The Lion and the Rose B&B
About The Lion and the Rose B&B
The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast in Asheville provides adults-only accommodations with a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge. Housed in a building dating back to 19th century, this bed and breakfast is 6.2 miles from Biltmore Estate and 6.7 miles from Folk Art Center. The bed and breakfast offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking, and free Wifi. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with bathrobes, bath, and shower. A balcony with an outdoor dining area and garden views is offered in some units. At the bed and breakfast, the units are fitted with bed linen and towels. American and vegetarian breakfast options with warm dishes, fresh pastries, and pancakes are available. There is an on-site snack bar. Guests at the bed and breakfast will be able to enjoy activities in and around Asheville, like hiking. Guests can also warm up near the outdoor fireplace after a day of cycling. Popular points of interest near The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast include Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, and Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Asheville Regional Airport is 13 miles away.
Amenities
- On-site dining
- Café / coffee shop
- Express check-in / check-out
- Concierge
- Luggage storage
- In-room refrigerator
- In-room microwave
- Spa / sauna
- Smoke-free property
Reviews
Guests consistently praise the friendly and accommodating hosts, Karen and Steve, as well as the excellent breakfast. The location is also frequently mentioned as a pro, being within walking distance to downtown and nearby attractions. However, some guests have noted issues with the rooms needing maintenance and comfort, such as lumpy mattresses and thin walls.
- Friendly and accommodating hosts
- Excellent breakfast
- Rooms needing maintenance
- Comfort issues such as lumpy mattresses and thin walls
- 5/5
Exceptional
- 4.5/5
The hosts were excellent! Breakfast was delicious!!
- 4.5/5
The hosts were excellent! Breakfast was delicious!!
- 5/5
Great experience!
- 5/5
Great experience!
- 3.5/5
The Lion and the Rose has the potential to be a charming historic stay, and the owners themselves were friendly and hospitable. However, the biggest issue is that the property does not currently reflect the photos shown online. When we arrived around 1pm, there was no one available to check us in and no answer when we called. We ended up leaving and returning a couple of hours later after finally hearing back. While waiting on the porch, we noticed several items left out—loose baseboard trim, a broom, a bag of cement, and a detached flexible downspout in the walkway—which immediately gave the impression that the property wasn’t being actively maintained. The outdoor areas continued that theme. The side yard and fire pit area looked like they hadn’t been used or maintained in some time, with weeds growing through the pebble ground, empty or dead plant pots, and older or broken furniture visible around the property. Inside, there are some pieces that reflect the historic character of the home, but the overall decor felt inconsistent. Some furnishings fit the period, while others felt more like standard, dated pieces that didn’t contribute to the charm the property is marketed on. For the price, we expected a more polished and cohesive experience—especially when compared to nearby properties like The Black Walnut Bed & Breakfast, which appeared noticeably well maintained. Overall, we left feeling that the listing photos—many of which appear to be from prior ownership—don’t accurately represent the current condition. With attention to upkeep and updated photos, this could be a much stronger experience.
- 3.5/5
However, the biggest issue is that the property does not currently reflect the photos shown online. When we arrived around 1pm, there was no one available to check us in and no answer when we called. We ended up leaving and returning a couple of hours later after finally hearing back. While waiting on the porch, we noticed several items left out—loose baseboard trim, a broom, a bag of cement, and a detached flexible downspout in the walkway—which immediately gave the impression that the property wasn’t being actively maintained. The outdoor areas continued that theme. The side yard and fire pit area looked like they hadn’t been used or maintained in some time, with weeds growing through the pebble ground, empty or dead plant pots, and older or broken furniture visible around the property. Inside, there are some pieces that reflect the historic character of the home, but the overall decor felt inconsistent. Some furnishings fit the period, while others felt more like standard, dated pieces that didn’t contribute to the charm the property is marketed on. For the price, we expected a more polished and cohesive experience—especially when compared to nearby properties like The Black Walnut Bed & Breakfast, which appeared noticeably well maintained. Overall, we left feeling that the listing photos—many of which appear to be from prior ownership—don’t accurately represent the current condition. With attention to upkeep and updated photos, this could be a much stronger experience.
