Hotel hopping
Celebrate in style — and in town — this holiday season
by Darcie Dearth
With rising gas prices and the current state of the economy, the 2008 holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ever to travel. Fortunately, Triangle residents don’t have to skip town to celebrate the season. The area’s full-service hotels offer a getaway alternative to traveling, hosting holiday events and serving exceptional fine dining throughout the season.
“Holiday travel may be down this year, but we are not expecting a significant drop in guests,” says Richard Brooks, sales and marketing manager at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.
“Even though most people are cutting back on travel, they still want to relax and celebrate but are keeping it local.”
Since opening its doors in late 2006, the Umstead has gained favor for its tranquil interior setting and lush natural surroundings on its 12-acre site. The hotel conveys the calmness of a serene sanctuary, making it an ideal option for those looking to de-stress over the holidays.
“This year, most people will be looking at that close getaway, within 200 to 250 miles from home,” says Melissa Crane, director of sales and marketing at The Franklin Hotel in downtown Chapel Hill.
The Franklin aims to delight holiday travelers and residents this season with its simple elegance and modern flair. Guests can stop in for a gourmet breakfast at Windows, its signature restaurant, and afterward can stroll to nearby boutiques for some holiday shopping.
“Our hotel is really becoming a getaway for locals,” Crane notes. “With complimentary parking, guests find that they can really enjoy the walking experience with everything in such close proximity.”
The Siena Hotel, also in Chapel Hill, will host many events this year, from a gingerbread house-making contest to a traditional Italian wine tasting. The boutique hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Il Palio, will serve Hanukkah fare such as latkes, brisket and kugel during the holidays as well.
“It’s a wonderful feeling of community,” says Anthony Carey, the hotel’s general manager. “You’ll see that some of your neighbors are here.”
If not for the food, wine or comfort, Triangle residents can hit the area’s top hotels and inns to view exquisite holiday decorations. Pittsboro’s Fearrington Village decks its halls each season with elegant grapevine balls adorned with fairy lights, twinkling Christmas trees, and custom-designed wreaths and garlands.
“A stay at The Fearrington House is a tradition for many families,” says Phoebe Fox of Fearrington Village.
“Our commitment is to take care of every little detail to ensure that guests can escape, relax and enjoy the season.”
For the past 17 holiday seasons, Fearrington has drawn a crowd for its signature event, Holiday Storytelling with Donald Davis. A world-renowned storyteller, Davis has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution and the World’s Fair, and has appeared as a guest host on NPR’s “Good Evening.”
Affordable luxury
Those opting to stay in town this holiday season can enjoy an award-winning dinner, indulge in an in-room spa treatment, or choose from hundreds of fine wine selections while taking in spectacular views and artistic surroundings. Fortunately, these premium services and luxuries don’t necessarily come at a premium price.
Because many hotels predict fewer travelers this season, many plan on boosting their offerings and incentives to provide affordable package options that guests and area residents alike can enjoy.
The new Raleigh Marriott City Center has assembled several package options to attract guests, including a theater-night package that includes overnight accommodations; dinner at the hotel’s authentic Italian restaurant, Posta Tuscan Grille; valet parking; and tickets to a performance just a few steps away at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
The hotel, which opened in July, offers a central location to area museums, restaurants and attractions. With an open, fresh and modern interior, the Marriott reveals a smart design that even the most discerning traveler can appreciate.
Special room rates also are available at The Umstead, which has prepared a New Year’s Eve package featuring a bottle of Biltmore Champagne with two stemmed, Roost-etched botanical glasses and breakfast for two at Herons, its signature restaurant. Guests also can plan to sleep in on New Year’s Day, as the hotel will extend its checkout time to 3 p.m.
The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, located on the grounds of Duke University’s Durham campus, will offer special holiday room rates as well.
“We see families joining us for the holidays that have done so for 20 years,” says Jim Bressler, director of marketing.
According to Bressler, the hotel’s restaurant and banquet rooms are bustling with celebrations this time of year. He expects a full house this holiday season.
“The holidays mean different things to different people, but they always result in a festive celebration,” he says.
Celebration and giving
Guests attending select hotel venues this season also can help carry out a philanthropic mission.
“We feel very strongly about giving back to our community and try to include a charitable component into our key signature events,” says Mark Nelson of The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.
Last year, the hotel’s “Fete de Trois Rois — New Orleans Style 12th Night Banquet” donated 25 percent of its proceeds to the American Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund.
The Raleigh Marriott City Center will kick off its first community outreach initiative to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Beginning in late November, the hotel’s Bar Posta is serving three new holiday cocktails to celebrate the season — donating $1 from each drink purchased — while a giving tree in the lobby holds ornaments for sale to benefit the organization.
“Marriott holds a strong commitment to its ‘Spirit to Serve’ program in the community,” says Heather Freeman, hotel spokeswoman.
Through its global community initiative, the Marriott strongly encourages its hotels to give back to the communities in which their associates live and work. Now that’s the holiday spirit.
Darcie Dearth is a freelance writer based in Cary.
Holiday treats
Mix up your holiday routine this year with a trip to one of the Triangle’s top hotels. Whether you stay overnight or simply indulge in decadent dining, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
The Siena Hotel: Events include a Gingerbread House Contest from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 1; three-course dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, and brunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7, before performances of “The Nutcracker;” Italian wine-tasting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11; Story Time with Santa from 3-4 p.m. Dec. 19; Eight Days of Hannukah dinner specials from 5:30-10 p.m. Dec. 22-29; Shop and Drop Kids Camp, featuring a day of games, stories and snacks, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 22 and Dec. 23; and a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a 1920s theme. To learn more, call (919) 929-4000 or visit www.sienahotel.com.
Fearrington Village: Events include the Fearrington Holiday Market from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, and Holiday Storytelling with Donald Davis beginning at 11 a.m. Dec. 20. To learn more, call (919) 542-2121 or visit www.fearrington.com.
The Franklin Hotel: Events include the Holiday Parade viewing breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 13; Holiday Creole Reveillon, a festive five-course dinner with wine pairings, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 18; and a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a five-course dinner and wine pairings, as well as a Champagne toast to ring in the new year. To learn more, call (919) 442-9000 or visit www.franklinhotelnc.com.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa: Events include a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 9 p.m. Nov. 27; Tea with Santa at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13; holiday lunch and dinner menus Christmas Day; and a Champagne reception and eight-course tasting menu featuring live jazz music beginning at 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve. To learn more, call (919) 447-4000 or visit www.theumstead.com.
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club: The hotel features a Christmas Eve menu and brunch Christmas Day in its Fairview dining room. To learn more, call (919) 490-0999 or visit www.washingtondukeinn.com.
Raleigh Marriott City Center: The hotel will host a tree-lighting celebration beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 24. The ceremony highlights the hotel’s charitable contributions to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. To learn more, call (919) 833-1120 or visit www.marriott.com.
The Carolina Inn: Events include the 11th annual Twelve Days of Christmas from Nov. 30 through Jan. 4, and “Fete de Trois Rois — New Orleans Style 12th Night Banquet” to kick off the 2009 Mardi Gras season. To learn more, call (919) 933-2001 or visit www.carolinainn.com.