"The Umstead is a beautiful luxury hotel located in a tranquil green setting in Cary, NC. I stayed at the Umstead with my husband during a business conference. Our room was upscale with luxurious sheets and pillows on our bed, service was incredible, definitely five-star treatment. The hotel's pool was sublime, crystal clear and warm, not the usual highly chlorinated water found in most hotels. While I relaxed on one of their lounge chairs, I opened my eyes to see a glass of ice cold water next to me. The pool attendant, Sasha, had placed it there quietly. It was a Calgone-take-me away moment. When my husband and I walked over to a local park, the doormen gave us two ice cold bottled waters to take with us." http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r15831415-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html May 2008
"One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. I have travelled to over 30 countries and this hotel has to rate as one of the best I have ever been too.
It combines exquisite taste in art and design with all the facilitities and service that you would expect of a 5 star hotel.
Nothing else to say really."
Shaun and Barbara (Oxford, UK) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r15831415-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html May 2008
"49th birthday present from my husband. I had a complete spa day. the sugar scrub was the best of all in the big table/shower tub. This was our second visit. We came also in August. It was too cold for the best pool with the soft salt water in Nov. but we were able to sit on our private balcony overlooking the woods and the perfect garden lawn and watch a very elegant wedding and hear a jazz band. The room service and food is as good or better than any NY hotel, the Charleston Place or the Greenbrier which we have also frequented. It is a delicious experience and you could never tire of the understated but interesting decor. It is one minute from the NC Museum of Art too, another real good Raleigh secret. Good food at their little cafe as well. This hotel is a real gem for the triangle area and shouldn't be missed even if you live right down the street. We live in Wilmington, NC and it is a short 2 hour drive after work and just in time for an elegant dinner and a perfect bed. Everything the staff does for you is their "pleasure". Very unusual and delightful!!! We will go again and again!" http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r12059237-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html Dec. 2007
"This softly elegant hotel communicated with my stressed-out travel weary self as soon as we entered to check in. The message was, "take a deep breath and relax". Everything about this place was pleasant: staff, decor, rooms, spa, spa treatments, dining experiences. The restaurant is special occasion worthy; the menu innovative (and delicious), the service excellent. They even had a harpist at tea time! How cool is that? This was the end of a business trip with my partner (that started in Washington, D.C.), and even though I travel regularly (50k miles this year), I still feel the stress. For my first time in Raleigh I was looking for a nice place to stay to take the edge off a working weekend. The options seemed limited outside the standard business traveler hotels in the downtown area, so I wasn't expecting much. We were both pleasantly surprised at the quality of service and the lovely atmosphere. The place just feels good! Would have happily stayed another day." http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r12059237-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html Dec. 2007
"From check in to check out, this is a world class hotel with all the amenities. Places like this are why I am a Yankee who loves the South. How to describe the staff except to say they're on top of things. They anticipate your needs, are very knowledgeable, bright, and helpful. Check-in took about a minute, check out less. No errors on the bill. One problem in the room- called the front desk, "Yep, we're on it," and it was fixed. Dinner at Heron's was a nice break. NY prices- about $140 a person, but NY standards too, plus exceptionally personable, helpful waitstaff who made some insightful food & wine recommendations. Room service breakfast was efficient, arrived spot on time and food was great. Room was clean and fresh. In room plasma TV, high speed internet, plenty of outlets to power your devices, including an iPod dock clock radio. If I were going to run a hotel- this is where I'd go to learn how to do it right." http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r12059237-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html Dec. 2007
"My wife and I frequent Ritz Carltons and Four Seasons. Umstead surpasses them all. Partly because it is brand new but they have really rung the bell here. No expense spared. Its privately owned by the wealthiest family in NC, The Goodnights and they have made sure everything perfect. Not corporate owned or run so the attention to detail is unmatched. If you have the opportunity to stay here, without question, induldge yourself. www.tripadvisor.com Sept. 2007
This place is every bit as good as a Ritz or 4 seasons. Room very tasteful. The restaurant is as good as anything in New York or Montreal. You MUST stay here! http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r8828312-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html Sept. 2007
"I recently stayed at the Umstead on a business trip, and I could not have been more impressed. I have been lucky enough to stay at many hotels throughout my career, and the Umstead is now one of my absolute favorites. They have put so much thought into every detail of the hotel in an effort to "Wow!" you, that you can't help but feel pampered from the second that you are greeted by their valet and desk staff. From the fabric covered lobby corridors to the extensive collection of one-of-a-kind artwork, you know as soon as you walk in that this hotel is truly special. The food in their restaurant could not have been better, and the staff made the dining experience even more memorable. Actually, every staff member that I encountered while there went out of their way to greet me with a smile. It was so easy to relax with such wondeful things such as their beautiful lake with trails, their spa, the infinity pool and the outdoor fireplace. Definitely check out the Umstead if you're in the Cary / Raleigh area!" http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r8737453-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html July 2007
In April we stayed at the Umstead.
What a gem! First impression is of a luxurious country home, set in natural grounds. The lobby is spacious, the corridors are wide. Throughout, there is original artwork, comprising paintings, pottery and sculpture, mostly by local artists.
