We chose this hotel as our wedding venue, and overall, we were very pleased with the experience. The service truly stood out--every staff member was attentive, professional, and went above and beyond to take care of us. On the wedding day, they even steamed my dress as a surprise, which I really appreciated. Our wedding coordinator was organized and incredibly helpful in managing the timeline, making sure everything ran smoothly and on schedule. One thing to note is that the venue is fairly strict about outside vendors not on their preferred list. Thankfully, our photographer already had liability insurance, but there were a few extra personal touches we had to forgo due to these guidelines. The complimentary suite included in our package was a highlight--spacious, beautifully designed, and perfect for getting ready with friends and family. The bed was very comfortable, though the multi-head shower took some getting used to. We also appreciated the thoughtful touches: handwritten notes, complimentary champagne and chocolates at check-in, and another bottle of champagne along with a small piece from the Michael Aram Anemone collection on our wedding night--such a special gesture. Food for both the cocktail hour and reception met our expectations, and many of our guests had great things to say about the quality and hospitality. Our signature cocktails--the Old Fashioned and espresso martini--were solid and well-made. Overall, they truly took great care of us and helped make our wedding day feel special. read more

This is a Pool Bar only review. I booked a spa trip for my birthday on a weekday so that I could enjoy the pool amenities. After my spa visit I headed to the pool and was seated in a spot with an umbrella, as requested. Unfortunately, the umbrella was broken and I had to move myself to a spot with a functioning umbrella. Next, we ordered drinks, which we both were enjoying until the staff walked by and swiped up my unfinished drink. He didn't ask if I wanted anything, just silently took it and kept moving. My husband decided to keep his drink in hand for the rest of his, and when he was done the guy drove by and snatched his up. He didn't stop to ask if we needed anything else. I was planning to have drinks and lunch by the pool, but after that moment I decided I was done with the Umstead pool and left. read more

The Umstead Hotel - Menu - Hotels Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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This place is an absolute dream. My sister and I stayed for one night and had the most serene experience at the pools and spa. Our room was beautiful and cozy. The bar/lounge was wonderful for dinner and drinks. The greens truly taste amazing! The service was phenomenal. I cannot wait to come back! read more

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Came to a private event at the Umstead and I wanted to comment on the catering they provided. Absolutely, exceptional. The blueberry goat cheese salad, collard greens, Mac and cheese, fried fish, brisket and tomato bisque soup, EVERYTHING was well seasoned. Which can be hit or miss from hotel catering especially at larger volume. If you were on the fence, don't be. Book your event with them. read more

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The Umstead Bar & Lounge is such a beautiful spot. It has a classy, elevated atmosphere, and the service is always great. The food and drinks are top tier. It's the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the evening. read more

The Umstead Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Review only for afternoon tea only: $92 for a bunch of little pastries, tea sandwiches and desserts... worth it? Yes! It was a birthday treat for my friend and me, and the best afternoon tea experience I've had in the Triangle thus far! I loved tasting cute little bites of different flavors and textures... and the bread/pastries were freshly baked and delicious! Gorgeous and relaxing ambiance with the harp playing in the background. This was a filling lunch for me personally but obviously not the place to pig out. Highly recommend. read more

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I attended an all-day event at this beautiful venue. Elegance and thoughtfulness were reflected in every detail and, although most of the details were a result of amazing event planning (event planners were not affiliated with the venue), the Umstead executed the plans so seamlessly. The natural light and lakefront landscape brought such beauty to the rooms that lots of additional decor was not even necessary. A simple floral centerpiece on each table was just the right touch of elegance. The customer service was remarkable. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, friendly without being overbearing. Every detail was handled with grace. As for the food, breakfast was fresh and thoughtfully prepared, but the standout was lunch, especially my favorites -- the premium salad bar, the carrot ginger soup, and the key lime cheesecake bars. Delicious! If you're planning a special event or just want to treat yourself to a space that exudes serenity and luxury, visit the Umstead. Can't wait to return -- next time I will book a spa treatment! read more

