Loading...
- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Beauty and Spas Day Spas Hotels, Day Spas [Edit]
100 Woodland Pond DrCary, NC 27513
(919) 447-4000
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot, Valet
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Review Highlights
23 reviews in English
-
Review from Richard P.
Santa Rosa, CA
1/29/2012
One of the best hotels, with the finest service, in the world. Period.
My wife, Susan, & I had the privilege of traveling widely during the years we were in publishing and technology. We've staying in five-star resorts around the world, including Relais & Châteaux, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and private residences we rented. The Umstead offers the most consistently extraordinary service we have experienced anywhere we've stayed. The hotel has demonstrated this more than once, and on visits that ranged from a personal get-away weekend to a more recent company leadership retreat.
You'll be greeted warmly by bell staff and doorpersons. Upon entry, you'll see the Dale Chihuly glass sculpture (whose work is in museum collections and public buildings around the world) in a place of visual prominence just beyond reception. You'll also be escorted from reception to the elevators by front desk personnel, except during unusually busy times. By the way, the rest of The Umstead's art collection is as spectacular as the Chihuly sculpture. Spend some time wandering the hallways.
Service is The Umstead's differentiator. It is impeccable, but offered with such unfailing, spontaneous grace, it is never overdone. Where the hotel finds so many attractive, well-spoken young men & women, I don't know. I've asked! It would be great to tap the same pool of talent for the business with which I'm associated. From the door, to the front desk, to the concierge stand, to the server team in Heron's (the restaurant in The Umstead), first-rate hiring and great training is in evidence.
Moreover, one's sense at The Umstead is not just of "being served," but of being welcome - the essence of hospitality. I don't know if what follows are the hotel's guidelines, but seemingly, within 5 feet of any staff member, one can be expect to be greeted by name; within 10, staff still make bright, cheerful eye contact and offer a pleasant greeting, usually accompanied by pausing whatever they were doing as if you or I, the guest, is much more important than whatever temporary task is at hand. How long has it been, and where, since you have experienced that?
The architecture of the hotel promotes a sense of relaxation, with clean modern lines and lovely views from ample floor-to-ceiling glass in public areas and guest rooms. Furnishings and bathroom design contribute to that feeling of quiet calm. One needn't use the spa (although it is deservedly popular) to leave a stay at The Umstead fabulously relaxed. A few reviews have questioned the layout of the bathrooms. If you want thick mahogany doors, brass locks, and you are extraordinarily private, then perhaps this is not the place for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate open, European design and tranquil, spa-like colors, fixtures, & glass, you'll feel quite comfortable. The only bathroom quibble Susan & I might have is that, in the shower (separate from the soaking tub), it would be much welcomed to have a larger shelf for shampoos, conditioners, razors, and other items needed.
In short, if you have the opportunity to be in the Raleigh, NC, area - and you value near-perfect service over pretension, you've found your home away from home. Susan & I can't wait to get back, and are already planning our next stay. -
Review from Seth G.
9/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have had to travel to the Raleigh area several times for business this year, and each time I have had the pleasure of staying at the Umstead I have not been disappointed.
First off, the grounds and location are impeccable. It is close enough to the airport to be convenient, but not too close to be annoying (no jets flying over == win) Everything about the facilities screams luxury and opulence, and the little touches really make it--whether its the fresh flower displays all throughout the hotel (especially in the lobby, wow!) or the bio-degradable, individually packaged slippers that show up after turn-down service.
That being said, the Umstead is definitely more geared towards the Resort crowd rather than the Business set. The staff are infinitely friendly, but terribly formal...don't expect to get in and out very quickly--you can definitely tell that they have very precise etiquette training. This is definitely not a bad thing, just don't expect to be able to swing through the restaurant (Heurons) and have a 20 minute breakfast while you're dashing off to that morning meeting, as you will most certainly be late.
All in all, everything about the Umstead is the finest it can be, every room I've had has been spotless, well-maintained, and exceedingly comfortable. The bar has a great selection, and the outside patio deck overlooking their amazing grounds is pleasant and inviting.
Enjoy the Umstead, and take the time to appreciate their hospitality and formality, and you will not be disappointed.Listed in: Places to Stay for Work & Play
-
Review from Ross T.