- 5/5
Great place to stay when in Asheville; the inn is walking distance to all the fun downtown, and Karen is a great host. We had a comfortable stay and a fantastic breakfast. We would definitely stay there again.
- 5/5
Excellent
- 5/5
Excellent
- 0.5/5
We didn’t like the property. Inn keeper was very nice. Upon arrival, we discovered the pictures and the reviews were misleading. Price is very high for what it is. It has lots of stairs and it was a bit stuffy. Not apt for people with allergies or asthma and people with mobility issues. For all these reasons, we decided not to stay at the property and lost our payment.
- 0.5/5
We didn’t like the property. Inn keeper was very nice. Upon arrival, we discovered the pictures and the reviews were misleading. Price is very high for what it is. It has lots of stairs and it was a bit stuffy. Not apt for people with allergies or asthma and people with mobility issues. For all these reasons, we decided not to stay at the property and lost our payment.
- 5/5
Exceptional
- 5/5
Cozy rooms, friendly atmosphere, delicious breakfast
- 5/5
Cozy rooms, friendly atmosphere, delicious breakfast
- 5/5
Service and conversation was great! We felt very welcome in their home, and it was a lovely experience that helped make the trip great! Nothing
- 5/5
Nothing
- 4.5/5
The place reminded me of an English Manor. Large gardens and a well kept wrap around front porch.
- 4.5/5
The place reminded me of an English Manor. Large gardens and a well kept wrap around front porch.
- 5/5
Accommodations were outstanding and breakfast was superb!!
- 5/5
Accommodations were outstanding and breakfast was superb!!
- 5/5
Exceptional
- 5/5
Very kind hosts. Nice antique furniture, a B&B the way you imagine it. All good
- 5/5
Very kind hosts. Nice antique furniture, a B&B the way you imagine it. All good
- 5/5
Stayed one night in spacious room. Lovely spot. Convenient to downtown. Karen was delightful and more than accommodating, including making an additional breakfast item for me because of a dietary restriction. The home made beer and delicious brownies are great touches as is the tray of coffee that arrives at your door before breakfast. Would definitely recommend.
- 5/5
beautiful victorian home in good location easily walkable to downtown. tasty homemade breakfasts and lots of coffee served by the hosts. can't wait to return.
- 5/5
beautiful victorian home in good location easily walkable to downtown. tasty homemade breakfasts and lots of coffee served by the hosts. can't wait to return.
- 5/5
Incredible experience !
- 5/5
Incredible experience !
- 5/5
Very nice accomodations in a historic house. Communication with the owners beforehand was timely and they are very friendly folks. Breakfast is excellent.
- 5/5
Very nice accomodations in a historic house. Communication with the owners beforehand was timely and they are very friendly folks. Breakfast is excellent.
- 5/5
- 5/5
- 4/5
Nice, clean, friendly innkeepers (although they were subs), yummy breakfast, conveniently located to downtown. No extra “wow” features that would move it to a 5. But very pleasant.
- 4/5
Nice, clean, friendly innkeepers (although they were subs), yummy breakfast, conveniently located to downtown. No extra “wow” features that would move it to a 5. But very pleasant.
- 5/5
I really appreciated the clear and helpful communication as I made a last minute booking and was going to arrive really late (after midnight). The room was really comfortable. The breakfast was amazing. I ridiculously left my phone cord and they were lovely about me picking it up after my departure. It was a really nice place to stay!
- 5/5
I really appreciated the clear and helpful communication as I made a last minute booking and was going to arrive really late (after midnight). The room was really comfortable. The breakfast was amazing. I ridiculously left my phone cord and they were lovely about me picking it up after my departure. It was a really nice place to stay!
- 5/5
Incredibly nice people! Very friendly and engaging. Very knowledgeable about the area. Excellent breakfast! Beautiful historic house and in a great location!
- 5/5
Incredibly nice people! Very friendly and engaging. Very knowledgeable about the area. Excellent breakfast! Beautiful historic house and in a great location!
- 4/5
- 4/5
- 5/5
Coffee and breakfast, location, Karen and Steve.