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We were really looking forward to our stay and could not have been more disappointed. We made our reservations by phone about 3 months in advance and the lovely reservation agent asked if we were celebrating anything. I said our anniversary and she said she'd make a note of it. We also made reservations for Herons, the onsite restaurant, and the Umstead Spa so she had both of our names. At check in, the reservation was under my name and "guest". Hmmm... small error but that can be fixed. But it wasn't. After a terrible dining experience at Herons - that gets its own review - we returned to our room to find that housekeeping had left a little card on the bed addressed to me and guest. Are you serious? We are celebrating our anniversary and we let you know that when making the reservation and at check in. The hotel itself is lovely, the pool was relaxing, the spa was delightful but the staff needs a lot more training if they want to keep their reputation. I did learn after our stay that the Umstead has a new general manager. Hope he can either get things back in shape or is replaced. I did reach out to him following our stay. At first I did not receive a response to my email. When I followed up, I received a curt phone call thanking me for my "constructive criticism". No apology, no what can we do to make this up to you, nothing. We were also surprised at the number of dogs on the property. There is a large lawn behind the hotel for weddings and events and a little sign saying not to allow dogs on the grass. So guests were walking their dogs around the edges and letting them relief themselves in the planting beds. I imagine on a hot day, this probably gets a little stinky. We would go back for the spa, the pool (though if you visit the spa, you can also go to the pool!) and we did enjoy drinks and lunch the next day at the more casual patio bar. Those experiences were great and helped make the weekend not a complete loss. But for the money we paid, nope, not again unless I hear things have changed. read more

This review is only regarding the pool bar. We were having a great experience until we witnessed a server chasing and screaming after a couple who was leaving while holding a coffee pot. The way she spoke to them was aggressive and completely inappropriate for a guest facing employee. Unfortunately, we did not get her name, but she was the only server working in the pool bar area who was wearing long pants, making her easy to identify. The same server continued to display unprofessional behavior throughout our stay at the Umstead. We were planning to go back to the pool everyday of our stay but didn't even want to after the experience with this server. On multiple occasions, she was repeatedly scratching her crotch area aggressively and then immediately returning to food service without any visible attempt to wash or sanitize her hands. As a guest, this was extremely unpleasant to witness and raised serious concerns about cleanliness and food handling standards. In addition, she appeared disorganized, delivered incorrect food, and even took our order incorrectly. This level of service was shocking given The Umstead's reputation and significantly detracted from what should have been a high end experience. I guess personal hygiene and cleanliness isn't a requirement to work at The Umstead. She also made us uncomfortable when she brought us the wrong food order. Instead of handling the situation professionally, she appeared confused about what had happened and had to ask another server to figure out the mistake, despite being the person who took our order. During this interaction, she was standing at our table making odd movements and dancing around, which only added to the awkwardness of the situation. read more

Went to Umstead for after work drinks with my husband last week. These cocktails were some of the best cocktails I've had! I also appreciated the olives and nuts given to us to snack on. Highly recommend the bar for a fun date night or meetup with friends. The patio is also absolutely beautiful--it reminded us of a place we went to in France. Outstanding attention by bartenders and beautiful environment. read more

The Umstead Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

I don't like to use clichés, but I have to here: The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a real gem. It's luxurious, unique, and tranquil in a way that's unlike most Triangle hotel properties. Located just off I-40 exit 287 in Cary - a good location for getting to and from various places around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill - it feels tucked away in the forest, far from the city. It's beautiful, peaceful, serene, and integrated with nature. The backside of the property has a picturesque pond with fountains. It's a nice getaway, right in the middle of the Triangle. The Umstead is home to Herons, one of the best restaurants in the state. It's fine dining. You can read my review of Herons here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/herons-cary-2?hrid=GITq-_LsknTIDQZCdPqFYw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Book reservations for Herons using OpenTable. The Bar & Lounge is the place to be. It's classy, sophisticated, and has multiple elegantly-decorated rooms and outdoor patio seating to enjoy lunch, dinner, and drinks. It's a great spot to hang out, before or after dinner at Herons or just as a nice meetup point with family and friends. The service we experienced was first class and consistent throughout the entire property, from phone to hotel reception to messaging to bar, lounge, and restaurant staff. Everyone we interacted with was terrific. In our last three weeks in North Carolina, my wife tried to treat herself to a spa appointment. Unfortunately, they were completely booked. Shows you how popular the Umstead Spa is. Valet parking is available at the front. Free self-parking in a large dedicated lot is available off Woodland Pond Drive. The Umstead is situated at the entrance to the SAS campus, which seems fitting considering how much money SAS has brought into the area over the years. read more

