Blind Tiger Asheville: A New Artistic Haven
Blind Tiger Asheville, Lark Hotels’ newest outpost, just opened in June with 14 rooms in the city’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood. This property represents a unique blend of local artistry and modern comfort.
“This is a funky artist’s home for someone living and working in Asheville, and their home is an evolving, active piece of art,” Rob Blood, founder of Lark Hotels, explained, emphasizing the hotel’s artistic vibe. Lark operates boutique hotels across New England, California, and now North Carolina, strategically choosing Asheville as one of the country’s best food cities for its latest outpost.
Crafting a Local Experience
Blind Tiger Asheville aims to deliver a distinctly local — and residential — experience to its guests. Situated in a charming former 1889 private home, minutes from downtown Asheville, this guesthouse features seven rooms and welcoming common areas, complemented by three additional buildings housing seven more rooms. Blood insists on not calling it a hotel, stating, “We want people to live their lives here, through the lens of a local.”
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including a one-bedroom standalone cottage with a cozy double-sided fireplace, private patio, and moody decor; an all-white artist loft featuring a four-poster bed, high ceilings, and a striking rainbow-colored desk chair; or a modern attic room adorned with contemporary art.
“We’re really trying to channel the different personalities of the city throughout the property,” Blood explains, noting that furnishings were primarily sourced from vintage and antique stores. He further adds, “Asheville is very eco-conscious and evolved. Therefore, we didn’t want to put brand-new things in here. The highest form of sustainability is reuse and repurpose.” This thoughtful approach extends to the original artwork lining the walls, which was all sourced locally to align with Asheville’s ethos.
Unique Amenities and Services
A highly appealing aspect of Blind Tiger Asheville is its 24-hour pantry, offering complimentary local snacks and beverages. Guests can also enjoy a bar room, where they can create their own cocktails using provided mixers and tools. Moreover, two lounge rooms with fireplaces add to the guesthouse’s residential ambiance, along with a sunroom that invites relaxation.
What truly sets Blind Tiger Asheville apart is its innovative “host” program, which connects local tastemakers with the property’s guests. Upon arrival, travelers find a letter from a local Ashevillian welcoming them and suggesting a curated itinerary tailored to their tastes.
One of the standout hosts is acclaimed James Beard-nominated chef Jacob Sessoms, owner of Asheville’s Table and All Day Darling. In his letter, he shares his favorite recommendations for exploring Asheville on his day off.
“We’d like to think Asheville is the biggest amenity — and the connection to our local hosts is the piece that really makes this place special. It provides our guests the opportunity to see through the lens of someone who has chosen to live in Asheville and wants to share their experiences with visitors,” Blood elaborated. Nightly rates at Blind Tiger start from $249, offering a unique stay in this exceptional tourist destination.
