The Umstead Hotel and Spa — Cary, NC, United States

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, located in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, offers a welcoming home in an environment that expresses an appreciation for the arts and embraces the wonders of nature. The luxury hotel and spa is scheduled to opened January 15, 2007 and features a casually elegant yet sophisticated design, introducing a modern style and essence. Residing on 12-acres and nestled against a beautiful 3-acre lake, steps away from walking and jogging trails as well as Umstead State Park, The Umstead preserves the heritage of North Carolina's natural beauty and offers a relaxing escape for business or pleasure. The 150-room, 6-story hotel represents the finest elements of Mother Nature with a charming artful elegance in a serene setting where attention to detail becomes tradition.

The Umstead provides a world-class haven for discerning business guests and sophisticated leisure travelers with 8,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, spacious guestrooms, a world-class dining experience, original art and sculpture and a luxurious spa. The hotel also offers the perfect destination for area residents looking for evening relaxation or a weekend escape. Just off Interstate 40 and 6 minutes from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and 12 minutes from downtown Raleigh, The Umstead offers the conveniences of an urban location. It also exhibits a great appreciation for local and regional arts, including a collection of original artwork commissioned by Ann Goodnight.

The Umstead offers guests spacious and luxurious guest rooms with rich furnishings in a cozy atmosphere that is designed to inspire and embrace the wonders of nature. Offering the best in casual elegance and sophisticated living, the 150 oversized guest rooms average 540 square-feet and feature lavish amenities, including luxurious, well-appointed furnishings, 42" Plasma television with DVD/CD player, pillow-top beds, Rivolta Italian linens and signature bath products in all guest rooms. While rich, carmel-hued Anegre wood is used throughout the property, guest rooms are also dressed in customized, nature-inspired art and flora. Some guestrooms and luxury suites will include balconies that overlook the manicured lawns and lake, which features two serene fountains, while other guest rooms and suites will face the hotel's lush gardens. To insure guests feel at home upon arrival, tea service will be offered in-room. A dedicated, "behind the scenes," elevator will insure swift and unobtrusive delivery of guests' luggage.

The Umstead's world-class restaurant will introduce an innovative culinary theater experience and feature Modern American cuisine with a Southern flair. With a highly-skilled culinary team and gracious, personalized service in an intimate 90-seat dining atmosphere, guests will enjoy the energy of an "open kitchen," curved ceilings, spectacular lighting, customized art and sculpture from legendary artists. Guests can also enjoy the 40-seat al fresco terrace dining complete with cozy fireplaces as well as beautiful panoramic vistas over the lake. A carefully selected wine cellar, special event wine dinners, afternoon tea service and live music will also be featured.

Offering an inspirational and sophisticated setting for power breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Umstead's restaurant provides a meeting destination designed to impress, combining elegance in a comfortable atmosphere with impeccable service.

Adjacent to the hotel, the luxurious two-story, 14,000 square-foot spa facility features 10 treatment rooms, a "meditation" courtyard, sauna, steam room, whirlpools, casual lounges and terraces. The spa is filled with natural light and provide an ambience of refined relaxation and pampering with customized treatments and scents inspired by the native flowers of the region. Convenience services will also be offered for business travelers "on the run."