North Carolina holds an amazing collection of special hotels, each with its own character and style. From peaceful spa centers to historic buildings, you’ll find places to stay that create lasting memories. Here’s our guide to the state’s standout hotels.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
In Cary, The Umstead Hotel and Spa welcomes guests seeking complete renewal. The spa combines healing treatments with peaceful outdoor spaces, including a quiet meditation garden and warm outdoor pool. Skilled therapists provide personalized massages, facials, and body care, all designed for individual needs. The calm setting and expert care work together to help guests leave feeling completely refreshed.
Here’s what you need to know about The Umstead Hotel and Spa:
- Location: Cary, North Carolina, nestled by serene woods and a private lake.
- Nearby Attractions: North Carolina Museum of Art, William B. Umstead State Park, and local boutiques.
- Transport: About a 15-minute drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
- Views: Overlooks a peaceful lake and lush greenery.
- Google Reviews: 4.7/5 (1,855 reviews).
- Amenities: Full-service spa, art gallery, outdoor pool, and yoga classes.
- Breakfast: Farm-to-table breakfast featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
- Pool: Outdoor heated pool surrounded by landscaped gardens.
- Loyalty Program: Part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts iPrefer program.
- Rooms: Spacious, elegantly furnished rooms with views of the lake or woods.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.
- Shower and Laundry: Luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs; laundry and dry-cleaning service available.
- Budget: High range, ideal for luxury stays focused on relaxation and wellness.
The Ivey’s Hotel
In Charlotte’s city center, The Ivey’s Hotel brings Paris-inspired style to North Carolina. Inside, you’ll find handpicked furniture, original wood floors, and carefully chosen art pieces that create an air of refined beauty. No two rooms look alike – each combines vintage touches with new comforts to please guests who want something different.
Here’s what you need to know about The Ivey’s Hotel:
- Location: Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, in the heart of the city’s cultural district.
- Nearby Attractions: Levine Center for the Arts, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and Discovery Place Science.
- Transport: Walking distance to major attractions; about 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
- Views: Offers cityscape views from select rooms and common areas.
- Google Reviews: 4.5/5 (647 reviews).
- Amenities: Fitness center, library lounge, 24-hour concierge service, and complimentary wine hour.
- Breakfast: Continental breakfast included, with local pastries and artisanal coffee.
- Pool: No on-site pool.
- Loyalty Program: Exclusive perks for return guests and members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
- Rooms: Lavishly decorated rooms with Parisian-inspired decor, custom furnishings, and Frette linens.
- Wi-Fi: High-speed Wi-Fi complimentary throughout the hotel.
- Shower and Laundry: Marble bathrooms with luxury toiletries; laundry and dry-cleaning service available.
- Budget: High-end, perfect for those seeking an upscale, boutique hotel experience in Charlotte.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte leads the way in earth-friendly hotel practices. A living roof helps control building temperature and grows fresh herbs for the kitchen. The hotel also runs full recycling programs, saves energy wherever possible, and provides charging spots for electric cars, showing real care for our environment.
Here’s what you need to know about The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte:
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, in the vibrant Uptown area.
- Nearby Attractions: NASCAR Hall of Fame, Mint Museum, and Romare Bearden Park.
- Transport: Located around 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
- Views: Skyline views from rooms and the rooftop.
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5 (1,583 reviews).
- Amenities: Full-service spa, fitness center, rooftop garden with a bee apiary, and electric vehicle charging stations.
- Breakfast: Seasonal breakfast menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Pool: Indoor pool with a rooftop terrace for lounging.
- Loyalty Program: Part of Marriott Bonvoy.
- Rooms: Modern, eco-friendly rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious bedding.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi for Marriott Bonvoy members.
- Shower and Laundry: Sleek bathrooms with eco-friendly amenities; laundry and dry-cleaning service available.
- Budget: High-end, appealing to eco-conscious luxury travelers.
