The Umstead Hotel and Spa
100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513-2131
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Avg. $409 /night, 3/23 - 3/24
$709
per night
$541
per night
$372
per night
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Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
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About
#3 of 23 hotels in Cary
Location
4.5
Rooms
4.8
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.8
Nestled lakeside on 12 acres of beautiful grounds in Cary, N.C., The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a calming retreat and luxury destination. The Umstead features 150 oversized guest rooms, elegant furnishings and signature amenities. The Umstead welcomes and inspires guests to find comfort, tranquility and indulgence in the meticulously landscaped property, as well as the plush Umstead Spa and contemporary American cuisine of Executive Chef Steven Greene at its signature Forbes Five Star restaurant, Herons. Independently owned and operated, The Umstead Hotel and Spa is North Carolina's first full-service hotel to receive the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award and is a Forbes Five Star rated property.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Parking
Wifi
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Sauna
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Saltwater pool
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Poolside bar
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Facial treatments
Massage
Steam room
Baggage storage
Concierge
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Butler service
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Romantic
Location
100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513-2131
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 63 out of 100
63
Raleigh-Durham Airport
3.6 mi•
See all flights
Rental Cars
29 Restaurants
within 0.75 miles
1 Attraction
within 0.75 miles
Reviews
4.6
1,121 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Umstead Hotel and Spa is celebrated for its exceptional service and luxurious amenities, including a top-notch spa and pet-friendly environment. Nestled in a serene woodland setting, the hotel is conveniently located for exploring nearby attractions.
Guests appreciate the inviting atmosphere, adorned with art and flowers, as well as the spacious and immaculate rooms. While some guests question the value due to high rates and dining costs, the hotel's cleanliness and comfort often leave a lasting positive impression.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Artistic
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Lavish
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Detailed Reviews
Umstead Hotel
I had a three night stay at the Umstead hotel in February 2024 (room 209). The hotel is a low rise building set in 12 acres of woodland and is very handy for the airport (a ten minute drive). It is about a 15 minutes or so drive to Raleigh downtown (depending of course on traffic). Be aware that you will need a car or a cab to go anywhere much, as this is a fairly quiet woodland setting rather than a city location.
The hotel has unusually generous sized rooms. Mine had a comfortable bed, large bathroom with a shower that did not require an engineering degree to operate, and had a coffee machine and plenty of electrical sockets.
The hotel has a quite good sized gym garden the first floor that has several treadmills, cross trainers and weight machines as well as free weights. There is a large bar and lounge area and a couple of restaurant options. The breakfast was made to order rather than the usual “buffet congealing in a tray” option that many hotels opt for. The staff that I encountered were polite and helpful.
I measured the hotel WiFi at a very respectable 37Mbps on download and 30 Mbps on upload, plenty fast enough for all normal purposes.
Overall I thought the hotel was excellent, with its unusually large rooms and very well maintained state. I would happily return.
I had a three night stay at the Umstead hotel in February 2024 (room 209). The hotel is a low rise building set in 12 acres of woodland and is very handy for the airport (a ten minute drive). It is about a 15 minutes or so drive to Raleigh downtown (depending of course on traffic). Be aware that you will need a car or a cab to go anywhere much, as this is a fairly quiet woodland setting rather than a city location.
The hotel has unusually generous sized rooms. Mine had a comfortable bed, large bathroom with a shower that did not require an engineering degree to operate, and had a coffee machine and plenty of electrical sockets.
The hotel has a quite good sized gym garden the first floor that has several treadmills, cross trainers and weight machines as well as free weights. There is a large bar and lounge area and a couple of restaurant options. The breakfast was made to order rather than the usual “buffet congealing in a tray” option that many hotels opt for. The staff that I encountered were polite and helpful.
I measured the hotel WiFi at a very respectable 37Mbps on download and 30 Mbps on upload, plenty fast enough for all normal purposes.