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Our daughter just held her wedding there and MADISON in Events was superb! A wedding is many days, many exchanges, and Madison was always on top of it; knowledgeable, helpful, patient, and could pivot with the best of them. The Umstead location works so well situated in a private quiet setting, yet central to the Triangle area, shuttle to the airport, and luxurious a at every turn. The food was delicious, bartenders fast, complimentary valet, outdoor terrace reception, and the room added the drapery more than served our group. Thank you Madison you are a true professional and represent your property wonderfully. read more

We've stayed here multiple times and this was an absolutely horrible experience. During prior experiences we were able to sit in the parlor/tea room with our dogs. On this occasion we had a bottle of wine with our pups in the parlor earlier in the day. We tried to grab a quick drink prior to dinner in the same area and Hannah immediately came out and told us to leave. Unbelievably rude and condescending. I explained that we were there earlier and I saw other dogs in there about 30 minutes before but she told us no dogs in the lobby/bar and we had to go outside. For a dog friendly hotel (the most dog friendly hotel in NC) this felt odd. It was also concerning that the rules keep changing more concerning is that they change based on who you are. I later went to the bar and sat there for 30 minutes before someone offered help. Not so surprisingly Hannah worked there as well. It felt like I was being refused service because of our prior interaction. After 7-10 stays I might officially be done, which is really sad as we truly enjoy it here and the food at Herons, Just keep the rules consistent and try not to single people out. As an aside, the pool was filled with inappropriate attire especially with kids around. So individuals can walk around with basically no clothing but I can't have a drink in the lobby with my dog? Things are changing here and not for the positive. A small issue but wanted to call out. They closed the pool for "thunder" that nobody heard. Everyone exited. We came back 15 minutes later and the only ones back in the pool were the inappropriately dressed individuals. Very odd. See attached photos of pups in the "restricted" area dating back to 2021. Discrimination at its finest. read more

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8/1 to 8/5 This review compares The Umstead to other hotel/spas of a similar nature: Chateau Frontenac in Quebec, Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, the Aubergade in Puymirol, France, the Auberge d'ill in Alsace- (the latter two Michelin 3 stars. For ambience- a perfect ten - the serving staff from Layne who greeted me upon arrival, to Gabby at the Herons desk, to Thomas and Cassiana my favorite servers- these people epitomized the gentle, accommodating, inviting gentille of the personnel. For service- impeccable with one exception: at the Bar and Lounge I waited 50 minutes after my appetizer for my entre to arrive. (A side note on the Bar and Lounge: the patrons, especially the young, well-oiled women, are far too loud; their tapage ruined two dinners there- I've studied the rooms of the B and L; this can be solved.) The food: inspired; 3 star Michelin quality- some standouts: the crudo, the beef tartare, the 'Peach' dessert. When Michelin stars get handed out, this place immediately gets one star. When they solve the bar and lounge debacle, two stars. With some further ingeniositie in their entrees, three stars. read more

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I recently did a staycation at the Umstead and it was truly amazing. Everything was five star service from room service, to the pool, to dinner. It was literally magical! At check-in we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and since it was our anniversary they even had beautiful truffles and a mini bottle of wine with a card waiting for us. Such a nice touch! We started the afternoon with afternoon tea and it did not disappoint. I appreciated the variety of finger sandwiches, beyond what you would normally find at an afternoon tea. I do wish they just brought everything out together though. By the time desserts came out I was stuffed, I'd prefer to pick at things throughout the tea. They have expanded the pool deck and it's great. Plenty of space and we had no problem finding a lounge chair. I went to the pool twice and both times the pool staff were all super friendly and readily available. Next up was the spa! They recently did some renovations and the space is even nicer than before. I was a little thrown off at first that your time at the spa is limited. Basically you have around two hours + your appointment. It wasn't an issue since we were staying on property, but if you were just visiting for the day I could see this not being ideal. My massage was great though and I took advantage of all the amenities. Finally the room itself was spacious and comfortable. The bathroom was great with the separate tub/shower and I loved how high tech the room was. Dinner at Heron's is also an experience not to be missed. Overall I 100% enjoyed my stay at the Umstead and hope to do it again one day. My only complaint is that man this place fills up. I called almost three months before the staycation and pretty much got the last of the massage appointments, last afternoon tea slot, and an 8:30pm dinner at Heron's. If you are staying here call to make your reservations as soon as possible, they fill up incredibly fast. I also didn't love how you can't reserve most things online and when you call they say the wait times are long and please hang up and try again later. I stayed on the line since every time I called I got that same message. read more

