Downtown Raleigh’s iconic round Holiday Inn’s future has been resurrected. Once sentenced to demolition with a sleek Kimpton on deck to replace it, the circa-1969 era-defining pillar is now closed to prep for a late 2026-slated Hotel Indigo revamp at the hands of NYC-based Tidal Real Estate Partners.
With construction set to start soon, the renovation will see a rebirth of what is arguably the most polarizing landmark in Raleigh’s lore. But love it or loathe it, it is inarguably one that, when set for demolition, saw more public outcry than any structure’s controversial fate in recent history.
Now fenced and preparing for new life, the revered retreat’s OG furniture and interiors have been hauled out. And with a rendering still in progress, Raleighites wait with bated breath to see what this modern moment will hold for the famed “hair curler”—think plans for a renovated ground-floor lounge, top-floor bar and event space with primo city views, and an updated guest experience blending Raleigh’s signature creative energy and Southern charm.
Just its third NC outpost—joining Asheville and Winston-Salem—IHG’s swanky Hotel Indigo brand blends boutique vibes with intentional design and experiences inspired by the local scene. And round hotels are nothing new to the hotelier, who counts among its portfolio such curved hospitality heavyweights as Hotel Indigo Taipei North in Taiwan and the UK’s Hotel Indigo Manchester. Similar to Raleigh’s scenario, the latter laid-back boho boutique rescued a historic Victorian building from ruin while adding on an adjoining modern 14-story rotunda tower, blending the old and new in a one-of-a-kind design that preserved the neighborhood’s history while breathing in new life.
Tidal President Ken Copeland frames the vision for DTR’s own 204-room Hotel Indigo as both bold and nostalgic, saying they’re “excited to bring Downtown Raleigh the true lifestyle boutique hotel it deserves… by restoring an iconic Raleigh landmark into the modern era.”
One Congress & State Street | Photo courtesy of John Moriarty & AssociatesHotel Indigo Manchester | Photo courtesy of Bowmer + Kirkland
Also known for its upscale developments, Tidal’s esteemed roster boasts such standouts as Nashville’s posh soaring residential and retail high-rise 1111 Church and Savannah’s dramatic and distinctive Perry Lane Hotel. On the local front, the real estate developer scooped up 1.3 prime acres of land in the Warehouse District in 2022 for just shy of $21 mill, at the time zoned for up to 40 stories—though no further plans have since been released.
Teaming up to lead the charge is local general contractor John Moriarty & Associates—no stranger to circular constructs, having helmed Charlotte’s glass-wrapped Ascent Uptown, a 33-story ellipse that similarly made a bold architectural statement on the city’s skyline. The Moriarty team is joined by Nashville-based architecture firm ESa—who also partnered on Music City tower 1111 Church, with a résumé that includes 2024-debuted Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown and Virginia’s award-winning The Bristol Hotel, to name but a few. Now, let the Raleigh fixture’s long-awaited glow-up begin.
Forget flight fears and panic packing—sometimes the best getaway is a staycay. Ditch the keys, keep the vibes and hit pause without leaving town—Raleigh’s hotel and nightlife game is staycation certified. PTO preserved, DND mode: on.
At a time when new Raleigh commercial developments have all but stalled—a handful of hotels serve as a harbinger for Downtown as a tourist destination.
If you didn’t think Raleigh was a tourism town—think again. And answering the call to host, a bevy of boutique and unique elevated hotels are set to unfold some 500+ rooms, plus rooftops and hospitality concepts, in DTR—transforming Downtown into a dynamic destination where locals and tourists can gather and connect.
Starting this month, this new cast of high-end hotels will further cement Raleigh’s ascending rank as a top U.S. destination for tourists, business travelers and locals alike. And just in time, as DTR saw 3.8 million unique visitors from July 2023 to June 2024 alone, with this June surpassing the most visitors in a single month since prepandemic. Not just a colossal stat—it’s also a huge boon for the Cap City as a whole.
“The more visitors we have Downtown, the greater the vitality of the area,” maintains Visit Raleigh President and CEO Dennis Edwards. “More visitors to Downtown will drive additional activity to retail establishments, restaurants, bars and attractions.” Not to mention it attracts events, conventions, activities and developers—also a draw for Raleighites—to fill out an already long list of offerings.
