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From luxury staycations with endless thread counts to mountain getaways with stunning views, North Carolina is home to some of the best hotels in the world, according to a prestigious travel guide.
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In the latest release of the Forbes Star Awards, eight North Carolina resorts have been named among the best hotels on earth, including a Triangle spot earning top honors.
Once again, the Umstead Hotel in Cary leads North Carolina’s winners, receiving Five Stars, the highest rating from Forbes.
Similar to the Michelin Guide for restaurants, Forbes’ anonymous inspectors rate and reviews luxury hotels, helping travelers discover distinctive destinations around the world.
In the 2026 awards, the eight North Carolina resorts are among the 2,415 rated properties representing Forbes’ picks for the most luxurious stays on earth.
Forbes put its spotlight on the Triangle, Charlotte and the mountains in Western North Carolina. Beyond hotel resorts, Forbes also rated six North Carolina restaurants (including three in the Triangle) among the world’s most luxurious.
Here are the winning hotels:
The three Triangle picks have reached legendary status, as The Umstead, Fearrington House and Washington Duke Inn have each been in the Forbes travel guide for decades.
For The Umstead, this is the Cary resort’s 18th consecutive year winning Five Star honors from Forbes. In the latest awards, there are only 342 Five Star winners in the world.
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Location: 100 Woodland Pond Dr. in Cary, theumstead.com
In The Umstead, Forbes inspectors found a contemporary mix of art and nature and luxurious details in every corner.
“The Cary hotel’s spacious terrace, with a fireplace overlooking a walking trail and the stunning lake, is an ideal spot for cocktails and conversation after a bit of exercise, a spa treatment or a day of sightseeing,” inspectors wrote.
The Umstead stood out in part due to its equally acclaimed Herons restaurant, which boasts a 2,500 bottle wine program, and the resort’s famous 16,000 square foot spa.
Location: 240 Market St. in Pittsboro, fearrington.com
The Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro is a blend of historic and modern, Forbes said, with classic Southern hospitality.
“You won’t be surprised to find fresh bouquets on nearly every table and luxurious Frette linens on the beds, plus little extras like a complimentary decanter of port placed beside your bed each evening,” inspectors wrote. “But the black-and-white Belted Galloway cows lazing in the meadow and the lawn’s whirligigs made by local folk artists will catch your eye and set the scene.”
Location: 3001 Cameron Blvd in Durham, washingtondukeinn.com
Near Duke University’s campus is the school’s signature hotel and acclaimed golf course. Inspectors praised Washington Duke’s classic styling and engaged service.
“The attentive staff has a friendliness about it that goes well beyond what is required. Smiles feel genuine,” inspectors said. “Gestures have warmth. And don’t be alarmed if bellhops remember your name between annual visits.”
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