Big news for Raleigh, N.C.: Heights House Hotel, a pre-Civil-War-era mansion in downtown Raleigh that was completely revitalized and opened as a boutique lodging hotspot in 2021, has been named one of the best new hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure!

The popular travel publication, which also named the City of Oaks a booming visitor destination just last month, described Heights House as "an architectural wonder."

Named for its location within Raleigh's historic Boylan Heights neighborhood, the 10,000-square-foot, Italianate-style mansion features nine ensuite guest rooms that have been lovingly restored, 15-foot ceilings and original hardwood floors throughout the space, a total of 10 cozy fireplaces and grand common spaces crafted with immaculate detail and decorated with modern and vintage touches. The indoor/outdoor space is also available for private events for up to 120 guests.

The hotel sits just steps from the center of the city, making for an easy walk to the recently opened Sam Jones BBQ (one of America's most exciting restaurant openings of 2021), beautiful Dorothea Dix Park (among the most important urban park projects in Tar Heel State history) and the award-winning Boulted Bread (where coffee and scones are a way of life). 

Originally built in 1858, the two-story home was purchased by Raleigh residents Jeff and Sarah Shepherd in 2018, and the couple worked with Maurer Architecture, Greg Paul Builders and Bryan Costello Design to meticulously restore, renovate and design the interiors of the hotel while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture. Much of the project was documented on Instagram. The building is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

A stay at the hotel—rates begin at $229 per night and vary per season—includes a European style breakfast offered in the home’s original dining room and front porch terraces. House-made yogurt and granola will be complemented by a full Counter Culture Coffee program and fresh pastries from the previously mentioned Boulted Bread. Guests may inquire about seasonal room service options such as macaron ice cream sandwiches from lucettegrace in the summertime.

Complimentary wine and cheese is served in the library 5-6pm, and in the evenings, guests can discover beautifully crafted cocktails in the parlor. Turndown service includes signature confections from local bean-to-bar chocolatier Escazú Chocolates.

Other signature amenities punctuating Heights House Hotel’s luxury experience extend from Brooklinen Waffle Robes, Grown Alchemist toiletries and Frette linens to Samsung Frame TVs, Bose wireless speakers and Linus Bikes.

Heights House was the fourth boutique hotel property to open in recent years in downtown Raleigh. Guest House Raleigh, an eight-room inn located near Transfer Co. Food Hall, opened in 2018 in a circa 1880s home that the owners saved from demolition; opened in early 2020, vintage motor lodge charm meets contemporary comfort at The Longleaf Hotel, where a patio hangout space is a favorite among locals; and Hotel 83, a stylish and modern full-service property, offers a raved-about restaurant on site—Good Day Good Night—and sits steps away from Morgan Street Food Hall and other attractions in Raleigh's Warehouse District. The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown (with rooftop bar and lounge) also opened in late 2021. 

Heights House Hotel is located at 308 S. Boylan Ave. in downtown Raleigh. Visit online or follow on Instagram at @heightshousenc.

^{Images courtesy of Sarah Shepherd and Heights House Hotel}