Plan the perfect getaway with our guide to Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough’s reader-voted best hotels, with standout amenities from rooftop pools and boutique charm to one-of-a-kind local experiences
By Rebekah Mann | Photography by John Michael Simpson
The Carolina Inn
Inside The Carolina Inn, a vibrant collection of merchandise awaits those searching for the perfect souvenir or present. Heidi Werner Dawson, director of sales and marketing, curates the inn’s gift shop and says stocking local and North Carolina-made products remains a priority. “We want you to feel like you’re taking a piece of The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill and North Carolina with you when you go,” she says. Shrunken Head, House of MBR and The Carolina Inn gear make up the clothing options, with brands like AnnaBanana and Sweetie Pie rounding out the jewelry selection. Wandering Lark candles from Burlington and Chapel Hill Toffee also make for great purchases that are easy to travel with. The inn hosts a regular author series, “All Booked Up,” so the shop also sells books of authors who have participated, like UNC alum Kristy Woodson Harvey. Beyond supporting North Carolina brands and artisans, Heidi says the shop also prioritizes providing items guests might need during their stay, including birthday candles and confetti for spontaneous celebrations. “We have everything from wine and beer, coffees and snacks to bookmarks and glasses, local honey and Champagne,” she says. “[We sell] a lot of different things that you can [use to] create a fun experience here or at home.”
Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill-Carrboro/Downtown
For the ultimate summer escape, book a staycation at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill-Carrboro/Downtown in Carrboro and head to the rooftop pool where the hustle-bustle of Main Street is light-years away. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the pool is a secret spot to cool down during North Carolina summers. The hotel has also hosted movie nights on the rooftop deck, complete with its luxury cabanas and a firepit. “It definitely doesn’t feel like you’re in Carrboro,” says Martina Brooks, corporate director of sales and marketing for Atma Hotel Group. “It feels like you’re in a Caribbean resort almost because of how scenic it is.” While the pool is open year-round, it is unheated, but Martina says there are a few Northerner guests who brave the water during cooler months. She adds that August is not only prime pool time, but it also is a busy month of welcoming UNC students with giveaways and other special touches. “A lot of times [college move-in] is people’s first visit and experience of [the area],” she says. “We want them to make it feel like it’s their home away from home.” Martina says the Hampton team is constantly creating a fun environment, whether it’s supplying complimentary board games or treating visitors to ice cream or popcorn in the lobby on special occasions. “With it being the only hotel in Carrboro, it really has a fun atmosphere and vibe for kids,” she says. “[The team] also engages with the guests and encourages them to explore all of the nice and unique things that Chapel Hill and Carrboro have to offer.”
The Colonial Inn
Guests of Hillsborough’s The Colonial Inn not only get to stay in a historic boutique hotel but can also add onto their stay to really experience the town. Dave Gehring, visit enhancement community liaison, can organize mystery getaways tailored to individuals, couples and even groups up to six. Getaways range from walkable visits through local businesses in downtown Hillsborough to day trips to nearby Pittsboro or Saxapahaw. At each destination, Dave coordinates mystery clues that hint toward the preplanned experiences awaiting participants. “There’s a lot of different variables, and we have a really good discussion [with guests] of what it might look like without giving away the clues,” Dave says. “I get a footprint of what they’re able to do within their timelines and then we go from there.” The base package is around $100 for individuals and $125 for couples, but Dave says during planning discussions, he asks about budgets to explore higher-priced options to add while planning. Previous experiences have included truffle-making workshops for chocolate lovers and visits to the Occoneechee Speedway for history buffs. “Not only is [this] unique to The Colonial Inn, but it also enhances Hillsborough,” Dave says. “Hillsborough is such a unique small town with so many things to offer, and I want to show it off.”
Graduate By Hilton Chapel Hill
Photo by Mike Benson
Standing in the lobby of Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill and looking out onto Franklin Street, you’re met by two murals: mountains on the left and a coastline on the right, mimicking classic Carolina landscapes found to the west and east, respectively. Maria Jacavino, director of sales, says that the same attention to detail shows up in everything the hotel does, reflecting its commitment to storytelling throughout the full guest experience – even down to its key cards that are inspired by soccer star Mia Hamm’s old student ID. “The fact that we get to represent women’s soccer in our key cards is very exciting,” Maria says. Room 23, a museum-style replica of Michael Jordan’s 1980s-era Granville Towers dorm room, is another well-thought-out example of the hotel’s detail-oriented and local touches. An old photo of Michael in his original room hangs on the wall for guests to compare and see just how exact the replica is. While not available for overnight stays, the room is free to see, and visitors can stop by the front desk anytime to get the key. “From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, everybody just wants you to have a really great experience,” says Danielle Claudio, general manager. “The UNC body – whether that’s parents, students, relatives, people visiting, alumni – they’re just so passionate about this area, and we really align with them when they come in and they’re able to enjoy [our efforts].”
