The best vacation rentals in Asheville
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- Asheville's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains makes it an ideal city getaway for those who also crave time outdoors.
- With the ongoing pandemic, many travelers prefer private vacation rentals, which experts note are safer than hotels.
- We selected highly-rated vacation homes in Asheville and the surrounding area ranging from $118 to $399 per night.
- Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host on everything you should know before booking someone's home
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the far west of North Carolina, Asheville is an isolated city ideal for a socially distanced vacation. The gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains, its proximity to the mountains means plenty of opportunities to experience the great outdoors and enjoy hiking, skiing, biking, or simply relaxing by a firepit.
Asheville is also home to the largest privately-owned home in the country, the Historic Biltmore Estate. One of the city's top attractions, it was the former home of the Vanderbilts and, in addition to its sprawling grounds and grandeur, its annual Christmas decor continues to wow visitors each winter. Currently, capacity has been reduced due to COVID-19, and tickets are required, but visitors can still admire its impressive architecture, curated gardens, artwork, and antiques.
As the pandemic continues to rage across the country, it's more important than ever to be vigilant about planning a trip that incorporates socially distant activities and COVID-19 safety precautions. We always recommend following guidelines from the CDC, practicing frequent hand-washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask in public spaces. According to experts and the CDC, booking private vacation rentals is safer than hotel stays right now due to no contact with other guests or staff.
Airbnb and Vrbo offer private accommodations that lower potential risk factors, with a majority providing contactless check-ins and implementing augmented cleaning measures. Renters can look for Airbnb Enhanced Clean properties that have upgraded their cleaning standards, and those searching on Vrbo can use a search filter to view homes that have been "Highly Rated for Cleanliness."
While Airbnb and Vrbo are some of the best-known vacation rental companies, there are also a few local rental services like Carolina Mornings and Greybeard Rentals that feature options worth a look. Both rental companies offer a selection of condos, cabins, and luxury homes in and around Asheville. They have also implemented strict cleaning standards, with Carolina Mornings offering a 24-hour buffer between guest stays.
In and around the charming city of Asheville, you will find everything from high-end lofts in the city center to sprawling homes perched in the mountains with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in gorgeous sunsets.
We selected top homes from each platform based on the following criteria:
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- In line with COVID-19 precautions, these listings are entire homes, cottages, and standalone apartments to prevent interactions with others.
- The properties are priced between $118 and $399 per night to start to suit a range of budgets.
- Each property has a number of appealing features, such as outdoor hot tubs, fire pits, and expansive patios with mountain views.
- All listings are located throughout the Asheville area. Many are right in the city for those who prefer being close to the action, while a few cabin options are in the surrounding area just a 10 to 20-minute drive away for those who want a more secluded option.
- All listings are well reviewed and have a rating of 4.8 or higher.
Here are the best Asheville vacation rentals, sorted by price from low to high.
Airbnb
Book this luxury condo starting at $128 per night on Airbnb
This tastefully decorated fourth-floor apartment close to downtown Asheville boasts beautiful mountain views and is within easy walking distance to numerous restaurants and shops. The apartment offers one bedroom with a King-size bed, as well as a sleeper sofa to accommodate up to four people.
The bathroom features a walk-in shower and double vanity sinks. The kitchen invites you to whip up your meal in-house thanks to stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, but you may be tempted to bring in takeout from a number of nearby, top-rated restaurants. The western-facing balcony features a bistro table and chairs ideal for catching the sunset.
Explore galleries, independent shops, and excellent eateries serving farm-fresh food right nearby. You can also park your car in the secure on-site parking area offered by the rental.
The apartment has plenty of availability in January and through the rest of the year currently.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Historic downtown alley spacious loft, $207Airbnb
Book this spacious loft starting at $207 per night on Airbnb
Urban dwelling doesn't have to be in tight quarters. At this 1,300 square-foot airy loft, in a centrally located historic building on Carolina Lane, guests have two full bedrooms, making it an ideal choice for families or couples traveling together.
The apartment building is just off West Walnut Street in the shopping district. The location on a one-way alley brings solace away from the bustle of the city.
Expect modern amenities, designer furnishings, and curated artwork at this recently renovated and professionally designed living arrangement. Exposed ducts and cathedral ceilings give it an industrial edge accentuated by hardwood floors, shades of gray and burnt orange furnishings. Instead of curtains, the windows are covered with reflected privacy mirroring. The first bedroom is just off the dining area and the second bedroom is separated from the living space with custom drapes.
This loft has scattered availability left in January and February, but opens up in March and beyond.
Rating: 4.9
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Two-bedroom contemporary house in West Asheville, $209Airbnb
Book this two-bedroom home starting at $209 per night on Airbnb
If you are looking for a stay with your family or pod close to downtown, but away from city activity, this two-bedroom home in a quiet neighborhood in West Asheville is a reliable choice. At 1,600 square feet, the property has everything you need for a comfortable stay, from a gourmet kitchen and washer/dryer to smart TVs and high-speed internet.
Granite countertops, top-brand appliances, and fully stocked cookware are welcome kitchen touches. The master suite, located on the main level, has a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and a master bath with dual sinks and rainfall showers. Upstairs is an office and media room with sofa beds and a second bedroom. Modern furnishings. soothing gray and blue decor tones, and colorful contemporary artwork make this an airy and delightful space.
The house features two outdoor venues: the deck surrounded by trees sits adjacent to the indoor bar area, with inviting couches to relax or dine, and another deck with a comfortable couch and a wooden table and chairs with an umbrella for outdoor family meals.
