One of Asheville’s newest hotels, Zelda Dearest nails southern hospitality in the famed mountain town. A nod to Zelda Fitzgerald, who spent some of her tumultuous later years in Asheville, this stunning boutique spot boasts 20 curated rooms spread over four buildings, each named for Zelda’s sisters (Tilde, Marjorie, Rosalind, and Lenora). The interiors have been luxuriously appointed with quirky contemporary twists, a cool juxtaposition from the traditional exteriors of the former historic homes. This hillside retreat boasts a lovely downtown locale, rising over Biltmore Avenue in the South Slope neighborhood. Think secret garden vibes meets Jazz Age glam but in the heart of the gritty city.
Zelda Dearest is a partnership between Lark Hotels and Hatteras Sky, a commercial real estate developer and Asheville’s Official Hotelier of the Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald Estate, making them the only hotelier in the world sanctioned by the Fitzgerald family. The hotel is the first in a branded series, the Fitzgerald Estate portfolio. Hatteras Sky tapped Asheville-based Rowhouse Architects, Griffin Builders, and CDC Engineering for the project.
For the interiors, Nashville-based Anderson Design Studio focused on a timelessly fashionable vibe for their thoughtful design approach. Three turn-of-the-century mansions (plus a carriage house) were restored for Zelda Dearest, inspired by its worldly, romantic, and captivating namesake. Think pops of pink, layered textures, funky botanical wallpaper, posh standalone tubs, double vanities, and structural light fixtures. Rooms are filtered into three types: King, Ada, and Suite.
The hotel’s exterior is equally charming, with red brick, verdant trim, turrets galore, and wraparound porches. Zelda Dearest covers multiple lots, totaling over 1.22 acres, and features both private and shared outdoor spaces for gathering.
Top Takeaways
Location: Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Rating: Four-star
The vibe: A funky take on southern hospitality where ornate, restored mansions meld seamlessly with contemporary comforts hidden within.
Food + Drink: Wine & Roses, a parlour bar curated by Asheville favorite Jacob Sessoms. Enjoy plenty of local brews, plus an expansive wine list. Plus, expect artisan coffee and local pastries at the daily breakfast spread.
Amenities: complimentary daily breakfast, complimentary high-speed wifi, onsite Parlour Bar, 24-hour front desk guest assistance, all-day snacks available in the Rosalind Building, free onsite parking
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The quirk. No two rooms are alike, and they’re all equally fabulous.
What’s Nearby? The Biltmore, America’s Largest Home (and most visited winery) is a must-see. For some wellness-y vibes, try Sauna House: Bathhouse, Sauna, Cold Plunge for a two-hour circuit.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Enjoy the area’s walkability by checking out the South Slope Mural Trail and grabbing a sour at the circus-inspired Hi-Wire Brewing, part of the South Slope Brewing District. Wind down with a sound bath at Skinny Beats Sound Shop, just a five-minute walk from the Zelda Dearest property.
Rooms: 20
Pricing: Rooms start at $212/night but can reach $899/night depending on time of year and availability
Closest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
