MichiganMan M.
Yelp
This is the easiest 5-star review we've ever written, as this is the best B&B in which we've stayed in 30 years. This was an ideal location for our five-day getaway, just outside the downtown area of Asheville, an easy 10 to 15-minute walk to all of the wonderful restaurants, craft breweries, and entertainment.
The lifeblood of this inn is the warm, generous, and gracious hosts, Emilie and Arturo, and their hardworking teammates, Chris and Jennifer. Simply put, they made strangers feel like friends and family. Their planning, hard work, and attention to detail is demonstrated in every aspect of the Chestnut Street Inn. They are subject matter experts on Asheville, the Blue Ridge Trail, and the surrounding areas, giving freely of their time to lend advice, help you plan your day, and choose great spots for hiking, driving, or dining. If only all were open-minded enough to take their suggestions to heart! For a treat, Emilie arranged an in-suite couple's spa experience: a 60-minute massage for me, and a massage/facial combo for my wife. Both were wonderful splurges.
The breakfasts are anything but ordinary. They begin with fresh brewed, fair-trade coffee put out at 7:30 am, with hot water and an expansive tea selection always available. There is one seating, at 9 am, which is a delightful way to meet your fellow residents during your stay. Breakfasts, accompanied by fresh juice, are a two-course event. The first course is usually a fresh fruit mélange, or a parfait made with fresh fruit with granola, and yogurt made in-house with milk from a local dairy. The second course is a hot dish, inspired by Arturo and Emilie's global adventures or heritage. Amongst our favorites were the Eggs in Purgatory and a delicious breakfast casserole made of stone ground grits with local eggs and cheese. Any guest's special dietary requirements are happily accommodated...just let them know in advance.
Also available for guests to enjoy are Emilie's tasty homemade cookies, baked fresh each day! Our favorite was the chocolate chip shortbread. There is always a bottle of port from which to sample, as well as a kegerator of local craft beer on tap to enjoy at any time. A communal fridge is available for guests to keep late night snacks, birthday cakes, or bottles of bubbly to share on the porch.
The house itself is a beautiful, stunningly restored Victorian mansion. We stayed in the Blue Ridge room, which was bright and airy. The room itself was exquisitely decorated and spacious. The king-sized bed was extremely comfortable and the linens top of the line. The bathroom (with shower) was comfortable and recently renovated. The house has an inviting sitting room and large, relaxing porch with rockers, encouraging you to get out of your room and take in the fresh mountain air. The porch overlooks the beautiful gardens which Arturo lovingly maintains. The collection of tulips is wonderful, and Arturo clips fresh samples to adorn the breakfast table each day.
Important to us, this was the most hospitable B&B in which we've stayed. Emilie and Arturo truly go out of their way to ensure that everyone is welcomed and made to feel at home. We are already looking forward to our next visit.