Best Wedding Hotels in North Carolina

Sitting just off Interstate 40 about 9 miles northwest of Raleigh, North Carolina, The Umstead Hotel and Spa strives to provide guests with a sense of tranquility. The hotel's designers had a keen eye for detail: The Umstead's ornamentations are reflective of its natural surroundings, with plants and statues of animals adorning the lobby and other common areas. Guest rooms also feature muted green tones. Accommodations are equipped with Keurig coffee makers, free Wi-Fi access and beds with pillow-top mattresses. Travelers rave about The Umstead's appearance as well as its services and amenities, including the soothing treatments at the Umstead Spa, the seasonal outdoor pool and the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Herons restaurant. But above all, guests credit the hotel employees for their positive experience; many note that the concierge and front desk staff make a point to learn your name. Though self-parking at this hotel is fee, you'll need a car to access the region's other major attractions. 

Guests love this hotel's proximity to the local boutique shops and restaurants of Fearrington Village, which is about 35 miles west of Raleigh, North Carolina. But you don't have to stray far from The Fearrington House Inn to have a good time. Surrounded by manicured gardens and rolling pastures, the Spa at Fearrington is an ideal hideout for R&R-seekers staying at the 32-room inn. And if you're looking for a little romance, guests highly recommend dining at The Fearrington House restaurant, which serves up savory portions of local cuisine. Visitors also extol the inn's attention to detail, noting that each guest room features its own iteration of Southern decor alongside amenities like 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown bath products, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access and fresh flowers. Additional perks that guests of this hotel receive – and touches recent visitors appreciated – include complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and port wine along with homemade truffles at turndown.

Nestled amid the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa evokes a European lodge, complete with an exposed stone and brick facade, cozy fireplaces and Victorian-era furnishings. There are several lodging options to choose from: The Inn features spacious guest rooms with large, four-poster canopy beds and antique furniture, while the cottages' rustic designs – complete with multiple rooms and private porches – are ideal for families. Previous guests rave about on-site amenities like the Acorns boutique (specializing in antique home decor), The Spa at Old Edwards and the challenging course at Old Edwards Golf Club. Visitors also can't get enough of the farm-to-table cuisine at Madison's restaurant. What's more, recent guests say the staff members are fantastic, noting that their kindness and willingness to help went a long way.

Overlooking 8,000 acres of land south of downtown Asheville, North Carolina, the Inn on Biltmore Estate promises the same hospitality that former owners George and Edith Vanderbilt once showed guests at their home in the early 20th century. According to visitors, the hotel's employees are friendly and exceptionally attentive. Rooms, which come with complimentary Wi-Fi access and 24-hour room service, offer woodland and mountain views from king-sized or double beds. The Inn on Biltmore Estate also earns high praise for its cuisine at The Dining Room, which serves regional fare in a formal setting, though a meal here won't come cheap. You can also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the hotel's eatery. Other on-site amenities you'll find at this estate include a spa, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and various meeting spaces.

Here, "grand" is certainly an understatement; this member of the Autograph Collection (located on the southern fringe of Asheville, North Carolina) is all about the decor. The classic Tudor-inspired design – complete with velvet couches and stone fireplaces – has adopted some contemporary touches, like the bar's ambiance-enhancing red lighting and the modern works found in the hotel's Grand Bohemian Art Gallery. Many visitors recommend spending an afternoon unwinding at the Poseidon Spa before grabbing dinner at the Red Stag Grill. When it comes to lodging, rooms feature marble bathrooms, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. And though some past guests complained that noise from a nearby train track can infiltrate the accommodations, making for an inconsistent night's sleep, most described a stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville as a treat. Because of its Marriott ties, this hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, allowing members to earn and use points at this property.

Located in northern Asheville, North Carolina, on the fringes of the Grove Park Country Club, The Grove Park Inn lures guests with its leafy surroundings. Travelers say that autumn is a great time to visit, as the rooms offer fantastic views of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain ranges' kaleidoscopic fall foliage. As for the inn itself, many applaud the guest rooms for their soothing neutral decor and large, comfy beds. Others report that the resort's large size has caused the original inn to lose some of its charm. Guests also note that as the resort has grown, the prices have increased, too. However, visitors do appreciate the 43,000-square-foot spa and its range of decadent treatments. When it's time for a meal or drinks, guests can head to one of the several restaurants or bars on the property. Lodgers who participate in the Omni Select Guest program can earn and redeem free nights here, and get additional perks.

