Latest news with #GrandBohemianLodge
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
As summer approaches, Asheville eager for return of visitors
Asheville is open in time for the summer after Hurricane Helene, and business owners will tell you they're eager to see the return of visitors. Cass Santander with Explore Asheville says they're looking at the number of people coming to visit the area, but one trend stood out. While the hotel demand in March was consistent with last year, the vacation rental occupancy rate was down about 6 points from 2024. Channel 9's Mark Taylor decided to visit one of the hardest-hit areas in Asheville, Biltmore Village, to check out how businesses are doing. Biltmore Village is part of Asheville's rich history. It was established in the late 1800s and sits right at the foot of the Biltmore House. Visitors can dine, go shopping, or even stay at a local hotel like the Grand Bohemian Lodge, which was hit by Helene's relentlessness. 'That was the devastation: feed of mud, debris, everything from signage and furniture,' said Grand Bohemian Lodge General Manager Matthew Lehman. 'We completely rebuilt the first floor, so everything from the handcrafted woodworking, all new electrical, plumbing work, rebuilding our bar, rebuilding our gallery.' The hotel is fully open but as we toured the area, we found some businesses were still boarded up. We saw crews making repairs after the severe rain and catastrophic flooding destroyed livelihoods. In the midst of it all were signs reminding folks that most of Asheville is open. But as Lehman explains, the community he's a part of is determined to bounce back harder than they were hit. "This little niche community is so special, and that's something we noticed after the storm. We really came together, a lot of recovery and support efforts; and as we come out of recovery towards new growth, we've got a lot of plans to further strengthen those ties and bonds," Lehman said. Santander says 75% of hospitality and tourism-facing businesses have reopened. 'There's a determination and a grit to come back better than ever, and it's an exciting time to come and visit,' Santander said. (VIDEO: Asheville artists find new home after Helene)
Travel Weekly
13-05-2025
- Travel Weekly
Restored and revamped Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville opens
The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville has reopened its doors following an eight-month closure caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the region in September. The 104-room property, which is part of The Kessler Collection's portfolio, underwent a major revamp during the pause. The project preserved many of the hotel's signature architectural features, such as carved wood paneling and the lobby's stone fireplace, while also adding a richer color palette and new furnishings — many custom-made in North Carolina — to its public spaces. Additionally, the property has expanded its Grand Bohemian Gallery art space as well as reimagined its check-in area to create what the hotel describes as "a more welcoming arrival" area. A 450-square-foot meetings space has also been added to the lodge's adjacent 20-room Manor House annex. The property's Red Stag Grill restaurant has similarly received updates, including refreshed menus, a newly restored private dining room and an expanded wine vault that houses more than 700 bottles. Billed as a "game-driven steakhouse," the restaurant's offerings include dishes like Elk Carpaccio and Black Forest French Toast Bites. "Our goal wasn't just to restore the property, it was to breathe new life into every corner while preserving the essence that made it so beloved," said Diana Kessler, creative director of The Kessler Collection, in a statement. Located within Asheville's Historic Biltmore Village, the Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville is also affiliated with Marriott's Autograph Collection.
Hospitality Net
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville Reopens With Renovations and Lodge Designation Under Kessler Collection
The Kessler Collection proudly reopened the doors of its beloved Asheville property, now reimagined as Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville, one of the seven founding properties of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Following the impact of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, this cherished landmark in historic Biltmore Village has undergone a meticulous and deeply personal restoration, led by Mark and Diana Kessler in collaboration with The Kessler Collection design and construction team. Far more than a renovation, the property has introduced refined layers of craftsmanship, regional connection, and thoughtful enhancements at every touchpoint. The newly re-envisioned lodge features an expanded Grand Bohemian Gallery, an elevated culinary experience at Red Stag Grill, updated wellness offerings under the renamed Spa at Grand Bohemian, and refreshed and expanded gathering spaces, all underscored by a renewed sense of place and purpose. Staying true to its original character, the design carefully restores key architectural elements including the intricate carved wood paneling, museum-quality display cases, and a grand stone fireplace in the lobby. A deeper, richer color palette now defines the public spaces, introducing a sense of warmth and quiet luxury that aligns with the Grand Bohemian Lodge brand. Public areas have been revitalized with new furnishings, many of which were custom-made in High Point and Hickory, North Carolina. The check-in area has been reimagined for a more welcoming arrival. An expanded Grand Bohemian Gallery now has cozy seating vignettes, inviting guests to relax and connect. The adjacent Manor House, a 20-room annex, also expands the guest experience with a new 450-square-foot meeting space ideal for private gatherings and exclusive buyouts. At Red Stag Grill, the on-site game-driven steakhouse featuring elevated Appalachian cuisine, the culinary team has introduced refreshed menus while preserving the restaurant's European hunting lodge-inspired ambiance. Signature offerings include the Elk Carpaccio and Black Forest French Toast Bites with ingredients from North Carolina purveyors such as Carolina Bison, Asheville Tea Company, Coffee Library, and Potential New Boyfriend Ice Cream. A newly expanded wine vault houses over 700 curated bottles, alongside thoughtful touches like tableside martini service and a restored private dining room. The dining room showcases original artwork by local artist Mitch Kolbe, commissioned to capture the spirit of the lodge. Kolbe, whose solo exhibition was interrupted by the hurricane, was commissioned by Diana Kessler to create a seven-piece collection specifically for Red Stag Grill. A visual tribute to resilience, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, the stunning diptych showcases a local farm located 10 miles from the property. The Grand Bohemian Gallery Asheville, the on-site art gallery curated by longtime director Constance Richards, has unveiled a new retail shop alongside a dynamic 2025 collection with pieces reflecting on the past and looking to the future. Featured artists include Mitch Kolbe, Jean Claude Roy, Charles Clara, Susan Spies, and the late Vadim Bora. Many of these artists experienced loss during the storm, and their new work reflects both memory and renewal. Hotel website
