Coming up the boxwood-lined drive of the Duke Mansion feels like going back in time. The well-preserved property was once home to Duke University benefactor James Buchanan Duke. The inn, which changed hands many times since Duke's death, is now run by a nonprofit organization. Some of the rooms have original fixtures, including bathtubs and vanities. Spacious sleeping-porch balconies overlook the well-maintained grounds. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, comfortable beds, and cozy robes. In the morning, a full breakfast is served in the dining room. Staying at the Duke Mansion seems more like borrowing a wealthy friend's estate than spending a night in a hotel. Pros: guests get a real sense of history and a neighborhood feel. Cons: older bathroom fixtures do not perform to modern standards.
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