HP Asheville NC - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Apr 29, 2016, 5:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 236
HP Asheville NC - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
I am very pleased to finally have a Hyatt property in Western NC. Asheville is a weird hotel market, there is lots of expensive (but generally disappointing) stuff and a ton of low-end chain properties in bad locations. Choices have been very limited downtown until recently, the Renaissance is aging badly, the Aloft is frequently sold out and the Indigo is typically expensive. I suspect the presence of this HP will increase my rate of visits to town.
The property is a new build which opened in late March. The location is on the Northwestern edge of downtown (it is beside I-240 and adjacent to the relatively new Hotel Indigo) and walkable to everything downtown and Montford. While its a short walk to the Grove Arcade or Wall Street, the building is tucked away in a corner of downtown that is neither interesting or attractive.
The property itself is decent for an HP, pleasant lobby that is more majestic than any HP I have visited before. Parking is free in the nearby two level parking deck. The rooms are still shiny and new, but they are smaller than I find in the former Amerisuites properties, my room was standard chain hotel size. Not much to report on the room itself, it was textbook HP with the exception of the room size. I was on the South side of the property (not on the interstate side), views were good (Mt Pisgah) and it was very quiet. I did not hear any highway noise from the hallway but would be concerned about that possibility if you are on the North side of the building. There is an indoor pool and a rooftop bar (according to the website -- the FD person did not mention it to me), I used neither.
Overall its a fine, but not impressive option for downtown Asheville. Its not as cool as the Indigo, but I suspect that rack rates will be cheaper. Its also a serious bargain on points since it is a category 1 hotel but given typical hotel pricing in Asheville I suspect its category will change shortly.
The property is a new build which opened in late March. The location is on the Northwestern edge of downtown (it is beside I-240 and adjacent to the relatively new Hotel Indigo) and walkable to everything downtown and Montford. While its a short walk to the Grove Arcade or Wall Street, the building is tucked away in a corner of downtown that is neither interesting or attractive.
The property itself is decent for an HP, pleasant lobby that is more majestic than any HP I have visited before. Parking is free in the nearby two level parking deck. The rooms are still shiny and new, but they are smaller than I find in the former Amerisuites properties, my room was standard chain hotel size. Not much to report on the room itself, it was textbook HP with the exception of the room size. I was on the South side of the property (not on the interstate side), views were good (Mt Pisgah) and it was very quiet. I did not hear any highway noise from the hallway but would be concerned about that possibility if you are on the North side of the building. There is an indoor pool and a rooftop bar (according to the website -- the FD person did not mention it to me), I used neither.
Overall its a fine, but not impressive option for downtown Asheville. Its not as cool as the Indigo, but I suspect that rack rates will be cheaper. Its also a serious bargain on points since it is a category 1 hotel but given typical hotel pricing in Asheville I suspect its category will change shortly.
Jul 17, 2016, 6:27 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Texas
Programs: Hyatt Glob (Barely); Marriott Plat Life; AA Up and Down Now Plat; Hilton, UA, BA, HA Peasant
Posts: 2,667
Being from out of town and going on elsewhere this was an over-the-road stop for us, We're never really expecting to be back. Which makes me the perfect person to add a bit more detail.
We were, however, highly interested in seeing what a recent-build high-rise HP looks like, since that seems to be where expansion is going much more than traditional FS Hyatts.
For those like me who didn't know, downtown Asheville has revitalized into a quirky mix of dining and shopping, but small and mostly shut down before evening. Which does not quite make sense but still might be fun.
But I'd say it's more like a couple of blocks just outside of downtown at the wrong end of downtown, Maybe a critical block too far, being past the Indigo and across the street from the Salvation Army center.
The rooftop bar was not open and would not currently seem to be needed for anything other than event reception space unless they can convince the locals it is a really hip place to be. Then I would worry about enough parking. There was also a firepit area. Oh, not lit up either.
The house computers are already messed up with ironclad pop-up blockers the staff did not know how to fix. Which was a bit of a problem when a family member trying to get to town was having flight issues and we were trying to help with a work-around.
Does it work? So much to like but I'm just not sure. It's close to being really good and is obviously designed to attract larger meetings than earlier HP's. But somehow just misses a few beats.
We were, however, highly interested in seeing what a recent-build high-rise HP looks like, since that seems to be where expansion is going much more than traditional FS Hyatts.
the building is tucked away in a corner of downtown that is neither interesting or attractive.
The property itself is decent for an HP, pleasant lobby that is more majestic than any HP I have visited before.
The property itself is decent for an HP, pleasant lobby that is more majestic than any HP I have visited before.
But I'd say it's more like a couple of blocks just outside of downtown at the wrong end of downtown, Maybe a critical block too far, being past the Indigo and across the street from the Salvation Army center.
The rooftop bar was not open and would not currently seem to be needed for anything other than event reception space unless they can convince the locals it is a really hip place to be. Then I would worry about enough parking. There was also a firepit area. Oh, not lit up either.