- 5/5
Coffee and breakfast, location, Karen and Steve.
- 5/5
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a complimentary glass of micro brewed beer and the utmost friendliness. After a short tour, I was escorted to my room. It was lovely- the fainting couch was more comfortable than my bed at home. The radiator gave off the most comforting heat and I really felt like I could truly relax in my room- unlike at some hotels which feel sterile. Karen, one of the owners, gave me excellent restaurant recommendations and went out of her way to make me feel valued and welcome. Breakfast here did not disappoint! It was handmade and delicious! If you stay here- try the “beermosas”- you will not be disappointed!
- 5/5
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a complimentary glass of micro brewed beer and the utmost friendliness. After a short tour, I was escorted to my room. It was lovely- the fainting couch was more comfortable than my bed at home. The radiator gave off the most comforting heat and I really felt like I could truly relax in my room- unlike at some hotels which feel sterile. Karen, one of the owners, gave me excellent restaurant recommendations and went out of her way to make me feel valued and welcome. Breakfast here did not disappoint! It was handmade and delicious! If you stay here- try the “beermosas”- you will not be disappointed!
- 5/5
We had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend trip. The free parking was accessible and literally right outside the door. When we arrived, we were instantly greeted, offered information, shown up to our room, and received complimentary beers! It's an adorable, charming B&B and the owners were helpful and friendly. Breakfast was delicious.
- 5/5
We had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend trip. The free parking was accessible and literally right outside the door. When we arrived, we were instantly greeted, offered information, shown up to our room, and received complimentary beers! It's an adorable, charming B&B and the owners were helpful and friendly. Breakfast was delicious.
- 5/5
Convenient location, comfortable room, and an excellent breakfast. This is a great choice in Asheville!
- 5/5
Convenient location, comfortable room, and an excellent breakfast. This is a great choice in Asheville!
- 5/5
Amazing experience in an 1800s mansion which was warm, inviting and comfortable. The hosts were very friendly, the breakfast delicious, the coffee was flowing and the guests were a delight.
- 5/5
Amazing experience in an 1800s mansion which was warm, inviting and comfortable. The hosts were very friendly, the breakfast delicious, the coffee was flowing and the guests were a delight.
- 5/5
Very nice area of town, great service
- 5/5
Very nice area of town, great service
- 5/5
As a lifestyle bed and breakfast, the owners were personable and responsive. Their attention to detail makes a difference.
- 5/5
As a lifestyle bed and breakfast, the owners were personable and responsive. Their attention to detail makes a difference.
- 5/5
We loved the old charm of this wonderful bed and breakfast, and our hosts were extremely courteous – they were always available if we needed anything, but made sure that we never did need anything.
- 5/5
We loved the old charm of this wonderful bed and breakfast, and our hosts were extremely courteous – they were always available if we needed anything, but made sure that we never did need anything.
- 2/5
What an eye sore! And if you need to have some light in the shower, forget it... I love to stay in Bed and Breakfasts, and I enjoy the historical aspect and charm they provide. The standards here were subpar, and sadly, may lead to a business failure. There were better choices on the same, wonderful street. The owners were very nice and I hope they can fix their issues.
- 2/5
What an eye sore! And if you need to have some light in the shower, forget it... I love to stay in Bed and Breakfasts, and I enjoy the historical aspect and charm they provide. The standards here were subpar, and sadly, may lead to a business failure. There were better choices on the same, wonderful street. The owners were very nice and I hope they can fix their issues.
- 5/5
This was our first experience staying in a Bed & Breakfast. My wife & I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary at the Lion & the Rose. Our hosts, Steve & Karen were very gracious, friendly & accommodating. Steve was an excellent cook & “Oreo & Ozzie” were the perfect mascots. The house was beautifully restored & very comfortable. It gave a very “Victorian” atmosphere but at the same time very inviting. We will look forward to booking a room again in the future.
- 5/5
This was our first experience staying in a Bed & Breakfast. My wife & I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary at the Lion & the Rose. Our hosts, Steve & Karen were very gracious, friendly & accommodating. Steve was an excellent cook & “Oreo & Ozzie” were the perfect mascots. The house was beautifully restored & very comfortable. It gave a very “Victorian” atmosphere but at the same time very inviting. We will look forward to booking a room again in the future.
