Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville – Why It’s A Must Stay

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If you are looking for a hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, look no farther than the Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville.  This boutique style hotel has you within walking distance of restaurants, local breweries, bars, and shopping.  

Good news – after the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene, Cambria is open for business as usual.  Please consider planning a visit to Asheville with The Biltmore opening on November 2nd for Christmas, staying at the Downtown Cambria, and supporting all of the local shops and restaurants in Asheville.

Upon check in, you are offered a complimentary glass of champagne.  You know your stay is special when this happens.  Also, during my travels I stay at the Choice Hotel Brands, so a welcome bag is also presented for being a member.  Attention to these types of details will make you feel welcomed and want to return for another stay. 

Another bit of Good News – these cabanas will be open in December.  Follow them on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM.  You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to reserve a cabana.  

Asheville is located on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains so you may enjoy a view of these from your room.  One of the best spots for a view of them or to view a sunset, is the Hemingway’s Cuba Restaurant located on the 4^th floor terrace.

Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville – A Must Stay

The Cambria brand brings the feel of luxury without the price of many high-end hotels.  The luxury bedding and linens lets you relax after a long day of travel or visiting everything Asheville has to offer.  I often rate the hotel by the towels.  Cambria gets an A+. 

Our room, like others, has the loft feel for added spaciousness.  The wallpaper made you think you were in an old building.  An old clothing manufacturing plant had been in  this location for many years known as the Kosta Building but was demolished for the building of the Cambria.

You will find the standard amenities in the room and hotel such as flat screen TVs, free wi-fi, and toiletries, and a Bluetooth mirror, but again, Cambria elevates it a bit. 

Along with the Keurig coffee pot, they offer a local coffee, roasted right in Asheville.  It was great coffee so I may have to order Dynamite Coffee Roasters in the future.  Again, the added touch of providing great local coffee to their guests.

We had a great view of the mountains, along with Hemingway’s Cuba. 

There are larger rooms available including one and two bedroom suites.  Some have a private balcony as well.  When making plans for a return visit, Cambria will be at the top of my list.  Memories are made when dining in the Winter Cabana, enjoying the local coffee, or even how nice the staff was.

Dining at Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

I always check out the restaurants at the hotel where we will be staying.  Over the years, the hotel restaurants have stepped up their game and became a place where even locals like to dine, not just visitors.

Hemingway’s Cuba

Why a Cuban Restaurant?

As I was exploring Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville, one of my first thoughts was why a Cuban restaurant.  I don’t automatically connect Cuban food and Asheville together.

The founder of Hemingway’s Cuba grew up in Havana having some of the best meals and daiquiris in the world.  Since we have visited Little Havana a few times in the Miami area, we love the taste and flavors of Cuban food.  I find it full of taste and spices, without the heat you find in other ethnic foods.

After a family trip a few years ago, he wanted to bring authentic Cuban dining back to Asheville.  Ernest Hemingway lived a lot of his life, and had a lifelong love of Cuba, so this was a perfect name.

The Newest Addition to Cambria Downtown Asheville – Winter Cabanas

You don’t have to be a guest at Cambria Hotel to enjoy the newest way to dine or relax in a Winter Cabana.  These were just completed the day before my visit, and it was an honor to be the first guest experiencing the Winter Cabana.  See note above about these opening in December.

Hotels, like other businesses, are always looking to make their guests feel more welcome and offer something new to keep them coming back.  These were repurposed green houses and will only be used in the winter months.  Plans are to have something for the summer.

Each offers a fireplace, record player with records, lights, heaters, and throws for those cooler nights or just for comfort.  Although it is open for viewing, doors can close to keep warmth in or a little privacy.

There is a rental fee and minimum food/beverage purchase.  Reservations can be made beginning December 1 through OpenTable or by calling the hotel direct.

Lounge Feeling

This is set up for those wanting to enjoy a few drinks or appetizers and just relax.  I see this as a perfect setting for a small birthday or bachelorette party.  I’m sure a proposal will be planned soon. You should have room for 6 – 8.

Dinner in a Cabana

This is set up with a dining table which could seat 6 comfortably. 

 

Our reservation was at 5:00 with sunset scheduled for 5:42.  They will post the time for sunsets so you can plan. 

Even without a beautiful sunset, the day had been warm and it was wonderful enjoying the evening in the Winter Cabana which are rented for two hours.  This gives you plenty of time to have a leisurely dinner and dessert.

The record player and records were especially enjoyable for us as my husband is a record collector.  They even featured local musicians. 

Add to your experience with a Polaroid Package or S’Mores Package for an additional charge.  When was the last time you used a Polaroid? 

Before going to a new restaurant, I always check out the menu ahead of time.  I will admit, there will be a few ingredients or dishes I will google to see what it is then have a heads up on what we would like or want to try.  I am adventurous with new food, but not too spicy or hot.

The menu had a wide variety of small plates, entrees, and specialty drinks. 

I had to try the Hemingway Sunset since the weather didn’t cooperate for a great sunset.  It even comes with a pair of sunglasses. 

Our Dinner Choices

Of course, I had to go with seafood and chose the Camarones Con Coco, which was shrimp with peppers and rice.  It was delicious.  The sauce had some heat, but the cilantro rice balanced it out.  Normally when you order a shrimp dish, you are lucky to get 6 or 8 shrimp, but I loved this had a lot more and was plenty for the dish.

Don had to go with beef.  His Bistec de Palomilla, a sirloin steak and sauteed onion dish, was cooked perfectly.  I think he could live on a good steak.

After a delicious meal, it wouldn’t be complete without dessert.  This Chocolate Tres Leche was rich and delicious.  The cherry sauce was good enough to eat by itself.  I think it could be added to ice cream and make a simple dessert ice cream dish.

Views from the Terrace

After a sunset, looking at the lights around town offer a great view.  

Around Asheville

Many associate Asheville with The Biltmore, especially during this time of year.  We enjoyed the Candlelight Evening Tour.  The Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum is another popular spot.  Find out more information about Asheville HERE.

Other places to visit are Mast General Store, The Grove Arcade, and multiple thrift and antique stores.

Did you know there was a Hallmark movied filmed at The Biltmore last year?  A BILTMORE CHRISTMAS

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