With the character of Asheville’s neighborhoods inspiring the design of each floor, the Restoration pays homage to its mountain home in a luxe, art-driven space. Opened in spring 2023 on downtown’s Patton Avenue, the hotel is the sister property to a Charleston location of the same name. The opening team worked with local designers and artists to mimic elements found throughout the mountain city within each floor.
And while the location puts guests within easy access to the city’s offerings, the Restoration makes it possible to enjoy a taste of Asheville without even leaving the premises. Catch golden hour from the Observatory Bar on the rooftop, but if the mountain chill sets in, retreat to the downstairs terrace and warm up next to one of the roaring fire pits. The terrace gives way to patio seating for the on-site restaurant the Exchange Restaurant + Bar, where visitors rub elbows with locals noshing on Appalachian-influenced charcuterie boards. But if exclusive vibes are more your speed, duck downstairs to the underground speakeasy.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The Restoration occupies a five-story building across from Pritchard Park, which is known for its Friday night drum circle (seriously, it’s not to be missed). The retro food hall next door, the S&W Market, houses upstart concepts including Gourmand, which specializes in French cheeses, charcuterie, and a wallet-welcoming assortment of wines and beer. You can traverse downtown Asheville by foot, with renowned breweries and restaurants including Chai Pani and Curaté within a five-minute walk. The up-and-coming West Asheville neighborhood is 10 to 15 minutes away by car, along with the River Arts District, where you can set off on paddleboard or kayak to nearby breweries.
THE FOOD SCENE: With a library-esque daytime cafe, rooftop restaurant and bar, and even a speakeasy tucked away in the basement, the Restoration’s eclectic dining choices draw people in, even if they’re not staying at the hotel. The Exchange showcases New American plates with a focus on Appalachian ingredients. Start with the farmers board of local cheeses, cured meats, and smoked fish dips, or get straight to business with a platter of pan-fried mountain trout. A rooftop bar is a must in Asheville, so venture up to the Observatory where indoor and outdoor seating showcase sweeping views of the city skyline. The Observatory’s sleek, organic feel is foiled by the unpolished and funky aesthetic in the Draftsman in the basement, where a craft cocktail is just as accessible as a cold local beer. Enjoy live music in the cozy venue, try your hand at the bowling lanes, or post up beside the pinball machine.
THE DIGS: Studio and suite variations of guest rooms—with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, cerulean-blue accents, and spacious bathrooms—make it all too easy to while away the day on the chic, L-shaped sectional couches while overlooking the action unfolding in the square below (or mountain views to the west if you’re extra lucky). Each room offers assorted locally made snacks and beverages from Asheville creators, including coffee from Rise, the on-site coffee shop. In the morning, a petite picnic basket of continental breakfast goodies awaits outside each room.
