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(February 2009) 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" and is rated Four Diamonds by AAA.

"We are pleased we were able to obtain a Five Diamond rating from AAA for the Umstead in our first year,” said Leah Goodnight, acting General Manager. Fewer than 75 properties in North America currently achieve AAA’s highest rating.

The hotel contains offers a welcoming home environment focusing on 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 Rivolta 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 out on a tray. 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. Herons serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus afternoon tea. Executive Chef, Paul Kellum, 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! " (Updated February 2009)