- 5/5
Property is beautiful clean and the innkeepers are exceptional their breakfast was top notch
- 5/5
Property is beautiful clean and the innkeepers are exceptional their breakfast was top notch
- 5/5
Love all the natural finished woodwork and original hardwood flooring.
- 5/5
Love all the natural finished woodwork and original hardwood flooring.
- 5/5
The inn keepers were most hospitable and friendly. We were very comfortable in their home.
- 5/5
The inn keepers were most hospitable and friendly. We were very comfortable in their home.
- 5/5
The old home is great. Wonderful visit with Steve, the proprietor..
- 5/5
The old home is great. Wonderful visit with Steve, the proprietor..
- 5/5
This was our first stay in a bed and breakfast and it has set the bar high for all bed and breakfasts! The room was extremely clean and had a home feel to it. The owners are extremely nice and welcoming! I liked that the owner would sit down towards the end of breakfast to discuss our day with us and give any suggestions and additional ideas about things to do around the area. They have two dogs that stay downstairs and they ask all guests if they mind if they come out - We are dog people so we didn't mind, but it was nice that they asked. Clean! Prime location! Home feel! History! Beautiful!
- 5/5
This was our first stay in a bed and breakfast and it has set the bar high for all bed and breakfasts! The room was extremely clean and had a home feel to it. The owners are extremely nice and welcoming! I liked that the owner would sit down towards the end of breakfast to discuss our day with us and give any suggestions and additional ideas about things to do around the area. They have two dogs that stay downstairs and they ask all guests if they mind if they come out - We are dog people so we didn't mind, but it was nice that they asked. Clean! Prime location! Home feel! History! Beautiful!
- 5/5
We had a wonderful time I would highly recommended a stay. Within walking distance of downtown Asheville. Owners are friendly.
- 5/5
We had a wonderful time I would highly recommended a stay. Within walking distance of downtown Asheville. Owners are friendly.
- 5/5
Great historical house. Very close to downtown. Clean and well maintained. Very nice hosts.
- 5/5
Great historical house. Very close to downtown. Clean and well maintained. Very nice hosts.
- 5/5
Everything was wonderful and breakfast was delicious!
- 5/5
Everything was wonderful and breakfast was delicious!
- 5/5
Onsite parking available which is a must in Asheville. Hosts were especially gracious. Hearty breakfast.
- 5/5
Onsite parking available which is a must in Asheville. Hosts were especially gracious. Hearty breakfast.
- 4/5
Great location, pretty neighborhood. Quiet and comfortable.
- 4/5
Great location, pretty neighborhood. Quiet and comfortable.
- 4/5
Nice people- new B&B owners. Updating the mattress would be a really good idea.
- 4/5
Nice people- new B&B owners. Updating the mattress would be a really good idea.
- 5/5
Great location. Close to downtown and in a beautiful neighborhood great for walking. Wonderful breakfasts and nice owners.
- 5/5
Great location. Close to downtown and in a beautiful neighborhood great for walking. Wonderful breakfasts and nice owners.
- 5/5
Amazing location in a historical location of Asheville. Lovely walking in the neighborhood of vintage homes plus easy walking (one-half mile) to visitor's center for booking The Biltmore and more. Then, another one-half mile and your are in the wonderful downtown area. Informal 9 Mile restaurant is a short walk. GREAT Jamacian food. Met really nice folks where we shared at the lovely breakfast table. Favorite spot in the evening was the lovely front porch. Home has lots of room with two front sitting rooms (one with fireplace). Large, lovely garden yard. Lots of good things to say but the location is the BEST!
- 5/5
Amazing location in a historical location of Asheville. Lovely walking in the neighborhood of vintage homes plus easy walking (one-half mile) to visitor's center for booking The Biltmore and more. Then, another one-half mile and your are in the wonderful downtown area. Informal 9 Mile restaurant is a short walk. GREAT Jamacian food. Met really nice folks where we shared at the lovely breakfast table. Favorite spot in the evening was the lovely front porch. Home has lots of room with two front sitting rooms (one with fireplace). Large, lovely garden yard. Lots of good things to say but the location is the BEST!
