Joe P.
Yelp
One of North Carolina's most iconic buildings, the Carolina Hotel is the centerpiece of the internationally acclaimed Pinehurst golf resort, just two hours east of Charlotte in the state's rural Sandhills region. As a guest during a recent conference, I wandered the hotel's historic halls and porches (which date back to 1901, but are in impeccable condition) enjoyed lunch and a few drinks in the comfortable Ryder Cup Lounge, and got in a morning workout at the fantastic fitness facility in the adjacent Spa.
I did not, unfortunately, have the opportunity to play the famed Pinehurst #2, or any of the other renowned courses on the property. Since this is by definition a golf resort, my review will be definitively incomplete until I come back for a round, but I'll try to summarize the highlights of my stay in other regards.
The Carolina Hotel is inviting and cozy, with an modest but attractive front lobby, low-ceilinged hallways, and well-maintained guest rooms. My standard room had all the comforts of home, and everything from the carpet to the bathroom were in good condition. I had a few uninvited wasps in my room upon arrival, but they were quickly and efficiently addressed by management.
The lunch buffet in the Ryder Cup Lounge was excellent, and the bar had a variety of local and regional beers on tap (including a Highland beer specifically brewed for the resort). The meeting areas were spacious and comfortable, and the entire hotel was gorgeously decorated for Christmas, with trees, garland, and a small collection of gingerbread houses on display.
The adjacent village of Pinehurst, just a five-minute walk from the hotel, is also wonderful, with a cute collection of shops and restaurants. But frankly, if you're not visiting for golf or (as I was) a conference, there are better resorts in North Carolina and around the Southeast -- particularly if your getaway involves young kids. I'll definitely be back for a round, and am looking forward to experiencing the full hospitality of the Pinehurst Resort when the time comes.