Snippet Review: The Radical Asheville, a Boutique Hotel
No visit to Asheville would be sufficient without a stop at the River Arts District, voted the 2026 “Best Arts District in the U.S.” by USA Today. Southwest of downtown Asheville, this one mile stretch that runs along the French Broad River is where you can discover more than 300 artists (painters, metal workers, glassblowers, jewelers and weavers) working in historic, industrial warehouses. You can browse galleries, see artists at work, or even take a class. To get a list of artists, events, classes, exhibitions, socials, etc. check out the art hub’s website at RiverArtsDistrict.com. In addition, breweries and restaurants worthy of Asheville’s foodie reputation and the iconic Grey Eagle (Asheville’s longest running live music venue) are also located here.
Always in search of unusual, creative hotel experiences, we recently decided to book a night at the Radical Asheville Boutique Hotel located in the River Arts District (yeah it took me a while to get the Radical—River Arts District pun). The Radical is an old converted 1923 five-story warehouse which fits right into the vibe of this arts district. I love the hotel’s history, originally a breakfast cereal factory, then a wholesale grocery distribution hub, and later a Cold War bomb shelter! It sat abandoned for years but was transformed into a 70-room “rebel-luxe” hotel, that is also conveniently part of the Hilton Honors Tapestry Collection (so I can have my whimsy and hotel loyalty points too).
The Radical opened in October of 2023, just in time for Hurricane Helene—the devastating storm that surprisingly obliterated parts of western North Carolina in September of 2024. The River Arts District, sitting right on the banks of the French Broad, was destroyed. The hotel took on over two feet of water in its lower levels, but it heroically became an emergency hub, housing first responders and construction crews, providing free meals to the community, and giving space to the displaced artists of the area. Four months later in January 2025, it re-opened to the public.
Thankfully, the River Arts District has re-built itself and is back open for business! I have to say I loved my visit to the Radical. When checking in we were greeted by a friendly employee who seemed to genuinely enjoy her job. She gave us helpful tips and suggestions and the conversation was casual and comfortable. Both outside and inside the hotel, you immediately recognize that this is no ordinary hotel. Outside, the building looks like an old warehouse that at first you might think was still abandoned. Inside, however, you might wonder if you’ve accidentally stepped into an artist’s loft!
Besides the regular amenities…free WIFI, a gym, etc., this hotel has a coffee bar, a rooftop bar, a full restaurant and a small art gallery downstairs! I was very impressed with the varied food options! After/Glow, the coffee bar, serves breakfast and lunch as well as cocktails. During certain hours they have a live DJ who “hangs out” in a cage-like contraption that is suspended over the bar. The Roof, the rooftop bar, serves snacks (like charcuterie) and sandwiches in addition to cocktails and beer. This roof top bar is large with lovely mountain and river views. Unlike some other rooftop bars we’ve been to in Asheville, there are plenty of umbrellas and shady areas so spending a late summer afternoon up there did not burn us out! We happened to be there the night of the 4th of July so we could see at least six different fireworks displays (albeit all at a distance) while walking around from one side of the bar to the other. Finally, Golden Hour is a Michelin-recommended restaurant that serves southern cuisine and craft cocktails. Their menu is full of interesting offerings, such as NC Crab Beignets, Farm & Sparrow Polenta Fries and Popped Corn Tart for dessert.
Our room was comfortable and quiet with cute, quirky decorative touches (like Russian nesting dolls) and an in-room coffee station with awesome coffee and tea selections. We spent only one night at this hotel and really didn’t see the need to venture out since we were well-fed, caffeined-up, entertained by music and art, and inspired by the great vistas from the top of the building! Next time, however, we plan to stay longer so we can get out and enjoy the rest of the River Arts District!
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