Name: The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Address: 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America, Raleigh, North Carolina, US
Price range: $326–$1,490 per night
Rating: 9.2

What guests think

Reviews of The Umstead Hotel and Spa describe a serene, luxury stay with standout service, a highly praised spa and restaurant, beautiful grounds, and comfortable rooms, while a few note limited spa or dining availability and occasional front desk lapses.

Herons receives exceptional acclaim for its cuisine, though reservations are often needed and some guests encountered limited hours for dining or the bar. Rooms are generally spacious, quiet, and well appointed with serene views, but a handful mentioned smaller double beds, minor maintenance issues, or noise. Expect an upscale, restorative stay with occasional booking or availability constraints.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The spa is highly praised and often a highlight; the pool and tranquil grounds add to relaxation. Access can be limited at times due to closures or hard to book appointments.

Related guest reviews

10

Gail

Dec 15, 2022

·

Stayed 19,340 nights

The rooms and public spaces are beautifully appointed. The room is very well insulated from noise (hotel is very close to busy highway) and the view is very serene. Bathroom is very smart. Bed is comfortable and lighting is very good. Food is wonderfully delicious, but the only casual option is the bar. Restaurant is wonderful, but fully booked (we got in only because of a cancellation). We were disappointed that the spa was closed for renovations during our visit (as was the pool). Staff is extremely friendly and responsive. We enjoyed our stay and would return.

10

Lisa

Aug 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Umstead Hotel is a 5-star hotel beyond compare. We stayed for a birthday and there was an amenity and birthday card in our room when we arrived. They specialize in exquisite service. The hotel and properties are both beautiful and immaculate. We love the pool and the spa is one of the best ever. We will return again!

10

Ageliki

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent, friendly staff, delish food, luxury and relaxation, spa was top notch. Very accommodating hotel and spa.

10

Yolanda

May 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful and beautiful property with a 5 star spa

6

Ronald

Mar 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a hotel and spa. We were unable to secure spa reservations. Any hotel that cannot provide their guests with services offered should rethink their business model. Rooms were not quiet. Unable to nap during the day as furniture was being dragged across the floor next door. Poor sleeping. The room comes with flashing green ceiling lights. We ended up putting a butterfly bandage over the light just to be able to sleep at night. We would never stay here again.

10

richard

Oct 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Keep spa opened until 8 pm

10

Jamie

May 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Always a great stay. Service is above and beyond. Pool is relaxing and great service

10

Constance

Jul 8, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I brought my very pregnant daughter for a luxurious experience at the spa- the next day we had a "sprinkle" at Heron's and then we spent all day at the gorgeous pool.

10

Kimberly

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked a night to celebrate joint birthdays! Enjoyed a relaxing spa day and had dinner at the bar that evening. Staff were friendly and helpful!

10

Lou

Sep 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Best hotel Ive staying in the USA. Definately a 5-6 establishment. Be sure to splurge on the spa, pool and herons restaruant if you stay here.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews consistently describe the property as immaculate and well maintained. One review cited dust and cobwebs in a gallery area.

Related guest reviews

10

Lisa

Aug 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Umstead Hotel is a 5-star hotel beyond compare. We stayed for a birthday and there was an amenity and birthday card in our room when we arrived. They specialize in exquisite service. The hotel and properties are both beautiful and immaculate. We love the pool and the spa is one of the best ever. We will return again!

10

Tuvia

Dec 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A great hotel, located close to the woods Kept in pristine condition

10

Connie

Aug 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Prioperty was very nice, rooms were immaculate and service was great.