According to Edwards, the three primary factors that drive business and activity Downtown are residents, workforce and tourism. And DTR tourism is clearly having a moment (think 410 hotel rooms under construction and another 1,590 in development). At a time when no commercial developments broke ground in 2024, it’s the wave of hotels that is solidifying Raleigh’s attractiveness and rise in the ranks as a place people want to visit—and live.
Serving as that driver are at least five new hotel projects coming down the pipeline—Tempo, Hyatt House, Omni, a Blount Street boutique hotel, and a 16-story proposed hotel between South McDowell and South Salisbury streets. And these highly anticipated concepts aren’t just delivering a handful of mediocre beds and a less-than-ideal breakfast buffet—but unique elevated experiences catering to both guests and Raleigh residents.
“These new hotels will add to [the city’s] impressive numbers,” emphasizes Edwards. “The success we’re experiencing not only boosts our local economy, but also strengthens our businesses and supports essential community initiatives. We are already seeing more interest from private developers to build additional hotels and open new restaurants and bars, which will only enhance our offerings.”
So, while some say Downtown has hit a stalemate with development, it’s more like the calm before the storm—in a good way.
“I hear these people dismissing Downtown like it’s kind of done, and that’s such a wrong statement to me because you can never get the feeling of a Downtown anywhere else,” says local developer, architect and Clockwork bar owner Souheil Al-awar, who’s adding a boutique hotel to his résumé already touting The Saint townhomes.
The future of tourism is very bright in Raleigh and Wake County.” – Visit Raleigh President and CEO Dennis Edwards
Boutique Blount Street Hotel
BOUTIQUE & UNIQUE
Bookending DTR opposite Michelin-recognized The Longleaf Hotel on the northern end, a new boutique hotel emerges at the hands of Raleigh hospitality titan Souheil Al-awar of Clockwork and The Saint townhomes fame.
The food & beverage, architecture and design mastermind behind these “very Raleigh” concepts is embarking on his next chapter by adding his unique vision to a historic pocket of DTR. “I really want to do something very specific and very Raleigh at the same time,” says Al-awar—“make a splash, make it a destination.”
A long time in the making, Raleigh City Council approved the hotel rezoning at 423 S. Blount St. (now a parking lot) in late August for roughly seven stories, requiring the first three to match the adjacent Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in height—and three-quarters of its nonglass facade to be red brick a la the guise of the historic hall.
This boutique birth no doubt promises to catapult this area of Downtown into a new era, much like The Longleaf did for its northern DTR counterpart—and perhaps bring Michelin calling once again. Likewise an ode to what makes Raleigh, Raleigh—and retaining her storied history sans skyscraper status—the hotel will nod to approaches in such distinctive Downtowns as the Holy City. “I stayed in Charleston not too long ago and their approach is really good,” muses Al-awar.
Beyond the facade, “I want to give it an interior and a feel that is really original,” he says. “A lot of hotels are becoming very generic—if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to many. So you have to also give it that feel of hominess—like you’re home when you get there.”
Serving ~90 boutique rooms once it bows late 2026 to early 2027, the project could break ground as early as this summer, complete with a pair of local-leaning concepts via a ground-floor restaurant and rooftop restaurant and bar.
There’s the element of restaurants and bars and nightlife I’d like to bring back to that part of town,” says the magnate, who’s been in the local nightlife business now for 18 years, even prior to Clockwork. “I want to lure people to come into Raleigh—and [hospitality] would be very important for that. I think Downtown will definitely come back and will come back strong. And I really want to be there for it when it happens.” Time to check back in, Raleigh.
Boutique Blount Street Hotel Renderings by Souheil Al-awar
Omni Raleigh Hotel
ENERGIZING & TRANSFORMATIVE
A good hotel fulfills the needs of overnight guests, but a great hotel bridges gaps in local aspirations. And that’s exactly what the Omni Raleigh Hotel is aiming to achieve ahead of its slated 2028 opening. Adding a dynamic—and transformative—addition to the DTR skyline from its Fayetteville Street perch across from Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and the Raleigh Convention Center, the first-to-market elevated Omni is partnering with the latter to cater specifically to the growing market of event attendees.
“We think of our hotels as being the living room of the community,” says Brian Zelman, VP of acquisitions and development at Omni Hotels. “As people are going to an event at the performing arts center, how would they progress through the hotel? We want to curate that experience and blend it with the existing landscape.”
And Omni Hotels is indeed curating an experience for guests and locals alike, with a swanky lobby bar, all-day cafe and market, and a Bob’s Steak & Chop House—NTM a rooftop pool upfitted with a spa and sauna and complete with poolside F&B service.