Overall I thought the hotel was excellent, with its unusually large rooms and very well maintained state. I would happily return.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, General Manager at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Mar 4, 2024
Dear Andy, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your positive feedback! I am truly delighted to learn that you enjoyed your stay, as well as all of the amenities throughout the property. Your kind words will be shared with our entire staff, and we look forward to welcoming you back very soon. Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Umstead deserves its 5* rating with outstanding ambience, original art, spacious and well-equipped rooms, attentive staff, relaxing spa. The grounds are beautiful, perfect for an outdoor wedding, facing a lake with a fountain. As you might expect, room rates are high; For our Friday-Saturday stay, rates averaged $750 per night. Dining options are rather limited, though: The 5* main restaurant, Herons, is pricey and fancy, offering only a 4-course prix fixe dinner menu for $150 per person (plus wine drinks, and tips). The portions are small with unusual presentations.. The only other dinner choice is the small bar/lounge area which can be very noisy and does not take reservations. herons does serve breakfast and lunch during the week and a Saturday and Sunday brunch. A beautiful hotel, but I’m not sure it’s worth the steep prices.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Mars, General Manager at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Nov 4, 2024
Thank you for the review. I am pleased to learn that you enjoyed your recent stay at The Umstead, especially the rooms, spa, and the grounds. Your comments will be shared with our team and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
I've been wanting to stay here for years as we go to Raleigh regularly to visit our son, but it's quite pricey and since we spend most of the time with our son's family, not really worth it. Due to a cancelled flight we had an extra night in Raleigh and so at the last minute decided to go to the Umstead. I had a lovely drink and relaxing time in the lounge area where the staff was absolutely charming. When the rain stopped and things dried out a bit I went to sit by the pool. The pool staff comes around regularly to ask if you need anything, or if you're in a hurry you can just order something at the pool bar. Our room was lovely - just as shown on the website. Sheets were luscious, everything spotless and well-lit. The bathroom had a huge counter and I really love a separate toilet room. We had rented an all-electric car which we needed to return fully charged to the airport and the valet staff handled it. We were really pleased to get that taken care of and we tipped them well as we had a very early flight the next morning. The competency and grace of the staff was consistent throughout the hotel and I have to compliment the management on their training. We will definitely return.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Mars, Owner at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Aug 15, 2024
Laura, I am truly delighted to learn that you enjoyed your overall Umstead experience including your time in the Bar & Lounge, the pool, and your guest room. Thank you for your kind words. Your compliments will be shared with our entire team. We all look forward to welcoming you back the next time your travels bring you to Raleigh. Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had a beautiful solo trip to this hotel to relax and unwind; it definitely achieved that purpose. I’ve stayed here before and I’ve always been so impressed with the service, professionalism and kindness of the staff. I had a massage, utilized the pool bar, ordered room service, ate breakfast at Herons, and finished with a pedicure. The attention to detail in the hotel is exemplary and I was even more pleased that many of the staff are still wearing masks. (I have a 2 year old at home who is not able to be vaccinated yet.)
I only have two comments that I would love to be explored for my future stay (and for others’). I mentioned this upon checkout but to not have to put the ownership on the staff during a busy checkout time, I am writing here. I was very disappointed to have to spend extra money and time to get tea in my room. There are multiple coffee options but I don’t drink coffee. I spent $200 on a massage and could get tea at the spa but I spend $500 on a room and I have to pay more? That feels like a real miss for something so simple. Also, I would love it if the relaxation time at the spa could be extended. I know that was a COVID precaution but I think giving that great benefit for an expensive treatment should be reconsidered by the management.
I only have two comments that I would love to be explored for my future stay (and for others’). I mentioned this upon checkout but to not have to put the ownership on the staff during a busy checkout time, I am writing here. I was very disappointed to have to spend extra money and time to get tea in my room. There are multiple coffee options but I don’t drink coffee. I spent $200 on a massage and could get tea at the spa but I spend $500 on a room and I have to pay more? That feels like a real miss for something so simple. Also, I would love it if the relaxation time at the spa could be extended. I know that was a COVID precaution but I think giving that great benefit for an expensive treatment should be reconsidered by the management.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
By far the best hotel stay my husband and I have ever had. We have stayed at Fairmounts, Ritz Carltons, and other luxury hotels in the past, but none compare. The staff is amazing! So friendly, remembered our names (and those of our dogs), from the minute we walked in. Housekeeping was impeccable! Our two dogs loved the on-site dog park, especially after a long day's drive. And after mentioning the bellman know we were leaving early the next morning, our car was at the front door when we walked into the lobby at 6:30 a.m., and the person working at the desk brought the keys to my husband. Can't wait to find a reason to return to Cary and stay at the Umstead again!!!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Mars, Owner at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Mar 11, 2024
Nancy, Thank you for your 5-star review. It is wonderful to hear that you consider The Umstead the best hotel you and your husband have ever experienced. Your compliments will be shared with our entire staff, and we look forward to hosting you and your two dogs once again! Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is truly a 5 star hotel with all the amenities you would expect to go along with that designation. Service was amazing and incredibly professional. My husband and I went for our anniversary and were given a substantial room upgrade which made our stay even better. We had breakfast at Heron's restaurant and it too was absolutely magnificent. We stay at a lot of hotels and can truly say this is one of the nicest, classiest hotels we have ever stayed in. I cannot come up with a single negative about our experience which is unheard of these days.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Mars, General Manager at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Aug 30, 2024
