City Center Durham, North Carolina
Opened
2015
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Midcentury bank clubhouse
A repurposed 1960s savings bank serves as a bustling downtown clubhouse, welcoming guests and locals from morning espresso to evening rooftop drinks.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
This midcentury-modern hotel in the heart of downtown is as much a stylish stay as it is a community hub.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Downtown theaters and restaurants surround the hotel on East Chapel Hill Street, with Duke University a short drive away.
The rooms
Rooms pair low platform beds and colorful geometric rugs with snack trays filled by North Carolina makers.
Rooftop yoga
Weekend vinyasa yoga classes gather under the covered roof pavilion, looking out across the downtown skyline.
Bar
The Roof at The Durham
The sixth-floor terrace serves North Carolina oysters and craft cocktails around custom furniture built in Marfa, Texas.
At the table
Curved banquettes line the two-story lobby, where guests share Counter Culture coffee and seasonal brunch plates.
How it began
The property was built in 1968 as a savings bank. Its heavy steel vault door was preserved and now anchors the lobby bar.
Durham
More like this
21c Museum Hotel Durham
“Art-filled bank tower”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.