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I think it's pretty much beyond argument that this is the nicest hotel in the Triangle. The public areas are distinctive and lovely -- human-made artwork on the inside and nature's artwork on the outside. There's a pond in back of the hotel with a boardwalk around it and markers to tell you about the flora and fauna you may spot. The food at Heron's and in the bar/lounge is very high level and the service is perfect, from the front desk to restaurant staff to bell staff to the room service folks. (Speaking of room service -- try their chicken apple sausage on the breakfast menu. So flavorful.) The rooms are quite spacious and all the finishes are elegant. They are done in shades of beige and taupe, so kind of neutral, but there are enough patterns in the fabrics to provide some visual interest. The bed slept quite well and the love seat was comfy for reading, and there were nice loungers on my extended balcony. There was also a live plant on the desk, which is a nice touch. The bathtub is definitely deep enough for a nice soak and there's plenty of counter space as well, including a glass shelf to hold your toiletries so you don't have clutter around the sink. I liked the pine cone pattern in the hallway carpets, and they have excellent ice and filtered water machines on the guest room floors. The only real negative is that all this niceness does come at a hefty price. Despite that, I would recommend paying the extra to have a lakeside room with its lovely views, otherwise you will be looking at a parking area. Also, anything you plan to do outside the hotel will mean a drive. It's not in a pedestrian area. read more

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An umstead employee damaged beyond repair our personal property and no compensation has been offered. I am very disappointed on how the situation has been handled by their management. There was many witnesses to the unfortunate incident and the employee who did the damage engaged the manager on duty promptly. The item that was damaged beyond repair cost several thousand of dollars. read more

I have been going to this hotel and the restaurant for 15 years. It is a must-go place for wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and when friends visit. Even though the restaurant's head chefs have changed, and several dessert chefs have opened their own dessert shops outside; employees have come and gone, but I, as a customer, have not been leaving . But tonight I was completely disappointed! ! The first time I went to a five-star hotel, I was informed that I could not use my own camera to take pictures of my family members ! ! It's still the hotel and restaurant I've loved for 15 years. All the waiters and bar manager Rob in the restaurant are very polite, and the Japanese food we had today was delicious. But we didn't expect that the counter staff of the hotel department or the two powerful floor managers ?? in the lobby would treat loyal customers with such rude attitudes . They couldn't even say please, sorry or thank you. The RTP six-star hotel that I am so proud of really disappointed me today. I told the building manager and Shelby (the front desk clerk?) that your attitude was disgraceful. I really can't accept such a rude attitude and low-level staff quality in a six-star hotel. Your attitude will lose me as a customer; they actually answered OK. This is also the first time I have encountered such a rude building management staff since we came to this hotel. Maybe it's a good ending, let us say goodbye to my favorite hotel, restaurant and bar. After walking through world-class five-star hotels, this is the first time I encountered such impolite staffs. I thought I went to a motel!! Actually the motel employees may more politely than the Umstead for last night ! read more

Amazing service, accommodations and beautiful walking trails after brunch. Brunch was so delicious we sat outside on a beautiful day. I had the avocado toast and the crab cakes Benedict. I still dream about them!!! read more

A warm. comfortable place to spend sometime! The staff is both friendly and helpful, making the guests feel taken care of at every level. I hope to try the SPA next time i visit! read more

