The Top 3 Five Star Hotels in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Area

Visitors to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area are lucky to have so many wonderful hotels to choose from. This area has a few 5 star hotels and resorts that you should consider the next time you plan your visit to the area. Here is a list of the top 3 elegant hotels that should be on your list for consideration.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa is located just off of I-40 in Cary. This elegant hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hard day at work. You will find over 150 large guest rooms and suites. Each one has its own recessed entry and doorbell. It will remind you of an elegant apartment building. The bathrooms are extremely large and well appointed. This hotel is located on a 3 acre lake and offers lakefront dining too. There is a trail that goes from their garden and pool area out and around the lake. The restaurant, Heron's, has won many awards. Do not be surprised to see someone playing a Harp in the afternoons and early evening in their lounge area.

There is a wonderful Spa located inside of this hotel that also caters to the locals. Make ur appointment early so that you are sure to have a spot as they fill up quickly. They also have a state of the art fitness center and outdoor heated pool.

The Franklin Hotel on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill is the epitome of elegance.Here you will find understated elegance and well appointed rooms and suites. Try to get a room or suite that has a balcony that overlooks Franklin Street. The balconies are gigantic. They have a Presidential Suite that takes up almost half of the top floor and has a 40 ft balcony! This hotel even has a pillow menu where you can order specialty pillows before you turn in for the night.

The Franklin Hotel does not have a full service restaurant but they do offer breakfast and a limited bar menu. The location is perfect as it is right in the heart of Chapel Hill and an easy stroll to shopping, dining, and the UNC Chapel Hill campus. Rooms sell out quickly when there is a UNC game or event so be sure to reserve yours as soon as you can.

The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club has to be one of the most elegant hotels in the area. You almost feel like you are in a fine museum. The hotel itself was made to look and feel like an old English Inn. You will find renowned artwork along the corridors and wonderful antiques too. There are over 270 guest rooms and suites to choose from.

You will find a Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at the hotel and it is considered one of the best in North Carolina. Make your tee times as soon as possible as the available times can sell out quickly.

The in-house restaurant is not to be missed. You will experience true 5 star dining when you choose to eat here. Many locals come here for Sunday Brunch each week too.

This is the perfect choice for anyone visiting Duke University or Duke Hospital. If you are traveling when there is a local game - be prepared - as rooms sell out fast and the hotel will be full of Duke Fans and alumni.