Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Asheville Downtown

This mid-range hotel from the Holiday Inn is what you'd expect from the chain brand: generic but inviting interiors, a good set of features, and a casual vibe. Exposed stone accents and a fireplace lend an air of coziness to the lobby, which is a rather simple space that offers a sofa and armchairs for seating. The dining space is equally pleasant with its wooden floors and simple furnishings, and it extends onto an outdoor veranda with wrought-iron tables and chairs. The hotel attracts both leisure and business travelers, while its kid-friendly policy (kids stay and eat free) is a draw for families.

The hotel is situated on the outskirts of Asheville, about a seven-minute drive to the downtown area or 15 minutes via bus that stops a two-minute walk from the hotel (the hotel also offers a free area shuttle). The property is right by the interstate, in an area that's home to several fast food options like Taco Bell, Burger King, and McDonald's. More dining options, bars, and shops can be found downtown. The Blue Ridge Parkway is about a 10-minute drive from here, as are other attractions like the Biltmore Estate, the Folk Art Center, the Western North Carolina Nature Center, and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. The North Carolina Arboretum can be reached in 20 minutes by car. Pisgah National Forest is around a 55-minute drive. Asheville Regional Airport is a 20-minute drive away. The Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport is an hour and 20 minutes away by car. 

Rooms are bland and lackluster in terms of decor, but they're spacious and offer an array of amenities that make for a convenient stay, including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, free bottled water, and Keurig coffeemakers with a supply of free coffee and tea capsules. The spaces are clad in beige and brown neutrals, pairing dark wood furnishings with beige carpets, walls, and curtains. Framed prints adorn the walls, and all rooms have desks and armchairs. Suites have separate living rooms with sleeper sofas. Other standard amenities include electronic safes, irons/ironing boards, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are standard chain fare, with granite sink vanities that offer a considerable amount of storage space, as well as shower/tub combos. Fixtures could use an update, however. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs. Toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are supplied.

One of the highlights here is the hotel's indoor/outdoor pool, though it's a bit small. There's also an indoor hot tub. Other wellness features include a fitness room furnished with a couple of cardio machines. Chef's Corner Grill serves breakfast and dinner daily, plus there's a bar. Breakfast can be included in rates.Business travelers are catered to with three meeting rooms and a 24/7 business center with two computers and a printer, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Other amenities include coin-operated laundry facilities, free area shuttle service, and free on-site parking. This family-friendly hotel also offers an array of perks for those traveling with kids, including free stays for those 18 and under and free meals for children 11 and under.