I'm looking for a hotel in the area of Asheville North Carolina. Doesn't need to be in the city itself (I will have a car so within 25 miles or so is fine with me)but am hoping to find something a bit more upscale(Hilton or Sheraton??) than the Days Inns/Comfort Inns/Travelodges I keep finding in the area. I've looked at the large inns in the area(beautiful, but way too expensive), and I've pretty much given up on a B& B because I don't want to stay someplace really small or cutesy. I expect to spend most of my time outdoors anyway, so I don't really want to spend more that about $100 night for a weekend night. Any ideas?

I was just in Asheville earlier this week. There is a brand new (NOT a refurbish) Baymont Inn and Suites across from Biltmore. While not as upscale as Hilton or Sheraton, it is a nice looking property and well-located. There is also a Renaissance Hotel downtown, but looks like it could use a minor renaissance of it's own (a bit dingy-looking).

Thanks Don. Baymont is not a chain I'm familiar with so it's good to get a first hand report. Rates there are low ($65 night) so I'm a little wary but its good to know that it's a new facility. Is it a low rise hotel/(what AAA calls a "Motor Inn") rather than a motel with separate oudoor entrance to each room?
Also, are you familiar with the Ramada Plaza Hotel West(435 Smoky Park Highway? It is descibed as an "atrium style" hotel and looks somewhat nicer than some of the other places I've seen online

I am not familiar with the Ramada in Asheville myself, but have friends who stay there several times a year. They seem to like it a lot.

They are well traveled and usually opt for comfort, security, and cleanliness, as well as cost.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Don. Baymont is not a chain I'm familiar with so it's good to get a first hand report. Rates there are low ($65 night) so I'm a little wary but its good to know that it's a new facility. Is it a low rise hotel/(what AAA calls a "Motor Inn") rather than a motel with separate oudoor entrance to each room?
Also, are you familiar with the Ramada Plaza Hotel West(435 Smoky Park Highway? It is descibed as an "atrium style" hotel and looks somewhat nicer than some of the other places I've seen online

I was not impressed with the Ramada Plaza. I think it used to be a low-end Radisson.

Sidestep uncovered a $79 weekend rate at the Renaissance and a $59 weekend rate at Wingate Inn. I checked Fri/Sat rates mid-May.

Have a look at the Baymont at www.baymontinn.com Wingate and Renaissance pix and info also available via websites.

Thanks again (and no clue why my last post was repeated 15 minutes later!!)
Just noticed that a Doubletree ( 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803
owned by Hilton ) has a scheduled opening date of tomorrow--anyone seen this hotel?

Yes--if it is the one I'm thinking of, it is across the street from the Baymont and adjacent to a Sleep Inn. The sign was covered up on one side but could see through it underneath--I think it was formerly a Quality Inn.

The Baymont looked really good! There are a lot of chain hotels in and around Asheville, but based on your original criteria, this one immediately jumped to mind. Wingate is a smaller chain, too, but sounds like it could fit what you're looking for.

We stayed at a brand new Residence in last May in Ashville. It was very nice and very close to the Biltmore.

Check out the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Lovely old upscale place ~ beautiful.

thanks all who've answered. You've given me some possibilities
NC, I started planning this trip hoping to stay at Grove Park Inn, but the rates I'm seeing (weekend nights around $300) are just too much for the kind of accomodation I'm looking for right now. Ditto for the Richmond Hill Inn and the Inn at Biltmore

Check out the Haywood Park Inn in downtown Asheville. It's in a great location, has huge rooms and terrific service.

Has anyone stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree resort near Asheville? The rate is good ($99) but is it a decent place to stay for adults without kids?

Asheville Lover: Haywood Park hotel was also on our original possibilities list, but the rates there too are a bit more than we were hoping ($175/night) espcially since we don't have to be in town most of the time (but do plan to stroll and have some great meals in Asheville proper!)

Don, Thanks again for your help.
The Doubletree IS the hotel that used to be the Quality Inn.