Sitting about 16 miles south of downtown Charlotte in the quiet suburb of Ballantyne, this Luxury Collection hotel is ideal for visitors in need of some rest and relaxation. Guests have access to the 18-hole championship Golf Club at Ballantyne, signature treatments at The Spa at Ballantyne and gourmet American cuisine served at the Gallery Restaurant. Ornate decor and spacious guest rooms, complete with minibars, coffee makers and Bose Wave stereos, impress visitors, but reportedly the true highlight is The Ballantyne's customer service. Everyone from the cleaning staff to the hotel management wins guests over with true Southern hospitality. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Owners Dennis and Nancy King Quaintance had a very clear vision when opening the O. Henry Hotel in northwest Greensboro: To provide guests with the traditional Southern hospitality of an old-fashioned North Carolina hotel while still offering modern amenities. According to previous guests, the Quiantances succeeded. Visitors love O. Henry's classic ambiance, emphasized by the wood-paneled walls, verdant garden patio and classically designed Green Valley Grill restaurant. Accommodations all feature 9-foot-high ceilings, large soaking tubs and flat-screens, plus a full Southern-style breakfast is included in all room rates. The hotel's more contemporary offerings – like the outdoor pool, the high-speed wireless internet and the 24-hour fitness center – also earn a thumbs-up. Past guests are also quick to compliment the hotel's pleasant and efficient staff.

Known for its beachy, romantic feel, the Outer Banks has been drawing travelers to the shores of North Carolina for quite some time. Sanderling Resort's expansive oceanfront property encompasses all of those OBX allures with its tranquil setting, charming decor and ample activities. The resort's location in Duck – between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound – means views of the water are available from nearly every room. Inside your room, you'll find a minifridge, a marble bathroom, a flat-screen TV and a private balcony. But with an award-winning spa, an adjacent beach and three pools (one kid-friendly, one adults-only and one indoor), it's unlikely that you'll want to spend much time in your room. What's more, the on-site restaurants offer a variety of cuisine options – from steak and seafood to casual burgers and sandwiches to wintertime s'mores toasted over an outdoor fire pit. These amenities and accommodations do, however, come attatched to a daily resort fee.

Standing in the heart of Chapel Hill and roughly 32 miles northwest of Raleigh, North Carolina, The Carolina Inn has welcomed guests since 1924 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a mixture of classic Southern charm and contemporary convenience: Guest rooms are outfitted with four-poster beds and antique artwork, as well as LCD flat-screen televisions, minifridges and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The Carolina Crossroads Restaurant and Bar's decor recalls the early 20th century South, while staff serves homestyle dishes with a modern twist. Guests say that the inn's Southern hospitality truly shines through the friendly customer service. The only downside guests noted about this hotel was that the rooms and bathrooms were on the smaller side.

You don't have to cross the Atlantic to catch a glimpse of Europe; The Siena Hotel in northeast Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers guests a contemporary take on classic Italian style. Imitations of Italian art decorate the walls, while the domed windows and marble floors recall Romanesque architecture. But unlike many hotel guest rooms in Italy, Siena's accommodations are spacious enough to house massive beds and plush furniture, not to mention generously sized bathrooms. Guests also adore the hotel's more modern details, like colored lighting and a swanky bar, and extra touches like Belgian chocolates at turndown. To complete a near perfect stay, visitors mention that the front desk and wait staffs are extremely friendly and accommodating. For a taste of Italy, guests recommend indulging at the on-site Il Palio restaurant. What's more, because the hotel is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, it allows members to earn and reedem Marriott Bonvoy points.

Flanking the southern edge of the Duke University campus in Durham, North Carolina, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club invites visitors into a historic, collegiate environment. This hotel honors Washington Duke, the founder of the Duke University and a renowned philanthropist, and guests will discover tributes to his life and legacy throughout the property, including painted portraits and the family's coat of arms. In the rooms, guests will find flat-screen TVs, Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, minibars and Keurig coffee makers. Visitors adore the Inn's warm atmosphere, as well as the adjoining 18-hole championship Duke University Golf Club, which has been challenging golfers since 1957. The hotel's Fairview Dining Room also impresses guests with its cozy arm chairs and creative Southern cuisine, though many diners warn of the restaurant's high prices. And as far as the staff is concerned, recent visitors said they were hit or miss: Some guests said they encountered friendly doormen and front desk employees, and others experienced unsmiling and curt staff members. 

