Set on 12 acres, the Umstead Hotel provides a respite from the outside world with its superb lakeside setting. This five-star hotel is also dedicated to sustainability, offering a range of energy-saving features and organic food from its own gardens and local producers as part of its dedication to wellness.
Accommodation type: 5-star
No. of Rooms & Suites: 150
Pricing: starts at $353 for single rooms, at $388 for double rooms, at $549 for suites
High season: March through November
Nearest airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families, pet owners
Awards:
- Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Hotels in the American South, 2016
- Southern Living’s The South’s Best Hotels, 2015
- Recognized by Food & Wine Across America
Accommodation
Built in 2007, the Umstead Hotel is a minimalist building featuring sleek lines, warm, wooden tones. It has an aura meant to relax the senses. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful North Carolina hotels. The rooms have pillow-topped mattresses, Keurig coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a range of other amenities. The tall windows let in light and have either forest or lake views. Guests who bring along a canine companion have use of DogWoods, a dog-friendly outdoor playground area. Also, there’s an outdoor pool open seasonally with its own bar. The nearby lake is three acres in size and has a jogging trail.
The hotel’s collection of unique art in its gallery changes with the seasons. Even more, guests can pick up a brochure at the concierge desk to supplement a self-guided tour of the exhibit. The hotel’s dedication to the arts includes daily live harp performances during afternoon tea and live entertainment in the lounge each night.
Facilities
- Spa – with over 16,000 square feet of space, the Umstead Spa offers a full array of treatments. That ranges from facials and body treatments to manicures and pedicures to a range of massages. There’s an aromatherapy steam room, and guests are treated to complimentary snacks and beverages while enjoying services. A whirlpool tub and outdoor meditation courtyard assist in providing a serene experience.
- Herons Restaurant – chic and modern, the award-winning Umstead restaurant offers exceptional entrees. That includes wild boar, quail, turbot and duck. In addition to offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, there’s also an afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweets. The bar and lounge area offers its own specialty menu and an array of fine wines and cocktails.
- Fitness Studio – with a full complement of free weights and fitness machines, guests will be able to stretch any sore muscles from traveling. Guests can also use the Prestonwood Country Club, which offers 54 holes of golf, tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Complimentary Activities
Yoga classes are offered each Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. in the spa. The concierge will have all necessary information, and guests get complimentary mats. The nearby lake has trails, and guests have use of the hotel’s collection of bikes and helmets for exploring the area.
Guests can rent a wide selection of videos by checking with the concierge, where a list of the movies is also available.
Travel Options
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is just over six miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Those renting cars at the airport should get on I-40 East from Airport Boulevard. After three miles, take Exit 287/Harrison Avenue. A right turn on North Harrison Avenue will bring travelers to SAS Campus Drive on the left. Follow this road for about an eighth of a mile until taking a left onto Woodland Park Drive. The hotel will be on the right.
Both Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto and Carolinian/Piedmont lines stop in Cary. The station is just three and a half miles from the Umstead Hotel. Bus service to Weston Parkway is available, although passengers will need to walk the rest of the way to the hotel on foot. In addition, Cary also has several taxi companies able to carry passengers from the Amtrak station to the hotel.
Main Attractions Around Umstead Hotel
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
This beautiful preserve has well-manicured walking trails totaling more than three miles, an array of wildlife, a beautiful forest backdrop and a nature center full of exhibits. It highlights the unique features of the local area. All this, make this 150-acre park along the Swift River a wonderful way to get some fresh air. There are classes for small children up to adults in everything from conservation principles to habitat study. The longest hiking trail is just over a mile in length, making the area perfect for even beginning hikers. The park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset and is free to the public.
Cary Arts Center
Located in an impressive red brick Greek revival building from the 1870s, this center features a 437-seat auditorium. It regularly hosts children’s theater performances, ballet, comedy routines, musical performances and cultural exhibitions. In addition, there are workshops teaching everything from making ceramics to painting, woodworking and the performing arts. You can check schedules of upcoming events with the hotel’s concierge. Even more, visitors who drop by the center can tour its gallery hosting the work of local artists that changes monthly.
North Carolina Museum of History
Located in nearby Raleigh, this exquisite museum offers insight into North Carolina’s fascinating history. It includes exhibits detailing the Wright Brothers’ early airplane designs, complete with full-scale models. There are 12,000-year-old tools belonging to the earliest inhabitants on display, the remains of a sunken pirate ship, a house dating from 1742, and an array of Civil War-era artifacts. The state has a beautiful history and culture that’s worth seeing.
Final Words
With warm temperatures throughout the year, thickly forested landscape and the convenience of nearby cities, Cary offers a retreat from the outside world. If you’ve been lucky enough to visit this part of North Carolina or have had a chance to stay at the Umstead Hotel, let us know about your visit in the comments below. If you’re looking for unique retreats awya from city noise, make sure you check out the Dunton Hot Springs as well.