Corolla, NC
9/15/2011
A model of hospitality.
Organized and consistent service, very clean and well maintained rooms, and an excellent location. Very easy to conduct business and enjoy some peace and quiet. From the front door greeters, to the reception, they've obviously invested a great deal of resources to make sure their guests enjoy their time at the fine establishment. -
Review from Psalm S.
6/20/2011
Wow, amazing place and service. I got to have a spa day today and received a Swedish massage from Maria. She was very friendly, professional, and courteous. My massage was awesome and so incredibly relaxing. The room was perfectly lit, the music level great, the bed was heated and the 50 minutes just flew by. I was so blissed out afterwards, I had to lounge in one of their few lounges that we had access to with some cucumber water and complimentary snacks. They also have a beautiful meditation courtyard.
Everything from reception, to the concierge, to the therapists, it was a great experience. The steam bath was intense, but it was infused with Eucalyptus and a great finish after my massage. I also enjoyed the whirlpool tub, and the many other amenities that were provided.
I think I will be forever spoiled, and I'm looking forward to getting a facial upon my next visit. -
Review from Scott M.
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
So the price is that of a five star resort. The resort and spa earns its keep at the price it charges. The young lady who checked us in guided us to the elevator personally and made sure our key worked. We received a very nice note congratulating us on our anniversary.
The spa services are very nice. Many are complementary with lockers, steam room, spa tub and cold shower. There is a meditation area where couples can go and private areas where you can chill on your own.
You will be pampered pool side with side spray bottles, cold compresses, frozen watermelon and iced cucumber water. The morning features coffee and muffins. The bedside table has complementary bottles of water. The rooms are excellent. There is a very nice bathroom with rain shower and soaking tub. The sitting room has a desk couch and chair. There are two flat panel televisions.
This is an excellent place in an unexpected location. -
Review from Kristy B.
Cary, NC
4/11/2011
This past Saturday a group of friends were in town staying overnight at the Umstead, not a part of the large wedding party who was also on site. After going out to dinner, we inquired with the shuttle driver what time the bar would be closing in order to have a nightcap. We were informed Saturday closing was at 11:45 pm. Making our way to the bar at 11:23 pm we were promptly, and quite rudely, informed by the bartender that he would not be serving us anything as there had been a wedding, he had been busy, and he had closed early because of it. Now, keep in mind we are not at the Holiday Inn. This is the Umstead. We were basically told that this hotel cared more for the wedding guests, not standard guests, and that because this bartender was tired we were out of luck. After asking a second time, and confirming with the gentleman that closing was at 11:45 pm, but that since he had "run his report" he would not be assisting us, he promptly went to the back room.
After repeated complaints to the front desk and requests for a manager, we were assisted and comped a round of drinks (amazing how that report didn't seem to matter then.) I do appreciate the remediation, although not once did anyone say they were wrong to shun us to begin with, we were told again and again about "the wedding." I must say, this is not the type of service one would expect from this hotel. And trust me, it will not be forgotten when giving recommendations. Its a shame this treatment was bestowed upon a group who had previously frequented the location. Hope all of those beloved wedding guests will be returning, this group will be thinking hard against it. -
Review from Adam T.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2010
This place is crazy good. The room was luxurious, spacious and calming--it reminded me of a Ritz Carlton I stayed at in Manhattan's Battery Park neighborhood, except the layout was better, the pricetag was much lower (our rate for a Friday night was $239/night + tax) and the location was much more interesting (sorry, Battery Park, but you bored me to death).
The pool is amazing--definitely on the smallish side, but luckily not crowded at all. The staff there come around offering all sorts of extras like buckets of ice with bottled water and a mister, skewers of frozen grapes, and magazines. I felt extremely well taken care of.
The sister and I ate at Heron's bar later on, and I highly recommend the boneless pork ribs with smoked balsamic glaze, pineapple and sage. You will NOT need a knife. Also had the BLT, which was good but I've had better, and the Chocolate & Apricot dessert...also good, but unremarkable. Their signature sweet tea lemonade made with sweet tea vodka and freshly squeezed lemonde, though, now that's a good time!