The restaurant and bar area of The Umstead Hotel is a beautiful place to come and chill. My neighbor calls it his happy place. I can see why. This review marks my second time coming to The Umstead with him. I am grateful that this place provided a space where we can rebuild our friendship over excellent drinks and fine meals that leave us satisfied. My neighbor knows the people here well, and he introduced me to everyone he knew. This place is upscale, and although we each spent in the $$$ category each night, we know that each night we spend at The Umstead is a testament to the power of place. I want to personally thank the people who helped make each night special. Lori, the manager, Lauris, Zoe, and Camerin, our servers, Shawn, the pool bartender, and everyone else whom I met in passing. Thank you for two amazing nights and all the other nights. read more

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Yesterday I took my sister to the bar and lounge to enjoy some dinner and a treat for her birthday. Hannah was our server, and she was very knowledgeable of the menu, was pleasant and attentive to our group. She made great recommendations for our group when asked, and provided excellent service. Will definitely be back again, the food, the drinks, the service, everything was perfect. read more

My bestie and I planned a night at Umstead Hotel to celebrate a few life events. Our stay was everything Inhad hoped it would be. From the valet, Jacob, who was extremely professional, thoughtful, and helpful as I arrived. He unloaded the car and took care of the items getting to the room which allowed me to relax and take in some sunshine on the patio while I waited for my friend. When my friend arrived he took her things up to the room so we could enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne on the back patio. It was heaven. Our room was stocked with all that you would need. There were many lighting options which allowed you to make the room as light or dark as you would want, all from wall switches or the tablet by the bed. I love room darkening shades and the robes and slippers were a nice touch too. The products in the room for showering smell divine and we bought some lotion to take home and remember our trip. There is a fridge but it is stocked with drinks so very little room for anything you bring. I was glad I had a small cooler with ice packs for the fruit and cheese I brought. I love a Nespresso machine and that is the coffee they have for you in the room. When we checked in there was a harpist playing beautifully and when we came back down for dinner there was a pianist who also sang. We had dinner on the back patio while watching and listening to the birds and watching the fountain spray on the pond. We enjoyed walking around inside to take in the art in many mediums, paintings, glass sculptures, pottery, etc. We didn't use the trail around the pond but it looked like a nice value add for a walk/run. We enjoyed brunch at Heron's, I recommend breakfast or brunch as there menu is simple and hits about anything you might have a taste for... I appreciated the next day when our spa appointment ran up on checkout that a valet was able to meet me in the room to gather our things and take them to reception until we were ready to leave (after brunch). It happened to be Jacob again who was once again, the best and very helpful. Note: I highly recommend booking with Yvette or Kyle because they were the perfect balance in their approach to explaining the treatment, options for lighting, music, etc and followed our lead on how much we wanted to talk or remain quiet and just soak in the experience. For me, I had saved for this special celebration for my friend and I and I can say for me, it was worth it. I will treasure the memories of our stay for many years to come. The Umpstead took the opportunity to make our stay feel special but I sense this is what they work for with every guest. read more

The Umstead Hotel - View from the spa lobby to outside walkway. - Hotels Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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A Sanctuary of Bliss and Rebirth -- The Umstead Spa Is Pure Magic From the moment I stepped through the doors of The Umstead Spa, I felt transported into a realm of exquisite calm, elegance, and deep, nourishing care. Dounia and the beautiful staff are amazing with their calm, caring energy. Every detail--from the softly lit hallways to the impeccable service--whispers luxury and intentionality. We booked a Signature Massage and it was beyond divine. My therapist had a grounded, intuitive touch that seemed to read the language of my body. I left the table floating, restored, and more connected to myself than I've felt in months. The facial left my skin glowing like I'd just returned from a retreat in France. My pores were clean, my face was radiant, and my nervous system was in a state of complete surrender. What truly sets The Umstead apart is the ambiance--elegant yet deeply comforting. The relaxation lounge, the outdoor heated pool, the tea offerings, the serene outdoor meditation courtyard--it's all curated to support your highest self. I honestly felt like a queen being gently ushered back into wholeness. Whether you're celebrating something sacred or simply need to reconnect to your inner self, do not hesitate. The Umstead Spa is more than a spa--it's a portal to your own inner peace and power. read more