10

Bette

Jun 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel was fabulous and worth every penny we paid for it. From the moment we walked into the moment we left friendly, helpful staff, beautiful clean, and everything you could want for a restful stay. The food was excellent and so were all of the amenities

2

Natalia

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Dishonest staff, terrible service, uninviting rooms, a mediocre restaurant, a poorly managed bar, lousy upkeep, and a dull ambiance. We stayed at The Umstead Hotel ($800/night room), and the experience was far below what I expected for that price. The room was small and uncomfortable, and the balcony was no better—cramped and not conducive to relaxation. The service was abysmal. We had to wait an excessive amount of time just to get someone to take our order, and when they finally did, they refused to bring us coffee at certain tables. We waited forever for our food, which was frustrating and unacceptable. The restaurant was a letdown. The food okay, nothing special considering the high prices, but the desserts were terrible. Only the sundae was edible; any other dessert we tried tasted sour and bad. We ended up leaving most of them uneaten. The gallery was in terrible condition—dusty, dirty, with large cobwebs and bugs everywhere. It was unsettling, far from the clean, luxurious environment you'd expect. The bar experience was equally disappointing. We sat in the gallery of the bar and were completely unattended for over 90 min. When we finally decided to go inside to get a beer, they refused to serve us because they were closing. This was incredibly frustrating and not what you'd expect from a so-called luxury hotel. To add, I accidentally left a $40 charger in the room; after calling several times it was clear it was stolen and they don't keep track of their staff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious, quiet, and well appointed with comfortable beds and large bathrooms. A few noted smaller double beds, minor maintenance issues, or occasional noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Gail

Dec 15, 2022

·

Stayed 19,340 nights

The rooms and public spaces are beautifully appointed. The room is very well insulated from noise (hotel is very close to busy highway) and the view is very serene. Bathroom is very smart. Bed is comfortable and lighting is very good. Food is wonderfully delicious, but the only casual option is the bar. Restaurant is wonderful, but fully booked (we got in only because of a cancellation). We were disappointed that the spa was closed for renovations during our visit (as was the pool). Staff is extremely friendly and responsive. We enjoyed our stay and would return.

10

Michael

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent property!! Well appointed rooms with great amenities. Booking with Expedia gives the option to pay in cash. This is not so. You must have a credit card to pay; however, an exception was made for me. So FYI have your credit card handy. Other than that everything was superb!

10

Dessislava

Mar 4, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Amazing property, great customer service, luxury place, modern amenities, great design and art, friendly staff, large and contemporary room, comfortable beds, large bathrooms. What else could one ask.

6

Kimberly moore

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Service was excellent. Room has broken light switches and showed some age. Not being able to turn on bathroom lights was inconvenient. During check in a glass of warm, flat, sparkling wine was offered - it was likely opened and poured many hours before by the condition

10

bertica

Jun 3, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The most amazing experience we’ve had. Tranquil, calming, exquisite landscaping and wonderfully tastefully understated. The interior decorating was also calming and beautiful. The scale of room didn’t feel like you were in a hotel room. It’s a unique and exceptional experience.

10

Kathleen

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel. Spacious rooms and bathrooms. Beautiful patio overlooking the pond for dining. Nice .33 mile walking path around the pond. Water filter stations available to get water. Pleasant surprise. I would stay here again. Even with Friday traffic it only took us 15 -20 minutes to get to PNC arena for a hockey game.

10

Miguel

Nov 27, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Excellent property. Very well maintained. Staff very friendly and helpful. Heron restaurant amazing cooking. Only negative small beds in two beds room. Very tight for two adults. They are not queen beds. Otherwise excellent hotel. Will be my wife and I stay at hotel when visiting our daughter at UNC.

10

John

May 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check-in, friendly staff, comfortable and spacious room, nice amenities.

10

Angela

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very beautiful property Spa amazing Room and bathroom outstanding

