For a taste of old school glamour US-style, try the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, North Carolina in the United States. It offers the chance to relax in elegant surroundings with formal service; just like a beautiful English country estate. Flights from London to Raleigh–Durham International Airport take under 9 hours and the Inn is 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Durham is perhaps best known for being home to Duke University, with its unique gothic architecture and the Inn is conveniently located on the campus itself. Durham is also rich in its art and culture, with plenty of great galleries and art walks taking place every third Friday.
Hotel
The award-winning Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is set on a 300-acre tranquil estate on the edge of the Duke Forest. With 271 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, the world class Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole championship Duke University Golf Club, award-winning dining and facilities which include an indoor pool, a fitness centre and extensive meeting rooms it’s easy to see why the hotel has such an impeccable reputation. They pride themselves on their service, again there is a touch of the old school with politeness and a feeling of respect; it really is faultless.
Rooms
All 271 rooms and suites have stunning views of the either the golf course, beautifully landscaped grounds or Duke Forest. The décor is smart, elegant and sophisticated; again reminiscent of a traditional English country house. Your room amenities include high speed Internet access, flat-screen HD television with premium cable channels, in-room Keurig coffee maker, mini bar, digital safe, Gilchrist & Soames of London toiletries, extra-thick 100% cotton linens, nightly turndown service with gourmet chocolates and complimentary morning coffee in lobby. The Guest Rooms are 297 ft² and include a sitting area, large desk and either 2 double beds or a king size bed, there are then a range of suites available from the 490 ft² One Bedroom Suite right through to the 1,776 ft² Presidential Suite which, as the name suggests, is fit for a President! The Family Suites are perfect for travelling families as the second bedroom includes bunk beds.
Restaurants & Bars
Exquisite, award-winning fine dining is served in the Inn’s Fairview Dining Room. The regional neo-American specialities are delectable, the service is first-class and the beautiful dining room with comfortable chairs and a grand piano completes a rather wonderful experience. For more casual dining that is none the less delicious and the surroundings elegant; the Bull Durham Bar is your ideal choice. Breakfast is served in the Vista Restaurant where both buffet style and a la carte offerings are available.
Pool & Activities
The beautiful Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole championship Duke University Golf Club is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery and the great view of the Inn itself. If golf isn’t your thing, the indoor pool and Jacuzzi are very inviting. There is a fully equipped fitness centre and a 3-mile hiking trail through Duke Forest so you’ve no excuse for not keeping active! For activities in the local area, Duke University itself is fascinating with a neo-Gothic chapel, 55 acres of the stunning Sarah P Duke gardens and an impressive Athletics department. 5 minutes away The Duke Lemur Center has the world’s largest and most diverse collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. The buzzing Ninth Street entertainment district with its’ boutique and independent shops, cafes, restaurants and college bars is well worth a visit.
For an exclusive, classy destination in the US that transports you to a traditional English country home, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Course makes for a really, rather fabulous choice.
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