The house computers are already messed up with ironclad pop-up blockers the staff did not know how to fix. Which was a bit of a problem when a family member trying to get to town was having flight issues and we were trying to help with a work-around.
Does it work? So much to like but I'm just not sure. It's close to being really good and is obviously designed to attract larger meetings than earlier HP's. But somehow just misses a few beats.
Last edited by jayer; Jul 17, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Oct 11, 2016, 11:16 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,691
We spent two nights here this week.
Parking is a bit pricey at $12 per night, but the lot is pretty convenient.
Front desk staff is friendly. We were upgraded to a corner 2 room suite. Room had a living room side, a dining room area and bedroom. Very spacious.
Rooftop bar was open, but seemed a bit pricey for apps and drinks. We opted to walk into town for dinner. There are a number of good options just a short walk away.
No real complaints, but feel that the property may be a bit overpriced for what it is. Asheville is not cheap, but for a Hyatt place, there are full service options in the area at similar / lower price points, especially after you add in parking.
Parking is a bit pricey at $12 per night, but the lot is pretty convenient.
Front desk staff is friendly. We were upgraded to a corner 2 room suite. Room had a living room side, a dining room area and bedroom. Very spacious.
Rooftop bar was open, but seemed a bit pricey for apps and drinks. We opted to walk into town for dinner. There are a number of good options just a short walk away.
No real complaints, but feel that the property may be a bit overpriced for what it is. Asheville is not cheap, but for a Hyatt place, there are full service options in the area at similar / lower price points, especially after you add in parking.
Nov 19, 2016, 9:44 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Greensboro, NC
Programs: UA Million Miler,Hyatt-Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Club Carlson, National-Exec.
Posts: 635
Any one stayed here recently? Any other options for parking besides $12/night? Also, any restaurant recommendations within walking distance? Thanks
Nov 19, 2016, 3:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,691
There are a number of restaurants / breweries within 5-10 minute walk. The names escape me at the moment
Apr 17, 2017, 4:30 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Glob, EX-AS 75k
Posts: 104
Parking now $16. Upgraded to corner two-"room" suite (no door) as a Glob. Very friendly front desk, best HP room I've ever seen. On a quiet corner of Asheville that worked well for us given we like to walk. Lovely stay!
Jun 14, 2017, 10:05 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,899
I'm a Globalist. Arrived at 5pm having booked basic king. Told no room ready but that I was upgraded to corner king.
I was told they would take my cell and call me when room was ready.
Their excuse was lots of check outs all at the same time.
I asked why no suite upgrade as a Globalist since they were showing available. Front desk rep said that was a mistake - they always showed available but that put them in an overbooked situation.
At 6pm I still hadn't heard back. I went to the desk and spoke to the manager. I explained about my earlier conversation. She apologized and immediately gave me a 1-bedroom king suite and a free drink at the bar.
That's fine and all but should have all been done and ready when I checked in at 5pm.
Also, the housekeeper was really poor. The bed was hardly made, towels not really folded, trash not emptied. Very odd.
I will probably try something else if I visit AVL again.
I was told they would take my cell and call me when room was ready.
Their excuse was lots of check outs all at the same time.
I asked why no suite upgrade as a Globalist since they were showing available. Front desk rep said that was a mistake - they always showed available but that put them in an overbooked situation.
At 6pm I still hadn't heard back. I went to the desk and spoke to the manager. I explained about my earlier conversation. She apologized and immediately gave me a 1-bedroom king suite and a free drink at the bar.
That's fine and all but should have all been done and ready when I checked in at 5pm.
Also, the housekeeper was really poor. The bed was hardly made, towels not really folded, trash not emptied. Very odd.
I will probably try something else if I visit AVL again.
Jun 20, 2017, 5:34 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Checked in last night after a long series of cancelled/delayed flights.
Was greeted with the great globalist card saying "sometimes it's the little things...here's your free bottle of water".
Tried to check out this morning and they said the entire system was down and they couldn't give me a folio. They said they would email me...we will see
Hyatt just isn't special, it makes me feel less than special..
Was greeted with the great globalist card saying "sometimes it's the little things...here's your free bottle of water".
Tried to check out this morning and they said the entire system was down and they couldn't give me a folio. They said they would email me...we will see
Hyatt just isn't special, it makes me feel less than special..
Jul 7, 2017, 8:50 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA ExPl, DL PM, UA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, probably some others
Posts: 4,061
Had a really frustrating experience here. Booked three consecutive one-night stays to use a cash night with two free one-night awards. Checked in at 7 PM and mentioned that I was on three consecutive stays and was told that I had been upgraded to a suite (at a HP!). Pro-actively, without even asking, I was told I could stay in the same room all three nights. The front desk agent told me to come down each morning to check in and out for bookkeeping purposes, but I wouldn't need to move. I unpacked everything in my bags, etc etc. Suite was very nice, and felt like a real advantage of being a Globalist, even in an HP.