Three different hotels – The Carolina, The Holly Inn and The Manor – comprise the whole of Pinehurst Resort, which crowns the Pinehurst Golf Club in central North Carolina. All three options boast spacious guest rooms and classic Southern decor with bright, neutral tones and elegant-yet-cozy furniture. Of the choices, previous guests strongly recommend booking a room in The Carolina, which has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. You'll have access to all of the sprawling resort's amenities, which include The Spa at Pinehurst and eight versatile eateries. You can also spend your time partaking in a few of the countless activities available on the resort grounds: Kayaking, fishing, walking tours and tennis are just a handful of active options.

Guests say that this hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, resembles a European castle. The lobby is decked out in rich stone flooring, massive chandeliers and lavish Victorian-style furniture, while the guest rooms feature green satin bedding and ornately framed artwork. The grounds are just as grand with trickling waterfalls and two 18-hole golf courses. The majority of recent visitors have nothing but good things to say about Grandover, citing the reasonable room rates and the hotel's friendly customer service staff as the primary perks. However, some do note the resort's isolated location can be a drawback, and added the dishes at the Italian-inspired Di Valletta restaurant are rather pricey.

Graylyn Estate looks more like a stone castle than a hotel and guests say a stay here is an enchanting experience. Previous visitors said everything from room decor to the complimentary breakfast buffet to the impeccable service made their stays memorable. Set on 55 acres in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, just south of Wake Forest University, Graylyn Estate houses 86 rooms across a few different buildings and cottages, and all of the accommodations are decorated a bit differently. Some rooms come equipped with ornamental fireplaces and 17-head showers while others feature hand-painted tile marble tubs and spacious sitting areas. The estate is also home to ample on-site conference facilities and offerings, including a conference center, catering options and team-building opportunities. As far as other amenities go, the property features a seasonal outdoor pool, two fitness centers and two restaurants (one of which offers a four-course dinner nightly). The only thing some previous patrons were disappointed with was that it seemed this hotel caters highly to meetings and weddings, meaning its grounds were often busy.

Visitors can't help but rave about the Omni Charlotte Hotel's downtown location; it's just a short walk to attractions like Discovery Place and the Levine Museum of the New South, not to mention vibrant nightlife spots. But the central locale doesn't come without its cost: Some complain of hearing late-night street noise on lower floors. This Omni's modern, somewhat funky decor garners applause from recent guests, who enjoy the guest rooms' boldly patterned carpets that contrast with muted neutral tones. Inside the rooms, lodgers can also indulge in amenities like 37-inch LCD TVs, complimentary newspapers and plush bathrobes. When venturing outside the guest rooms, travelers can discover common areas like the Trade Restaurant and Bar, which features local, southern-style cuisine. And thanks to its Omni ties, Omni Select Guest members can earn points and get perks like free Wi-Fi access when staying here.

This hotel in downtown Charlotte is all about being trendy. Polished parquet flooring and an extremely large crystal chandelier give the lobby a sense of chic grandeur. The guest rooms are just as visually stimulating, with soothing earth tones, hardwood furniture and skyline views (the rainfall showers and flat-screen TVs don't hurt, either). The hotel's proximity to attractions, like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, also makes it a convenient place for sightseers to lay their heads. Though you'll be surrounded by a bevy of eateries and bars, consider staying on-site for a meal or two at JP Charlotte, which offers burgers, steaks and flat breads. You can also grab a cocktail at the on-site bar. What's more, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn or use points for perks here.

Surrounded by some of Charlotte's most popular attractions, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Mint Museum Uptown, the Charlotte Marriott City Center makes a great home base for downtown exploration. Fairly large guest rooms contain bright red, gold and blue accents as well as high-tech amenities like iPod docks and wireless Internet (for a fee). While guests appreciated the in-room features, they noted the ongoing construction throughout the hotel during its refurbishment was a bit of a disruption. Visitors were also a bit disappointed by this Marriott property's rates and pricey fees for things like Internet access and parking. Though, Marriott Rewards members can save some coin by using points to book a stay here.

Sitting just one block from the Spectrum Center in downtown Charlotte, this Ritz lives up to its brand's name. The hotel's muted wood tones are offset by large, colorful examples of contemporary art, while the spacious guest rooms house oversized beds and large bathrooms. All accommodations are also equipped with iPod docking stations, work desks and two flat-screen TVs – one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom's mirror, though there is a fee for Wi-Fi. Although room rates are typically high, visitors say that the experience is worth the splurge. For many, the hotel's spa – which offers a diverse treatment menu, as well as a peaceful indoor pool – seals the deal on a great stay. For others, it's the hearty French cuisine served at BLT Steak (BLT standing for Bistro Laurent Tourondel), not to mention the confectionary creations found at Bar Cocoa. Members participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program can use and earn points by staying here.