- 5/5
I highly recommend the Lion and the Rose! The innkeepers are a delight, the B&B impeccable, and the breakfast amazing! Karen and Steve consistently went over and above to make our stay not only comfortable, but also informative by pointing out the area attractions and "must sees" while in Asheville! The B&B is walking distance to downtown Asheville and two highly rated restaurants are within two blocks! We will definitely stay at the Lion and the Rose again!
- 5/5
I highly recommend the Lion and the Rose! The innkeepers are a delight, the B&B impeccable, and the breakfast amazing! Karen and Steve consistently went over and above to make our stay not only comfortable, but also informative by pointing out the area attractions and "must sees" while in Asheville! The B&B is walking distance to downtown Asheville and two highly rated restaurants are within two blocks! We will definitely stay at the Lion and the Rose again!
- 5/5
Wonderful stay. Walking distance to downtown. Excellent breakfasts. Nice big front porch to enjoy morning coffee. Quiet!
- 5/5
Wonderful stay. Walking distance to downtown. Excellent breakfasts. Nice big front porch to enjoy morning coffee. Quiet!
- 5/5
Gracious host. Comfortable accommodations. Delicious breakfast!
- 5/5
Gracious host. Comfortable accommodations. Delicious breakfast!
- 5/5
Great staff, delicious breakfast. Lovely shower and balcony in 3rd floor room.
- 5/5
Great staff, delicious breakfast. Lovely shower and balcony in 3rd floor room.
- 5/5
This is a very comfortable B&B in a restored mansion in a genteel neighborhood. Their communal breakfasts in the ornate dining room are a great way to start the day. The mother and daughter team of Lisa and Madelyn are attentive to all the details.
- 5/5
This is a very comfortable B&B in a restored mansion in a genteel neighborhood. Their communal breakfasts in the ornate dining room are a great way to start the day. The mother and daughter team of Lisa and Madelyn are attentive to all the details.
- 5/5
My husband and I spent our wedding night here as our venue was within walking distance. We had a lovely time and enjoyed our stay!!!
- 5/5
My husband and I spent our wedding night here as our venue was within walking distance. We had a lovely time and enjoyed our stay!!!
- 5/5
This was our 1st B&B experience and it will be tough to match this one! The L&R B&B is a perfect blend of elegance and coziness. The bed was extremely comfortable and the hostess was very charming. Breakfast was delicious! We felt so at home. This will definitely be our choice every time we go to Asheville. Thank you to Lisa and Mille.
- 5/5
This was our 1st B&B experience and it will be tough to match this one! The L&R B&B is a perfect blend of elegance and coziness. The bed was extremely comfortable and the hostess was very charming. Breakfast was delicious! We felt so at home. This will definitely be our choice every time we go to Asheville. Thank you to Lisa and Mille.
- 5/5
Enjoyed the total exposurer
- 5/5
Enjoyed the total exposurer
- 5/5
Comfortable room in a nice historic home within walking distance of downtown amenities. Our innkeeper Millie was super accommodating and very patient about our extremely late check-in (thanks, ice storm), and she was more than happy to meet my fussy dietary restrictions at breakfast (which was very tasty). We were quite comfortable and cozy all night despite the freezing temperatures outside, and had everything we needed. Really enjoyed our stay!
- 5/5
Comfortable room in a nice historic home within walking distance of downtown amenities. Our innkeeper Millie was super accommodating and very patient about our extremely late check-in (thanks, ice storm), and she was more than happy to meet my fussy dietary restrictions at breakfast (which was very tasty). We were quite comfortable and cozy all night despite the freezing temperatures outside, and had everything we needed. Really enjoyed our stay!
- 5/5
Warm and welcoming. The house was nicely appointed and the room was adequate size; the queen size bed was very comfortable. We had a unique and delicious breakfast each morning and enjoyed sharing it with the 4 other couples who were there.