2

Natalia

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Dishonest staff, terrible service, uninviting rooms, a mediocre restaurant, a poorly managed bar, lousy upkeep, and a dull ambiance. We stayed at The Umstead Hotel ($800/night room), and the experience was far below what I expected for that price. The room was small and uncomfortable, and the balcony was no better—cramped and not conducive to relaxation. The service was abysmal. We had to wait an excessive amount of time just to get someone to take our order, and when they finally did, they refused to bring us coffee at certain tables. We waited forever for our food, which was frustrating and unacceptable. The restaurant was a letdown. The food okay, nothing special considering the high prices, but the desserts were terrible. Only the sundae was edible; any other dessert we tried tasted sour and bad. We ended up leaving most of them uneaten. The gallery was in terrible condition—dusty, dirty, with large cobwebs and bugs everywhere. It was unsettling, far from the clean, luxurious environment you'd expect. The bar experience was equally disappointing. We sat in the gallery of the bar and were completely unattended for over 90 min. When we finally decided to go inside to get a beer, they refused to serve us because they were closing. This was incredibly frustrating and not what you'd expect from a so-called luxury hotel. To add, I accidentally left a $40 charger in the room; after calling several times it was clear it was stolen and they don't keep track of their staff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely described as attentive and thoughtful, with staff helping celebrate special occasions and proactive communication. A few guests reported front desk delays, rudeness, or miscommunication.

Related guest reviews

8

David Allison

Mar 28, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I needed 2 beds for my son Alex’s room. His 28th bday weekend. I contacted Hotels.com the person I spoke with reassured me he spoke to Umstead & they said ok they can make that change. Hotels,com reassured me both side has it in their system noting Alex is guaranteed 2 beds. When we checked in Umstead has no note of that conversation. Two beds were all gave away.

10

Feras Hassan

Mar 10, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

Excellent staff and comfortable rooms with an excellent upgrade . Thanks to all staff especially front desk manager Taylor

10

Maryann

May 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The property, the service and our stay was perfection. The Umstead Hotel and Spa never disappoints. Highly recommend!

6

mary

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Arrived in room and luckily did a quick inventory, An empty Titos bottle, reported but so wrong. I brought my own favourite wine glass along, taken from room and reported. No feedback whatsoever.

10

Hayden

Jul 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Phenomenal. Proposed to my girlfriend after brunch and planned a staycation. The service provided to help make this big day extra special was fantastic. Staff did such a great job helping us celebrate and the concierge service provided by Claire, Josh, and Debra to assist with the special day was more than I could ask for.

10

ASHA

Jul 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything about this property was amazing. The rooms were great and the room service we enjoyed. The staff was so nice and friendly and the vibe of hotel was just relaxing. Prior to my stay they reached out to see if I needed anything or wanted to set up reservations to anything. Excellent hotel. Looking forward to going back.

10

Anne Margaret

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was the best experience I have ever had at a hotel. The staff was top notch and their attention to service was incredible.

10

Tellers

Jan 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Customer Service was top notch.

8

Ben

Aug 13, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful building. Beautiful room. The front desk receptionist was never there. Felt like a ghost town. We waited 15-20 minutes for a receptionist to show up upon check in. Another couple ahead of us was waiting before us and finally left the reception desk. We noticed the 4 days that we were there that the reception desk was MiA most of the time. The bell men were awkward and young. Had complimentary valet parking but bell men said that’s not a thing.

6

Caryl

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Historically been my favorite place to stay in Cary- the last two times I’ve stayed the registration desk has been rude.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Wooded, serene setting by a pond with a short walking path; guests find it relaxing. It is a short drive to PNC Arena, and rooms are well insulated from nearby highway noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Gail

Dec 15, 2022

·

Stayed 19,340 nights

The rooms and public spaces are beautifully appointed. The room is very well insulated from noise (hotel is very close to busy highway) and the view is very serene. Bathroom is very smart. Bed is comfortable and lighting is very good. Food is wonderfully delicious, but the only casual option is the bar. Restaurant is wonderful, but fully booked (we got in only because of a cancellation). We were disappointed that the spa was closed for renovations during our visit (as was the pool). Staff is extremely friendly and responsive. We enjoyed our stay and would return.

10

George

Jul 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was one of a kind. Pristine inside and out and very close to nature

10

Chantel

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfection in little ol Cary NC!

10

Tuvia

Dec 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A great hotel, located close to the woods Kept in pristine condition

10

owen

May 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very Nice...great ambiance and location

10

Kathleen

Apr 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel. Spacious rooms and bathrooms. Beautiful patio overlooking the pond for dining. Nice .33 mile walking path around the pond. Water filter stations available to get water. Pleasant surprise. I would stay here again. Even with Friday traffic it only took us 15 -20 minutes to get to PNC arena for a hockey game.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Herons earns exceptional praise for fine dining, and several guests enjoyed bar meals or room service. Reservations or hours can be restrictive at times, with one review criticizing desserts.