The Ballantyne
In Charlotte, The Ballantyne fills days with fun choices. Play golf on championship courses, improve your tennis game, learn cooking skills, or try wine tasting – there’s always something to do. When it’s time to unwind, head to the spa or take a swim in indoor or outdoor pools. The hotel also arranges trips to show you the best of the area.
Here’s what you need to know about The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel:
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, situated in the upscale Ballantyne neighborhood.
- Nearby Attractions: Carowinds Amusement Park, SouthPark Mall, and Ballantyne Village shopping and dining.
- Transport: Around 20 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
- Views: Scenic golf course and garden views.
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5 (1,801 reviews).
- Amenities: Spa, golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, and afternoon tea service.
- Breakfast: Southern-inspired breakfast with locally sourced ingredients.
- Pool: Indoor and outdoor pools.
- Loyalty Program: Part of Marriott Bonvoy.
- Rooms: Spacious, elegantly appointed rooms with luxurious bedding and private balconies.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi for Marriott Bonvoy members.
- Shower and Laundry: Marble bathrooms with soaking tubs; laundry and dry-cleaning services available.
- Budget: Luxury range, ideal for those seeking a mix of relaxation and activity.
The Carolina Inn
Next to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The Carolina Inn builds strong ties with its neighbors. Working with local artists, running community events, and backing university programs, this hotel truly belongs to its community. You’ll see these connections in the local artwork and regular events that bring people together.
Here’s what you need to know about The Carolina Inn:
- Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, located on the University of North Carolina campus.
- Nearby Attractions: UNC’s Ackland Art Museum, Franklin Street, and Morehead Planetarium.
- Transport: About a 30-minute drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
- Views: Quaint views of the university grounds and charming campus streets.
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5 (1,436 reviews).
- Amenities: On-site dining, fitness center, event spaces, and Southern-inspired afternoon tea.
- Breakfast: Classic Southern breakfast with local ingredients.
- Pool: No on-site pool.
- Loyalty Program: Part of Destination Hotels, offering member perks.
- Rooms: Vintage decor with elegant furnishings and university-themed artwork.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.
- Shower and Laundry: Marble bathrooms with modern amenities; laundry service available.
- Budget: Mid-to-high range, popular for university visitors and history enthusiasts.
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
Inside Winston-Salem’s historic R.J. Reynolds building, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel makes each stay special. The rooms feature interesting layouts, high-end furnishings, and thoughtful extras like yoga mats and special snack selections, giving each guest their own special space.
Here’s what you need to know about Kimpton Cardinal Hotel:
- Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, housed in the iconic R.J. Reynolds building.
- Nearby Attractions: Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, and Kaleideum North.
- Transport: About 30 minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport.
- Views: Panoramic city views from select rooms.
- Google Reviews: 4.4/5 (957 reviews).
- Amenities: Fitness center, bowling alley, adult-sized twisty slide, and evening social hour.
- Breakfast: Available at the on-site restaurant, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary dishes.
- Pool: No pool, but has an extensive fitness center and recreation space.
- Loyalty Program: Part of IHG Rewards Club.
- Rooms: Stylish rooms with vintage-inspired decor, yoga mats, and spa-style bathrooms.
- Wi-Fi: Free high-speed Wi-Fi for IHG members.
- Shower and Laundry: Luxury bathrooms with premium toiletries; laundry service available.
- Budget: Mid-to-high range, ideal for those seeking a quirky and luxurious stay.
Sanderling Resort
On the Outer Banks, Sanderling Resort gives you front-row seats to nature’s show. Watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and set over Currituck Sound from your room or the resort’s outdoor spaces. The natural world around the resort creates perfect backdrops for precious moments.
Here’s what you need to know about Sanderling Resort:
- Location: Duck, North Carolina, on the serene Outer Banks.
- Nearby Attractions: Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Duck Town Park, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
- Transport: About 1.5 hours from Norfolk International Airport.
- Views: Stunning ocean and sound views from many rooms.
- Google Reviews: 4.2/5 (824 reviews).
- Amenities: Beach access, full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
- Breakfast: Coastal-inspired breakfast with fresh, local ingredients.
