They are hardly welcoming, and give the appearance that they are doing you a favor. Now, this is an absolutely beautiful hotel, impeccable ambience, but despite the beautiful accommodations, they put a buzz kill on this wonderful experience. If you don't care if service management is rude to you, you should do fine.
Of course, this is a generalization, and there were some nice people. But sadly, there were too many people with the attitude, including and especially the evening manager, and clearly if you look at other reviews, there is a pattern. I love the setting, but want to enjoy it, and I'm hoping others will post their experience so that it will force a change in the culture at this potentially outstanding hotel. I am canceling my reservation for two weeks from now--and will stay at the Marriott downtown, a wonderful hotel with very nice staff.

Stayed recently at the WaDuke, as it is known by the locals. Hotel and grounds are very nice, especially by Raleigh-Durham standards. Location is perfect if you are visiting the Duke campus.

The staff is another matter. I am not the demanding type when it comes to staff, but this is clearly the weak link in the chain. The staff here was not terrible or rude, but certainly not worthy of this hotel. I definitely would recommend the hotel, but cannot give it a 5* rating because of this one issue.

Full disclosure - I am a Cameron Crazy/Duke alum. It was great coming back after many years away, and the Washington Duke made our stay even better. We watched the sunset on the back porch overlooking the golf course. The interior restaurant and bar is warm and cozy, and the service is impeccable. The beds were fantastic - you can't find a more comfortable room anywhere east of the Bellagio. Although the price per night is probably the highest in North Carolina, I can honestly say that it was totally worthwhile. This was the highlight of our long college trip without a doubt. Now we're hoping our son is accepted, and we'll be staying here for visits!

Stayed five nights. The hotel is a large establisment in an even larger grounds which include expansive golf courses and an adjoining "forest". The atmosphere is reminiscent of an Old Boys' club, with the comfortable arm chairs throughout the elegant lobby and the walls adorned with portraits of distinguished alumni and family members of the Duke family.
The room was large and very well appointed. The bathroom had marble finishings and good quality toiletries. Mini bar, room safe, ironing board, flat screen TV and complimentary coffee and tea were included. Every floor has a handy ice machine. The queen bed was firm and I slept extremely well. Free wifi was also very welcome.
I dined twice at the restaurant. Both the service and the food/wine list were excellent and the prices fair. I also tried the breakfast where there is an extensive breakfast buffet although one can also choose from the a la carte menu.
What I loved most about this property is the grounds. Besides golf, there was nothing I found more invigorating than to take an early morning walk along the footpaths on the extensive grounds, I even saw deer darting about in the forest! There is also a good gym on site which opens as early as 430am! There is also an adjoining indoor pool and jacuzzi which i did not use.
Highly recommended.