Is there a better place to stay in the Raleigh area? Doubt it. Obviously its located outside of downtown and clearly able to charge a premium price. The the main event is the hotel itself as there really nothing in the adjacent vicinity. The grounds are amazing and the hotel is sublime. Owned by a local high net worth executive's family office, it's truly a gem. By all means take advantage of the area and take a hike or go for a long walk or run. Enjoy the outdoor pool. Have a craft cocktail at the bar. Enjoy a fine dining experience at the restaurant. All of that is top notch. My only complaint is the staff of the spa - which is run separately. Decidedly uncooperative and not very welcoming, they STILL require a freaking face mask when you walk in (spring of 20224!!!!) - and in my case the woman would even answer my questions until I put one on. I called down 4 times from my room with no answer before I went down to inquire about a massage, and while I was waiting in the reception the phone rang no less than 20 times. No effort was made to even answer the phone and place the call on hold. Appears to be highly utilized by female homemakers in the city, so maybe they don't care about transient business. The difference in service, attitude, hospitality and attention could not stand more in stark contrast to the hotel proper - which truly was exceptional in every respect. read more

Such an amazing stay at this hotel! It definitely provides a five star experience at all levels. The rooms are spacious and include a garden tub and walk in shower. The food and drinks are amazing in the hotel's restaurant, the Heron. And the turn down service is such a nice touch! I felt like this hotel does a great job of anticipating guests' needs. The location includes valet and self parking. And it's nestled in an area that is very walkable. It's right off I-440 and surrounded by many food options. I absolutely enjoyed my staycation and can't wait to treat myself again soon! read more

This is a five star hotel, with a five star restaurant, excellent operating staff and likely the worst executive management of any where I have stayed. We arrived at 3:29 for our 3pm check in and were informed the room we "reserved" would have guests till 4pm. Once they left we would need to give house keeping time to turn the room over. I inquired if this was an error and told no, this is hotel policy for Amex holders. I asked for another room as my wife and young children had been driving 8 hours and left early to let the kids have pool time. They said no rooms available. Mistakes happen. But this was not an error but company policy to rent a room to two guests at the same time. I feel horrible for the floor managers who also expressed their displeasure in the Umstead practice of charging multiple guests for the same room at the same time. If you are an owner or executive of the umstead you should be embarrassed. Amex doesn't own the hotel, this was your choice. read more

Where do I begin.... My family had quite a bit of milestones this year but due to pandemic conditions and restrictions, we were unable to celebrate any of them. Mother's Day was slowly approaching and I heard that Herons had re-opened for fine dining, so I thought yes, we can go there for brunch. Unfortunately, we found out the week of Mother's Day that we were all exposed to the Covid virus which then resulted in positive test results......so much for that idea........When we were all healthy again, I decided to do something special to celebrate all of the missed milestone achievements (3 birthdays, 2 graduations - High School and College, and Mother's Day). It was due time for us to have a well-deserved combined celebration and where better to do it than to book a few nights stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa Resort. Resort Stay: Upon check-in, we had a warm greeting from the staff at the main entrance as well as the staff at the reception desk. We were also offered a glass of champagne which we enjoyed. The clerk at the reception desk provided us with details on our stay and showed us how to access the elevators to our room. We felt welcomed. The grounds and facility are beautiful and well maintained. Everything looked and smelled clean. I did not have any concerns about not being safe or the hotel not being sanitized. Our room was refreshing. It was well cleaned and the sheets and linen were soft, looked clean and smelled clean. There was no refrigerator or microwave in the room which was a little of a disappointment, but I was able to get the staff to unlock the mini-bar refrigerator which I used to keep some groceries cold during my stay. Due to the pandemic, use of the outside pool is per reservations only. This was not a practical solution. Luckily, we had other events planned, so we were not too bothered that the pool reservations were booked solid, and we were unable to utilize the pool during our entire stay. It would have been nice to chill out by the pool side even if not going into the water. The hotel should definitely consider a different means for all guests to have access to the pool if desired. We were able to get reservations for the spa; however, this was also a little inconvenient because we could not schedule multiple services on the same day, and there is only a 45 minute allotment to utilize the amenities of the spa after your service is completed. Despite those restrictions due to the pandemic, and the steam room being closed also due to the pandemic, we had a great spa experience on both days. The staff treated us well and ensured we had a relaxing time. The live music every night was a great touch. It helped to maintain that warm, rich, vacation feeling. Everyone was sociable and professional. The grounds and facility are so captivating that we took the opportunity to capture some great pictures/memories. We also took a walk around the lake and took in some marvelous scenic views. Our visit to this hotel and spa was enchanting. It is highly rated and expensive but it was worth the experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. read more

