ASHEVILLE, N.C.—Renaissance Asheville Hotel received its Native Pollinator Garden Certification from Asheville Greenworks, a community-based, volunteer-led environmental conservation and education organization.
Renaissance Asheville is a long-time supporter of pollinators, hosting the annual Black Jar International Honey Tasting Contest each June in honor of Pollinator Month. Every year, the Center for Honeybee Research invites beekeepers to enter their honey in a tasting contest. While many honey contests are judged based on a variety of criteria including clarity, moisture, and foam, the Black Jar relies solely on taste. Jars of honey are wrapped in black cloth and tasted over a variety of preliminary rounds, culminating in the final event held at the Renaissance Asheville.
In addition to hosting this annual event, the Renaissance Asheville is home to two hives and a pollinator garden featuring milkweed and black-eyed Susan flowers. Inspired by the garden, the hotel’s decor features honeycombs at the entrance and throughout the public space.
“We are excited to win this award from Asheville Greenworks. Our focus on keeping the honeybee population thriving, the sustainability and certification of our pollinator garden give our associates and guests something else to be proud of,” said Eric Paul, General Manager.
Certification Criteria
Pollinator gardens, which are designed to attract bees, are certified when they meet these requirements:
- Planting native plants that come from trusted nurseries
- Planting species that bloom at different times of the year to provide food throughout the growing season
- Incorporating not only nectar-providing species, but also larval hosts such as milkweed
- Avoiding pesticide use around the habitat
Located in the heart of downtown, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, Renaissance Asheville features modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-fi, a fitness center, valet parking, and the only indoor Junior Olympic sized salt-water pool in the area. The contemporary guestrooms offer modern décor and gorgeous views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The hotel features over 22,000 square feet of meeting and event space with rooftop views. The 13 event rooms and Grand Ballroom are perfect for meetings, weddings, and receptions for up to 1,000 guests. Centrally located, the hotel is walking distance to local breweries, restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities such as ziplining, nature walks, and rafting.
To learn more about Renaissance Asheville, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/avlbr-renaissance-asheville-hotel.