This home still has scattered dates available in January, February, and March.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Biltmore Village historic apartment, $250Airbnb
Book this historic apartment starting at $250 per night on Airbnb
Griffin's Lair cottage, built in 1895 and designed by the supervising architect of the Biltmore, R.S. Smith, backs up to the 8,000 acres of the sprawling estate. At this warm and cozy one-bedroom apartment, original architecture blends with modern furnishings. Guests can enjoy views of Biltmore Village and The Cathedral of All Souls, located across the street. The village is designed to resemble an English hamlet and is among the country's first company towns, built to house the workers and their families of the estate.
All sleep areas have blackout shades or curtains and windows with sound-deadening glass panels to keep the space extra quiet. Walls are decorated with local and historic artwork. Guests can enjoy amenities like flat-screen TVs, a full kitchen, laundry, and 24/7 parking.
Downstairs lies the Biltmore Lamp and Shade shop, offering vintage clothing and antique items. For more shopping, additional independent boutiques and major brand stores are just steps away. Biltmore Village also features some of Asheville's best restaurants. If you stay here, be sure to set aside an entire day to experience the Vanderbilt Mansion and its surrounding gardens.
This apartment has plenty of availability throughout January and beyond.
Rating: 4.94
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. The owner has also implemented contactless check-in and check-out.
Woodfin's hobbit knoll, $293Airbnb
Book this hobit knoll starting at $293 per night on Airbnb
Unlike the other houses in the area, the Hobbit Knoll is built into the earth, and gives guests the ultimate Middle-earth living experience. Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" this property, located in the Woodfin area North of Asheville, sits mostly underground on an eight-acre parcel in a forested area along with other treehouses from Treehouses of Serenity. Woodfin is situated along the banks of the French Broad River and you are bound to encounter friendly people, great restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
A breathtaking view awaits just outside the large, round glass front door. The small home features two circular locally handcrafted hobbit doors, a living area, a stone and poplar bark bedroom with a Queen-size bed, kitchenette, gas fireplace, and a farm-style table. Though you may not find The Shire right outside, you can certainly sit by the firepit and take in a quintessential North Carolina sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This house has some availability still throughout January, February, and March. Dates are wide open from April on.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
River cottage for large family, $302Vrbo
Book this family cottage starting at $302 on Vrbo
This sun-filled cottage overlooking the French Broad River provides everything you and your family need for an Asheville vacation, including proximity to the Biltmore Estate, plenty of nature, and easy access to downtown, Haywood Road, and the River Arts District.
The theme of the home is blue, to reflect the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The master bedroom and kids' rooms are all blue-hued, and azure artwork adorns the walls. The large, open kitchen offsets this with dark wood cabinetry and gray tiling. The large dining area includes a long wooden table and makes for a delightful space for family gatherings.
"There were activities close by if you wanted to raft down the river and we weren't far from restaurants. There's a lovely walking path along the river that we took part in. The house was very clean," writes one recent reviewer.
This house has wide open availability over the next several months.
Rating: 4.9
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific new procedures are outlines, but the house is highly rated for cleanliness.
Black Mountain log cabin, $331Carolina Mornings
Book this log cabin starting at $331 per night on Carolina Mornings
Lakey Gap Lodge seems like it's far from civilization, but it's just minutes from America's most charming small town, Black Mountain. This newer property, built in 2017, is located in the community of Lynch Cove, less than a 20-minute drive from Asheville. It features a vaulted ceiling, a stone fireplace, and a modern kitchen. Built with an eastern white pine exterior, heart pine flooring, and knotty pine doors, it's a nature lover's dream, and the serene smell of wood is sure to help you relax.
The wraparound porch hosts a hot tub and a wrought-iron dining table with an umbrella and chairs to take in the tree-filled hillsides. Soak up the sun and inhale the fresh mountain air on a wonderful walk that takes you up the road along the "Tranquility Lane" to a beautiful overlook. This pet-friendly house has two floors and four bedrooms, making this a good choice for families.
The best part of a stay here are the perks, including the Mountain Discovery Pass to the Biltmore Estate (that's good every day of the stay), as well as access to seasonal activities.
The log cabin has some availability left in January and February and is wide open starting in March.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Carolina Mornings is the only company in Asheville that offers a 24-hour buffer between guest stays on every rental. They are exceeding all CDC recommendations for cleanliness and taking the safety of their guests seriously.
Blue Ridge Parkway secluded stay, $399Greybeard Vacation Rental
Book this luxury secluded stay starting at $399 per night on Greybeard Rentals
Blue Ridge Bliss, as the name suggests, is a blissful escape set atop 10 wooded acres overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 15 minutes from Asheville, this newly built luxury vacation rental boasts 180-degree views from massive windows from the two living spaces and a private master suite with an ensuite bathroom. This pet-friendly house has three bedrooms, suitable for family get-togethers or stays with those in your bubble.
The massive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room. A large, open kitchen has a rustic feel with cream-colored cabinets and a five-burner stove on the main island, making cooking meals with your family a joy. Gather around to do a puzzle at the wooden dining table overlooking the mountains, read a book by a roaring fire, or lounge in the downstairs den by the large flat-panel TV sitting in home-theater recliners. The upper loft, featuring a TV, seating, and a generous desk is ideal for kids or those who need to get work done.
Right outside the glass doors, a wooden firepit and a hot tub are just the icing on the cake compared to the panoramic views.
This home still has plenty of available dates over the next several months.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Greybeard Rentals has a high standard for cleanliness and sends a quality control inspector after every housekeeping cleaning; cleaners have been using medical-grade disinfectant at homes. The rental company also has a mask policy for anyone other than renters entering the property, as well keyless, contact-free entry.
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