Rude and more like a 3 star. Sure it is new, modern and clean on the inside (a little motel-ish looking from the outside), but the poor management trumps all the decent elements it had going for it. We have dined there several times and too often conduct business dinners there, however based on the "hit or miss" nature of the management we are having to reconsider. A wonderful staff member will try to assist, then a manger will waltz in and act too good for everyone there. And it went completely downhill when stopping in on what seemed slow (I was the only one at the front desk period) about a hosting a wedding there recently they were plain rude and seemed inconvenienced. No date was settled, we were perfectly nice and as far as I know I smelled fine :) Even the wedding manager, Ms. Wheeler, didn't respond via emails until we reached back out ..... inquiring about 250+ guests at the price they charge a person you would think someone there would take a hint. More $ from the hosts, more money from the weekend guests, more walk-thrus, more exposure, therefore more spillover $, etc. I would expected that treatment and cold shoulder at the Holiday Inn. I wish the restaurant was a separate establishment.

Anyway, it really is a shame; Cary needs this place in theory, but it needs to actually live up to the 5-star rating Forbes gave it before it even opened its doors! Awful.…

Wonderful Spa Experience. I went to the Umstead Hotel & Spa for the first time over the weekend and had a 50 minute massage which was great. The staff was 100% professional and made you feel like you were at a 5-star hotel. The spa itself was very nice and had all the bells and whistles that I had hoped for. I will absolutely be a repeat customer!!…

Finally . . . a destination spa in the Triangle. I thought The Umstead Spa was FABULOUS. Everything was understated luxury--from the electronic key-coded lockers, sumptuous robes, marble tile, to the tea and fruit service in the relaxation room. I had a massage with Corwen who knew exactly what to do with the knots in my neck and shoulders as well as relive some TMJ pain. The massage room was well-appointed with a nice selection of music and aromatherapy. I met a woman in the relaxation room who was had come down from Manhattan. It turns out she was a retired schoolteacher who now wrote travel books about resort spas (now my new career goal). As she was having her spa lunch, I asked what she thought, and her comments were very favorable. I wholeheartedly agree. I also had drinks in the bar area with my husband later. The wine flight was a great deal!…