The Best Hotels to Book in North Carolina for Every Traveler

Hidden away among the Carolina pines and with a serene setting over the lakeside, the Umstead Hotel and Spa is an ideal spot for some well-deserved rest and recuperation. Based in the small town of Cary, the Umstead is the only Forbes-rated, five-star hotel in the state – and it’s easy to see why it achieved such a prestigious score. The suites are elegantly designed, including individually curated artworks and thoughtful features, such as a deep soaking bathtub, VertuoLine Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary wifi for every guest.

Housed on the historic Biltmore estate, first founded by the renowned Vanderbilts, the Inn has every bit of the luxury and opulence that made the family famous. With sweeping views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s easy to forget you’re just a short drive from the bustling city of Asheville. The Inn’s interiors are traditionally furnished, reflecting the rich history of the estate – but it’s the fantastic in-house facilities that truly make the hotel shine. These include its very own winery, a world-class spa and even a charming model railway in the botanical gardens.

In downtown Charlotte and a short distance from many of the area’s cultural highlights, the striking Ritz-Carlton hotel is a sanctuary from the lively city center. Designed with sustainability in mind, every aspect of the hotel has been touched by this eco-friendly ethos. The restaurant uses ingredients grown on the rooftop garden, the spa only uses organic materials for their huge array of treatments and even the rooms’ mini bar is stocked with locally sourced beverages. Outside of the green-minded greatness, the hotel has a curated contemporary design, offering the very best in modern comfort.

Inspired by the idyllic towns of southern Italy, the Siena Hotel brings a piece of that classic European elegance to the town of Chapel Hill. Modeled after a Tuscan villa, it’s easy to see the influence in the hotel’s suites – with their hand-picked Italian furnishings, marble floors and grandiose columns. A true high point of the hotel is the on-site restaurant, Il Palio, which serves a delicious menu of authentic Italian dishes, using the best of local ingredients and consistently rated 4 diamonds by the AAA.

Based in the charming city of Greensboro, the Proximity Hotel is a modern take on the classic hotel experience. The employee-owned hotel goes to great lengths to be as eco-conscious and sustainable as possible – it was the first hotel in America to receive a LEEDS Platinum green rating. A popular choice for wedding parties looking for a contemporary ceremony, the hotel has huge loft-like suites featuring specifically commissioned furnishings, breathtaking event spaces and a delectable menu in the Print Works restaurant.

The Grand Bohemian sets itself apart from other hotels in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains through its fierce individuality and fascinating aesthetic. A wild spirit channels itself through the worn leather furnishings, curious antiques and carefully curated artworks. The unorthodox aesthetic runs through the guest rooms, each channeling a 19th-century hunting lodge – but with up-to-date amenities. Be sure to check out the Red Stag Grill restaurant, which offers a creative blend of European comfort foods with Carolina sensibilities – it’s frequently touted as one of the best restaurants in town.

Offering guests a truly one-stop-shop for culture and comfort, the 21C Museum Hotel is part art museum, part event space and part boutique hotel. Found in Durham’s historic Hill Building and first opened in 2015, 21C has been welcoming guests to its captivating exhibitions and eclectic event calendar ever since. Don’t worry though – the hotel itself is well worth a visit in its own right, with its original Art Deco interiors brought up to date with modern touches such as complimentary wifi, 42-inch HDTV and Malin + Goetz toiletries as standard.

Located right in the center of the city, the Durham is a prominent mid-century hotel with a gorgeous design, embodying the energetic atmosphere of its namesake. Each of the rooms plays up to the hotel’s heritage and features a crisp retro interior with lovingly sourced local touches – such as Raleigh denim blankets and a coffee set from a local roasting company. A real bright spot in Durham’s excellent offering is the in-house rooftop terrace, with picture-perfect views of the city and a bespoke cocktail menu – sourced with seasonally suitable ingredients and spirits.

In the very heart of Charlotte’s animated uptown, you’ll find the prestigious Grand Bohemian Hotel – a perfect jumping-off spot for exploring the city’s many nearby attractions. Well-suited for sports fans, the hotel is a short distance to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Spectrum Center and Truist Field. If you’re feeling like you need a pamper, the hotel has a great selection of facilities – including a fully-equipped fitness center and dedicated on-site spa, with an eclectic collection of recuperating treatments, body scrubs and massages.

Originally built in 1929 and serving as the architectural ancestor of New York’s Empire State Building, today the Cardinal Hotel still offers its guests traditional Southern hospitality with a 21st-century spin. Playing on its Art Deco origins, the hotel itself is a fantastic blend of the classic and contemporary, with spacious suites, elegant ballrooms and an energetic in-house eatery. A Southern take on a traditional French brasserie, the Katherine has an appetizing menu of fresh seafood, American classics and delectable drinks.

First opened 100 years ago, the Grand Old Lady lives up to both its name and reputation. Set amongst the peaceful Smoky Mountains, the hotel has a calm and restful atmosphere, with pleasant and personal service. Each room is traditionally furnished, with luxury linens, an ensuite bathroom and even an authentic clawfoot bathtub. Make sure to try the complimentary three-course American breakfast, served in the hotel’s ample in-house dining room.

A few steps away from the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks, the Sanderling Resort is the perfect option for guests looking for an escape to the ocean. The hotel has a choice of traditional hotel suites in their North & South Inns, as well as private beach houses – well-suited for family breaks or romantic weekends away. With a true focus on wellness, the resort features an excellent on-site spa with a number of signature treatments and classic therapies available for guests to book.