November 20th, 2007, by Mary Winston Nicklin
The Umstead Hotel and Spa: North Carolina’s Finest
The opening of the The Umstead Hotel and Spa caused quite the stir last year. One of the finest hotels in the Mid-Atlantic region, The Umstead was recently awarded the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond award for 2008, one of only eight new hotels on the list. Pretty impressive for a hotel that’s barely a year old. (The list of accolades isn’t short; the hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and was listed on the Hot List.) You can find sumptuous luxury just six minutes from RDU International Airport in N.C.’s Triangle area. The Umstead has become a destination in and of itself. Play golf at Prestonwood Country Club, indulge at the full-service spa, and chow down in style at the award-winning Herons restaurant, where you can catch live music nightly. Guests rave about the afternoon tea: Villeroy & Boch China and silver tea service featuring dainty tea sandwiches with southern flair (like Mini Buttermilk-Chive Biscuits with Johnston County Country Ham and Jalapeno-Strawberry Preserves).
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Contrary to what has been written about it, the service level in the resort is not what it is cracked up to be. You can tell it just opened. Service does not “click” or offer five diamond service. I think they paid their way in. The food however in the restaurant was first class.
In addition, you PAY to join Leading Hotels of the World.
Villeroy & Boch China does not make a hotel. They have a way to go!
My husband and I have fallen in love with this hotel and spa. Absolutely beautiful grounds, rooms, restaurant and spa. Everything is first-class. I recommend taking a tour of the hotel even if you’re not able to stay. The art work, lighting, architecture, restaurant, spa, gift shop, etc. alone make a visit worthwhile. The spa rooms are the most luxurious and spacious I have ever seen. This hotel very much reminds us of The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago. We have stayed at the Umstead three times and it has always been a truly wonderful experience. It lives up to all the hype and reviews and then some!! Enjoy!