Local artistry, bespoke design, and new culinary adventures set the stage for a transformative stay

ASHEVILLE, NC (May 8, 2025) – Today, The Kessler Collection proudly reopened the doors of its beloved Asheville property, now reimagined as Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville, one of the seven founding properties of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Following the impact of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, this cherished landmark in historic Biltmore Village has undergone a meticulous and deeply personal restoration, led by Mark and Diana Kessler in collaboration with The Kessler Collection design and construction team.

Far more than a renovation, the property has introduced refined layers of craftsmanship, regional connection, and thoughtful enhancements at every touchpoint. The newly re-envisioned lodge features 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, all underscored by a renewed sense of place and purpose.

“The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville is more than a destination—it’s a reflection of our creative spirit as a family and a company,’ said Mark Kessler, president of The Kessler Collection. ‘Throughout this restoration, Diana 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.”

Staying true to its original character, the design carefully restores key architectural elements including the intricate carved wood paneling, museum-quality display cases, and a grand stone fireplace in the lobby. A deeper, richer color palette now defines the public spaces, introducing a sense of warmth and quiet luxury that aligns with the Grand Bohemian Lodge brand. Public areas have been revitalized with new furnishings, many of which were custom-made in High Point and Hickory, North Carolina. The check-in area has been reimagined for a more welcoming arrival. An expanded Grand Bohemian Gallery now has cozy seating vignettes, inviting guests to relax and connect. 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

“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,’ added Diana Kessler, creative director of The Kessler Collection. ‘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 while preserving the restaurant’s European hunting lodge-inspired ambiance. Signature offerings include the Elk Carpaccio and Black Forest French Toast Bites with ingredients from North Carolina purveyors such as Carolina Bison, Asheville Tea Company, Coffee Library, and Potential New Boyfriend Ice Cream. A newly expanded wine vault houses over 700 curated bottles, alongside thoughtful touches like tableside martini service and a restored private dining room. The dining room showcases original artwork by local artist Mitch Kolbe, commissioned to capture the spirit of the lodge. Kolbe, whose solo exhibition was interrupted by the hurricane, was commissioned by Diana Kessler to create a seven-piece collection specifically for Red Stag Grill. A visual tribute to resilience, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, the stunning diptych showcases a local farm located 10 miles from the property.

The Grand Bohemian Gallery Asheville, the on-site art gallery curated by longtime director Constance Richards, has unveiled a new retail shop alongside a dynamic 2025 collection with pieces reflecting on the past and looking to the future. Featured artists include Mitch Kolbe, Jean Claude Roy, Charles Clara, Susan Spies, and the late Vadim Bora. Many of these artists experienced loss during the storm, and their new work reflects both memory and renewal.

“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 for Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville. ‘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 firsthand the revitalization taking place everywhere you look. Asheville is open, and now so are we.”

ABOUT GRAND BOHEMIAN LODGE ASHEVILLE

Located in the heart of the Historic Biltmore Village, the 104-room Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville is an AAA Four Diamond hotel boasting a tutor-inspired facade and pet-friendly offerings. The interiors are inspired by a rustic 19th-century hunting lodge complete with luxurious 21st-century amenities including The Spa at Grand Bohemian and Grand Bohemian Art Gallery. Combining European hunting lodge aesthetics with elevated Appalachian cuisine, The Red Stag Grill is a game-driven steakhouse on-site offering Appalachian influences and locally sourced ingredients. For more information visit kesslercollection.com/bohemian-asheville/

ABOUT THE KESSLER COLLECTION:

The Kessler Collection is a dynamic, family-led hospitality brand born in 1984 out of Founder Richard C. Kessler’s creative vision to bring profound beauty and art to life in an elevated setting.  A destination place maker in both established and emerging locales across the South including Asheville, North Carolina’s Biltmore Village; St Augustine, Florida; and downtown Orlando, Florida; the brand can also be credited for significant development and transformation in Greenville, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia building the foundation for new urban legacies in those cities. Guided by a sense of beauty, discovery and inspiration, Kessler creates a portfolio of carefully curated living museums that awaken the inner collector in its guests and visitors. Kessler’s commitment to art & culture, community enrichment, music and distinctive design attracts visitors that value authenticity, original thinking, and curiosity to its many hotels, restaurants and additional experiential brands. For more information about The Kessler Collection, please visit kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.