The Durham Hotel occupies a renovated mid-century building at 315 East Chapel Hill Street in downtown Durham, North Carolina, a few blocks from the American Tobacco Campus, the Durham Performing Arts Center, and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Duke University and Duke University Hospital are approximately two miles to the west, and the Durham–Chapel Hill research corridor makes the location convenient for business travelers and visitors to the greater Triangle area.
The 53-room boutique property opened in 2015 following a comprehensive renovation that preserved the building's 1964 office façade while installing a rooftop pool and bar as the property's signature amenity. The hotel's design reflects Durham's industrial creative identity — exposed concrete, custom furniture, and a curated art program featuring work by local and regional artists throughout public spaces and guest corridors.
Rooms are divided into Standard, Deluxe, and Penthouse Suite categories. A defining signature of the hotel is a record player with a curated vinyl collection in every room, alongside locally made bath products. Rates range from approximately $200 to $350 per night. The Penthouse Suite spans the top floor and includes direct rooftop terrace access.
Counting House restaurant on the ground floor serves breakfast and dinner with a menu grounded in North Carolina farming traditions and Southern culinary technique. The rooftop bar — open seasonally with panoramic views across downtown Durham — is a popular gathering spot for both guests and local residents. The fitness center is available 24 hours.
The hotel's pet-friendly policy covers dogs of all sizes, and complimentary bike rentals are available for exploring the downtown arts and restaurant district. The Durham has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for its design and independently operated hospitality.
Room types
- Standard rooms
- Deluxe rooms
- Penthouse Suite
Amenities
- Rooftop bar and pool
- Counting House restaurant
- Fitness center
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pet-friendly
Location
315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
35.9979, -78.9030 View on map
Highlights
- 53-room boutique hotel with rooftop pool and bar overlooking downtown Durham
- Record player with curated vinyl collection in every guest room — a Durham Hotel signature
- Counting House restaurant highlighting North Carolina farms and Southern culinary tradition
- Walking distance to Durham Bulls Athletic Park and American Tobacco Campus
- Independently operated; recognized by Condé Nast Traveler for design-forward hospitality
Tips for visiting
- Request a higher floor room for views toward Duke Chapel on the western skyline
- The rooftop bar is open to the public — arrive by 6 PM on summer weekends to secure a seat before it fills
- Bike rentals are complimentary; the American Tobacco Campus and downtown restaurant strip are within a five-minute ride
- Durham Bulls games at the adjacent athletic park sell out on weekends; book game-night rooms well in advance
- Counting House reservations fill quickly for Friday and Saturday dinner — book when making the hotel reservation
Accessibility
The Durham Hotel provides ADA-accessible rooms with roll-in showers and compliant fixtures. The ground-floor lobby and Counting House restaurant are wheelchair accessible via the main entrance. The rooftop pool and bar are accessible by elevator. Guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the hotel ahead of arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes The Durham Hotel different from chain hotels in the area?
The Durham is an independently operated 53-room boutique property with a strong local identity. Each room features a record player with a curated vinyl collection, local art, and North Carolina–made bath products. The hotel consistently earns recognition from Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for design and service quality.
Is the rooftop pool and bar open to non-hotel guests?
The rooftop bar is generally open to the public on a space-available basis, particularly in summer. The pool, however, is reserved for hotel guests. Reservations for the bar area are recommended on weekend evenings.
How far is The Durham Hotel from Duke University?
Duke University's West Campus is approximately two miles west of the hotel, a 10-minute drive or a pleasant cycle via the Durham Greenway trail system. The hotel's complimentary bike rentals make the trip convenient.
Does The Durham Hotel allow pets?
Yes, The Durham Hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes dogs of all sizes with no additional pet fee. Guests with pets should request a pet-friendly room at the time of booking.