The Umstead Hotel and Spa
A peaceful, wooded escape near Raleigh
Stylish and contemporary, The Umstead Hotel and Spa leads you down a serene path of art, nature and wellness. While it is tucked away alongside Carolina pine trees overlooking a three-acre lake and adjacent to one of North Carolina’s best nature parks, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort is also less than 15 minutes outside of Raleigh and about five minutes from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport in the suburban town of Cary, North Carolina.
The Umstead offers a full-service, sophisticated stay with an upscale restaurant, a graceful spa and miles of trails to hike and explore.
The Umstead offers a full-service, sophisticated stay with an upscale restaurant, a graceful spa and miles of trails to hike and explore.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The Cary hotel’s spacious terrace, with a fireplace overlooking a walking trail and the stunning lake, is an ideal spot for cocktails and conversation after a bit of exercise, a spa treatment or a day of sightseeing.
- Nature is a big theme here, as large picture windows bring the outdoors inside and lots of natural materials (Texas limestone, copper, glass) were used to construct and design the warm, contemporary resort.
- Both the rotating art exhibits and the permanent art collections allow you to discover something new during every stay — works include those by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, nature-inspired painter Lynn Boggess and other well-known North Carolina artists and potters.
- The Five-Star restaurant, Herons, serves upscale regional American cuisine that is beautifully prepared and presented. It also has a focus on nature, sourcing many of its ingredients from local farmers. (The 2,500-bottle wine cellar is nothing to overlook, either).
- The Four-Star, 16,000-square-foot space at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is made for luxe pampering with plush furnishings, calming neutral-toned décor with natural accents and a long list of top-notch spa services from which to choose.
Things to Know
- This eco-friendly hotel has complimentary charging stations for Tesla vehicles.
- This dog-friendly property also has a fenced-in park for four-legged guests to enjoy.
- Nightly live entertainment in the lobby lounge make for a very comfortable stay.
The Rooms
- Many of The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s 150 stunning rooms and suites overlook its great lawn, heated seasonal pool and gorgeous lake; some have spacious balconies for you to enjoy the scenic views.
- Guest room entry doors are recessed for privacy and constant tranquility. Each room comes with fine Italian linens, contemporary décor in rich but muted colors and unique artwork. Bathrooms have deep soaking bathtubs, luxe bath products and thoughtful accessories like tub caddies.
- Premier Rooms range from 540 to 570 square feet and overlook the naturally landscaped grounds while Superior Lake View Balcony Rooms offer an extended balcony.
- Spa Level Suites are 650 square feet and are in close proximity to the spa, fitness center and pool.
- The Governor’s Suite and Presidential Suite are the top-of-the-line choices here and feature original artwork, views of the lake, walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms.
The Restaurants
- Heron’s 98-seat dining room features a full-view kitchen, original artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wooded grounds. Terrace dining is a lovely option in the spring, summer and fall.
- Jackets are not required for dinner, but this is not a casual dining experience. The dining rooms is elegant and hushed with an open, soundproof kitchen that often mesmerizes guests as they watch the culinary masters in action.
- A stellar wine list features more than 1,600 wines; craft beer and signature cocktails are available, too.
- Afternoon tea, which includes sandwiches, scones and the sweet sounds of a harpist, occurs every Wednesday through Sunday in the lobby lounge.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Bar
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Stories
