ASHEVILLE - One of the world’s authorities on premier travel destinations and experiences has bestowed a prestigious honor on an Asheville boutique hotel.
On Sept. 12, Michelin Guide announced the latest outstanding hotels to earn One, Two and Three Key-standing.
Michelin Keys ― the equivalent of restaurants receiving an elite Michelin Star ― are granted to hotels with outstanding qualities based on a criterion of “architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.”
Michelin Guide’s expert team evaluated hotel properties over the past four years and discovered one in Asheville worthy of the high honor, Blind Tiger.
Blind Tiger, a historic private residence in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood built in 1889 and restored as a boutique hotel in 2023, received One Key.
A One Key rating equates to “a very special stay,” a Two Key rating means “an exceptional stay” and a Three Key rating is for “an extraordinary stay.”
According to Michelin Guide’s website, “Our One and Two Key distinctions denote some of the best places in our selection,” And if you’re anywhere, anytime, and you can make it to a Three Key hotel — do whatever you can to get there for a night. It’s one of the most outstanding experiences in the world.”
Staying at Blind Tiger Asheville
Catherine Mitas, general manager of Blind Tiger Asheville, said she’s proud of the whole team – from the designers to the day-to-day hotel staff to the marketing team – and it’s an honor to receive the Michelin Key, particularly as it’s the property open just more than a year ago.
Blind Tiger Asheville, located at 173 East Chestnut St., is one of more than 50 U.S. boutique properties by the development and management company, Lark Hotels.
Blind Tiger Asheville, a 19th-century Queen Anne–style house, features 14 guest rooms dressed by interior design firm, Elder & Ash. The property incorporates vintage, antique and handmade accent pieces with modern accents. The rooms and suites were intended to portray different ambiances. The top-floor artist’s loft was designed to be “airy and rustic” while the two-room standalone cabin is described as “urban and escapist.”
“Guest experience appeals to what travelers are looking for now,” Mitas said. “They want something that’s cool and curated and unique and not something that’s necessarily checking into a big box hotel where you’re one of hundreds of people staying there.”
Blind Tiger’s guest amenities include social gathering spaces intended to be an extension of the guests' rooms and a 24-hour accessible pantry of complimentary snacks, cold brew and cocktail components.
Blind Tiger partners with local tastemakers ― from restaurant owners to cultural icons ― to act as “room hosts” who are interviewed by hotel staff about themselves, their must-do recommendations and other tips for exploring the city and surroundings. Mitas said guests receive a postcard upon check-in to make them feel like they already know someone in town and have the inside scoop.
Mitas said other touches, like the artwork from Asheville artists, tie the hotel to the community and area.
“We want it to feel like the closest thing to staying with a friend when you’re coming from out of town,” Mitas said. “It’s like you’re with your cool, connected friend who knows the cool cocktail spots and where the best restaurant is to go. … or hiking trails or the best swimming holes. That’s the kind of vibe that we try to curate here.”
Mitas said a goal is to create a luxurious experience that’s still comfortable and approachable.
Blind Tiger welcomes residents to the hotel by offering spaces for social gatherings like book clubs, floral arranging and art classes and a supper entrepreneurial club meeting. Mitas said day passes are available for purchase giving unlimited access to the hotel for a day, including to the pantry and gathering spaces where they may work remotely.
Mitas said the hospitality team goes further to reach out to guests a week before they arrive to learn why they are traveling to Asheville, if they’re celebrating an occasion and if they have dinner reservations so the team can make accommodations.
She said the extra touches raise the standard and set Blind Tiger apart.
Michelin’s best
Michelin Guide began as a guidebook for motorists traveling by French auto company founders and brothers, Andre and Edouard Michelin.
Since the late-19 th and early-20 th centuries, it has progressed to an esteemed guide for travelers and diners, designating Michelin Stars to outstanding restaurants.
More than 5,000 global hotels are featured in the Michelin Guide.
Previously, Michelin Keys were designated for hotels from select locations, but the list has expanded.
It’s the second year for U.S. hotels to be added to the Michelin Key list, which includes “options for every style and budget.”
Blind Tiger, the sole Asheville property honored with a Michelin Key this year, is one of five North Carolina hotels on the list.
For 2024, there are 16 Three Key hotels, 70 Two Key hotels and 207 One Key hotels in the U.S. recognized by Michelin Guide. View the full list at guide.michelin.com .
Blind Tiger Asheville
Where: 173 East Chestnut St., Asheville.
Info: Blind Tiger’s starting rate is $203 per night for a double occupancy room. Rates vary by room type and time of the stay. For more, visit larkhotels.com/hotels/blind-tiger-asheville .
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and covered the arts, entertainment and hospitality in Louisiana for several years. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville hotel deemed 'outstanding,' earns coveted Michelin Key
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