Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House
513 Holloway St, Durham, NC 27701-3457
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About
#3 of 7 B&Bs / Inns in Durham
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
Finding an ideal romantic bed and breakfast in Durham does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House, a nice option for travelers like you.
For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Durham, Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House is located a short distance from Golden Belt Historic District (0.7 mi) and Hayti Heritage Center (0.7 mi).
Rooms at Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House offer air conditioning providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free wifi.
Free breakfast will also help to make your stay even more special. If you are driving to Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House, free parking is available.
While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the Chinese restaurants, including Banh's Cuisine, Happy China, and Golden China, all of which are a short distance from Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House.
Should time allow, Durham Bulls Athletic Park and American Tobacco Historic District are some popular attractions that are within walking distance.
Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Durham.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Charming
Location
Full view
72Somewhat walkable
Grade: 72 out of 100
76Restaurantswithin 0.75 miles
30Attractionswithin 0.75 miles
Contact
513 Holloway St, Durham, NC 27701-3457
Getting there
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $65/day
67Reviews0Q+A13Room tips
Reviews
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We only stayed one night but wish it could have been more. The house is amazing and very clean. Frank was nice to drive us to the downtown convention center (.7 mi.) and we caught an Uber back. Breakfast was just what we asked for--not too elaborate.
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Date of stay: September 2019
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Room Tip: We had the downstairs room as my husband can't climb stairs well. All rooms had their own...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We had a quick, but nice stay at the inn. We appreciate Frank dropping us off at DPAC for the show. Dolly, we missed you at breakfast. I appreciate the note and gift! Thank you both for your warm hospitality!
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip 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.
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This is a very hard review for me to write because the Blooming Garden is a delightful house and the proprietors, Frank and Dolly, are charming and deserving people. Still the whole experience did not work well for us. I feel like somewhat of a traitor to write this as I do not want to hurt the feelings of the owners who were so gracious to us. Sometimes, however there is the problem of too much of a good thing. . . let me try to explain. The Blooming Garden is a meticulously and lovingly restored Victorian house in a previously neglected part of Durham which is currently in resurgence. The owners were visionaries and deserve great credit for saving a house (and one across the street) that would otherwise have been torn down. Because of their efforts the community is much better. It is wonderful of them to share their home but still somehow it does not work well. The first problem is that the owners were former antique shop owners and the entire sitting room area and our bedroom were staged like an antique store, packed tight with an eclectic array of artifacts on display. Almost every surface was occupied with a china piece, a doll, a toy, a figurine, or a carving. This made it almost impossible to know where to set things down in our rooms or move around comfortably. It was just too much. The second problem is that the owners, in an attempt to be gracious often cross the line to be over attentive and loquacious. Any time of the day or night one of them was there and ready to launch into long monologues on restoration, antiques, or the history of Durham. We found ourselves avoiding the sitting room or using the side door from time to time to avoid engagement in prolonged discussions of moldings and drywall. In summary - the house is charming, the owners are wonderful people but the whole experience would be four times better if they had half the stuff and did not try so hard.…
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We enjoyed a much needed get-away weekend at Dolly and Frank’s B&B. It is a beautifully restored house in a revitalized neighborhood, where the owners reside and feature their many antique collectibles. The neighborhood was quiet and felt safe to us. The pricing was reasonable for the area. We only gave them a little notice about our arrival, but they worked hard to make us feel comfortable, having the room ready with nice scented soaps, a glass of wine upon arrival, and recommendations for near-by restaurants that were open late. They went so far as dropping us off at a restaurant, so we could easily take an uber back. Like other boutique B&B’s, the owners like to try to form connections, so they enjoy eating breakfast or having a glass of wine with guests in their home to hear about your visit or sharing stories. You may want to allow a little extra time into your schedule to be able to do this. We enjoyed the breakfasts and on our last day of our stay, they provided us with a thoughtful gift basket of snacks and small comfort items which we enjoyed and appreciated!…
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Staying with Frank and Dolly (the owners of the B&B) was a great experience! And I would like to emphasize the word EXPERIENCE. The Blooming Garden Inn provided more than just a room to occupy for the night. They provided a friendly and personal experience that my girlfriend and I are sure to remember for a long time! We were there to watch Hamilton at the DPAC. We even had colonial outfits! It truly felt like we were staying at a family member's home. We were welcomed so warmly and left feeling like kin.
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Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
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Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Short walk to the City Center
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
What a delightful stay. Beautiful collections with great stories and recommendations. They were happy to meet my allergy needs. The food was delicious. We look forward to coming back. Thanks again Frank and Dolly
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip 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.
Helpful
We booked three rooms for our son's graduation and were delighted with Frank and Dolly's hospitality. The rooms were comfortable and decorated with antiques and furnishings from our hosts' many travels around the world. Breakfast was delicious and Frank graciously accommodated our family's endless coffee requests.Reading on the Victorian porch proved to be a favorite activity of mine, my daughter's and my mom's.
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Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
Rooms
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Service
Room Tip: The first floor suite was perfect for my folks, who are in the 80s. En suite bath and access to...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We have stayed in many B&B's throughout the world, but the Blooming Garden Inn must probably be the best experience ever. The great location, beautiful gardens, lovely food, and unique character of the house are all reasons to stay in themselves. But it is the kindness and thoughtful hospitality provided by Frank and Dolly (so willing to go beyond the call of duty in so many ways) that makes this B&B an absolute gem!
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
As someone who stays in boring, sterile hotels for work constantly, the blooming garden inn was a real treat. Its a gorgeous, bright, colorful, magical old house- meticulously cared for that feels like some mix between a victorian museum, family's house, and b and b. Dolly waited up late for me and had snacks ready when I arrived. Frank made sure I had hot coffee and breakfast ready when i had to turn around and get up bright and early. The place is immaculately clean and comfortable and chock full of pretty decorations and interesting touches and delicious edibles. Coffee in the porch/garden in the morning was my favortie part. I felt more than at home and cant wait to get back.
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Date of stay: October 2016Trip type: Traveled on business
Rooms
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I had a wonderful stay at the Blooming Garden. The owners really go above and beyond to be helpful. Frank picked me up from the train station and gave me a little tour of Durham. He and his wife Dolly were very sweet to me the entire trip and made me feel right at home, which was great for me as a solo traveler. I had a tasty fresh breakfast every morning and as much coffee, tea, bottled water, and chocolate as I could have wished for. The location is within walking distance from downtown and my room was very comfortable. I will definitely stay here the next time I am in Durham.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
LOCATION
United StatesNorth CarolinaDurham
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House
Which popular attractions are close to Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House?
Nearby attractions include NC Escape (0.5 miles), Durham Bulls Athletic Park (0.7 miles), and DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center (0.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Parlour, Pizzeria Toro, and Rue Cler Restaurant.
Is Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Durham.
Are there any historical sites close to Blooming Garden Inn and Holly House?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Duke Homestead (3.3 miles), North Carolina Central University (1.4 miles), and Hayti Heritage Center (0.7 miles).