Yes, it is expensive but every once in a while you should treat yourself if you can afford it. Without a doubt this is the nicest hotel in the Raleigh/Cary area at the moment. Rather than go for a faux-classic look with antiques, I think they made the right decision to go with a sleak, modern look with original artwork. We had originally booked a spa package directly through the hotel Web site but subsequently found a cheaper option with a special deal on an external travel site. Little touches like a complimentary travel hairbrush, free lemon water at poolside, free bottled water at turndown, wide-screen high-def TV in room, etc. made for a very nice stay. We also received complimentary champagne in our room after informing the hotel we were celebrating our anniversary. The spa is very pampering and relaxing. The lake and grounds were pleasant. Afternoon tea was good but too pricey as compared to other high teas in the area (probably the one thing I wouldn't do again). A few glitches included the cabinet door to the mini-bar which would not close, and some delays in checking out while they attempted to properly calculate our bill. If you want to be pampered in a country inn setting, go to the Inn at Fearrington. If you want to be pampered in a luxury hotel, this is the place.

My wife and I needed a getaway and decided on the Umstead. What a wonderful place! It reminded us of the Peninsula in Chicago. The service was excellent throughout our stay. We ate lunch, had afternoon tea, went to the spa and had dinner and breakfast room service. Everything was just as we had hoped although the breakfast could have been warmer. We will definitely return to the Umstead and will encourage our friends to do so. Highly recommended!

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!