Kimpton has announced a new hotel coming to Asheville, North Carolina. The property, set to open later this year, occupies the former BB&T Bank building — the tallest structure in the city — and will be reimagined as a 128-guestroom hotel with 54 residences, a restaurant and a cocktail bar.
Named Kimpton Hotel Arras after the Arras region in France, the hotel embraces Asheville’s vibrant arts scene by showcasing local artwork throughout the property. Dining options on site will include a Mediterranean restaurant and a more casual eatery, plus a private wine cellar available for events and private tastings.
Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and spa-inspired bathrooms. The hotel’s amenities are designed for comfort and relaxation, including a “serenity cart” that offers books, lavender sachets and evening cordials upon request, a morning tea service, complimentary bicycles for exploring the city, and private tours of the hotel’s art collection. A nightly social hour encourages connection among guests, and the wellness center offers a massage room and a yoga studio. The hotel will also be pet-friendly.
“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,” said Mike DeFrino, CEO of Kimpton. “We know that guests will love the local feel of the hotel that’s come to be synonymous with our boutique offering.”
The conversion of the former BB&T building into Kimpton Hotel Arras preserves a prominent Asheville landmark while introducing new residential and hospitality offerings to the downtown area. With its emphasis on local art, thoughtful amenities and multiple dining venues, the hotel aims to provide both visitors and residents with a stylish, community-focused destination.
Kimpton’s arrival in Asheville adds to the brand’s growing footprint in the region and highlights a continued interest in adaptive reuse of historic and notable buildings. The mix of guestrooms, residences and event spaces positions the hotel as a versatile venue for travelers, longer-term residents and local gatherings.
As opening approaches later this year, more details about reservations, residence availability and event bookings are expected to be released by the hotel. For now, the Kimpton Hotel Arras signals a fresh chapter for the city’s tallest building and a new boutique option for those visiting or living in Asheville.