Raleigh was founded in 1792 as N.C.'s capital city. It was named for Sir Walter Raleigh, who attempted to establish the first English colony on the shores of the new world in the 1580s. It is the only state capital to have been planned and established by a state as the seat of state government, and it is the largest city in a combined statistical area known as Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (the Research Triangle Region). The city's founding fathers called Raleigh the "City of Oaks" and dedicated themselves to maintaining the area's wooded tracts and grassy parks.
If you decide to choose Raleigh for your next getaway, here are a few hotels worth staying at.
Guest House Raleigh: Downtown Raleigh's first boutique inn opened in October 2018 under husband-wife duo Matt Tomasulo and Nicole Alvarez. The couple moved and renovated the Gorham House—a historic home that was built in the 1880s—and turned it into an intimate, cozy eight-room property.
The Longleaf Hotel: A modernized mid-century gem sitting at the northern gateway into downtown Raleigh not far from the museums, State Capitol, Glenwood South district and more. The state’s namesake is the soaring longleaf pine, which inspired every aspect of this modern renovation of a vintage motor lodge. The property has 56 rooms and includes the swanky Longleaf Lounge and patio, which is great for enjoying locally roasted coffee, classic cocktails, or a local beer.
Origin Raleigh: Located between the Glenwood South and Warehouse Districts in downtown Raleigh, this incredibly stylish and modern full-service property opened March 2020. The vibrant 126-room, seven-story boutique hotel with locally inspired décor includes event space and a plant-forward restaurant called Good Day Good Night.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa: A Five Star and Five Diamond, independently owned hotel drawing inspiration from art and nature. The property features stunning interiors punctuated with privately curated fine art, 150 spacious guest rooms and suites, world-class cuisine, a stimulating spa and a serene woodland setting. In Nov. 2019 the hotel began a total renovation of its rooms and corridors. The bar and lounge will begin renovations in Aug., and Heron's restaurant renovations will start in Sept.
