This Asheville Hotel Honors Zelda Fitzgerald’s Little-Known Local Legacy

As a hub of resourcefulness, creativity is woven throughout every corner of Asheville, North Carolina. Whether you’re sampling Indian cuisine at Chai Pani, perusing locally produced wares in the River Arts District, or wandering the gardens at the Biltmore Estate, ingenuity shines. And, when you’re planning a visit, Zelda Dearest is an ideal place to foster that vibe—even when your eyes are closed.

A Hidden Gem Hotel with History

While Zelda Dearest has a lot of history, it wasn’t built as a hotel. Part of what makes the property so unique is that the campus sits on a hill along Biltmore Avenue and comprises three homes and a carriage house. Together, they offer a quintessential home-away-from-home feeling, with guests able to lounge on private porches and relax in the courtyards between the homes. 

“Whether you are interested in her story or would just prefer to stay at a very comfortable hotel close to music, breweries, art, and great food, Zelda Dearest offers a unique option in Downtown Asheville,” says Jake Tanguay, the assistant general manager at Zelda Dearest. Convenience is just one of the perks of a stay, as many guests also come for the architecture.

Although the late 1800s houses have undergone many transitions over the years, they were considered for demolition. But, with a keen eye for potential, developers restored and repurposed it into a boutique hotel that pays homage to the artist and writer, Zelda Fitzgerald. 

Zelda Fitzgerald’s Ties to Asheville

Billed as the first American flapper for her status as the socialite wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda was playful, authentic, and warm, traits evident in the design of the namesake hotel that honors her. Many know the Fitzgeralds for their time spent in Hollywood, Paris, and New York City, but Asheville was their home for the last 10 years of Zelda’s life. Fitzgerald lore now runs deep in Asheville. 

Being a creative ahead of her years, she spent time in and out of a local hospital. During that time, the North Carolina city drew health tourists seeking to soak in the fresh mountain air. Unfortunately, Zelda tragically died in 1948 at the age of 47 when a fire broke out at the hospital.

A Zelda-Inspired Stay 

Private libraries in some rooms feature biographies of the Fitzgeralds, and artwork lining the walls pays tribute to Zelda—they are either renditions of her or reproductions of Zelda’s works. The buildings also bear the names of her three sisters, Rosalind, Marjorie, and Tilde. For Tanguay, Zelda is the highlight of this project, which opened in 2023. He says, “I love being a part of an incredibly unique property that has a brand celebrating one of the most iconic women of all time.”

Additionally, each spring, the hotel hosts a Zelda Week focused on her art, writings, and personal story. According to Tanguay, past events have included talks by historians, poetry readings, a women’s health roundtable, and a Gatsby-esque bash complete with lessons on dancing the Charleston. Zelda would undoubtedly approve.

What To Know about the Property

Hilton Points-Friendly 

As part of Hilton’s SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) collection—meaning you can use points to book your stay—each of the 20 rooms and suites is laid out and decorated differently, although there is consistency throughout. In-room amenities include expected touches, such as coffee and tea, a mini fridge, and a safe. However, upgraded details like a steamer, embroidered towels, and luxe robes are standard and make your stay even cozier. Or you can select an upgraded room with a soaking tub or private library to enhance your stay.

Cozy Wine Bar

Another perk of staying at Zelda Dearest is the diminutive bar, Wine and Roses, located in the Rosalind building. Billed as a cozy wine bar, you can choose from a lovely selection of biodynamic, organic, and mostly female-owned varietals. But be sure to check out the seasonal cocktail menu for something truly unique that F. Scott and Zelda themselves would have enjoyed sipping.

Tanguay cites the connections made around the bar as one of his favorite things about being on site. “Wine and Roses is not a fast-paced, high-volume bar,” he says. “It is an intimate setting where you connect with old friends.” Casual conversations with guests have turned into him building a custom itinerary for them, adding a highly personal touch. “I feel a sense of responsibility for their entire time in Ashville, not just while they are at Zelda Dearest,” adds Tanguay.

In the morning, the bar landscape becomes the setting for a full continental breakfast. There, you may have a difficult time deciding between a freshly baked pastry and the flavorful overnight oats.

Unique Character

Because of the premise and layout of Zelda Dearest, the clientele who choose to stay there are looking for a place that eschews the mundane. From fans of the Fitzgeralds to those celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, babymoon, or simply a weekend away from the kids, the rooms at Zelda Dearest provide the perfect respite for a getaway in Asheville.