By Carol Timblin
Hotel attendant Katrina smiled in recognition as I checked out of the
newest luxury hotel in the Carolinas. She had e-mailed prior to my visit
to see if I had any special requests while staying at the hotel. I soon
learned that corresponding with guests by e-mail or phone is just one
indicator of the attention to detail offered at the Cary, NC, property.
Opening as a member of Leading Hotels of the World early this year, the
six-story, 150 room Umstead Hotel and Spa, located near Umstead State
Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, is already setting
new benchmarks for hotels across the Carolinas.
Herons, the 98-seat hotel restaurant, and the hotel's beautiful
14,000-square foot spa recently made Conde Nast's "Hot List."
"We hope to earn Five Diamonds when we are rated by AAA," said Richard
Brooks, director of sales and marketing on a recent tour of the
property, which is a lofty goal since fewer than 75 properties in North
America currently achieve AAA's highest rating.
Built by Dr. James (Jim) Goodnight and his wife Ann and designed by
Three Architects (architectural firm), the hotel contains offers a
welcoming home environment focusing on THE arts and nature.
This is achieved through the contemporary interior decor chosen by world
renowned hotel designer Frank Nicholson and Mrs. Goodnight, who
personally selected and commissioned more than 60 pieces of art on
display throughout the hotel, including wall niches and other unexpected
places.
The collection consists primarily of paintings, prints, pottery and
wood, glass and fiber objects by North Carolina artists such as Ben
Owen, III, Mark Hewitt, Herb Jackson and others. It also includes a few
pieces such as a large-scale crystal work by Dale Chuhily that is
displayed in the lounge. (Some pieces on display are even available for
purchase.) Carmel-hued Anegre wood from Italy is used on walls and the
custom-made furniture throughout the property.
Not Ordinary
Guests soon realize this is no ordinary hotel. Bellmen greet each
arrival and offer valet parking and luggage delivery. After check-in,
the guest is escorted to the elevator by a hotel attendant. The entrance
to any floor, not just the club level on the 6th floor, is gained by
room key. Each guest room is bathed in soft lighting, while soothing
music plays and kaleidoscope images of nature unfold on the 42-inch
Plasma TV. The bed is outfitted in soft Rivolti Italian linens and a
nearby comfortable chair sports diamond-cut velvet upholstery. A desk
and a wireless internet hook-up are available in each room.
Soft robes, lined with terrycloth, hang in the closet (which also houses
a small safe), and signature bath amenities grace the bathroom. The
spacious dressing area and bathroom include a separate shower and a
large tub. The evening turn-down service includes bath slippers, a
shoeshine cloth and laundry bag on a tray. The mini-bar is equipped with sensors which let the hotel staff know when it needs restocking. And upon leaving the room, the guest may push a button to activate the "do not disturb" or "room needs service" lights. A microchip on the serving tray signals that it is ready for pick-up.
Room service is available 24 hours a day to the 142-oversized rooms and
eight larger suites, and Herons serves breakfast, lunch and dinner,
plus afternoon tea. Executive Chef Phil Evans, who came to The Umstead
from St. Regis in Aspen, uses many North Carolina products, including
Elodie Farm's goat's milk cheeses, Garland Truffles, Yates Mill
Cornmeal, Childress wines, and herbs from Herons own garden.
Signature dishes include Stone Ground Grit Souffle with Butter Poached
Maine Lobster, Seared Foie Gras with Local Black Truffle-Potato Puree,
and House Dry Aged Sirloin. The a la carte menu also includes
spa-inspired dishes and the chef's seasonal Tasting Menu. There are
2,500 bottles in the wine cellar, and 25 are available by the glass. The
bar seats 54 and the nearby lounge, library and sunroom provide intimate
areas for evening drinks.
For those who want a more secluded dinner setting, the restaurant offers
a semi-private room for 8 and a Chef's Table for 12. Guests may also
dine on the 46-seat terrace overlooking the three-acre lake, butterfly
gardens, and outdoor pool. Smoking is allowed on the Terrace.
The 14,000-square foot full-service hotel spa features 10 treatment
rooms, including a spa suite, manicure and pedicure rooms, separate
men's and ladies' lounges with fireplaces, "meditation" courtyards and
more. The wide variety of services available are customized and
personalized for each guest. Planned by Florida-based Health Fitness
Dynamics, Inc., the spa is directed by Judy Stell, who has managed some
of the country's leading spas. The fitness studio includes a full-range
of Cybex exercise machines, free weights, treadmills, elliptical
machines and stationary bikes, most with their own 15" TV and DVD-MP3
player.
The hotel also offers 10,200 square feet of meeting space, equipped with
state-of-the-art conferencing. The hotel offers romance, wedding night,
spa, and golf packages (the latter in conjunction with Prestonwood
Country Club).
Guests are blown away by The Umstead. Remarked a California gentleman as he exited the elevator: "I've never experienced any hotel like this. It's really something! "
Added Martin Armes of the Raleigh Convention & Visitors' Bureau: "At
long last, the Cary and Raleigh area have a true luxury hotel and spa. For years, we have been losing this upscale business to other markets...."
He said he expects the facility to fuel all types of economic activity for the area. |
