"When I arrived at The Umstead, I was impressed by the beautiful, secluded wooded setting. The bell staff were welcoming & efficient, by the time I got to my room after checking in, my luggage was already there. Room was spotless & beautifully updated. Only complaint was the "double" beds, which felt more like full-size & were too small for 2 adults to comfortably share.
Spa facilities were beautiful, 90-min massage was one of the best that I've ever had! The therapist, Amanda, was exceptional, taking time to find out exactly what I wanted & she delivered 100%! Every staff member I encountered, whether in hallways, by pool, or throughout hotel, consistently greeted with a smile and a " have a great day!"
The only disappointment was dinner in the bar lounge. Our server started off by enthusiastically wishing me a happy bday, but the service quickly declined. She rarely checked on us, forgot one of our drink orders & our food took nearly an hour to arrive while tables seated after us were served & finished before we recd our meals. One meal was cold & when asked to split the bill, she seemed annoyed. It was especially disappointing b/c we were celebrating my milestone bday.
Thankfully, another staff member wearing red glasses, completely turned the evening around with her warm personality & willingness to take photos for us. She deserves recognition for helping make my bday feel special.
Despite the disappointing dining service, The Umstead exceeded my expectations."