As far as who those other tenants will be, “we always like to go with local flair and authenticity and local cuisine,” says Zelman. “[We] understand that Raleigh is a culinary haven, and we certainly want to leverage the talent uniquely—but also complement what’s in the market.”
Answering the local call for a new Downtown destination—and serving Raleigh’s hungry sports fans—Omni also aspires to activate Fayetteville Street as a drinking destination with a sports bar. “As we are thinking about where restaurants go within the [hotel] footprint, we are being mindful of where people are going out,” emphasizes Zelman. “We are counting on the local community to [come and] enjoy the hotel.”
That said, the hotel’s 550 guest rooms will cater to visitors and locals from all walks of life, with standard guest rooms, elevated suites, and presidential suites upfitted with walk-in closets and double vanities. Unique accouterments will lean more pool tables than uncomfortable hard couches. Meanwhile, the vibe of the lobby interior is set to draw local inspiration from the City of, ahem, Oaks.
“We feel like Raleigh is a sleeping giant of a city,” emphasizes Zelman. “You can see it with the growth in businesses and population. The city has all the attributes of a really dynamic city, and we’re encouraged by the trajectory. … It’s an incredible market for a lot of reasons.” omnihotels.com
Rendering courtesy of Brian Zelman
Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton DTR
UPLIFTING & URBAN
One of the major draws of this incoming class of hotels is they aren’t just for visitors—but for Raleigh residents as well. And that ideal is at the core of Tempo and its open-to-the-public rooftop restaurant/bar Urban Oak, both of which are slated to open at the beginning of November.
Rendering by ODA Architecture, courtesy of Tempo
“We definitely view it as for the community, for Raleigh,” emphasizes Dual General Manager Robert Ambersley. “This is not just for our hotel guests to hop on the elevator and grab a drink. We see it as a destination.”
The brand chose Raleigh for its first Tempo by Hilton in North Carolina—not to mention second of its kind to open in the country and only the fourth Tempo in the world—due to the city’s impressive list of accolades in recent years, not least of which is our ranking as the No. 2 Best City to Live in America.
“We couldn’t have chosen a better city than Raleigh for the brand’s second locale,” maintains Seraj Patel, VP of CN Hotels, which owns the property. “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.”
And Tempo is indeed bringing a new class of hotel to DTR, what with wellness suites feat. in-room Pelotons and other upgraded room features like power-up/power-down zones; valet parking; local art throughout; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and yet another F&B concept, Moonsong Cafe, which will be open to the public all day with the likes of coffee, breakfast items and cocktails.
Photography by Juli Wade
Elevating Tempo and its appeal even more is Urban Oak, now touting the title of Raleigh’s tallest rooftop destination and offering guests and locals alike a sophisticated space to enjoy cocktails, gourmet tapas and DJs—while tapping into DTR’s yearning for an elevated experience, according to Patel.
“We feel we’ve been received by Visit Raleigh and the Downtown hotels as a new partner that’s going to grow the area and enhance their hotels,” says Ambersley, with McKibbon Hospitality Dual Director of Sales Laureen Cooney adding: “It’s important we recognize there’s room for growth and things have changed. We’re excited to be part of that.” hilton.com
Hyatt House Seaboard Station
NOSTALGIC & PROGRESSIVE
Delivering a blast from the past while easing Raleigh into its future is Downtown Raleigh’s first Hyatt House. The visionary project by Hoffman & Associates and Concord Hospitality joins the ever-growing lineup at Seaboard Station, already poised to be a mini-gateway to Downtown from Capital Boulevard, also connecting Smoky Hollow to the Person Street area.
Rendering courtesy of Hoffman & Associates
Designed with living in mind, the Hyatt House team anticipates its apartment-like rooms—some even equipped with full kitchen and separate living area—for extended stays, say when a Raleighite needs a place to crash for a couple weeks before their lease starts or parents move their kids into NC State or Peace U.
But whether prolonged or swift sojourn—or just proximal play—entertainment ops abound, from the pool bar opening onto a leisurely pool deck (also shared with adjacent apartment The Point) to the indoor open-to-the-public bar pouring Tiki-style cocktails, frozen drinks, RTD bevs, and serving a simple food menu (think sandwiches, wraps and tacos) that will really scratch the itch for lunch. Not to mention the ample meeting and event spaces that will play host to watch parties and the like.
