The Longleaf Hotel on the north end of Dawson Street in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a breath of fresh air, albeit pine-scented, in the Oak City. What was once an utterly undistinguished way into the capital is once again, a recognizable and welcoming entrance. I was beyond excited to get a look at the new hotel that’s brightening the area while paying homage to its past and providing visitors and residents a new and unique choice of accommodation downtown.
The Longleaf Hotel Story
The Longleaf Hotel building made its appearance on the Raleigh landscape back in the 1960s. It began as a Travel Lodge. At the time, it was considered the height of style and travel convenience. The motor lodge offered guests a drive up and unpack experience featuring accessibility enhanced with sleek mid-century decorations and details. The motor inn served the area for decades, changing brands, and changing names over time. Ultimately, time and age took its toll and the hotel’s luster was gone – its better days had passed. That is until the Longleaf team appeared giving the vintage hotel new life.
The Transformation
Rather than tearing down the old Travel Lodge and forever relegating it to the past, the Longleaf team transformed the old accommodations into a thoroughly modern hotel that reveres its mid-century beginnings.
The Longleaf Hotel incorporates elements from last century, such as eye-catching starshine decorative blocks, the front awning, and of course the parking spaces, all the while providing as they put it, “a nostalgic but modern tone.”
They’ve succeeded maintaining the look of the early days while updating to suit today’s travelers. I especially love how they’ve kept the appearance of a drive up but the doors are inside. As an occasional solo traveler, this is a safety must.
Our namesake the soaring longleaf pine―with its whimsied canopy and pine needle blanketed floor― has inspired every aspect of our modern renovation of this vintage motor lodge.
Check-in and check-out the rooms!
How do I describe the rooms?
My first thought is to call the decorating style, “Early Rob Petry.” Yes, that’s an archaic reference but seeing as the Dick Van Dyke Show was a hit when the original Travel Lodge was built, I’d say it’s accurate. Comfortable beds, clean lines, classic fabrics and textures, and attention to details right down to the clock on the nightstand are the hallmark of these rooms.
After a long day of travel or touring, enjoy freshening up in the bright cheerful bathroom and slip into a comfy tie-dye robe (also availalbe for sale). The Longleaf team has gone above and beyond to assure the little touches add up to a terrific stay by providing all the amenities with a fully modern retro-vibe.
Longleaf Lounge & Patio
The Longleaf Lounge isn’t just a perk for hotel guests, it’s a gift to the city! This fun gathering space offers signature cocktails, mid-century inspired bar snacks, great conversation areas, and a terrific spot to kick back after a long day of traveling, sightseeing or working downtown.
Hospitality Director, Matt Fern, has carefully created a snack menu with a nod to the 1960s. In addition to the tasty southern snack food, he’s worked hard stocking the bar with outstanding local brews, superior wines, and classic cocktails. The upscale yet comfortable setting is a great hangout for visitors and locals.
I musn’t overlook the patio. The patio is an alluring focal point. Laid out to maximize the outdoor area with seating and mingling space, the patio is decorated with fire pits and steel silos accentuating the spacious gathering area along Dawson Street. It’s inviting and destined to become a favorite spot for socializing.
Perks of Staying at The Longleaf Hotel
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Longleaf Hotel must be the location. Longleaf is within walking distance of some of the city’s top destinations such as the State Legislature, State Capitol, The North Carolina Museum of History, The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and several downtown restaurants. Longleaf is also footsteps across the street from popular event venue, Melrose Knitting Mill. What could be more convenient for a wedding guest?
In addition to the convenient location, fun 1960s décor, awesome lounge, and unique atmosphere, the price is good. I priced a couple rooms and Longleaf is competitive, if not less expensive than most downtown hotels depending upon the night and room type. However, what I absolutely love most about this hotel is it’s unabashedly different. In a world of chain hotels where if you’ve stayed in one you’ve stayed in them all, the Longleaf Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina is out-of-the-ordinary and a welcomed addition to the Raleigh skyline.
The Longleaf Hotel
300 N. Dawson Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
- Although my visit to The Longleaf Hotel was a hosted media event, all opinions are honest and my own.
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