This spring, a new luxury hotel opens in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hotel Arras in Asheville, North Carolina, transforms the historic former BB&T Tower—the city’s largest building—into a boutique luxury destination. The exterior blends a warm stone façade with glass and steel, maximizing the abundant natural light that fills the site and creating a modern, welcoming presence in downtown Asheville.
Hotel Arras guestroom © McKibbon Hospitality
Inside, Hotel Arras offers 128 guest rooms and suites designed for comfort and elegance, alongside 54 private condominiums that feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains. The property also includes approximately 5,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space, making it suitable for both leisure travelers and business gatherings.
The hotel’s design and service approach reflect the vision of Asheville resident and hotelier John McKibbon together with Tower Associates Chairman Glenn Wilcox. Guests will find thoughtful, high-quality details throughout their stay: handmade soaps in the bathrooms, artisan-brewed coffee each morning, spacious spa-style baths, and the convenience of mobile check-in. Onsite amenities include a fully equipped fitness center, a dedicated yoga studio, a massage treatment room, valet parking, and in-room dining service.
Dining at Hotel Arras highlights local ingredients and the region’s culinary character. The property features two distinct dining venues: a full-service restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a more casual spot serving small plates, specialty coffee and craft cocktails in the evening. The menus are curated under the creative direction of local culinary leaders Peter and Martha Pollay, known for their work with Posana and Mandara Hospitality Group, ensuring a focus on seasonal produce and Appalachian-inspired flavors.
Art plays a central role in the guest experience. The hotel presents a carefully curated collection of work by regional artists, giving visitors an authentic cultural connection to Asheville’s vibrant creative scene. Throughout public spaces and guest rooms, locally made artwork and design elements evoke the area’s artistic traditions while complementing the hotel’s contemporary finishes.
Condominium residents and guests will appreciate the building’s balance of residential privacy and hotel services. Condos are finished with premium materials and large windows that emphasize natural light and views. Owners benefit from access to the hotel’s amenities, including fitness and wellness spaces, as well as the dining and service offerings available to overnight guests.
With its central downtown location, Hotel Arras provides easy access to Asheville’s array of attractions: galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, music venues and outdoor recreation in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The hotel’s modern meeting facilities and thoughtful guest services also make it a compelling choice for small conferences, corporate retreats and private events that seek a combination of comfort, convenience and local flavor.
By restoring and reimagining a prominent landmark, Hotel Arras aims to add a refined hospitality option to Asheville’s lodging scene while celebrating local craftsmanship, culinary talent and art. The property’s blend of contemporary design, regional culture and full-service amenities positions it as a new focal point for visitors seeking a luxury boutique experience in the Blue Ridge region.