Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has announced it will open a new hotel in Asheville this summer. A historic conversion of the former BB&T Bank building, Kimpton Hotel Arras will transform the tallest building in the city into a 128-room boutique hotel.
The hotel will seek to bring to life a modern mountain aesthetic with locally curated artwork, culinary craftsmanship and a laid-back-meets-luxe experience. The property, located in the heart of downtown Asheville at 7 Patton Avenue, also includes 54 residences and two independently owned restaurants, Bargello, offering Mediterranean fine dining, and the all-day restaurant and bar, District 42.
Developer John McKibbon of award-winning McKibbon Hospitality and Glenn W. Wilcox, Sr. of Asheville-based commercial real-estate company Tower Associates, Inc. joined forces to create a top-of-the-line hotel that highlights culture, connection and community. “It’s an honor to have been trusted to transform this historic landmark into a modern destination,” says hotelier John McKibbon. “And to be able to do it under the unique Kimpton umbrella makes this project even more notable. As the pioneers of the US boutique hotel space, Kimpton’s been on our radar as a partner for quite some time. We’re thrilled to be joining their portfolio of best-in-class hotels.”
Designed as an inviting retreat and an immersive getaway, Hotel Arras offers a crafted experience drawn from the culture of Asheville. Named for a region in France famous for its woven fabrics, Hotel Arras captures the essence of the eclectic Asheville arts community. Immediately upon arrival, regionally influenced interiors and artwork welcome guests in the lobby. The culinary offering includes a Mediterranean restaurant dedicated to large format dishes and hand-made pastas and pizzas and a restaurant and bar space focused on small plates and handcrafted cocktails in a warm and relaxed setting. Both from local husband-and-wife duo Peter and Martha Pollay of Mandara Hospitality Group. The property also features more than 5,000 square feet of flexible meetings and events space with an option to secure an exclusive wine cellar for private entertaining.
Kimpton’s chief executive officer Mike DeFrino echoes McKibbon’s sentiments. “Welcoming Hotel Arras to the Kimpton family at a time of accelerated international growth for the brand as our first property in Asheville and our third in North Carolina is exciting in many ways,” says DeFrino. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with McKibbon and know that guests will love the local feel of the hotel that’s come to be synonymous with our boutique offering.”
Further immersing guests in the arts experience, all guest rooms feature works by local artists, with pieces from Catherine Murphy, John Wayne Jackson and Naomi Rogers. Other standout room amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows and spa-like bathrooms. Visitors will also appreciate the hotel’s serenity cart. This artisanal handcart, which is filled with everything from books by Asheville authors to lavender sachets and evening cordials, will be available upon request for guest room delivery.
In addition, hotel highlights include morning coffee and tea service, complimentary public bikes, private Hotel Arras art tours, nightly social hour and mobile check-in. Wellness amenities abound with a massage room, yoga studio and state-of-the-art fitness center. And as with all Kimptons, Hotel Arras welcomes pets of all breeds and sizes.
Kimpton Hotel Arras is owned and will be managed by McKibbon Hospitality. To learn more about Kimpton Hotel Arras, visit www.hotelarras.com. For more on the restaurants, contact [email protected].