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I visited the Umstead Hotel recently for a corporate Christmas party. Upon arrival, we encountered some valet parking confusion, but since I had never been there, it wasn't a very big deal. When we entered the even room, we were greeted to a DJ, beer and wine bar, and an open liquor that was free because of the valet confusion. We dined on beef tenderloin with au jus, as well as a horseradish type sauce. Everything was delicious and the staff was very accommodating and made sure we were having a great time. I would definitely consider this venue for future events. read more

We celebrated our 9th anniversary last Saturday for a little staycation after not staying here since 2019. We live up the road literally 8 min away and after 2 kids we decided to book a babysitter and this staycation. We started our stay with drinks and food by the pool while waiting for our room to be ready. The person that checked us in didn't ask if we were celebrating anything or honestly not sure how he is the face of the Umstead when checking in: Service was outstanding and drinks were perfect at pool. However, I was not expecting to see women in string thongs at a 5 star property in Cary, NC. This isn't Miami. I'm shocked management allows this. I know if my husband were to show up at herons without a sports coat he would be asked to leave. The chicken salad was great and bao rolls were good too. If we don't skip lunch I would have left after seeing the underdressed guests. The specialty mixed drinks were better at pool than lounge. After being at the pool for over an hour my husband went back to front desk to see if room was ready. He got the keys and came back to pool grabbed another drink and closed out. We checked in our room and showered and changed for a casual early dinner at the bar around 6:30. They told us they were fully committed for and could seat us at 9 but could have a drink at tables. We have been told they cater more to hotel guests (spoiler alert, they don't). We sat had a few drinks and our table was ready. Out server was training another server last Saturday night. Service was super slow and they forgot my husband's last drink. The sushi was great (new this summer) and the specialty cocktails were eh. The restaurant was no where near at capacity. We made our way back to our room around 9:30 and tried to go to sleep but the room next door had a barking dog. After about 5-10 minutes the dog stopped and we tried sleeping. The sheets were nice the bed was horrible. For a $1500+ 24 hour trip I say we're better off skipping the stay and just grabbing sushi and staying anywhere else. Service at bar/lounge was the same mediocre quality we've had as not hotel guests as it was last weekend. Next staycation we will be going to the next closest 5 star, the Charlotte Ritz. read more

The Umstead Hotel - Fountain by spa - Hotels Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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We have been coming to this hotel since it opened and sadly it will be our last time. This is not the same hotel. It definitely needs new management. There was no one at valet/ front door to help retrieve luggage or get our vehicle. We waited over 15 minutes and it appeared to be the front desk lady and she only took our keys. We were left to get our own luggage out the car. The pool was completely full and then some with every guest around us not even staying at the hotel. If you don't have room for the guests staying you should not be offering it to outside guests. There were two escorts at the pool, same two that were here the last time we visited with things and six inch heels. There were literally 3 people working the entire pool area. We waiting 30 minutes just to get a chair and another 30 minutes for a drink. This is unacceptable at a hotel you are paying over 1000$ a night. It is not a five star hotel at all! This is obviously not a one time event looking at several reviews that are stating the exact same thing! Charles and April DisDier read more

The Umstead is my oasis. I love it and all it has to offer. I have stayed in several rooms categories and each has been wonderful. Spa treatments with Michael have been rejuvenating. The food is outstanding. Looking forward to my next visit, which can't come soon enough. read more

Everything was perfect from check in to valet service. The service in the conference we were at was amazing as well. The housekeeping service is top notch! Seriously bring extra tip money for the housekeeping staff because they more than earn it. So clean and everyone is friendly. The rooms and views are great. I couldn't recommend this hotel enough. The restaurant food and service exceeded my expectations. Thanks for a wonderful experience! read more

