Military members returning home-where in Asheville (Albemarle: hotels, house, neighborhood)

[VegasGrace]

My 2 children are returning home for the first time since leaving for the military last year and my home is a wreck- really, a wreck. Renovating and I don't even have a table or living room- no furniture at all.

I don't want to bring them here for their entire week home and thought about Biltmore. From the airport we'd go to Asheville and stay til Christmas Day and then leave from there and go to our family out of state. (we'd stop by the house so they could see what's going on and maybe stay a night or two before heading to other family)

Years ago there was this hotel that had a stone fire place, indoor pool, really nice- Sunspree resort...it's gone now and from my research the Crowne that's there isn't as nice.

Are there any hotels in and around Asheville that decorate for Christmas, have a homey feel like a dining area w/ fireplace, etc?

Oh, and I'm a single mom so I can't afford much over 100 a night, so staying at Biltmore would be out of the question.

[gigimac]

I have two that would work, the first one is expensive, the second one is affordable. Even tho you wanted to keep it under $100, I just HAD to mention the first one.

I think you might try the amazing four-star Grand Bohemian Hotel, recently built in the middle of Biltmore Village, but it's pricey (almost $300 for a double per night). As you know, the Village goes all out at Christmastime with lighting and decor. The Bohemian has fireplace, restaurant, some entertainment, no pool but big room tubs and also spa services. Vibe is Tudor castle style, a unique experience. It's on Boston Way, go check it out. If you decide to make a reservation, be sure to insist you have rooms within the main hotel and not in the annex across the street.

A less expensive but multistory three-star alternative is now called Holiday Inn Biltmore West (just over $100), it's in West Asheville at I-40 and Smoky Park Hwy (exit 44) under the freeway within eyesight going towards Enka-Candler. It's not as palatial as the old Sunspree, but meets your criteria. It has a big atrium lobby with fireplace, indoor pool, restaurant, lounge with some entertainment, and glass elevators that take you up to the rooms! So, it's an impressive place, modern five-story. If you want quiet, get a room NOT on the atrium side.

I'm sure there are other places, but those are the two that came to mind when I read your post. You might look into a Bed and Breakfast over in Montford or Grove Park, or perhaps one near where you live, it would have a more family neighborhood type feel and the price would be reasonable, altho no pool.

[Xenah]

I've just checked out of the Albemarle Inn, a delightful B&B near the Grove Park Inn. This B&B is offering "2 nights for the price of one." The prices vary depending on which room you choose; it works out to around $130 per night.