How does one truly celebrate a momentous 70th birthday? This isn’t an everyday occasion; in fact, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime milestone for those fortunate enough to grace seven decades! For my dear husband, Mr. M. (our beloved “meat and potatoes man”), I yearned to craft an unforgettable experience. What unfolded was an absolute triumph that I simply must share. Recently, an incredible opportunity presented itself: a complimentary stay at one of Marriott’s distinguished Autograph Collection hotels, complete with free valet service. Browsing the available dates and locations within a comfortable driving distance, our choice was clear: the magnificent Tudor-styled Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled just a short two-hour drive from home, this destination promised a truly special retreat.

If you’re acquainted with Asheville, North Carolina, nestled gracefully within the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, then you understand its distinctly eclectic character. This mountain city embodies a vibrant blend of Bohemian artistry, pseudo-modern sensibilities, and a wonderfully quirky “hippy” spirit. There’s even a popular bumper sticker that proudly proclaims, “Help Keep Asheville Weird!” Beyond its role as home to the iconic Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate country mansion, Asheville is more than just a popular travel destination; for many, it represents a cherished retirement dream.

Six years ago, an exciting opportunity to relocate to the Tar Heel state presented itself when I received a faculty position offer at UNC-Asheville. However, a combination of the higher cost of living and the scarcity of reasonably flat land ultimately led me to accept a position at USC in South Carolina instead. We consoled ourselves with the thought that we could always enjoy Asheville’s unique charm through visits, avoiding the significant expense of living there while retaining our desired acreage—a challenging feat to find in the mountains unless one is aspiring to cultivate vast apple orchards.

Having explored the Biltmore Estate several times before, it wasn’t part of our agenda for this particular weekend getaway. Our sole desire was to unwind, savor exquisite meals, and simply *chill*. Mission emphatically accomplished within the uniquely, yet exquisitely, decorated walls of this remarkable boutique hotel. This distinguished 4-star award-winning property, recognized in 2013, has also earned a coveted spot among Travel + Leisure’s top 200 best U.S. hotels. Further cementing its reputation, Conde Nast Traveler has designated this unorthodox establishment as one of the top U.S. luxury hotels. At merely four years old at the time of our visit, Asheville’s Grand Bohemian Hotel had already established itself as a highly regarded and truly memorable experience.

Confession: I’ve never been a huge admirer of the color purple. Yet, in the context of the Grand Bohemian, its undeniable funkiness and subtle regality somehow perfectly suit the hotel’s aesthetic—though, I must add, in carefully curated doses! The design approach is a masterclass in balance, ensuring purple enhances rather than overwhelms.

To merely describe this hotel’s old-world interiors as ‘eclectic’ would be a significant understatement. The design is a bold, yet harmonious, juxtaposition of ‘rustic’ elements with ‘rich and luxurious’ details, creating a space that is visually captivating and deeply immersive. Imagine the tactile contrast of sumptuous velvet against rugged stone, the dazzling sparkle of cut crystal placed beside artfully preserved wildlife, and the vibrant interplay of crimson reds and deep purples elegantly combined with muted shades of earthy brown. What truly elevates the experience are the original pieces of fine artwork gracing every corner, from the grand public spaces to the intimate private spa treatment rooms. Each turn reveals a new artistic discovery, making the hotel feel like a living gallery.

If minimalism is your preferred aesthetic, then be forewarned: this hotel’s maximalist charm might not quite “tickle your pickle!” It revels in opulent detail and a rich tapestry of textures and colors, designed for those who appreciate grandeur and intricate design.

The subtly dark and moody interior of the registration desk area immediately sets a sophisticated tone. We almost felt as if we had stepped into an ancient European castle or a grand hunting lodge, such was the immersive atmosphere of opulent history and comfort.

Intricate sculptures are carefully placed within charming stone and tile alcoves, each piece telling its own silent story.

The ceilings boast a unique bronze finish, from which hang impressive antler chandeliers, contributing to the hotel’s distinctive hunting lodge aesthetic.

A magnificent table, expertly crafted from what must have been a colossal piece of timber, stands as a centerpiece, flanked on both sides by original, captivating oil paintings that command attention.

The inviting front entrance leads directly into the opulent lobby and an adjacent art exhibit room, hinting at the visual treasures within.

Exquisite fine art, truly “eye candy” for the connoisseur, awaits at every turn, beautifully displayed amidst Bavarian-inspired paneled walls. Many of these masterpieces proudly bear price tags reaching into the thousands of dollars, a testament to the hotel owner’s discerning taste and passion for collecting.

Every detail, from intricate wood carvings to ornate fixtures, is meticulously embellished, ensuring that the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville offers a feast for the eyes and an unparalleled sense of luxury.

Beautifully crafted wooden inlays adorn the columns, showcasing exceptional artistry and attention to detail throughout the hotel’s design.

Even a fireside chair presents an unusual interior, inviting guests to settle into its unique embrace.

The women’s powder room is a marvel of design, featuring aged, dark mirrors that add a sense of vintage glamour, and a dramatic red velvet curtain that enhances its luxurious and private atmosphere.

However, our room wouldn’t be ready for check-in until 4:00 PM—one of the latest hotel check-in times we’d ever encountered! This gave us an unexpected window to further explore the hotel’s charm. So, why not embrace the moment and enjoy some delightful hot apple cider concoctions in the inviting cocktail lounge?

The lounge maintains a subtle, sophisticated darkness, yet it is beautifully enveloped by warm red accents that artfully amplify the hotel’s overarching Bohemian theme, creating an intimate and cozy ambiance.

The vanity in the elegant bathroom provided both functionality and aesthetic appeal, continuing the sophisticated blend of design elements.