Overall, I absolutely loved the whole experience at the Umstead and I would literally go back to Research Triangle just to stay there the entire time. -
Review from Mark L.
Burbank, CA
9/13/2010
Stayed at The Umstead with my fiance this past weekend, and it was probably, no DEFINITELY, the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at.
Loving the pickled okra they served at the bar! -
Review from Eddie H.
Chapel Hill, NC
6/1/2010
What can I say? From the second we arrived to the second we left, we felt like we were at the fanciest resort in the world. Never have I felt as though the staff actually *wanted* to help us as I did at the Umstead. My wife and I joked that we couldn't look lost for more than 5 seconds before someone was standing by our side walking us to where we needed to be. That's right-- walking us, not just telling us where to go.
The room is the most spacious hotel room I've been in outside of Vegas. The spa is amazing, and I even felt like I wasn't paying them enough for use of their services. This place is seriously great. The views are good, the pool (and pool staff) are great, the food at all venues is impressive, and the art alone is worth a visit. I'm speechless, the Umstead was way beyond what I was expecting-- and I was expecting a lot.
The only downside I saw is that it's very close to I-40 so sometimes outdoors would be a tad noisy. But honestly, it just blended in like white noise most of the time. -
Review from Phil G.
2/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I recently surprised my wife with a one-night's stay at the Umstead for Valentines. Saying she was "surprised" might be a little bit of an exaggeration. She had already guessed that we were staying at the Umstead Hotel and I tried to give the most convincing lie possible. Turns out, I'm not a good liar (lucky for her).
Anyways, we roll up in my Aston Martin (ok, I only felt like royalty). Valet attendants helped me unload the luggage and took the car away. We were not allowed to touch a door handle as we entered (believe me, I tried). We checked in and got a brief tour of the hotel's first floor. Interior is very well-appointed and luxurious.
We get up to our room and, I must admit, it didn't feel like a 5-star room. To be fair, I've never been in a 5-star hotel so this is just based on intuition. The bed and sheets were very comfortable. The bathroom was very spacious and impeccably clean. Some oddities: the commode was only partitioned from the rest of the bathroom by a glass door that didn't go to the ceiling (limited privacy) and there were two other sliding doors that didn't work that well. The light switches on each lamp were hard-to-reach (sorry, that probably seems so petty). The rooms have a nice TV and DVD player (sorry, no Blu-ray yet) but who goes to watch TV anyways?
The service is probably what makes this hotel so special. I'm a little weird about letting people do things for me that I could do myself but I think if I were to get over that complex then I'd have the real five-star experience. I think if you asked one of the bell boys to tie your shoe they'd be obliged to follow your instructions (anyone want to try this?).
That evening we had a special dinner at Herons (see my other review of this place). After our meal we had a few drinks in the bar. They had a singer/musician that sang some classic favorites. It was very relaxing and there was nice ambiance in the room. I even found the courage to do a quick dance with my wife during the last song of the night (we were trying to recall our First Dance at our wedding but didn't do so well). If you're going to be drinking then you might find it more economical to buy a bottle of wine instead of four Gin and Tonics (at least, that's what we learned to our surprise).
If you like to be treated like royalty then Umstead is probably as close as you'll get in the Triangle. And, Herons (the on-site restaurant) is very awesome (again, see my other review). -
Review from Lauren R.
Raleigh, NC
2/13/2010
This is the best spa in the triangle area --and one of the best spas I've visited in America. The prices, while not cheap, are reasonable. The spa facilities were clean, contemporary, and lovely. The spa services were great.
Most importantly, I saw women of all shapes & sizes in the spa. The staff was friendly without being pretentious. Everyone made me feel welcomed. -
Review from Irene T.
Gold Canyon, AZ
5/11/2009
We didn't stay here, but we wanted to check it out. It was a chilly, rainy day and we were in jeans and T-shirts, trying to stay warm.
We were met at the front door by a female employee who welcomed us and told us to take our time and to check out the restaurant because it was so beautiful. At least once in each room we entered, someone asked if he/she could help us. No one had an attitude, just very gracious. The hotel should be proud to have such a well trained staff.
