My Stay at Kimpton Hotel Arras, Asheville: A Stylish Downtown Escape
During a visit to Asheville while apartment hunting for our eventual move, my partner and I decided to treat ourselves to a stay at the Kimpton Hotel Arras and it made the trip even more memorable. Located right in the heart of downtown in the historic Arras building, this hotel combines modern luxury with the charm of Asheville’s vibrant downtown vibe.
From the moment I walked in, the space felt inviting—elegant, art-deco inspired decor, a cozy lobby lounge, and genuinely warm staff. I was upgraded to a higher floor room (thanks to IHG Platinum Elite status), and it offered stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown below.
🛎️ What I Loved
Location: Walkable to nearly everything—breweries, live music venues, and some of Asheville’s best restaurants.
Room comfort: The bed was plush, the lighting was perfect, and the bathroom had an upscale, spa-like feel.
Service: The staff was attentive without being overbearing. They offered local recommendations and even had a glass of wine waiting when I arrived.
Pet-friendly perks: I didn’t bring my pup this time, but noted the thoughtful touches like dog bowls and beds in the lobby.
- The Kimpton secret password: One of the coolest surprises—mention the seasonal Kimpton secret password at check-in and enjoy a fun mystery perk. We received a local treat and a small welcome gift that added a playful touch to our stay.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you arrive, check the 📸 Kimpton Instagram page for their current secret password—it changes seasonally and is often shared just a few days in advance.
The hotel also features Luminosa, an Italian-meets-Appalachian restaurant that’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the property.
📍 Booking with IHG Points
Since Kimpton Hotel Arras is part of the IHG portfolio, I booked this stay using IHG One Rewards points. It’s an excellent use of points considering the cash rates can run fairly high, especially on weekends. Being able to use points—and still enjoy elite benefits—was a huge plus.
💳 How I Booked It: Using the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
I used my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card for booking the Kimpton Hotel Arras, which helped me:
Earn 10X points per dollar on the paid portions of the stay
Get an automatic IHG Platinum Elite upgrade
Stack it with the 4th night free benefit (which has saved me hundreds over time)
This card has become one of my go-tos for hotel stays, especially with IHG brands like Kimpton, InterContinental, and Holiday Inn.
If you’re interested, you can check out the latest welcome bonus offer here:
👉 Apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
(Note: Travel is the Point may earn a referral bonus if you’re approved through the link above. We strive to feature the best publicly available offers and only recommend cards based on their value, rewards potential, and fit for travelers. Thank you for your support!)
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Asheville and want a luxury boutique hotel experience in the heart of downtown, I can’t recommend Kimpton Hotel Arras enough. Between the location, the thoughtful design, and the excellent IHG redemption value, it was one of my favorite domestic hotel stays in recent memory.
