High-End Hotel Trio

A trio of high-end hotels serves as a harbinger for Raleigh’s escalating rank as a top U.S. destination—for tourists, business travelers and locals alike.

A mere six years ago, Raleigh was void of the kind of high-end hotels that decorate—and define—such urban destinations as Atlanta and Chicago. But the tide is changing. Adding to the boutique birth beginning circa 2018 of such vibey resting spots as Guest House, The Casso, Longleaf Hotel and AC Hotel locales is a new wave of luxe lodgings well positioned for our booming tourism. In 2022, 17.8 million visitors flocked to our capital city—a ~13% leap over the year prior—and spent $3 billion, a near return to prepandemic levels. 

With all eyes on Raleigh—from topping perennial Best Place to Live charts to drawing the likes of Apple and VinFast to scoring such globally reaching events as the massively successful Stadium Series—the hospitality industry is responding and upping our city’s appeal with a trio of luxe high-end hotels set to bow beginning in first quarter 2024.

Slated to open first is one of Hilton’s newest and most innovative lifestyle brands, the thoughtfully designed Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, only its second U.S. outpost. “We couldn’t have chosen a better city than Raleigh for the brand’s second locale,” says Seraj Patel, VP of Greensboro-based CN Hotels, which owns the property. 

“Raleigh has garnered an impressive list of accolades in recent years, including being named one of the top three hottest job markets in America by The Wall Street Journal, as well as one of the biggest boomtowns in America,” he adds. “We are excited to add to the city’s growth and build on that reputation by bringing a new, stylish and contemporary lifestyle hotel to the Downtown area.”

Elevating the allure with the Triangle’s tallest lounge and bar, Urban Oak promises to please the palate, while a lobby cafe will keep travelers grounded—from breakfast and coffee to spirited and zero-proof evening cocktails and small plates. 

And adding to the rest-and-rejuvenate DTR roster, highly esteemed global boutique hotel brand Kimpton, known for its sophisticated mod art deco-meets-classic luxe design, is slated to bow in late 2025, marking the brand’s fourth NC property. Part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle Collection portfolio and owned by Tidal Real Estate Partners, the vibey stayover spaces will span the first six floors of a 20-story mixed-use building that will include high-end residences and replace the historic-yet-infamous (read: iconic but not ideal to maneuver) round Holiday Inn on Hillsborough Street. 

“We’ve had great success with our Kimptons in North Carolina,” says Mike DeFrino, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ CEO, “and we look forward to offering Raleigh as a new destination in our portfolio. We think our design-led brand and welcoming, innovative restaurants and bars will really resonate with the city’s locals and visitors alike.”

From retreat to revive, the luxe accommodations will be accompanied by three unique restaurant and bar concepts, including a rooftop bar and lounge. “Downtown Raleigh has long awaited a luxury hotel experience like Kimpton delivers,” adds Mick Walsdorf, CEO of Tidal Real Estate Partners. “The amenities, restaurants and event spaces will raise the bar for hotel properties in Downtown and establish the Kimpton as a sought-after destination. Our continued investments in Downtown Raleigh reflects our confidence and commitment to this market.”

Rounding out the trio is the area’s first Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel grab: Oberlin Hotel, which broke ground this summer. Leaning into the brand’s MO of boasting a global portfolio of handpicked hotels “for the curious,” with “no two Curio experiences the same,” the hotel is uniquely Raleigh. Situated in the now-defunct K&W locale, family-owned Winston-Salem-based Quality Oil Company LLC’s unique boutique concept at once takes Raleigh’s sojourn selects next level while upping Village District’s hip factor via its first hotel. 

Slated for 2025 completion and standing seven stories, the Oberlin serves up 153 well-appointed guest rooms, including presidential suites. Guests and locals alike can sate morning-to-night cravings via a lobby-level market-style cafe dishing breakfast, plus a spacious lounge and full cocktail bar. Or take to the large courtyard, complete with a covered patio featuring a soundstage for live tunes, beverage service and event catering. And taking the experience to new heights, a signature high-end restaurant and rooftop bar, also open to the public, will showcase spectacular DTR vistas. 

“Oberlin Hotel’s arrival to Village District is not only a great addition to our existing lineup, but also an overall benefit to the corridor,” said Chris Widmayer, senior VP of investments at Regency Centers. “This center is the beating heart of the market and now has a fantastic overnight option that helps make Village District a true 18-hour destination.”

• Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown | 260 W. Davie St.
  • 126 rooms
  • Dual-brand Homewood, 134 suites with kitchen, totaling 260 rooms
  • Peloton-equipped wellness rooms
  • Lobby cafe
  • Urban Oak rooftop bar & restaurant

• The Oberlin | Village District 
  • 153 guest rooms
  • Presidential suites
  • Courtyard with soundstage
  • Cafe, cocktail bar & meeting spaces
  • Rooftop bar & restaurant

• Kimpton | 320 Hillsborough St.
  • 179 guest rooms
  • ~20 suites
  • Complimentary bikes
  • Meeting & event space
  • 3 restaurant & bar concepts, including rooftop bar & lounge