Owned by a couple who wanted to escape busy New York for someplace quieter, Asheville Swiss Chalets is made up of 11 Swiss chalet-inspired cabins, on a winding road amid wooded mountain grounds. Buildings vary in appearance from the red chalet on stilts, to a two-story pale-yellow building, to a cheery yellow cottage surrounded by a picket fence. The place is especially popular with families and couples, especially dog owners, since some buildings have fenced-in dog areas. Cabins are surrounded by local flora and fauna and offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is especially scenic in autumn when the leaves change color.

The Asheville Swiss Chalets are located off a winding mountain road, in a picturesque wooded area. Note that the road can be a bit tricky to navigate in the snow. There is a grocery store a short drive down the mountain and downtown Asheville is less than a six-minute drive away. The Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Village are within a 10-minute drive, and Asheville Regional Airport is a half-hour drive away.

The hotel offers clean one-, two-, and three-bedroom chalets with varying homey, country-inspired decor such as upholstered couches, solid wooden dressers, and floor lamps. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of a late-'90s home furnished with a generic mid-range retailer, like Ethan Allen; it's pleasant but nondescript. All cabins have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and full kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and dishes. Some have dishwashers, and all have balconies or patios. Some offer fenced-in dog areas -- and bowls, towels, and dog treats are offered when booking with a pet. A feline-friendly room is also available. Cabins also come with a handful of extra amenities like spices, coffee beans, and grills. Bathrooms vary; some have small, stand-up showers while others have shower/tub combinations. Most guests find the one-bedroom units to be on the small side.

The hotel doesn’t offer a lot of amenities outside of the rooms -- there’s no pool, fitness center, or full restaurant. It is, however, located in a scenic setting that birdwatchers and nature-lovers would enjoy, with plenty of trees and flowers. The hotel is pet-friendly for a fee, and there is free parking. The owners of the hotel also own the Well-Bred Bakery & Café, and guests receive cookies and gift certificates to the bakery. Each room also has a notebook full of local tips and recommendations.