New Boutique Hotels in Asheville to Offer Roaring ’20s Experience Immersed in Zelda Fitzgerald’s Legacy
Asheville, a charming city nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is set to welcome three new boutique hotels this year, with a fourth in pre-development. These unique establishments, developed by Atlanta-based company Hatteras Sky in collaboration with hotel management company Lark Hotels, aim to provide guests with an immersive experience reminiscent of Asheville’s vibrant ’20s.
With a total of 139 new hotel rooms being added to Asheville’s thriving hospitality scene, the developments promise an authentic and enchanting stay for visitors. Two of the hotels, Zelda Dearest and Zelda Salon, pay tribute to the legendary Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, wife of renowned novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Fitzgeralds had a deep connection to Asheville, having lived, vacationed, and sought medical care in the area.
Zelda Dearest, a 20-room boutique hotel opening in October in the South Slope, will focus on Zelda Fitzgerald’s young adult years, reflecting beauty and optimism. The hotel’s design and ambiance will transport guests back to the era of the 1920s, immersing them in the spirit of the time and allowing them to experience a taste of Zelda’s world.
Similarly, Zelda Salon, which is currently in pre-development and will offer 35 rooms, is centered around Fitzgerald’s years in Europe during the 1920s. The hotel takes its name from Gertrude Stein’s home in France, a place where Zelda and F. Scott often found refuge. The design of Zelda Salon will pay homage to the couple’s European adventures, incorporating elements that reflect the places they frequented and the experiences they cherished.
It is worth noting that Zelda’s connection to Asheville extends to the tragic end of her life. She spent her final days as a patient at Highland Hospital in Montford, where she tragically perished in a fire on March 10, 1948, along with eight other women. The hotels’ names and themes not only celebrate Zelda’s life but also honor her legacy in Asheville.
Blind Tiger Asheville, the first development launched this year, is already welcoming guests to experience a truly immersive stay. Located at 173 E Chestnut St. in Montford, the main residence, referred to as a guest house, emphasizes providing guests with a personalized experience. Each of the 14 rooms in the guest house features personalized letters from Asheville community members, dubbed hosts, offering recommendations for food, coffee, and local activities. This collaborative approach ensures that guests feel like they are part of the city and have the opportunity to discover hidden gems favored by locals.
The transformation of Blind Tiger Asheville involved renovating an 1889 residence that has served various purposes over the years, including a bed and breakfast, a nursing home, and a boarding house. The current owners, Lark Hotels and Hatteras Sky, aimed to preserve the historical integrity of the building throughout the renovation process. By maintaining the original features and architectural elements, they have ensured that the property’s rich history remains intact, providing guests with a true sense of place.
Looking ahead, the fourth development, aptly named The Radical, promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Situated at 95 Roberts St., this 70-room hotel will captivate guests with its full-on immersive concept. Featuring a wide array of amenities and activities, The Radical aims to go beyond traditional hotel offerings, offering guests a multifaceted experience designed to keep them engaged and entertained throughout their stay. However, the developers also encourage guests to step outside and explore the vibrant city of Asheville, enhancing the overall experience.
As these new boutique hotels prepare to open their doors to travelers seeking a unique and memorable stay, the Asheville hospitality scene is poised to reach new heights. With their commitment to storytelling through design and creating immersive experiences, Hatteras Sky and Lark Hotels are set to leave a lasting impression on visitors, allowing them to step back in time and embrace the Roaring ’20s, all while enjoying the modern comforts and amenities of the present day.
