheville area but have gotten great deals with them twice.
Also if one of your party is a teacher, or other government employee try seeing if a government rate is available through a chain hotel. I co-worker of mine stayed at the Asheville Marriott for $69 with the government rate. You can inquire about what you need to get government rate, I always carry an ID, but I have never been asked for it.
VRBO is great. I haven't used them for the Asheville area but have gotten great deals with them twice.
Also if one of your party is a teacher, or other government employee try seeing if a government rate is available through a chain hotel. I co-worker of mine stayed at the Asheville Marriott for $69 with the government rate. You can inquire about what you need to get government rate, I always carry an ID, but I have never been asked for it.
Jan 26th, 2006, 06:03 AM
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You can stay in Asheville in the Residence Inn. They do have two rooms accommodations that also include a full kitchen, two bathrooms, breakfast every morning. I don't know about Charleston but maybe Marriott has the Reidence Inn in Charleston as weel. The Residence Inn in Asheville is in a good location.
Jan 26th, 2006, 06:39 AM
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Try vrbo.com or cyberrentals.com. We use both sites all the time & visit the NC Mts. frequently. Based on your budget, & group size, I would think a cabin/cottage would be better. My spouse is doing a similar trip w/her 'girls group' next month & they got quite a place, + there are 6 of them. Charleston will be difficult.
Jan 26th, 2006, 06:49 AM
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We are staying at the Residence Inn Riverview in Charleston in June. Don't know what the rates are for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath suite (we are using Marriot Points). But this would fill the bill. I guess this hotel has free parking and isn't far from the historic district./
Jan 31st, 2006, 02:23 PM
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Since you're thinking about going in May, find out when the huge street fesitval, Belle Chere, is. That's a ton of fun and increases your potential activties by a LOT. I think it's the last weekend in May.
Be sure to check out the restaurant "Salsas" right off Broadway, in the middle of downtown. It's excellent, eclectic Caribbean/Mexican.
Beanstreets is a good coffed house across the street from Salsas.
Biltmore Village is good for walking/shopping. Of course, there's Bitlmore House, but it is not cheap.
If Be Here Now is still open, it's a good place for live music. Also, the Grey Eagle in Black Mountain.
Black Mountain itself is a good day-drive. It's a cute little town.
Be sure to drive by the Grove Park Inn & Resort, to see where you can stay when you will the lottery.
Be sure to check out the restaurant "Salsas" right off Broadway, in the middle of downtown. It's excellent, eclectic Caribbean/Mexican.
Beanstreets is a good coffed house across the street from Salsas.
Biltmore Village is good for walking/shopping. Of course, there's Bitlmore House, but it is not cheap.
If Be Here Now is still open, it's a good place for live music. Also, the Grey Eagle in Black Mountain.
Black Mountain itself is a good day-drive. It's a cute little town.
Be sure to drive by the Grove Park Inn & Resort, to see where you can stay when you will the lottery.
Jan 31st, 2006, 05:03 PM
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Bele Chere is held the last weekend in July.
Beanstreets closed a few months ago. It's just as well, since the staff was consistently rude.
Be Here Now closed several years ago, but there are a number of other good live music venues in the area, including the Orange Peel and yes, the Grey Eagle--which is now in Asheville and not Black Mountain.
Biltmore is worth the price of admission. Plan a full day there.
Beanstreets closed a few months ago. It's just as well, since the staff was consistently rude.
Be Here Now closed several years ago, but there are a number of other good live music venues in the area, including the Orange Peel and yes, the Grey Eagle--which is now in Asheville and not Black Mountain.
Biltmore is worth the price of admission. Plan a full day there.
Feb 1st, 2006, 03:11 AM
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ThePhan is on target w/ her reports about Beanstreets and Be Here Now...still plenty to see, do and places to eat in Asheville, in fact more keep opening all the time. the new "hot" place is Mela's - Indian on Lexington.
