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The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Raleigh North Carolina

The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a a luxurious lakefront hidden gem. Located in Cary, a suburban town in Raleigh, there’s a lot to do, too!

I’ve been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed. If I lived closer, I would book this for every special occasion.

The Umstead Hotel is located in Cary, one exit off the Interstate, and just five minutes from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, so access is easy.

Though The Umstead Hotel and Spa is in a suburban area, you’re surrounded by 12 acres of woods, a garden and a lake.

Not too far away, you’ll find William B. Umstead State Park, where you can see the beauty of the area by canoe or rowboat.

I drove around the area quite a bit as it was Fall and the leaves were changing, and it was just gorgeous.

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

Then again, you could visit The Umstead Hotel and Spa and never leave. Heron’s is the on-site Five Star, AAA Five Diamond Signature Restaurant. The cuisine is locally sourced from 14 area farms including their own onsite one-acre culinary farm. Like I said, why leave?

If you are visiting in the summer, there is an outdoor pool and cabana bar. Too cold outside? No worries, visit the Spa, offering nail care, facials, a complete menu of body treatments, a whirlpool and current pool, plus a weight training room. In fact, the relaxation lounges, locker rooms, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and current pool are all complimentary. I wish I had been able to spend some time there, but I was only booked for one night for a business trip, and just couldn’t fit it in. You can be sure I will the next time I visit. And there will be a next time!

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

My room was just gorgeous. It was large and bright during the day, and quiet in the evenings. I had a large desk to spread out and get a little work done…

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

…as well as a comfy chair to relax in with my coffee in the morning.

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

There is a Keurig in each room providing coffee and tea.

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

The bathroom was beautiful. Again, as I was only there for one night, I didn’t have the time to relax in that tub, but it sure looked inviting!

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

I have to admit, this was the first time I had ever seen lip balm provided with the toiletries. So thoughtful.

If you're visiting Raleigh, North Carolina anytime soon, you've got to book a room at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. I've been to the Raleigh area once and the surrounding area a few times, but never knew this little piece of heaven existed.

While I was working in the early evening before I met a group for dinner, a heard a knock at my door. Would I like turn-down service? I said yes, thanking her as I went back to work. Later, I realized she had not only turned down the blankets, but she also put out a luxurious robe and slippers by the bed. Heaven. Yes, I do like to be spoiled.

Be sure to spend at least a couple of days at The Umstead Hotel and Spalocated at 100 Woodland Pond in Cary, North Carolina. Come back and let me know what you think. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed your stay!

Grab your free printable packing list to help you remember everything you need to take for your trip!

Travel Resources to Help You Plan

Over time, I’ve narrowed my booking process down to a handful of reliable platforms.
These are the companies I use when arranging flights, accommodations, transportation, and
experiences like food or walking tours.

🏨 Booking.com – Wide range of hotels with strong review filters. Booking as a Genius Member on Booking.com
(it's FREE to join) gets you free breakfast, a 10% discount, and free cancellation on
almost every hotel, from budget-friendly to luxury!

✈️ Expedia – Compare airlines and track fare changes in one place.

🚗 Booking.com – Competitive rental car options worldwide and the same loyalty program
I book my hotels through. 5 million reviews can't be wrong!

🚢 Cruises – Browse current itineraries and pricing. As of today, 3/3/26, Disney Cruises is offering 20% off
voyage fares PLUS a $250 onboard credit! I don't know how long this will last so can't make guarantees.

🎟 Get Your Guide – Reserve tours and shore excursions in advance.

🛡 SafetyWing Travel Insurance – Insurance for international trips. I know people who have had to
make a claim and it was easy. Hopefully, you won't need to do that, but it's good to have just in case.

🧳 Amazon Travel Store – My go-to packing essentials.

Important Note: U.S. Citizens - before traveling internationally, sign up for the
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and check travel.state.gov for current visa requirements and advisories.

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Welcome! I’m Kelly!

Writer, Traveler, Lover of good Food and Wine.

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2 Comments

  1. yes this is very nice, i live here, the restaurant has great reviews. i think it is a 5 star hotel, not sure.near umstead park which is why the name. a very large park, beautiful and been there since b4 i was born.