Holly, Thank you so much for the kind review. It is wonderful to learn that you and your husband enjoyed your recent anniversary celebration at The Umstead. Your compliments will be shared with our team. We most look forward to welcoming you both back soon. Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Not a great first impression. Booked my stay at the hotel. Called twice about making a spa appointment since the online reservation system does not allow for scheduling on Sundays. The young ladies answering the phone were not helpful or polite at all. Both spoke very condescendingly, asked me to repeat my name several times to confirm that I actually had a hotel reservation. If this is the way customers are treated, I am definitely going to reconsider staying there, especially given that this is the most expensive hotel in the area. From the other reviews I have read, sounds as if this customer service issue needs to be fixed.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Mars, General Manager at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Nov 22, 2024
Thank you for sharing about your recent reservations experience. I am truly sorry for the difficulties in booking a spa appointment and for the lack of professionalism from our team. Your comments have been shared with the appropriate departments. Please call the hotel and ask to speak to me directly so I can better understand the situation. Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I usually love this resort and am really fond of the spa. This time was different. I wanted to book a massage and tried approximately two months in advance, but there was no availability. I always look forward to visiting this resort when my husband stays there for work. Because there was no massage availability, I booked a reservation at the spa for a pedicure so that I could also experience the spa amenities. I arrived for my appointment only to be told I could not use the amenities unless I booked a massage or spent a certain amount of money in the spa. This was utterly disappointing as there was no information that I could find that specifically stated this policy. This was the first time that I had ever not enjoyed my stay at this hotel and it truly makes me not ever want to return.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Pillows are not the best and book a spa appointment as soon as you’re thinking about visiting as...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I stayed at the Umstead for our anniversary. We live locally, but the Umstead is worth, in fact, "getting away" right in your own back yard (and it truly feels that way). The grounds are superior. There are tons of tucked away places to sit and enjoy the surroundings by the lake. There are also multiple seating areas outside the bar and lounge with several fire features as well. The pool area is impeccable and open early (which is lovely in July in NC). The robes are the best robes I've experienced at a hotel. The beds are very comfortable. Turn-down service is lovely - all amenities are what you would expect from a 5 star hotel (but with a unique flair that really appealed to me). From what I can tell, every balcony would have a spectacular view. There was live piano music in the lounge in the evening and we were able to grab a cocktail from the bar, have a seat in the lounge, and staff attended to us even in the lounge area. All the staff were thoughtful and attentive, but Taylor was the icing on the cake! We had a bit of a delay with our room and a conflict related to dinner reservations. Taylor took care of us and went above and beyond to make our anniversary extra special. We were uncertain if it would be worth it to "get away" locally - but it most certainly was. I felt as if I had a true recharge in this overly relaxing setting. It's hard to hit the right balance of peace, tranquility, attentiveness and services. Umstead accomplished that for us and then some!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Jul 11, 2023
It is an honor and a pleasure to be your choice for a stay-cation and that you truly felt like you got away and relaxed. We work hard to ensure every detail, from the ambiance to the comfort and cleanliness of our rooms, is up to our high standards for our guests to enjoy. Thank you for highlighting so much of your stay. We look forward to your next getaway here at The Umstead Hotel and Spa! From Guest Relations
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the time you pull up you can feel the warmth of the staff. Everyone you meet has a smile and are willing to help. We stay here several times a year. The hotel is immaculate and the rooms are beautifully situated to account for all needs including the luxurious showers. The products used give you the feeling you are at the spa. The food is creative and delicious and service impeccable whether you order room service or eat in the restaurant or bar area. The spa facility is 2nd to none and the experience, especially the facial is one of the best you can receive.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Mars, Owner at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Responded Apr 26, 2024
Valerie, Thank you so much for your compliments and for sharing about your most recent stay at The Umstead. Your kind words will be shared with our entire staff. We always look forward to hosting your stay throughout the year, and we are anticipating your next visit. Warmest regards, David Mars Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sorry I wasn’t able to answer this; hope you had a nice trip. It’s a great spot.
Thank you for your inquiry! For the remainder of the pool season, the Pool Bar serves beverages daily with food available only on the weekends. The pool will be closing on Oct. 2nd for the season. We do not have a coffee shop, but coffee is available in our Bar and Lounge area. Room service is offered 24 hours/day. We hope to welcome you to The Umstead soon!
The pool is currently open until early October for the 2022 season. Hours of operation are from dawn until dusk for swimming and 10am until dusk for pool bar service. Our reservations team would be happy to assist with your booking and any further questions you may have. They can be contacted at 919-447-4050. We look forward to hosting you for your future stay!
" Pillows are not the best and book a spa appointment as soon as you’re thinking about visiting as they were booked up on a Monday far in adv"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$463 - $712 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the umstead hotel cary, umstead hotel cary
LOCATION
United StatesNorth CarolinaCary
NUMBER OF ROOMS
150
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingTHE UMSTEAD HOTEL AND SPA - Updated 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Which popular attractions are close to The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Nearby attractions include Bass Pro Shop Cary (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Conveniently located restaurants include Herons, Bonefish Grill, and Ruth's Chris Steak House.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay.
Does The Umstead Hotel and Spa have airport transportation?
Yes, The Umstead Hotel and Spa offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Umstead Hotel and Spa?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Umstead Hotel and Spa offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.