Among all the impressive decor elements, there was one particular feature I instantly coveted for my own home: a beautifully sculpted glass shower door, accented with an aged brass handle ingeniously shaped like a piece of wood. It was a testament to simplicity and exquisite beauty, a perfect blend of natural inspiration and elegant craftsmanship.

Burned-out velvet window treatments, layered over classic wooden shutters, offered both sophisticated style and essential privacy, creating a cozy and luxurious ambiance.

Later that evening, our culinary adventure led us downstairs to the hotel’s renowned eatery, The Red Stag Grill. This acclaimed restaurant specializes in an array of exquisite wild game, featuring delectable options such as succulent elk, fresh trout, rich bison, tender venison, and delicate duck, alongside other intriguing menu items designed to tantalize the palate. Given its popularity, I was incredibly relieved that I had made reservations earlier, as the restaurant was booked solid! Dining in this captivating space genuinely felt as though we had been transported back in time, immersed in an atmosphere of old-world charm and rustic elegance.

For my husband’s special 70th birthday celebration, we were graciously seated in the small, intimate Black Forest Wine Room. This exclusive area, featuring only four tables, ensured absolute privacy and exceptionally attentive service, making our evening feel truly bespoke. The room undeniably lives up to its description, perfectly blending the rustic charm of an “old hunting lodge with a modern-chic sensibility.”

The unique chandeliers, crafted from delicate twigs, cast a warm glow, while the walls were richly adorned with rows of wine bottles, captivating artwork, and a softly designed red glass background that created an enchanting, romantic ambiance.

Within the dark, romantic confines of the wine room, Bill, my husband, was engrossed in perusing the illuminated wine list, a clever touch that added to the unique dining experience.

This ingenious technology for displaying the menu was truly impressive and certainly enhanced our enjoyment!

From the main menu’s enticing selections, I opted for the exquisite Truffle-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with Balsamic Reduction, served alongside Haricots Verts, creamy Mashed Potatoes, and a fresh Arugula garnish.

Predictably, my husband, ever the consistent “meat and potatoes man,” ordered a perfectly cooked filet. And what else? You guessed it… a classic baked potato. He’s a wonderfully stable kind of guy, never one to venture into the world of fish or deviate from his cherished culinary traditions. It just goes to show, opposites truly do attract, especially when it comes to dining preferences!

As I mentioned, the lighting in the wine room was purposefully subdued, creating a wonderfully intimate and romantic ambiance. Coupled with the striking red glass-art walls and the soft glow from the red candle vases, it’s perhaps no surprise that this photograph acquired a distinct reddish tint. Despite the challenging lighting, I did my best to capture the moment with my camera!

After our sublime “Bo-Ho” (Bohemian-meets-Hunting Lodge) dinner, we ascended to our room for a relaxing evening, settling in to watch a movie.

…breakfast in The Red Stag Grill’s sumptuous main dining room. Here, rich reds harmoniously blended with soothing tan velvet, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort. In this larger space, the lighting was artfully enhanced with red-tinted twig accents, maintaining the unique Grand Bohemian aesthetic.

The room further showcased soft tan leather upholstery and unique tree limb chandeliers, reinforcing the hotel’s distinctive blend of rustic elegance and artistic flair.

I know there are many other runny egg yolk lovers out there, reading this and nodding in appreciation!

And then, a new culinary treat that left a lasting impression: the most outrageously rich and exquisitely creamy blue cheese grits I had ever tasted. A true Southern delight elevated to gourmet status.

Complementing these were the most perfectly golden-brown, farm-house style potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy within – truly the best I have ever tasted!

Even the open kitchen, visible to diners, was a sight to behold—impeccably designed and beautifully maintained.

Next on our agenda was a visit to the luxurious Poseidon Spa for a much-anticipated massage!

Remarkably, the exquisite artwork adorning the treatment rooms is part of the hotel owner’s personal collection, which is thoughtfully rotated among all Kessler Collection Hotels monthly, ensuring a fresh artistic experience for returning guests.

Warm hot stones, coupled with incredibly soothing music, awaited my muscles, which were delightfully sore from a good workout in the hotel’s well-equipped gym. Ahhh, pure bliss and rejuvenation!

On this particular weekend, coincidentally falling around Valentine’s Day each year (a delightful surprise we discovered!), the hotel graciously hosts a special Heart and Soul showcase. This elegant event, held right in the main lobby, features the exquisite work of a talented Canadian jewelry artist. To enhance the experience, the hotel provided a complimentary array of delectable small bites for all guests attending her exhibit, adding another layer of sophistication to our stay.

Chilled Mimosas were awaiting guests at the front door, a sparkling welcome that set a festive tone. (Yes, I happily enjoyed two, thank you very much!)

An artfully arranged assortment of savory and sweet canapés awaited, meticulously crafted to delight every sense and provide a perfect complement to the exquisite jewelry on display.

A delicate little apple tart, an egg salad crostini with a hint of freshness, and an open-faced chicken salad sammie were among the delightful bites, enjoyed right alongside my mimosa (of course!). After thoroughly enjoying the lovely art-jewelry show and acquiring a few charming trinkets, it was finally time to bid farewell to this enchanting retreat. Time to hail our horse and buggy… er, I mean, our car.

This way please, through the grand door leading to the convenient valet service.

We paused for a moment, settling onto this beautifully sculpted marble bench, appreciating the artistry even in departure, as the valet promptly brought our car around.

Our exit from the Grand Bohemian Hotel was marked by passing more impressive statuary and the luxurious sweep of red velvet curtains, a final visual flourish of its distinctive grandeur.

And just like that, it was back to reality and the demands of Monday. But what a profoundly fun, wonderfully unique, and truly unforgettable lodging experience we had at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville! It was the perfect setting for a 70th birthday celebration, a testament to luxury, art, and exceptional hospitality.