Ann Goodnight, wife of SAS co-founder Jim Goodnight, has taken it upon herself to drive a vision for a top-end hotel for Metropolitan Raleigh. Under construction on a site right at the SAS campus on the I-40 North Harrison Avenue exit. This puts it just across the Highway from Umstead State Park, thus the name.

The vision is to create a hotel that can receive 5 star ratings, a rarity even in the largest cities. The Cary hotel will be six stories, with spa facilities, outdoor recreation and designer rooms. It's an $80 million investment, and will include Heron's Restaurant, providing fine dining. Today, Fearrington House, near Pittsboro, is the closest option for this level of luxury.

Room rates are expected to start initially at about $300 but once established these rates will climb to about $350. The nicest spot, the Presidential Suite, will provide three rooms, 1700 sq. ft. at $2200 a night.

150 rooms
14,000 sq. ft. Spa
Relaxation Garden
10,200 sq. ft. meeting space
4,000 sq. ft. ballroom
Fitness Studio
Lakeside views from balconies
Heated outdoor swimming pool


Hotel Site

Construction Photographs