The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel occupies the historic R.J. Reynolds Building in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina — a 22-story Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1929 that architectural historians credit as a partial inspiration for the Empire State Building, which opened two years later. Both were designed by the New York firm Shreve and Lamb, and the stepped crown and setback silhouette of the Winston-Salem tower bear a clear resemblance to the more famous Manhattan structure.
The hotel, opened by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 2017, preserves the building's original lobby with its terrazzo floors, brass fixtures, and ornate ceiling plasterwork while incorporating modern amenities throughout the 173 guest rooms and suites. Standard rooms, Deluxe rooms, Studio Suites, and one-bedroom Suites are available at rates ranging from approximately $160 to $280 per night.
Katharine Brasserie & Bar anchors the hotel's ground floor, serving contemporary American cuisine named in honor of Katharine Smith Reynolds, the socially progressive wife of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds. The brasserie's cocktail program has received recognition from local and regional food media. A rooftop pool — among the few in Winston-Salem — and sun deck offer views across the city's skyline.
Kimpton's signature pet-friendly policy applies in full: pets of any size are welcome at no additional charge. The brand's evening social hour provides complimentary wine to guests daily in the lobby. The fitness center and in-room minibar service round out the amenities.
The hotel is within walking distance of Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, and the Winston-Salem arts district. The LJVM Coliseum and Truist Field ballpark are reachable within a 10-minute drive.
Room types
- Standard rooms
- Deluxe rooms
- Suites
- Studio Suites
Amenities
- Rooftop pool
- Katharine Brasserie restaurant
- Bar
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
- In-room mini-bar
Location
401 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
36.0980, -80.2436 View on map
Highlights
- Occupies the 1929 R.J. Reynolds Building — an Art Deco landmark that influenced the Empire State Building design
- Rooftop pool and sun deck with Winston-Salem skyline views
- Katharine Brasserie & Bar with acclaimed contemporary American cuisine and cocktails
- Pet-friendly with no size restrictions and no pet fee — Kimpton's signature policy
- Daily complimentary wine social hour in the lobby for all guests
Tips for visiting
- Request an upper-floor room to appreciate the Art Deco crown and city skyline from an elevated perspective
- The rooftop pool is seasonal (typically May through September) — confirm availability before booking
- Complimentary bike rentals are available; the downtown arts district is largely flat and walkable from the hotel
- Evening social hour runs daily from 5 to 6 PM in the lobby — a convenient way to sample local wines before dinner
- The R.J. Reynolds Building lobby is worth exploring for its original 1929 Art Deco decorative details even for non-guests
Accessibility
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel provides ADA-accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The ground-floor lobby and Katharine Brasserie are accessible via automatic entrance doors and elevators. The rooftop pool area is accessible by elevator; guests should contact the hotel for specific mobility accommodations when reserving.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, Kimpton Hotels are universally pet-friendly with no weight or size restrictions and no pet fee. Pets are treated as first-class guests; the hotel provides pet beds and bowls on request.
What is the historical significance of the R.J. Reynolds Building?
Completed in 1929 for tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds Jr., the building was designed by Shreve and Lamb — the same firm responsible for the Empire State Building (1931). Architectural historians note the similarities in massing, setback tiers, and crown design. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where is the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel located relative to Reynolda House?
The hotel is in downtown Winston-Salem, approximately four miles from the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and Wake Forest University's main campus. Rideshare takes approximately 10 minutes. The downtown arts district and several walkable restaurants are within a few blocks of the hotel.
Does the Kimpton Cardinal have on-site dining?
Yes, Katharine Brasserie & Bar on the ground floor serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an American brasserie menu and a notable cocktail list. The rooftop also serves drinks during pool hours in season.