Related guest reviews

10

Reed

May 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First rate service and an excellent restaurant

2

Dr. Rafael

Feb 19, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The Spa is closed, no reservations or openings for the restaurant for 3 weeks. They told us that we could go to the bar without reservation but there was a 2hrs waiting list. The in-room dining is limited. We can’t recommend this hotel. Terrible experience ! This is not a 5 stars hotel.

10

Pauline

May 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was lovely. The restaurant was not open on Monday night which made i

10

Danielle

Feb 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

AMAZING!! I’m a former diplomat and have traveled the world. This hotel is one of a kind and their restaurant, Herons, is insane!

10

Brenda

Mar 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Herons was simply unforgettable culinary art.

10

ASHA

Jul 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything about this property was amazing. The rooms were great and the room service we enjoyed. The staff was so nice and friendly and the vibe of hotel was just relaxing. Prior to my stay they reached out to see if I needed anything or wanted to set up reservations to anything. Excellent hotel. Looking forward to going back.

10

Kimberly

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked a night to celebrate joint birthdays! Enjoyed a relaxing spa day and had dinner at the bar that evening. Staff were friendly and helpful!

10

Lou

Sep 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Best hotel Ive staying in the USA. Definately a 5-6 establishment. Be sure to splurge on the spa, pool and herons restaruant if you stay here.

10

Carlos

Mar 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Herons is one of the best restaurants I've ever experienced

2

Natalia

Sep 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Dishonest staff, terrible service, uninviting rooms, a mediocre restaurant, a poorly managed bar, lousy upkeep, and a dull ambiance. We stayed at The Umstead Hotel ($800/night room), and the experience was far below what I expected for that price. The room was small and uncomfortable, and the balcony was no better—cramped and not conducive to relaxation. The service was abysmal. We had to wait an excessive amount of time just to get someone to take our order, and when they finally did, they refused to bring us coffee at certain tables. We waited forever for our food, which was frustrating and unacceptable. The restaurant was a letdown. The food okay, nothing special considering the high prices, but the desserts were terrible. Only the sundae was edible; any other dessert we tried tasted sour and bad. We ended up leaving most of them uneaten. The gallery was in terrible condition—dusty, dirty, with large cobwebs and bugs everywhere. It was unsettling, far from the clean, luxurious environment you'd expect. The bar experience was equally disappointing. We sat in the gallery of the bar and were completely unattended for over 90 min. When we finally decided to go inside to get a beer, they refused to serve us because they were closing. This was incredibly frustrating and not what you'd expect from a so-called luxury hotel. To add, I accidentally left a $40 charger in the room; after calling several times it was clear it was stolen and they don't keep track of their staff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$493
February	$545
March	$543
April	$510
May	$578
June	$562
July	$524
August	$470
September	$513
October	$561
November	$528
December	$471

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $364	16 $488	17 $492	18 $441	19
20 $326	21 $481	22 $490	23 $369	24 $389	25 $554	26 $565
27 $372	28 $1,490	29 $1,490	30 $490

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $474	2 $553	3 $1,094
4 $497	5 $499	6 $490	7 $497	8 $499	9 $551	10 $915
11 $483	12 $481	13 $1,490	14 $486	15 $497	16 $553	17 $550
18 $490	19 $471	20 $482	21 $486	22 $487	23 $551	24 $557
25 $485	26 $482	27 $490	28 $490	29 $489	30 $551	31 $545

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, Accessible (Spa Level)

Suite (Governors)

Studio Suite

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony

Suite (Spa Level)

Presidential Suite

Premier Room, 1 King Bed

Premier Double Room

Executive Suite, Balcony, Lake View

Suite (Signature)

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Lake View

Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Lake View

Double Room, Balcony, Lake View

Guest reviews

Superb

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Umstead Hotel and Spa

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Prices for upcoming dates