Kimpton Hotel Arras officially opened its doors on October 1, 2019, in Asheville, NC, one of the most buzzed-about cities in the U.S. thanks to its growing arts, music, culinary and outdoors scene.
The 128-room boutique hotel proudly welcomes guests this fall and serves as an extension of the eclectic, creative mountain town.
Kimpton Hotel Arras, owned by Glenn Wilcox and John McKibbon, managed by McKibbon Hospitality and developed by McKibbon Places, is a historic transformation of the former BB&T Bank building. Built in 1965, Western North Carolina’s tallest building is an iconic fixture in the heart of downtown Asheville. Guest rooms offer an inviting haven with design nods to the hotel’s unique combination of artistry and nature of the surrounding area, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing captivating views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fully immersing guests in the local arts experience, the hotel’s art program features one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces from nearly 20 artisans and purveyors local to the Asheville region. Committed to supporting local partners, the pieces are displayed throughout the hotel’s public spaces as well as guest rooms and are incorporated into property tours, on-site events and more.
“We’ve put our passion and heart into every detail to create a boutique hotel that truly embodies the vibrant energy and spirit that makes Asheville—a community I call home—so special,” said John McKibbon, Chairman at McKibbon Hospitality. “Kimpton Hotel Arras is a place for both locals and visitors alike and exemplifies the creative culture of the city, from its art galleries and museums to shops, top restaurants and cultural sites. We’re excited to provide guests a place to relax, eat, drink and connect.”
The lobby comes alive with vibrant folk art, music and dining options, spilling out to more than 300 feet of outdoor terrace space with city and mountain views. Asheville-based Mandara Hospitality Group, of restaurateurs Peter and Martha Pollay from local favorite Posana, is behind the two independent restaurants adjacent to Kimpton Hotel Arras opening October 3. Headed by Executive Chef Jordan Arace, Bargello, a Mediterranean restaurant with international influences, will be focused on creating a sense of community around the table, and District 42 will offer craft cocktails and shareable bites.
Among Kimpton Hotel Arras’s many standout features, guest amenities include morning coffee and tea service, nightly social hour and convenient mobile check-in. The hotel also provides an artisanal serenity cart, which is available upon request for guest room delivery and filled with everything from books by Asheville authors to lavender sachets and evening cordials. Wellness amenities include a massage room, yoga area, state-of-the-art fitness center and complimentary PUBLIC bikes. As with all Kimpton properties, the hotel welcomes pets of all breeds and sizes and Hotel Arras is partnering with local pet supply store, Patton Avenue Pet Company, for special animal amenities.
The mixed-use building also includes 54 one- and two-bedroom luxury condos ranging in size from 737-2,300 square feet. Ten of the residences will be available for short-term and long-term rentals.