Go down the next morning at 10 AM to process the check-out/check-in and I'm told by a new agent that I can't stay in the same room. Mention that I had been told the night before that I could stay in the same room all three nights and was told that I couldn't stay in the room because the wife of a Hyatt executive was arriving to the hotel and needed a suite. I am skeptical of SHENA stories, so it was wonderful to finally encounter one. (I'm not sure if this matters, so take it with a grain of salt, but I walked by the maid sheet as I was returning from the front desk and it said my room wasn't checking out for two more days, so it seems like this might have been a last-second thing.)
I mention I was very disappointed by the bait-and-switch, but I understand that it's the hotel's prerogative and I'm the one who booked three one-night stays. I mentioned I would be using the Globalist 4 PM checkout and they said that would be impossible because the suite needed to be ready by 3. I stopped budging here and said, politely, that the Globalist terms guarantee a 4 PM checkout. They said that they wouldn't offer it, that it was by their request only, and then followed up by saying that because the hotel only has a few suites and upgraded me into one of them, they were allowed to decline the late checkout.
I said I would get back to them in a second and wanted to speak to Hyatt. I looked at the Hyatt terms, which state pretty clearly that a hotel can only decline a 4 PM checkout request if they're a resort, a Residence Club, a MLife casino, or have a casino attached, and to call Hyatt to confirm whether a hotel is a resort. I did so and although the WOH rep was a little confused, she did confirm that the hotel was not a resort.
I called back down and told them this and they didn't want to budge. We eventually agreed compensation of 12k points, although I'm nervous they'll just be lying about that, too.
tl;dr: I was SHENA'd for the wife of a Hyatt executive, lied to twice (including about the Hyatt terms), and eventually came to a reasonable compensation. On the other hand, the suite I was in was really nice for a HP!
Go down the next morning at 10 AM to process the check-out/check-in and I'm told by a new agent that I can't stay in the same room. Mention that I had been told the night before that I could stay in the same room all three nights and was told that I couldn't stay in the room because the wife of a Hyatt executive was arriving to the hotel and needed a suite. I am skeptical of SHENA stories, so it was wonderful to finally encounter one. (I'm not sure if this matters, so take it with a grain of salt, but I walked by the maid sheet as I was returning from the front desk and it said my room wasn't checking out for two more days, so it seems like this might have been a last-second thing.)
I mention I was very disappointed by the bait-and-switch, but I understand that it's the hotel's prerogative and I'm the one who booked three one-night stays. I mentioned I would be using the Globalist 4 PM checkout and they said that would be impossible because the suite needed to be ready by 3. I stopped budging here and said, politely, that the Globalist terms guarantee a 4 PM checkout. They said that they wouldn't offer it, that it was by their request only, and then followed up by saying that because the hotel only has a few suites and upgraded me into one of them, they were allowed to decline the late checkout.
I said I would get back to them in a second and wanted to speak to Hyatt. I looked at the Hyatt terms, which state pretty clearly that a hotel can only decline a 4 PM checkout request if they're a resort, a Residence Club, a MLife casino, or have a casino attached, and to call Hyatt to confirm whether a hotel is a resort. I did so and although the WOH rep was a little confused, she did confirm that the hotel was not a resort.
I called back down and told them this and they didn't want to budge. We eventually agreed compensation of 12k points, although I'm nervous they'll just be lying about that, too.
tl;dr: I was SHENA'd for the wife of a Hyatt executive, lied to twice (including about the Hyatt terms), and eventually came to a reasonable compensation. On the other hand, the suite I was in was really nice for a HP!
Nov 6, 2020, 8:42 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
Nov 6, 2020, 8:51 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 391
Stay was fine.... it's a very busy property with lots of tourists even during Covid! Breakfast was grab and go (including hot biscuit sandwiches) with Starbucks coffee which was all just 'OK'. Staff was very nice and accommodating so can't complain there! The rooftop bar is one of the most popular in the city so attracts lots of folks in the evenings.... we couldn't even get up there so ended up getting a couple of cocktails in the lobby bar which you can bring up to your room. Oh, they also have room service which is actually pretty good and fast - they show up to your door with the food in takeout boxes in less than 30 min! We did that one night for dinner 
Nov 11, 2020, 12:14 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: CHS
Programs: United 1K, Globalist Hyatt, Plat Marriott
Posts: 289
Just stayed here myself a few days ago and really enjoyed it. Room was a nice size with 2 queen beds and updated/modern.
Great safety measures for COVID and everyone took it seriously. nice pool for my 8 yr old to swim around in, enjoyed the rooftop bar. we were there on a sunday night and pretty dead. Parking basically on property and seemed to be a safe place to leave our car with some belongings in there.
grab and go brekkie was good, especially considering COVID restrictions.
Great safety measures for COVID and everyone took it seriously. nice pool for my 8 yr old to swim around in, enjoyed the rooftop bar. we were there on a sunday night and pretty dead. Parking basically on property and seemed to be a safe place to leave our car with some belongings in there.
grab and go brekkie was good, especially considering COVID restrictions.
