Hotel Review

THE DUKE MANSION

Enjoy the Southern splendor of this historic inn.

Charlotte, North Carolina
400 Hermitage Rd • 704-714-4400
www.dukemansion.com

With all the recent hotelier entrants to Charlotte, you could easily miss this AAA Four-Diamond find. Well, don’t. The elegant and grand estate, with its combination of tradition and modern utility, is tucked away just outside the city center—just far enough away to let you forget that this is one of America’s fastest growing metropolitan areas.

First built in 1915 and purchased by the famous Duke family in 1919, the mansion spans 32,000 square feet and sits on more than 14 acres. Operated as a nonprofit foundation, the building has solidified itself as a sacred treasure of Charlotte, involving community contributors and artists in its preservation.

As you pull up to the entrance, you will feel this sense of care. Both the ornate façade and fountain immediately introduce the romantic Colonial Revival architecture. The fountain itself shoots specially piped-in Catawba River water 150 feet in the air, which is as magical today as it was when it was first introduced in 1919.

Inside, walls are decorated with portraits of those who have controlled The Duke Mansion over the past century. Well-placed regional bouquets adorn the hotel, and large windows showcase numerous garden areas. The courtyard’s brick patio offers guests a place to meet for drinks, and the sculpture garden is a great place to take a stroll.

The ambiance is distinctly bed and breakfast. Rooms are a cordial mix of spaces; some of the larger rooms boast spectacular estate views from screened-in porches, while smaller ones are strangely cut enclaves culled after-the-fact from the mansion’s original setup. Classic sensibilities are balanced by free wireless internet (strangely countered by the in-room VHS players). Locally made towels are soft and plush, as are the incredibly comfortable beds nestled underneath what might be a few too many pillows.

The included breakfast is a truly notable experience, going beyond standard hotel fare into true local dining that speaks to a wide range of palates. Traditionalists will appreciate the rich smorgasbord of cereals and fruits, but the true prize awaits those who order the sweet potato waffles.

Looking for more local flavor? The staff answers questions with great insight and knowledge, recommending both local hangouts and fine dining establishments. If you have a few minutes, they have plenty of tales to tell, exposing the estate’s magnificent gems, one amazing story at a time. —Shane Luitjens