- 5/5
Warm and welcoming. The house was nicely appointed and the room was adequate size; the queen size bed was very comfortable. We had a unique and delicious breakfast each morning and enjoyed sharing it with the 4 other couples who were there.
- 5/5
The Lion and the Rose was everything that my wife and I were hoping for in a weekend B&B stay. The staff bent over backwards in every way to make our stay fun, comfortable and memorable. The building was beautiful, historical, romantic and awesome in every detail. The food was excellent. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a fun, romantic trip to Asheville.
- 5/5
The Lion and the Rose was everything that my wife and I were hoping for in a weekend B&B stay. The staff bent over backwards in every way to make our stay fun, comfortable and memorable. The building was beautiful, historical, romantic and awesome in every detail. The food was excellent. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a fun, romantic trip to Asheville.
- 5/5
Charming home with nice creature comforts like coffee outside the rooms at 7am, variety of beverages and snacks, and cozy communal spaces. Breakfast was spectacular...we still miss Lisa's cooking! The Montford Historic District is very close to the heart of Asheville and the visitor's center. The room was comfortable, but the bed a bit tall for the vertically challenged. Crawling into bed was comical, but not a deterrent. A B&B is the perfect way to experience this charming Southern city.
- 5/5
Charming home with nice creature comforts like coffee outside the rooms at 7am, variety of beverages and snacks, and cozy communal spaces. Breakfast was spectacular...we still miss Lisa's cooking! The Montford Historic District is very close to the heart of Asheville and the visitor's center. The room was comfortable, but the bed a bit tall for the vertically challenged. Crawling into bed was comical, but not a deterrent. A B&B is the perfect way to experience this charming Southern city.
- 5/5
Loved the charm of the home and location as fantastic. Walked to town and close to great Resturant's.
- 5/5
Loved the charm of the home and location as fantastic. Walked to town and close to great Resturant's.
- 4/5
Really nice B & B close to downtown, The Biltmore Mansion, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Friendly, knowledgeable owner & helpers. Great 2-course breakfasts. Beautiful grounds, nice front porch, and outdoor fire pit. Nice nearby restaurants. Soft sheets. Would return if I was in Asheville again. Note: there are some stairs to get into the B & B and all rooms are upstairs on the second & third floors.
- 4/5
Really nice B & B close to downtown, The Biltmore Mansion, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Friendly, knowledgeable owner & helpers. Great 2-course breakfasts. Beautiful grounds, nice front porch, and outdoor fire pit. Nice nearby restaurants. Soft sheets. Would return if I was in Asheville again. Note: there are some stairs to get into the B & B and all rooms are upstairs on the second & third floors.
- 5/5
Highly recommend, very accommodating host, beautiful room and furnishings, porch and outdoor furnishings very comfortable. Easy and convenient to the city and surrounding area. We had to leave very early, but the innkeeper prepared a breakfast pack for the road, and it was waiting for us as we hit the road. We will definitely stay here again, and recommend it without hesitation.
- 5/5
Highly recommend, very accommodating host, beautiful room and furnishings, porch and outdoor furnishings very comfortable. Easy and convenient to the city and surrounding area. We had to leave very early, but the innkeeper prepared a breakfast pack for the road, and it was waiting for us as we hit the road. We will definitely stay here again, and recommend it without hesitation.
- 5/5
Beautiful establishment that is within walking distance of downtown Asheville. We stayed here for a week while we explored Asheville and the adjacent areas, and loved every minute of it.
- 5/5
Beautiful establishment that is within walking distance of downtown Asheville. We stayed here for a week while we explored Asheville and the adjacent areas, and loved every minute of it.
- 4/5
The Lion and Rose did all the things well that a B&B is supposed to do (friendly hosts and guests, good food, local charm) and suffered from all the problems that a B&B usually has (small and antiquated rooms/facilities, some noise problems). So, if you like the B&B experience, you will generally like The Lion and the Rose, except possibly for one area of specific disappointment: the location is pretty far from the main action of Asheville. Be prepared to walk or take a car.
- 5/5
Wonderful place to stay in Asheville! Great staff, comfortable room, great location and great breakfasts! Would highly recommend!