We are considering staying at Arrowhead Inn on our way to the Outer Banks this summer. Has anyone stayed here and what did you think? It looks fabulous from the website. I am most interested in the cleanliness of the rooms and the attentiveness of the staff.

I'm not familiar with this place. But I live in the area so I don't stay in hotels and I'm not a B&B person either.

Do you know which town it is in? Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill join together to form "The Triangle" area.

Are you flying into RDU airport or driving to the beach?

I've not stayed there but I know -- and you should be aware -- that it is WAaaay north of Durham, and about 7-8 miles north of I-85. I would guess there isn't much in the neighborhood other than the Inn and other residences, perhaps some standard suburban stores on the way out Roxboro Road from 85. It is a pretty place but I couldn't say whether it's worth going out of your way.

I don't know where you're coming from or what your budget is, but if you are interested in the very best in the area, look at Fearrington House/Inn/Village: http://www.fearringtonhouse.com/ --

Where are you coming from on your way to the Outer Banks? maybe that would help with your decision.

I live in the area and haven't stayed there either, but it sure sounds good on their website! I have gone to a wedding there and it is a beautiful setting.

To me, the major drawback would be, as Cassandra pointed out, the distance between this B&B and anywhere else, especially if you want to go somewhere "nice" for dinner; there are not even fast-food restaurants closeby. A "real" restaurant is a multi-mile drive, either back into Durham, or Hillsborough, Chapel Hill (further), or Roxboro (known for a steakhouse which I've never been to, either).

Maybe this isn't your priority.

The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, outside of Chapel Hill, is outstanding, if you want to pay the price: the only 5-star hotel *and* restaurant in North Carolina--but maybe out of your way, I would think, on the way to the Outer Banks. But, you can get dinner and breakfast there, and the famed belted galloway cows...there are also shops, a bookstore, gardens, etx., for browsing.

And no, I have no connection whatsoever with either place.

We just spent the weekend in that area (scouting out where we want to retire). Fearington is kind of remote -- but there's a good restaurant out there. Frankly, I thing your best option would be the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. It's now a Doubletree property -- but looks like none other in the country. It is located right on the edge of the UNC campus, probably one of the most beautiful college campuses in the US. There are some great restaurants in town, if you want to to that (411 on Franklin Street is excellent), or fun beer pubs, etc. The rooms are lovely and the staff is first rate.