Also open to the public is highly anticipated rooftop bar-with-food High Rail, the name a nod to the historic rail yard the building is situated on. “We’re excited to be part of Seaboard Station, honoring the rich history around us while offering a unique perspective with exceptional views from the north end of Downtown,” emphasizes Food & Beverage Director Jeremy Powers.
Powers also calls out the before-unseen vistas—from Village District to even the Western Boulevard cathedral—the fresh perspective serves as “one of the first places with exceptional views from the north end of Downtown.” Best enjoyed from the rooftop patio perched by the rail, natch, or from the two interior bars, complete with an accordion door and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Adding to the allure are seven high-end cocktails and 15 wines by the glass, including Veuve Clicquot, with a reserve list of top-notch bottles to boot—plus fare by head chef Henry Ramos at the ready when hunger strikes. Think main-style dishes like pesto rigatoni and steak frites, “quirky hybrid things” like the Hot Now Chicken made with a Kristy Kreme doughnut pressed into a waffle and topped with fried chicken and hot honey, plus myriad handhelds, dips and bowls (olive, pickles, nuts) that will move through the room.
But the elevated spot is more than just a brand-new vantage point for Raleighites and out-of-towners to relish in the sights and sounds of the city—it’s an ode to Raleigh as well. “I’m doing all my favorite things that other places in town used to do,” says Powers, who is also the president of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders Guild, and has spent several years working in the local bar and restaurant industry via stints at spots like C. Grace and The Blind Barbour.
Think weekly live jazz feat. Powers’ Rolodex of former C. Grace musicians, tap takeovers and, eventually, Sunday late-day brunch for that 1–6pm crowd (hey, Sunday Funday!) with build-your-own mimosa flights a la recently closed Plates Neighborhood Kitchen.
People either want really great or they want to stay home and save some money,” says Powers. “So we want to be a place that knocks people’s socks off. Our goal is to try to get you to gasp at least three to four times.”
So while Raleigh already touts great food, cocktails, wine, hospitality and rooftop views, “it’s rare to find all of these in one spot,” maintains Powers. Now, enter that one-stop mecca for it all. hyatt.com
Retreat, revive and rest up at DTR’s new destination hotel + rooftop bar.
Setting the, well, tempo for DTR as a destination, enter Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, bowing as early as end of August. Only the fourth Tempo in the world—and CN Hotels’ first dual concept—the McKibbon Hospitality-managed brand chose Downtown Raleigh as one of its premiere properties for its competitive growth, propelling the city into the ranks of other upper-class East Coast markets—and alongside the likes of Tempo’s premiere trio selects Manhattan, Louisville and Nashville.
“We feel we’ve been received by Visit Raleigh and the other Downtown hotels as a new partner that’s going to grow the area and enhance their hotels,” says Dual General Manager Robert Ambersley. “The excitement from Visit Raleigh specifically over getting the Hilton brand Downtown has been stated very clearly to us.”
Not just a place to lay your bags and rest your head, the lifestyle hotel is an experience, serving at once to reimagine an overnight—weekend, week or even monthlong—stay while also leaning into the community aspect via public spaces that’ll appeal to Raleighites as well.
An architectural beacon from ground to sky, Tempo is primely positioned at the intersection of West Davie and South McDowell streets, with easy access to the Warehouse District, Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South.
The dual concept boasts 134 Homewood Suites and 127 Tempo rooms—the former geared toward more transient family travel, weddings and the like with homey accommodations feat. a couch, TV, wardrobes and a flex table, while the latter boasts upgraded materials and accouterments for the biz-savvy travel. Think a backlit “power-up” zone for taking Zoom meetings, bathroom mirrors with built-in speakers, and a cozy “power-down” zone a la beds with wraparound headboards and ample USB ports positioned in front of a 65-inch TV. And for those who never skip a workout, wellness suites offer an in-room Peloton, resistance bands and free weights.
Doubling down on that healthy lifestyle, Tempo’s downstairs all-day open-to-the-public Moonsong Cafe will offer freshly made ops like protein shakes, fresh coffee and avocado toast—plus cocktails and mocktails. Positioned in the expansive natural-lit lobby, the lounge allows patrons to relish in some of the hotel’s many “look-up moments,” including ~100 art pieces by local artists—the most prominent of which is a Sir Walter Raleigh mural adorning the decorative stairs. “The goal is for [guests] to stop looking at their phones and look up at all these beautiful surroundings,” emphasizes McKibbon Hospitality Dual Director of Sales Laureen Cooney.
