Nestled in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Kimpton Cardinal Hotel offers an elegant and modern escape that marries the city's historical charm with contemporary luxury. Whether you're planning a weekend retreat or a mid week getaway, this stylish hotel provides the perfect base to explore the city’s rich culture, unique architecture, and culinary delights. For food lovers, the hotel’s Katharine, offers an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly complements the weekend vibe.
An Architectural Gem
If you're heading to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you might be surprised to learn that the city's skyline owes a bit of inspiration to one of New York's most iconic landmarks: the Empire State Building. The original design for this towering marvel came from the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company headquarters, an impressive 1929 Art Deco skyscraper that anchors the heart of Winston-Salem’s thriving downtown. Now home to the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, this building has a rich architectural history that makes your stay here feel both glamorous and full of character.
Kimpton is known for its playful, modern take on boutique hotels, and the Cardinal is no exception. The hotel’s design effortlessly combines a touch of whimsy with mid-century nostalgia that pays homage to its historic roots. From the moment you enter through the Benedict metal revolving doors you’ll find design elements that salute North Carolina's visual history—from the carved Indiana limestone exterior to the sophisticated details in the lobby. There is plenty of burnished brass and marble, wood-panelling, bespoke lighting, along with gold leaf tobacco leaves on the ceiling in the lobby. There are touches scattered throughout the hotel that perfectly balance the past and present collectively giving the hotel a vibe that’s more fantasy than reality—and frankly, that’s part of the charm.
In the lobby, you’ll find Carolina tartan fabric on the chairs, sconces designed to resemble dogwood blossoms (North Carolina's state flower), and wallpaper featuring the cardinal, the state bird. Every piece of furniture is locally sourced from North Carolina artisans, adding a personal connection to the region. Head up to the guest rooms via the historic brass elevator lobby. Each guest room is a stylish tribute to the city's fashion and textile industry history. My suite was designed to evoke the sophistication of classic menswear, outfitted in rich navy tones, refined pinstripes, with leather accents. Even the seersucker robe hanging in the closet, a quintessential southern pattern, is a nod. The bathrooms are luxurious sanctuaries with soaker tubs enclosed in walk-in glass showers and Atelier Bloem bath amenities.
As with any Kimpton hotel, there are a few signatures you can always count on. The daily wine social at 5 p.m. is a time-honored tradition, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. And with Kimpton’s famously pet-friendly policies, your four-legged friend is welcome to join in on the adventure, too (there are even dog treats in the guest room). Head down to the basement, where you'll discover a two-story 2,000-square-feet of space adult playground packed with all kinds of games and a basketball court. You can challenge friends to a round of ping pong, billiards, or foosball, or try your hand at shuffleboard and bowling on one of the two lanes. If you're in the mood for something a little more adventurous, there's even a spiral slide to add some thrill to your day.
French Elegance Meets Southern Charm: Dining at The Katharine
Though the hotel’s atmosphere is laid-back, the elegance of the space might encourage you to dress up a little for a meal at The Katharine, the hotel’s chic restaurant and bar. It’s the kind of place where the casual meets the refined, and that blend extends to the whole experience.
Named in honor of R.J. Reynolds' wife, The Katharine offers dining experience that blends the charm of a French brasserie with the heart of Southern cuisine, all under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Danny Tippetts. Katharine Reynolds, a passionate student of French cooking, has left her mark on both the menu and the atmosphere, infusing each dish with her love for French culinary traditions.
It’s a must-visit, especially during the lively happy hour, where you’ll find a menu packed with bistro favorites given a distinctive Southern twist—imagine savoring escargot alongside crispy hush puppies. The striking zinc bar is an inviting spot to begin or end your evening, where you can sip on something extraordinary, like the Campfire Old Fashioned. Crafted with Sazerac rye, marshmallow syrup, Scrappy's chocolate bitters, and topped with a torched marshmallow, it’s a cocktail that’s both cozy and decadent.
In the sleek main dining room, with its marble-topped tables and an open kitchen where the chefs work their magic, the experience is as visually captivating as it is culinary. Start your meal with Rillettes aux Deux Saumon, a delicate combination of smoked and poached salmon belly, crème fraîche, fried capers, dill aioli, and cornichon, served on a crispy crostini. For the main course, Boeuf Bourguignon is a dish you won’t soon forget—braised beef short rib, cipollini onion confit, wild mushrooms, Brussels sprout leaves, pomme purée, and red wine sauce come together in a perfectly. And no meal at The Katharine is complete without the indulgent Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, with its organic Tahitian vanilla bean custard and a delicate burnt sugar topping that offers a sweet, a sublime finale.
If you’re looking for a city that’s balancing history, style, and a little bit of whimsy, Winston-Salem has officially arrived, and the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is the place to experience it all. Visit Winston-Salem to plan your next trip.
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