- Pool: Indoor and outdoor pools, including an adults-only option.
- Loyalty Program: Exclusive offers available through direct bookings.
- Rooms: Beachy, comfortable rooms with private balconies and scenic views.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the resort.
- Shower and Laundry: Spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers; laundry service available.
- Budget: High-end, suited for beach lovers and those seeking a luxurious coastal escape.
21c Museum Hotel Durham
This former bank building now houses both hotel rooms and modern art. The always-open museum space shows changing art displays and special installations. Art fills every space, making stays here truly memorable for creative minds.
Here’s what you need to know about 21c Museum Hotel Durham:
- Location: Durham, North Carolina, set in a historic bank building downtown.
- Nearby Attractions: Durham Performing Arts Center, American Tobacco Campus, and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
- Transport: Approximately 25 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
- Views: Urban views of downtown Durham from select rooms.
- Google Reviews: 4.4/5 (1, 994 reviews).
- Amenities: Free contemporary art museum, fitness center, sauna, and cultural events.
- Breakfast: Available at the on-site restaurant, with creative dishes inspired by local flavors.
- Pool: No pool on-site.
- Loyalty Program: Part of Accor Live Limitless program.
- Rooms: Stylish rooms with original artwork, high ceilings, and modern decor.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- Shower and Laundry: Luxury bathrooms with designer toiletries; laundry service available.
- Budget: Mid-to-high range, a perfect pick for art enthusiasts and culture lovers.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Within Asheville’s famous Biltmore Estate, The Inn puts America’s largest private residence at your doorstep. The gardens, planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, invite peaceful walks, while paths through the grounds welcome hikers, cyclists, and horse riders.
Here’s what you need to know about The Inn on Biltmore Estate:
- Location: Asheville, North Carolina, located within the expansive Biltmore Estate.
- Nearby Attractions: Biltmore House, Biltmore Winery, and Antler Hill Village.
- Transport: Around 20 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport.
- Views: Picturesque views of the estate, mountains, and gardens.
- Google Reviews: 4.7/5 (over 1,634 reviews).
- Amenities: Winery, on-site dining, spa services, and outdoor activities like horseback riding.
- Breakfast: Elegant breakfast served at The Dining Room, with locally sourced ingredients.
- Pool: Outdoor pool with scenic views of the estate.
- Loyalty Program: Exclusive perks available through direct bookings and estate memberships.
- Rooms: Refined, luxurious rooms with classic decor and estate views.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the estate.
- Shower and Laundry: Marble bathrooms with soaking tubs; laundry service available.
- Budget: High-end, ideal for a luxurious, immersive estate experience.
Blockade Runner Beach Resort
At Wrightsville Beach, Blockade Runner Beach Resort draws water sports fans year-round. Try surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, or kayaking – with gear and teaching right on site. Steps from the waves, this resort helps guests make the most of beach life.
Here’s what you need to know about Blockade Runner Beach Resort:
- Location: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, right on the Atlantic Ocean.
- Nearby Attractions: Wrightsville Beach Park, Airlie Gardens, and Wilmington’s Historic District.
- Transport: About 20 minutes from Wilmington International Airport.
- Views: Oceanfront views from most rooms.
- Google Reviews: 4.1/5 (1,244 reviews).
- Amenities: Beach access, water sports rentals, fitness center, and garden.
- Breakfast: Coastal breakfast featuring local seafood and seasonal produce.
- Pool: Outdoor pool with ocean views.
- Loyalty Program: Special offers and packages available through direct bookings.
- Rooms: Light and airy beach-themed rooms with ocean or garden views.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort.
- Shower and Laundry: Modern bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries; laundry service available.
- Budget: Mid-to-high range, perfect for a laid-back beach getaway.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina’s hotels give you so many different ways to experience the state. Some shine with beautiful art, others put you right by the ocean, many serve amazing food, and quite a few tell stories from long ago. No matter which one catches your eye, these special places help make your time in North Carolina worth remembering.