The Kessler Collection has reopened the Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville, N.C., following a major restoration necessitated by the effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024. The renovation was led by Mark and Diana Kessler in collaboration with The Kessler Collection design and construction team. The Biltmore Village landmark is one of the seven founding properties of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
The updated lodge has an expanded Grand Bohemian Gallery, an elevated culinary experience at Red Stag Grill, updated wellness offerings under the renamed Spa at Grand Bohemian and refreshed and expanded gathering spaces.
“The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville is ... a reflection of our creative spirit as a family and a company,” Mark Kessler, president of The Kessler Collection, said in a statement. “Throughout this restoration, Diana [Kessler, creative director of The Kessler Collection] and I were deeply involved in every detail, ensuring that the essence of the lodge was not only preserved but elevated. The result is a more luxurious look and feel that exhibits exquisite detail, enhanced comfort, and a deeper sense of place. It’s both a tribute to the past and a bold vision for what lies ahead, brought to life by the talent of our team and the strength of this remarkable community.”
Design Details
In an effort to stay true to its original character, the design restores key architectural elements, including the intricate carved wood paneling, display cases and a grand stone fireplace in the lobby. The public spaces now have a deeper, richer color palette, according to the company.
Public areas have been revitalized with new furnishings, many of which were custom-made in High Point and Hickory, N.C. The check-in area has been reimagined in an effort to create a more welcoming arrival while an expanded Grand Bohemian Gallery now has seating vignettes. The adjacent Manor House, a 20-room annex, also expands the guest experience with a new 450-square-foot meeting space ideal for private gatherings and exclusive buyouts, according to the company.
“Our goal wasn’t just to restore the property, it was to breathe new life into every corner while preserving the essence that made it so beloved,” Diana Kessler said. “We were hands-on throughout every phase of the process, curating art and furnishings from across North Carolina and working closely with artisans both within the community and beyond. Every detail was designed and selected with intention, reflecting both the spirit of our brand and the elevated identity of the Grand Bohemian Lodge.”
At Red Stag Grill—the on-site game-driven steakhouse featuring elevated Appalachian cuisine—the culinary team has introduced refreshed menus with the goal of preserving the restaurant’s European hunting lodge-inspired ambiance. Meanwhile, the Grand Bohemian Gallery Asheville—the on-site art gallery curated by long-time director Constance Richards—has unveiled a new retail shop alongside a 2025 collection with pieces reflecting on the past and looking to the future.
“The reopening of Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville stands as a tribute to the artistry, collaboration, and perseverance that shaped its rebirth, and to the dedicated team and community who brought it back to life,” said Matthew Lehman, general manager of the hotel. “We have been working in collaboration with the City of Asheville to not only restore our beloved hotel but to lift up local food purveyors, businesses and artists by incorporating them even further into our Grand Bohemian experience and we encourage travelers to visit the region this year to see first-hand the revitalization taking place everywhere you look. Asheville is open, and now so are we.”