The ground floor of the hotel has beautiful art work including paintings, pottery and metalwork, all by NC artists. There's also a Chihuly sculpture in the bar and lovely flowers all around.
I would stay there. Not just for the TVs and large rooms, but for the well trained staff, without attitude, who work there. -
Review from Chuck M.
Chanhassen, MN
4/25/2010 2 photos
The restaurant is exquisite! Outstanding staff, fabulous and creative food, and peaceful environ.
Large rooms, huge bathroom area and perfectly quiet at night--no outside noises from the hall/other rooms.
Just a great place. -
Review from Ming-Jou C.
Torrance, CA
2/29/2008
This hotel opened in January 2007 and I used it for an event for about 100 people in October 2007. I stayed there about 2 weeks.
The people, from sales, catering and such were as gracious, thorough and flexible as could be. They allowed us full access to their parking lots, limiting their valet and employee parking space. We used the lawn in back for a dinner which I have to say was not so good. But the lunches we had out on the terrace with chef stations was fabulous. They cooked to order and had really good tomato basil soup. All the staff addressed me by name.
The rooms were great with 42-inch plasma TVs and the bathrooms had rain-type shower heads. The amenities were top notch and the tubs were so deep you could swim in them.
They immediately addressed any concerns that I had and the valet staff was as nice as could be. The great thing about this hotel is that they're 5 minutes from RDU airport, and it's like an urban luxury retreat. I had a chance to try the spa and the treatments, from massage to pedicure, and all were really well done.
The hotel prides itself on being very hi-tech. If you order room service, there's a silver weight-like thing they put on your tray. When you place your tray outside your door, it alerts them to pick it up. Convenient so you don't have stinky food sitting in the hallway for hours, which is disgusting.
They have a few suites on the bottom floors, king-size suites and one huge Presidential which we used for a hospitality room and it worked out great since there's a big balcony if you have people who want to smoke.
This hotel has two large driveway entrances. Since we were staging an event, we utilized both. One of them was on the convention side and it was perfect because it lead right out to the driveway. I have to say the ballrooms were a bit on the small side for our purposes, but we had a stage and a classroom, chevron setting. All three meeting spaces had built-in screens and drop-down projectors. If you plan on using both rooms, the air wall that separates the two does a decent enough job. And there is a separate wall and doors in front of the two larger meeting rooms so that you can put food service out there if you want and not worry about people stealing your food, or walking by and gawking at your meeting should the doors be ajar.
The decor was nice and the hotel had a great lobby with a beautiful arrangement of flowers. Concierge was very nice and I felt very comfortable there my entire stay.
All our guests enjoyed it and I know some of my clients said they would consider using the venue again for their different purposes. I would definitely stay there again on my own or for business.
Best part is that there are good places to eat in the surrounding areas and you're only about 15-20 minutes away from a major mall and Raleigh-Durham/Chapel Hill. -
Review from Yini G.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2010
Upscale comfort. One of the nicest hotel I've stayed at. The rooms were spacious, especially the bathroom.
My colleagues and I dined outside and it was a great atmosphere.
So happy I was here on the client's expense. Unfortunately, we were only there for 1 might and I didn't get the opportunity to try the other amenities. -
Review from Nene K.
3/2/2010
This review is for the Umstead Bar & Lounge.
The Umstead is my go-to spot to wind down after a stressful day at work. At first, I thought this place was going to be very pretentious and snooty. It was not at all like that. From the valet outside to the host to the bartenders, the service was impeccable and impressive.
Also, I believe you know the character of an establishment by how well they keep their bathrooms and the Umstead does not disappoint! Carpeted, lovely lighting, floor to wall doors. The women's restroom is more like a powder room which perfectly suits the easy luxury that is Umstead.
The Verdict: This hotel does not disappoint. Drink, eat, sleep, and relax here often. -
Review from Paul K.
Fuquay-Varina, NC
7/26/2011
I love This place. Best bar in the area
-
Review from Melodie S.
Cary, NC
6/4/2008 1 photo
Feels like a Four Seasons. If you have the means or, like me, just like to pretend like you do, you should stay nowhere else while in the Triangle area, because this is truly the best we have to offer. service, amenities, food all top-notch. There is a very distinct feeling I get when staying in very nice hotels, like, if even for a night, all is right with the world, The Umstead brought me to that very special place. They serve high-tea in the afternoons, I haven't tried but intend to when I next feel like indulging or impressing a visitor.
