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Pet-Friendly Stay at Kimpton Hotel Arras in Asheville, North Carolina
I recently went on a mini road trip with my dog, Kuma, and our first stop was Asheville, North Carolina. There’s no shortage of pet-friendly hotels in Asheville, but I was looking for somewhere with a great location and that would also cater to both of us—my dog and me! That’s when I came across Kimpton Hotel Arras, and it turned out to be the perfect place for us.
The primary reason for my trip was to see one of my favorite bands, Interpol, perform at Rabbit Rabbit, a music venue just in downtown Asheville. Fortunately, Kimpton Hotel Arras was only an 8-minute walk to the venue, which made it super convenient.
Why Kimpton Hotels Are Great
We’ve stayed at several Kimpton Hotels in the past, and they never disappoint. These hotels are known for their modern, chic designs and affordable luxury. While they’re a little more expensive than your typical hotel, they don’t break the bank either. Plus, if you’re traveling with a pet, Kimpton is a game-changer because they don’t charge any pet fees, regardless of your pet’s size or breed. You can bring your furry friend along without worrying about extra charges!
Another fantastic feature is their wine hour. Every evening, Kimpton hotels offer a complimentary wine social hour, which is a great way to relax and meet fellow guests. We’ve enjoyed this perk at the Kimpton Fitzroy London, where it was a great way to unwind and chat with the hotel staff and other visitors.
First Impressions
As someone who’s never a fan of downtown driving, I was a bit apprehensive about navigating through Asheville’s streets. However, the downtown area is small and easy to manage, so finding Kimpton Hotel Arras was a breeze.
The hotel only offers valet parking, which can be a bit of a hassle if you’re not into valet service. Initially, I opted for self-parking, but after speaking with the valet attendant, he informed me that the self-parking garage wasn’t owned by the hotel, and it would cost extra to go in and out. He kindly switched me to valet parking without any extra charges. Valet parking was $30 per night, which is pretty standard for downtown hotels.
The bellman, Bailey, was friendly and understanding when I needed extra time to unload my car. He noticed Kuma in the backseat and immediately asked if it was okay to give her a treat. Kuma was thrilled with the attention, and I appreciated how welcoming the staff was towards her.
The Room
I booked a standard room with two queen beds, but we were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a King Premium Oceanfront View room (415 square feet). The extra space was much appreciated, especially for Kuma. Our room had a fantastic view of downtown Asheville, with the mountains in the background. Kuma especially loved looking out the large windows and watching people walk by.
The beds were incredibly comfortable, and I loved the pillows. The only downside was that I couldn’t seem to adjust the room temperature to my liking. It always felt a little colder than what I set it to, but it wasn’t a major issue.
Next to the window, there was a lounge chair and a side table, which I used whenever I needed to relax or check my laptop. The desk area was also well-equipped, with a long working desk and enough storage for our belongings.
The room had USB outlets on the nightstand, a sound machine, and a wooden luggage rack, making it easy to keep everything organized. The closet contained an iron, ironing board, yoga mat, umbrella, and small refrigerator—everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was spacious and trendy, with a barn door separating it from the rest of the room. The counter space at the sink was great, and the lighting was perfect for getting ready. I loved the oversized bathtub, and it was the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
The shower was great the first night I used it, with perfect water pressure and temperature. However, on the last day, the water was only lukewarm, which was a bit disappointing since I love taking hot showers.
Amenities
Kimpton Hotel Arras offers a range of excellent amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable:
- Complimentary WiFi – The WiFi worked well throughout our stay, and I was able to get everything I needed done.
- Fitness Center – A fully equipped gym with two Peloton bikes, perfect for staying active while on the road.
- Urban Exhale Massage Spa – A great option for a relaxing massage after a day of exploring.
- On-Demand Family Fridge Program – This is especially useful for guests with infants or young children who need to store breast milk safely.
- District 42 Bar – A trendy bar that’s lively at night, perfect for grabbing a drink after a busy day.
- Bargello – The on-site restaurant offers seasonal and locally sourced dishes created by Executive Chef Tyler Slade. We didn’t get a chance to dine there, but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Pet-Friendliness
Kimpton is known for being extremely pet-friendly, and this location is no exception. Pets stay free, regardless of size or breed, which is such a relief for travelers with pets. Kuma was treated like royalty throughout our stay. She received a goodie bag filled with treats, toys, and waste bags.
If you forgot to pack any essentials like pet bowls or a dog bed, Kimpton will happily bring them up to your room. I requested a large dog bed, and Kuma loved it—she spent plenty of time lounging on it.
Kimpton also offers complimentary access to Wag! Premium during your stay, which gives you 10% off all services, waived booking fees, and 24/7 access to licensed veterinary professionals. If you’re staying for a longer time, you can also arrange for a dog walker through Wag!, and just leave a key with the front desk for the walker.
Location
Kimpton Hotel Arras is ideally located right in the heart of downtown Asheville, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, and breweries. Some notable spots within walking distance include:
- Farm Burger – A great place for grass-fed burgers.
- Kress Emporium – A lovely shop with handcrafted items from local artists.
- Old Europe – A cozy spot for coffee and pastries.
- Hazel Twenty – A boutique clothing store worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a wonderful stay at Kimpton Hotel Arras with Kuma. The hotel staff was incredibly accommodating and friendly, and Kuma loved the attention she received. The location was perfect, right in the heart of downtown Asheville, and I felt so comfortable during our stay. While there was a minor issue with the shower, everything else was excellent. I can’t wait to return, and I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Asheville, especially if you’re traveling with a pet!
FAQs
1. Is Kimpton Hotel Arras pet-friendly?
Yes, Kimpton is very pet-friendly. Pets stay for free, and there are no size or breed restrictions. They also provide amenities like dog beds, pet bowls, and treats.
2. What amenities does Kimpton Hotel Arras offer?
Kimpton Hotel Arras offers complimentary WiFi, a fitness center, a spa, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and access to the Wag! Premium service for pet care.
3. Can I park at the hotel?
The hotel offers valet parking for $30 per night. There is also street parking nearby, but it can be a bit of a hassle.
4. Is Kimpton Hotel Arras located near attractions?
Yes, the hotel is centrally located in downtown Asheville, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.
5. Are there any special perks for pet owners?
Yes! Kimpton offers free pet stays, and you can request pet amenities like a dog bed, bowls, and more. They even provide access to Wag! Premium during your stay for dog walking and pet care services.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly, conveniently located, and luxurious hotel in Asheville, Kimpton Hotel Arras is the perfect choice. From the welcoming staff to the thoughtful amenities and pet perks, it’s a place where both you and your dog can feel at home.