 By Tom Crosby
When people come to see the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the first time, they often choose to stay at the Carolina Inn because of its location in the midst of the campus.
The next time they choose to stay at Carolina Inn is usually because it mirrors the essence of traditional Southern hospitality and charm with a colonial style exterior, crisp white woodwork interior and a service minded staff.
Owned by the University since 1935 and managed professionally by Doubletree Hotels Corp. which oversaw a $15.5 million renovation in 1994, the Inn today lives by its founder's motto - "A cheerful inn for visitors."
The Inn's style and service are garnering awards, from the AAA Four Diamond Award, to winning Doubletree's internal CARE Cup for having the highest guest satisfaction rating of any of the 132 properties Doubletree owns or manages.
 "The CARE Cup is a tribute to the consistently friendly, responsive, professional, caring service that our staff provides to each other and to our guests each day," said General Manager Creston Woods.
And add to the charm light, bright colors and daily fresh flowers that one staffer described as "like a beautiful southern mansion decked out in it's best spring dress."
Each of the 184 guest rooms are idiosyncratic, historic (some have hosted U.S. Presidents) and unique, with individual temperature controls and a daily delivery of USA Today. A dataport, two telephone lines and voice mail in every room also makes it convenient for business travelers.
Special touches include a private lobby for overnight guests to play cards, watch TV with others or just meet fellow travelers. A sunlight hallway outside the ballrooms adds a touch of cheerfulness and historians can ponder through the hotel antiques, paintings, and murals that a UNC archivist is currently researching for historical accuracy.
Famous Zuber wallpaper hangs outside the Carolina Crossroads Restaurant, a AAA Three-Diamond rated restaurant.
 Traditional Southern dishes are served with fresh local produce as ingredients for culinary creations served with attentiveness by the wait staff at tables adorned with upscale cutlery.
Menu items include North Carolina white shrimp and grits, fire roasted bell pepper and fresh crawfish soup and potato gnocchi.
And finally, for a small historic touch, the Inn and restaurant are located where a small New Hope Episcopal chapel was located more than 200 years ago at a trading crossroads. The town of Chapel Hill derived its name from that chapel, which is still located at a crossroads of activity.
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