-
Review from Erich V.
Oakland, CA
8/9/2008
An elegant yet unpretentious lobby, a huge bathroom, and HDTVs in the room.
-
Review from Michael T.
Charlotte, NC
11/10/2009
Wow! I travel every week for business so I stay in a lot of hotels... the Umstead is hands down one of the nicest places I've ever stayed at! And who would have thought you find such a jewel in Cary, North Carolina! The service was unbelievable - very attentive without being pretentious. From the guys at the door to the lady that shows you to the elevators, everything was perfectly choreographed. I will definitely be back on my next visit to Cary.
-
Review from Christina G.
Durham, NC
This review comes right on the heels of a 4-star I left for the W in SF... which, let's be honest, was just about the poshest hotel I may ever stay in. So I'm sorry, Umstead, but I just can't give you 5 stars. When you stay at a luxury hotel, you've got certain expectations of grandeur. And the expectations were just not met. Certainly, the service was top-notch... bell-boys at your heels at every second. But I can unload my own handcart, and save myself a few bucks, you know? I get the impression that this hotel is designed to cater to business clientele. And the design certainly reflects that -- very upscale Marriott-feeling. And not special at all. I found myself missing the swanky-chic and cool personal touches at the W. They did have slippers here, which was cool. But the rest was :yawn:-inducing. And the bathroom, well. The sliding doors separating it from the main room were flimsy and cheap--we couldn't even get ours to close all the way! Not exactly the indulgent romantic Valentine's night in mind. And the next day, our room service was about 30 minutes late. They did at least call to alert us they were running behind, but it left us pretty rushed to eat, get packed, and check out on time. I only give such a harsh review because of the amount of money you spend and the reputation the Umstead has. We both were grateful we got the room at a SAS-employee discount, as it would have felt even more lackluster paying the steep full price. To end on a good note: As a huge sheets snob, I will say the linens here are just top-notch. Verrry comfy bedding.
Listed in: Cary-land, Hotels Across America
-
Review from traci l.
10/27/2008
This hotel is great! My family had to cancel our trip to Ashville and were lucky to get two rooms at the Umstead. The concierge was very nice and helpful when I made the reservations. The hotel is very pretty. There is a nice walking path around the lake that is very pretty to walk around. The pool is heated year round and they have an afternoon tea time. I loved the harp player as well. My family had a good time enjoying a drink in the lounge listening to the harp player. The hotel also has a spa which hotel guest receive complimentary access too. While the spa area is not very big, it was still nice to use. It has a sauna, steam room, spa, changing area, showers and vanity area. It was nice to use the spa and I felt very relaxed afterwards. The beds are super comfy and watching TV on a flat screen was cool. We had breakfast in the hotel restaurant and it was good. My breakfast potatoes came in the cutest little baby skillet I have ever seen.
Listed in: I'm A Lady
-
Review from Randi W.
Orlando, FL
5/15/2009
If I could give The Umstead 10 stars, I would. After reviewing several venues in the Raleigh area, I decided to select The Umstead as the venue for my company's annual user conference. It was by far the right choice. From the pre-planning stages through the conference execution, not a detail was overlooked. In the months leading up to the event, The Umstead staff was in touch with me every day and was immediately responsive to e-mails and phone calls. I felt comfortable with the event every step of the way, which is not an easy feat when planning a conference from 3,000 miles away. The hotel and conference facilities are astounding - the AV equipment is sleek and high-tech, the rooms were pristine, and the food is excellent. Most important, the service I received at The Umstead is quite possibly the best service I have received at any hotel - from The Ritz-Carlton on down. Bryn and Jeremy were fantastic during event planning, and the entire staff that helped run our event - Mary, Gary, Tammie, and the service staff - were fantastic. Drinks and meals were constantly refreshed and used dishes never remained out for long. Most important, our users constantly commented on the excellent service the hotel extended to all of them. Thanks in large part to The Umstead's staff, our event was a complete success.
