The Umstead Hotel is inspired by the intersection of art and nature. It’s not quite the same, but they do blend in beautifully. From their stunning gardens to their private collection of art, there are surprises at every turn. It’s no surprise that this is the only 5-star hotel in North Carolina. From the moment you are greeted at the door to the time they say goodbye, their attention to detail is evident in all they do. Our detailed Concierge review of the Umstead Hotel, Raleigh, NC.
The Umstead Hotel Location
The Umstead Hotel can be found between Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina. It is just off I-40 at exit 287. The William B Umstead State Park is only 1/2 mile away, and the North Carolina Museum of Art is only 4 miles. This is a great location for art and nature lovers. This convenient location was ideal for us to enjoy a weekend of biking on the Cary and Raleigh Greenways.
The hotel is only 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh. However, parking and traffic can make it difficult to get there. If you’re looking for a downtown hotel, then other hotels are located closer. The Umstead is a great urban retreat because of the nearby activities and its exceptional in-house dining.
The Umstead Property
The 12 acres of gardens and wooded land at the Umstead were beautiful. The paved path that circles the lake allows guests to access the natural areas whether they want to jog in the morning or walk at night. The oversized pool makes it perfect for adults who want to relax, swim or have a drink in the pool bar. The pool is open to children, but the space felt more mature without specific play areas.
The Umstead had a veritable museum of art inside. The Umstead has a carefully curated collection of art that includes a rotating collection from national and local artists. Some of our favorites were the Chihuly pieces in the lobby. The ensemble collection is just one of the many small things that made up the Umstead experience.
The Umstead Spa
This section was written from an experience we had in 2022. The spa was closed in August for renovations that would last until 2022. When the work is completed, we will update our images with new pictures. The spa looked beautiful and was highly functional even at the end.
Carolyn Doe was a great guide. I enjoyed my visit. She was very respectful of the privacy of her clients and allowed this tour only after hours. When I worked as a spa manager at a five star spa in Tucson Arizona, I would have given all-star marks for cleanliness and organization.
The theme of the spa was art and nature. The outdoor areas were beautiful, tucked away from the main grounds. They had sculptures and gardens. Carolyn’s professionalism made me confident in their quality services. I’d love to return after the remodel to receive a treatment myself.
Herons Restaurant
Herons Restaurant is a unique experience that you should not miss. Herons is one of only 64 Forbes Five Diamond Restaurants in the world. The restaurant is open for brunch, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features beautiful Chihuly-designed glasswork and stunning views of the grounds and gardens.
The four-course prix-fixe menu was an unforgettable dining experience. Each dish was presented in a spectacular way, with flavors and textures that were out of this world. Amuse-bouches were served between the courses and were as creative and tasty as the mains. You’ve been on a culinary adventure across the palate, with dozens flavors that complement each other as well as stand out in a distinctive way.
Afternoon tea at The Umstead Hotel
Reservations are required for Afternoon tea at the Umstead. Same-day reservations will not be accepted. You might even want to book both your tea and your room at the same time to ensure that you get in.
In the lobby lounge, tea is served with live music from a harpist. This is a great way to relax and socialize while letting your travel stress melt away.
The Umstead Hotel Room No.
Our room was spacious and comfortable. Our 540 square foot room had an oversize balcony that overlooked the 3-acre lake. We could see local art on the walls, and enjoy the view from our private balcony.
The room was a perfect five-star hotel with luxurious bedding and high-end toiletries. The coffee station and desk were our favorites. The touchpad control for heating and lighting in your room is a modern touch.
Bike from The Umstead Hotel
The Umstead is located between the Raleigh Greenways and the Cary Greenways. We are avid cyclists, and we were attracted by the location. The two cities have over 300 miles worth of bike and greenway routes. There are several great day rides that you can take from the hotel including the Cary Loop and American Tobacco Trail Out and Back. If you are comfortable riding the gravel path at Umstead State Park, you can access the Capital Greenway.
The Umstead Hotel offers guests complimentary bicycles and helmets. The Umstead State Park Loop (11) and Lake Crabtree Greenway Loop (11) are two short rides that you can take from the Umstead Hotel’s lobby. The most popular area for beginners in the Triangle is Lake Crabtree County Park. It has 8 miles of single-track.
You can read more about these rides in our Raleigh Bike Trail. It was written to emphasize riding directly from the Umstead Hotel.
The Umstead Commitment to Sustainable Development
We at Coleman Concierge believe that your money spent on travel can be put to good use. We like to recognize companies that are committed to sustainability as part of our commitment towards ethical travel. One such company is the Umstead Hotel.
The three-acre lake in their backyard is much more than just a place to jog. The area will be a functional natural space with a stream that has been restored, butterfly gardens and fountains which circulate water to ensure the health of plants and animals. They worked with 14 local farmers to supply food for Herons seasonal menus. They also composted food scraps and implemented recycling programs for paint, paper, cardboard and plastic.
Interel controls in the room allow for optimal energy management. The rooms have been designed to be energy efficient with window treatments which reduce UV rays by 70%. The rooms could have been more energy efficient with window treatments that reduce 70% of UV rays and Interel in-room controls for optimal energy management.
Last Thoughts about The Umstead Hotel & Spa
The Umstead Hotel and Spa was a five-star hotel for us. All staff were well-trained and met our service standards in every interaction. The property was very well-appointed and located in the heart of the city. The moment you entered the property you felt like you had been transported to a private retreat. However, you were still close enough to Raleigh for you explore the city.
The Umstead Hotel is a great choice for anyone coming to Raleigh. Its dining, spa and biking options are all unique enough to warrant a visit on their own. You can plan a mid North Carolina bike vacation that includes the Umstead Hotel in Raleigh and the Proximity hotel in Greensboro if you enjoy biking. You can even squeeze in some cycling at Greenville or Fayetteville.