The Umstead Hotel - Our hotel room view - Hotels Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

An awesome experience- beautiful grounds ! An awesome brunch buffet for an Anniversary Celebration!! The food was fresh beautiful fully arranged. Servers on point- friendly- courteous- very attentive- covid protocol in place. The projector dropped down from above the ceiling - so did not take the middle space of the salon as other places. Gorgeous decorating throughout the first floor. Easily accessible from the I-40 exchange- and several other routes. This is a five star hotel - full services- restaurant bar and upscale amenities read more

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Went here for my birthday staycation with my mother and had a wonderful, relaxing (albeit extravagant) time. Stayed there for one night and went to the hotel spa for a Swedish massage for me and facial for my mother. The spa service and staff were exceptional and were ready for your every need. After your service, you are allowed some time to take advantage of the outdoor heated pool, indoor jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, as well as the showers. They give you robes and spa shoes and there's tea / snacks in the lounge room for before and after your service. We got room service dinner and they gave us complimentary wine and macaroons for my birthday, which was very sweet. The food itself was just alright - the burger and fries were definitely the best, but the pasta lacked flavor and was cold when it arrived. The rooms were newly renovated during COVID so that they are more sustainable - there's a lovely big bathtub (comes with bath salts) and a digital tablet that comes in each room where you can order room service through or request any amenities. The beds and robes are super comfortable and luxurious. The lake access is for hotel guests only and it's a quick walk around the lake/pond with small gardens and pretty views of different flora. We did not get a chance to take advantage of their pool while we were there, but it outlooks the lake and if we came here again, I would definitely get a balcony view room instead. Would recommend for a "treat-yourself" moment! read more

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Wow...best hotel experience I've ever had. I am so happy that my husband and I were fortunate enough to book with The Umstead Hotel for our anniversary in October. I can still remember it like it was last weekend. First of all, the hotel is tucked away in a nature heaven and the service is impeccable. I honestly could have lived inside the hotel room forever! Upon pulling up to the entrance, the valet men opened the car door for us, took our luggage, took the car, and then walked us to the check in counter. The check in process was simple, we were offered sparkling wine, and they offered to have someone show us to the room. Walking into the room was breathtaking - the view of the forest was perfect. They also provided little personal touches for us: a complimentary bottle of champagne, a kind note, and some amazing little dessert chocolates. Inside the room is an iPad that can control everything from lights to room service. Any one that stopped by our room knew it was our anniversary and congratulated us. It was truly an experience I will never forget. If you want to experience a 5 star hotel but don't want to leave town, make a reservation with The Umstead Hotel! read more

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Herons restaurant within The Umstead Hotel has fantastic food and service. The food is truly gourmet food and the most awesome food, service, and presentation I believe I have ever experienced. My daughter and I had their delicious salmon meal for lunch and it was prepared and presented beautifully. We also had a delicious beet salad and a lemon dessert that were also outstanding.. Would definitely recommend experiencing this awesome restaurant! Their menu has lots of wonderful choices for everyone and a separate child's menu with lots of choices. The location and grounds are stunning to experience. read more

The Golden Fab 4 is rating it a 4. The food is top notch - fresh and delicious. However- not sure if it's the best in the area. Service was impeccable. We all agreed that it was a bit underwhelming for a triple 5 star place. Onward to the next outing. read more

Restaurant service was terrible. We got talked to maybe once the whole entire time, two men workers were flirting the whole entire time please talk to your staff about this. read more

Afternoon tea presentation has a modern elegance. Although the finger sandwiches are still served on a dessert tier, the one scone and desserts are served on modern shaped plates. There's a good selection of loose leaf teas to choose from. The food is excellent. My disappointment is the small portions of my one scone per person, very small finger sandwiches, and desserts. (I could have picked up my scone with chop sticks and dipped it in my lemon curd.) I'm accustom to larger portions at the Four seasons, Ritz, Westin, just to name a few. I enjoyed the ambiance of the harpist playing softly while my party enjoyed our tea time. read more