Durham
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Travelzoo Staff
Why We Love It
- Designed to look like an English country estate, the AAA 4-Diamond property sits on the Duke University campus
- Elegant, spotless interiors and lovely 18-hole golf course
- The on-site dining room has a nice weekend brunch and afternoon tea (Wednesday-Sunday)
- There is no outdoor pool (only a small indoor pool), but hotel guests receive access to a private swim and tennis club next door
"This is the premier inn of Durham" -- Frommer's
Map & Directions
Rooms & Rates
Overview
Up-and-coming Durham is home to only a handful of 4-star hotels. There are some trendy boutique-type properties downtown, but for elegance and charming Southern service, the Washington Duke Inn is your best bet.
The hotel is literally on the Duke University campus surrounded by the tall pines of Duke Forest. Its focal point is a lush 18-hole golf course, the only Robert Trent Jones-designed course in the region. Interiors are very traditional but not tired -- think Persian rugs, lots of layered drapery, leather arm chairs and old photographs of the Duke family.
Rooms definitely feel AAA 4-Diamond quality with a big marble vanity in the bathroom, plush terry robes, twice-a-day housekeeping and a tasteful "Duke Blue" color scheme that's hard to ignore. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, the standard guest rooms are a good size. Families should check out the one-bedroom suites or even the specialty family suites that come with a bunk bed.
Besides golf, some of the nicest property features are a 3-mile running/walking trail that loops around the grounds, a traditional afternoon tea in the dining room and a weekend brunch -- but be warned, service is the dining room is very slow.
All this property seems to be missing is an outdoor pool (there is a small indoor pool) -- but next door to the hotel is the private Duke Faculty Club with two lap pools, a kiddie pool and a main pool with a slide. Washington Duke guests receive access to this club for $10 per person, per day.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive to downtown Durham and the Warehouse District, where old tobacco warehouses have been converted into eclectic shops, barbecue joints and breweries. Check out The Pit for authentic North Carolina BBQ. Another good pick for off-property dining is Four Square (five-minute drive from hotel) -- it is set in a regal, turn-of-the-century home with a wraparound porch and seasonal dining menu, and some of the rooms are said to be haunted.
From the press:
- "At its core, the hotel is a tasteful ode to a less complicated time" -- Forbes Travel Guide
- "Luxury travelers will feel right at home" -- Fodor's
Amenities
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Customer Service available 24 hours
Rates may vary by date, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until your purchase is complete.
The room rates listed are for double occupancy per room unless otherwise stated and exclude tax recovery charges and service fees.
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*Unless otherwise stated, Travelzoo-exclusive extras are valid once per stay (based on two adults sharing). Value is an estimate based on double occupancy. Extras are only included with Member Rates and may not be available on all dates. Extras are non-transferable and have no cash value. Total value may vary depending on time of booking and availability. When included, breakfast may be limited to 2 guests per stay subject to hotel’s discretion. Other restrictions may apply; see our T&Cs for details.