But where visitors and Raleighites alike will really be able to enjoy a breathtaking respite is at Tempo’s rooftop Urban Oak, aka the City of Oaks’ tallest lounge and bar. The intimate space serves up incredible views of the city via its two patios (one covered, the other open-air)—plus a stunning interior bar, lounge seating and even wicker swings, with an indoor oak tree and unique light fixtures serving as added primo look-up moments to take in while indulging in small plates and cocktails.
“We definitely view [Urban Oak] as for the community, for Raleigh,” maintains Ambersley of the aptly dubbed restaurant in the sky. “This is not just for our hotel guests to hop on the elevator and grab a drink. We see it as a destination”—whether for a light dinner or pre-/post-meal cocktails.
So while you might not think of Raleigh as a tourist town—yet—Tempo is here to turn the tide, attracting both out-of-towners and residents alike to a one-of-a-kind destination helping put the City of Oaks on the map. hilton.com
Five years ago, Raleigh’s hotel scene was limited to chains, with standard Hiltons, Marriotts and Comfort Inns leaving little to the imaginations of visitors passing through. Since then boutique hotels, cherished for their charm and intimacy, their unique atmospheres and local vibes, began popping up all over the Triangle. The Bull City led the way with Unscripted Hotel, 21c Museum Hotel and The Durham Hotel. But Raleigh wasn’t far behind; in 2018, Guest House opened downtown, with many more to follow, including the recently opened Longleaf Hotel replacing a Days Inn that had, well, seen better days. Here’s a look at the boutique hotels Raleigh has now, and the ones that are on the way.
The Longleaf Hotel
300 N. Dawson St. Number of rooms: 56 Price range: $149-$179
Loden Properties’ Longleaf Hotel embodies everything cool about a 1960s motor lodge—neon signs, bright color schemes and hip lounge areas—but with modern-day amenities and a trendy facelift by Maurer Architecture. Retro-inspired decor pays homage to Raleigh, showcasing local artisans. Layered pine needle wallpaper is an ode to the state tree, pillows are the color of North Carolina clay and local textile makers Rise & Ramble supplies shibori-dyed robes.
Origin Hotel
603 W. Morgan St. Number of rooms: 126 Price range: Starting at $150
A large hotel with a community-oriented feel, the Origin brand is known for embracing the hyper-local in ways that seamlessly blend into the existing fabrics of cities. Origin Raleigh—developed by the Mississippi-based Thrash Group—highlights the local culture with curated retail from DECO, locally made artwork, a DIY coffee connoisseur kit including Larry’s Coffee beans, in-room yoga and an onsite bike share program. The hotel restaurant, Good Day Good Night, will feature plant based dishes incorporating ingredients sourced from North Carolina farmers.
Guest House
420 S. Bloodworth Street Number of rooms: 8 Price range: $159-$259
Guest House is lauded for its cozy common areas, including a greenery-filled dining room, sanctuary breakfast nook and parlor adorned with plush couches, not to mention serene guest rooms decorated in calming color palettes and flooded with natural light. Lovingly restored by Matt Tomasulo and Nicole Alvarez, the historic house—which originally served as the home to Arthur Gorham, Raleigh’s first African American mailman, his wife Annie, and daughter Addie—was relocated six blocks from Raleigh’s Prince Hall Historic District to its current location.
The Gables Lodge
1217 Wake Forest Road Number of rooms: 19 Price range: To be announced Projected opening: To be announced
Singer Tift Merritt and Durham hotelier Daniel Robinson bought the Gables Motor Lodge last year with plans to renovate and restore it to its original use as a hotel. The existing buildings that date back to 1925 will be saved, with changes to the existing garage—which will become a small bar—and new additions to either side. The pavement will be replaced with a native Piedmont garden.
Photo by Jim Lamb
Heights House Hotel
308 S. Boylan Ave. Number of rooms: 9 Price range: To be announced Projected opening: Early 2021
Commissioned in 1858 by William Montfort Boylan, Montfort Hall—now known as Heights House Hotel—is one of only a few remaining pre-Civil War houses in the city and it is both a National and Raleigh Historic Landmark. The beautiful Italianate-style mansion has had several owners since the Boylan family’s time and currently is being restored by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Sarah Shepherd. The crown jewel of the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood, the inn will host community nights and special events to foster a sense of shared community.
