9 Best Hotels in Central North Carolina, North Carolina

The only hotel located on the campus of UNC–Chapel Hill, this century-old historic property features modern amenities in a charming setting. Built in 1924 and designed by award-winning architect Arthur C. Nash, who designed a number of other university landmarks, the inn has a rich history with UNC families. Historic photos of the university and its people line the hallways and serve as decor for the tastefully decorated rooms, which feel historic but not dated, thanks to marble-and-glass bathrooms and thoughtful updates. The inn's restaurant, Crossroads, offers classic Southern-inspired fare and afternoon tea.

This employee-owned boutique hotel (named for the renowned short-story writer, who grew up in Greensboro) was constructed in the late 1990s but evokes old-world European charm; expect lots of wood paneling, mohair club chairs, and an extremely friendly staff. Rooms are elegant and spacious, with many featuring dining areas, living rooms, and bathrooms fit for royalty. The period furnishings are complemented by modern luxuries like dimmable lighting and surround-sound speaker systems. A breakfast buffet is served in a sunny pavilion overlooking a small garden. For lunch or dinner, grab a table in the courtyard of the Green Valley Grill, a European-style restaurant with a wood-fired oven. The hotel's checkered cab and London taxis are a fun touch.  O. Henry employs an in-house artist, Chip Holton, whose framed landscapes hang in every room. Look for his murals and embellishments throughout the hotel and restaurant.

With its high ceilings, big windows, and exposed beams, this modern hotel makes you feel like you're in the future—or perhaps just in a loft in a bigger city than Greensboro. A sister hotel to the more traditional O. Henry, Proximity features the same checkered cab and London taxis, but it's much more sleek and modern (the design was inspired by memories of old textile mills). Abstract but approachable large-format paintings hang in each room, balancing the iron-and-wood furniture, much of which is built by the hotel group's in-house craftsmen. Proximity holds the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum certified hotel in the country, a status evidenced in the guest experience by small touches like filtered water dispensers on every floor, as well as 100% employee owned. The on-site restaurant, Print Works Bistro, echoes the eco-sensibility with its farm-to-table sourcing and the healthy creek flowing past the patio seating, a natural restoration project by the hotel's developers.

There's a sumptuous sense of escape at this modern, luxurious hotel where wall-sized portraits and sculpture (including a large-scale Chihuly) balance the gorgeous outdoor surroundings, including a 3-acre lake (with walking trail) and an infinity pool framed by comfy chairs and cabanas. Expansive limestone and granite bathrooms, comfy beds with 330-count sheets, a full-service spa, and balconies with lake views add to the luxury. Herons, a celebrated five-star restaurant that sources produce from its own farm, serves food around the clock.

Built to join the ranks of Relais & Chateaux, this luxury inn sits on a nearly 250-year-old farm that has been remade to resemble a country hamlet. Belted Galloway cows, which are black on the ends and white in the middle, roam the pasture near the entrance. The rooms have views of a courtyard, garden, or pastures and are individually furnished with carefully chosen antiques. Some suites have a whirlpool or fireplace. The Fearrington House Restaurant serves up swanky, contemporary fare. An elaborate made-to-order breakfast is included in the room rate, with afternoon tea available. A two-story spa offers treatments to guests and the public. A small selection of village shops includes the excellent McIntyre's Books, but otherwise guests will need to drive 15 minutes into Chapel Hill for other shops and dining.

In the center of this hotel, three floors of rooms overlook a carpeted basketball court, where guests can shoot hoops with soft basketballs handed out at the front desk. It's one very notable touch among many that compel both heavy and casual UNC fans to stay at this boutique hotel in the thick of Franklin Street. Guests can people-watch from room balconies or mingle with the after-work crowd at the Trophy Room, the cushy ground-floor bar and patio, where the honey used in cocktails is sourced from beehives on the roof. Service is spot-on, from the friendly hosts behind the counter to the well-versed bartender. The setting and the contemporary touches combine to make guests feel both part of the college scene and far removed from their everyday lives.  Ask to see Room 23, a replica of Michael Jordan's UNC dorm room.

Overlooking the Appalachian foothills and two world-class golf courses, this resort, spa, and conference center offers a luxurious escape. Rooms and suites are outfitted with sleek furnishings, downy-soft beds, and marble baths with rainfall shower heads. There’s also an Italian restaurant, bar, and relaxed café on-site, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Golf, spa, tennis and other getaway packages are available.

The kind of hotel that will have you checking neighborhood real estate listings, this elegant inn has been home to several families and a Baptist church before being transformed into nine luxury rooms, an intimate bar, and a romantic events venue. Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne before being led to a sun-soaked room with Egyptian cotton sheets, thoughtful technology (meaning: excellent plugs), and decor that feels both vintage and modern. The Boylan Heights location is the best of all worlds, close to downtown, Warehouse District galleries, and NC State campus. The Parlor is open to the public, serving afternoon tea, Italian-inspired cocktails and charcuterie, and themed Supper Club dinners. The historic nature of the property means no elevator (though there are ADA-accessible rooms), pool, or gym, but guests may use facilities at two nearby YMCAs.

It's a wonder there wasn't a place like this in a furniture town already: a boutique inn with rooms impeccably designed by different interior designers, from Bravo TV's Thom Filicia to the NC-based Madcap Cottage. Not a detail has been overlooked here, from hand-painted wallpaper to custom dog beds. Two suites have room to work or entertain, while Celerie Kemble's room has a standalone tub and veranda. Events are often held on the tented lawn or in the showpiece kitchen, which also serves guests elaborate breakfasts and snacks. The clientele is mostly industry and visiting university parents, who enjoy every luxury with rates to match.