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Boone, North Carolina is easily one of my favorite places in North Carolina! So much so, my husband and I have tossed around the idea of investing in a second property here (one day in the future!!). We’ve visited Boone a handful of times and just never get tired of visiting. It doesn’t matter the season, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do right in town and in the surrounding area when you vacation here. I always love finding the perfect property for our mountain getaways, and luckily there’s no shortage of unique places to stay in Boone! Finding a cozy, one-of-a-kind hotel or Airbnb always elevates a trip to the mountains for me.
In this article, you’ll find some of the absolute best luxury and boutique hotels in Boone and the surrounding area as well as short term rentals (think: Airbnb/VRBO). Whether it’s just you, you and a loved one, or a whole group there’s something for everyone! This list is certainly not all inclusive of the hotels in the Boone area. There are many different chain hotels to choose from, as well. However, I wanted this list to focus on the unique and luxury properties in the Boone area. Let’s jump in!
About Boone
Boone is a quaint, cozy mountain-slash-college town located in western North Carolina. The town has a population of about 18,000. But Boone also has a decent sized university that brings about 20,000 students during the academic year. Located just 30 minutes from Grandfather Mountain State Park, Boone hosts several thousand visitors each year that come to enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and adorable town.
While it is a small town, what it lacks in size, Boone makes up for with lots and lots of character. In the downtown, you can find amazing antique shops, boutiques, craft breweries, and amazing restaurants. For the outdoor adventurers, head just outside of town to find some of the best hiking in NC, white water rafting, or skiing. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!
When to visit Boone
Boone enjoys a moderate climate with a true distinction of all four seasons. Due to its elevation, you may find a few more snow showers than you will in the piedmont area of North Carolina and more mild summers with *slightly* less humidity than the eastern part of the state. When you visit depends on what you’re looking to experience.
Ready to enjoy the Watauga River and do some hiking? Summers are hot and sticky but certainly bearable. You’ll see Blue Ridge Mountains in full bright-green display and meet lots of other hikers looking to find adventure during the summer. During spring, the weather is cool and the higher elevation hikes might still be thawing out. See the trees and flowers in bloom and spend plenty of time in the sunshine!
Fall is really where Boone and the Blue Ridge Mountains shine! Come during peak leaf season to marvel at the bright oranges, reds, and yellows of the trees. Hiking is at its best during the fall and everyone is soaking up the last bit of warmth before winter! In the winter, people head to Boone to cozy up in a cabin and enjoy a hot tub. There’s even a few ski mountains in the area. Don’t be fooled–Boone definitely doesn’t get as much snow as Colorado or Vermont, but you can expect a few snow storms. If you choose to go skiing, much of the snow will be artificial but still enjoyable!
Related: The Best Day Trips from Durham, NC
Unique Places to Stay in Boone
Even though Boone is small, thanks to Appalachian State University and booming tourism there is no shortage of amazing places to stay in Boone. Where you stay on your mountain getaway can certainly make or break your experience! There’s nothing like an amazing mountain view, cozy fireplace, or toasty hot tub when you’re enjoying a weekend in the mountains. I’m always a huge fan of luxurious and unique stays, too! It just adds an extra special memory and makes a getaway even better.
Hotels
The Horton Hotel
The Horton Hotel touts itself as Boone’s only boutique hotel downtown. If you’ve been around for any length of time, you know I love a boutique hotel! The location is very walkable and you’ll love the view from the rooftop bar. Rooms are trendy and cozy, with exposed brick and clean, white design. The Horton offers top notch service with the option for add-ons like champagne or a CBD bedtime treatment… They sure know how to make your stay that much more memorable!
Chetola Resort
Chetola Resort is located not too far from Boone in nearby Blowing Rock (which is another equally cute town!). Chetola is the perfect place if you want everything easily accessible from your hotel. You can choose from the lodge, the inn, or condominiums so there’s something for every type of traveler. The resort is right on the lake. There are hiking trails and water activities right outside your door as well as a restaurant and lots of other activities right on the property.
Banner Elk Winery
Another unique hotel in the Boone area is actually just outside in Banner Elk. Banner Elk is an adorable town with a small college and artsy vibe that also happens to have some amazing wineries. Banner Elk Winery serves up amazing wine but also has lodging! You can choose to stay in a perfectly appointed suite in the villa or rent out one of their two houses. The entire villa is also rentable, so this would be a great place for a large friend or family reunion!
Short term rentals
Wooded Wanderlust Cabin
The Wooded Wanderlust cabin is a newer property in Newland, NC. It’s located about 20 minutes from downtown Boone and is PERFECT for groups! The cabin is near ** Lake and has tons of room for exploring. It’s recently renovated, clean, and has the cutest decor. Not to mention, endless porch space to enjoy the beautiful views! We recently stayed here with a group of 10 for my husband’s 30th birthday. Everyone loved this perfect little cabin for a weekend celebrating in Boone.
Peace of Mind Cabin
You will love this charming, cozy cabin located just 15 minutes from Boone. It sleeps six with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms and the best part? You can bring your furry friend along! The fireplace and open floor plan is perfect for a fun game night and dinner with the whole family.
Heart of High Country Cabin
Another beautiful cabin, you will be blown away by the amazing views from the porch. Pack your whole family or group of friends in this 4 bedroom house that sleeps 8! Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll enjoy the serenity and quiet but also be in close driving distance to Boone and surrounding areas. Grab a glass of wine to enjoy by the fireplace and don’t forget your bathing suit for a soak in the hot tub!
Final thoughts/recommendations on unique places to stay in Boone
A trip to Boone should absolutely be on your bucket list if you live in the Southeast United States. Boone is an adorable mountain town with no shortage of adventure and charm. Even though it’s a small town, there are a handful of delightful places to stay in Boone. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious boutique hotel or a cozy short term rental, you’ll find it in Boone! I’m a huge fan of boutique hotels but have had nothing but fantastic experiences at Airbnbs in the Boone area I’ve shared with friends. This article is sure to have an excellent choice of lodging for your next Boone trip!
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