The 21c Museum Hotel Durham opened in March 2015 and is the fourth installment in the unique 21c Museum Hotels brand. The hotel is located in the Hill Building and boasts 10,500 square feet of art exhibit space, which guests and the public can tour free of charge. The property features rotating and permanent pieces, including White Light (illuminated porcelain and paper chandeliers) and Fuchsia Penguin (a brightly colored plastic installation that's moved throughout the hotel). When it's time for a bite to eat, check out Counting House. The on-site eatery showcases seasonal ingredients in its breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktail menus. As far as accommodations go, 21c Museum Hotel's 125 rooms are bright and spacious, with high ceilings, terrazzo floors, Nespresso coffee machines, MALIN + GOETZ toiletries and free Wi-Fi access. Recent visitors were impressed with the clean, chic rooms as well as the hotel's employees, which are described as warm, genuine and friendly. The only downside, according to some travelers, is the noise from trains when they pass through town. You'll find this hotel in downtown Durham about 2 miles east of Duke University.

Nature-lovers can rest easy at the Proximity Hotel, as it is one of the greenest hotels in the country. Located about 3 miles northwest of downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, this property was specifically designed to use 40 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than other comparable hotels. But not all guests choose the Proximity for its environmental friendliness. Some love its unique design (especially the "floating" 12-foot steel front desk and the sweeping spiral staircases in the Social Lobby). Others rave about the views from the guest rooms through the massive windows and the tasty food found at Print Works Bistro. Most importantly, visitors praise the Proximity's friendly customer service staff and fairly low room rates.

This 33-suite boutique hotel earns praise from previous guests for its location near ample shops and restaurants in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, and for its spacious accommodations. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms and bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi access, wet bars, minifridges and Keurig coffee makers. Apart from in-room perks, visitors were also impressed with the hotel's extra touches, including everything from welcome Champagne at check-in to chocolates left on the pillow at the nightly turndown service. Guests also have access to the fitness center and two restaurants, Isa's Bistro and the Haywood Park Cafe. But the gym and eateries are the extent of the on-site features at the Haywood Park Hotel; guests looking for entertainment and additional activities will have to venture outside of the property. Overall traveler reviews of the Haywood Park Hotel were mixed: Some guests raved about the service staff and the hotel's downtown location, while others noted the accommodations looked tired and could use an update.

Located just 2 miles from the center of downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, The Duke Mansion's 20 individually decorated rooms and nearly 5 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens provide a welcome escape from city life. Originally built in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion boasts screened-in porches, a guest library, free Wi-Fi access and complimentary breakfasts. Meanwhile, the guest rooms offer a blend of Southern charm with modern conveniences, including skylights, porches and flat-screen TVs. Past guests appreciated the hotel's convenient location, friendly staff, lush grounds and tasty breakfasts. Others were impressed with how quiet the rooms were, especially since the hotel hosts a lot of weddings and meetings.

The Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel sits amid a shopping plaza with chain and boutique retailers, abundant dining options and a movie theater, some 13 miles east of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The property has 229 modern guest rooms outfitted in slate gray and white. Standard rooms have headboards with built-in reading lights, Edison bulb nightlights, air plants and succulents and – perhaps the most popular amenity with recent guests – TVs in the bathrooms. Accommodations also include coffee makers and walk-in rain showers, plus Wi-Fi and in-room safes (both for an additional fee). Complimentary parking is available in on-site and nearby off-site lots, and the hotel houses a fitness center and an indoor pool long enough for swimming laps. The hotel's 41Hundred restaurant offers a daily breakfast buffet, and serves small plates for lunch and dinner, while craft cocktails and house-aged whiskey are available from the full bar. Thanks to the property's Marriott ties, rewards program members can earn and redeem Marriott Rewards points here.

Recent guests love this Marriott's location – approximately 7 miles south of downtown Charlotte – for its proximity to the SouthPark shopping mall and a variety of different eateries in the area. If you're looking to spend a significant amount of time sightseeing, you might want to consider the Charlotte Marriott City Center, instead. Though there are plenty of eateries at the mall, you don't necessarily have to leave the premises to satisfy your appetite. Its in-house restaurant, Rexford Park Public House, features classic American cuisine like steak, burgers and seafood, all for a fairly reasonable price. Previous guests also praised the hotel's on-site amenities, which include an outdoor pool and fully equipped business and fitness centers. Guest rooms feature in-room coffee and tea service, flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Members of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards programs can earn and use points here.