There is extensive use of timber, stone and marble.
Our room was beautifully appointed, with soft furnishings in cream, oyster/beige and pale greens. Gorgeous bathroom.
The staff are enthusiastic, friendly and discreet, and include locals, some from interstate, and others from abroad. (We detected British, Australian and French accents)!
Executive Chef, Phil Evans presides over Herons restaurant. Where possible local produce is sourced for the menus.
The food is superb, and dining is available in the restaurant, or on the large terrace overlooking the lake, with its playing fountains. We opted for outdoors.
Before leaving, we walked around the lake path (there is a 'resident' heron living under the azaleas, on the far side).
Overall, the Umstead, says 'no expense spared', but it is not 'in your face'. It's a beautiful experience. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r8087216-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html July 2007
My wife and I stayed at the Umstead from June 08 through the 10th, 2007. We do a lot of traveling and try to stay in the finer hotels when available (Ritz Carlton, Sofitel) so when we had to travel to Cary for business we stayed at the Umstead based on previous reviews. What a great choice.
From the moment you pull up you are treated with excellence. The valet, front desk, and hospitality staff are extremely attentive. The hotel is only a few months old so everything is still so very new. This is the first hotel that I have been to, that when you check in the give you a tour of the property. The rooms are extremely spacious and the bathroom is one of the largest I have seen in a non-suite room.
The restaurant is awesome with great food and service and the fitness center is exceptional for a hotel. Prior to my stay and after my departure I received a phone call from Kristina who wanted to know if we required anything to make our stay more enjoyable and afterwards a follow-up phone call to inquire about our stay. Have never heard of this at a hotel?
Bottom line, awesome experience!
Brian
Coconut Creek, FL http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49007-d627492-r8087216-The_Umstead_Hotel_and_Spa-Cary_North_Carolina.html June 2007
“Every part of this hotel says luxury! The staff were attentive, the building and rooms beautiful and the amenities excellent” Tony and Louisa M.
“It’s great to finally have a hotel in this area of such high caliber” Lori G.
“ We have traveled all over the world and this tops all places we’ve stayed in appearance, elegance, and terrific efficient friendly staff. The best yet!” Mr. & Mrs. James H.
“Absolutely love Herons…. You have quality people working here!” Lisa and James M.
“Thank you for making our stay at the Umstead so exceptional. We have stayed in many exceptional hotels around the world and will regard your establishment as the best there is.” Jose and Aimee V.
“Everything was excellent. We enjoyed Herons and the staff” Sam I.
“Everyone was unbelievably awesome… Can not wait to come back and enjoy all facilities and great service!” Leilani S.
“This was one of the nicest hotel experiences I’ve ever had…” Mr. Geoff B.
“Great hotel… excellent service!” Gerald S.
“The (Spa) staff were wonderful. They went out of their way to help me…. Spa food was delicious”. Marlena W.
“(Spa) Beautiful décor… very relaxing… wonderful experience--- Overall 10!” Justin W.
“This has truly been the very best guest service I have ever experienced” Linda I.
“Thank you – we will return often! Impeccable Service” Charlie C.
“Beautifully decorated… Terrific service… Deserves to be 5 Star!” Sarah M.
“I must say I was overwhelmed by all and everyone at the Umstead hotel. I chose to stay here during my visit to Raleigh based on your extensive and impressive website, not knowing nor ever hearing about your hotel previously.
I come from the hospitality industry with over 30 years experience in Five Star, Five Diamond properties in Canada and the Umstead sits right up there in the same category. Your location is extraordinary, filled with tranquility and serenity and the ambiance of your hotel even surpasses that. But most importantly your staff ‘the people’ complete the package of sheer excellence and complete satisfaction. I would highly recommend your hotel and to all whom ever travel to Raleigh in the future and will definitely be back to stay with you on my next visit. A fabulous hotel and one to be proud of... Thank you to all the terrific staff…” Theresa P.
“Best hotel in NC by far… We normally stay at Ritz, Four Seasons… This property is on par with those… We will be back 15-30 times a year…. Thanks for taking the time and making the investment to create a property like this.” Mr. & Mrs. Neil B.
“We had a wonderful time… We have traveled a great deal.. this is one of the best hotel experiences we have had.. A 5 Star experience…. Congratulations on the beauty of the hotel.” Howard and Susie R.
“The customer service was very much appreciated. If every business could be as nice of an experience, life would be grand… Can not wait to return!” Stacy Q.
“We have stayed at many fine hotels all over the world. We have stayed at bigger, better (facility wise) and more famous, but we have never stayed anywhere where the dedication to service was any better; from arrival to departure. The entire staff ‘fell over them selves to provide good service; and everyone from the doorman to the housekeeping staff called us by name. AMAZING!! In short, we have never experienced finer service anywhere….. the service in Herons was also fantastic!” JD M.
“All of the staff treated me with utmost respect. They all were very friendly, polite and gracious. My stay at the Umstead was most enjoyable. It was a true pleasure being here with my friends and family. From check-in to departure I will never forget the wonderful time here and the amazing staff.” Barbara E.
