Winston-Salem is a town that’s historically tied to the tobacco industry, even getting its nickname of “Camel City” from the infamous mascot of the cigarette brand created by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which is a popular tobacco manufacturing company. However, this city is now known as a center for art and culture, even having had the first art council in the country. It makes sense then that when traveling to Winston-Salem, you should learn as much as you can about it. You can visit one of its museums, such as Old Salem Museums & Gardens, but wouldn’t it be more enthralling to stay in a historic hotel and live with the times? Read on for the best historic hotels in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for great stays imbued with historic charm.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 23, 2025.
1. Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District (from USD 303)
Delicious dining options at the on-site restaurant, with coffee shops nearby for breakfast
Reasonable pricing for downtown location, but valet parking can be an added expense
Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown with easy access to restaurants and shops
Modern interior, lovely lobby, and pet-friendly policy
This hotel is also known as the Grand Lady on The Bay due to its impressive size. It was formerly a dry goods storage house and shop of the 19th-century tycoon Simon Guckenheimer. At the time, it was constantly filled with the South’s finest goods, which ranged from tobacco to canned peaches.
This boutique hotel is found in the lively Ellis Square. You can explore the neighborhood’s rich culture in the City Market, which is located just next door. Furthermore, you can make your way down the original cobblestone pathways to River Street, where you can watch ships ply by at the harbor. After you take in the scenery and the sea breeze, you can stroll down and try the Southern comfort food found in restaurants nearby, which were once historic warehouses.
Hotel Indigo - Winston-Salem Downtown by IHG
424 meters (0.3 ft) from Bailey Park
2. Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (from USD 354)
Excellent dining experiences with delicious food and attentive service at the on-site restaurant
Fair pricing for downtown location, but additional fees for WiFi and parking
Convenient downtown location close to restaurants, shops, and attractions
Unique recreational facilities including a game room, basketball court, and communal coffee in the lobby
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is situated in the R.J. Reynolds Building, which was the inspiration for the Empire State Building. The historic landmark has been revamped with a modern take, while the Art Deco theme of the property has been conserved all throughout, with metallic finishes and luxurious accents providing a bold and striking touch.
Come visit the elegant living room and feel right at home in the seating areas for Sweet Tea Hour. You can relax while drinking sweet tea and snacking on cheese straws, while you can enjoy sipping high-quality wine in the evenings. There are also scrumptious dishes served at The Katherine, the hotel’s own American brasserie.
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel by IHG
281 meters (0.2 ft) from Bailey Park
3. The Historic Brookstown Inn (from USD 192)
The Historic Brookstown Inn was established in 1837, and its original structure is preserved even now. It is situated on the outskirts of downtown Winston-Salem and is just a short walk away from Old Salem Museums and Gardens. The building’s design places emphasis on its grand ceilings and the recently refinished pine wood floors.
Sleeping comfortably would be quite easy here since the rooms feature luxurious Euro Plush pillow-top mattresses with 400-thread-count sheets and synthetic down pillows. The marble showers feature rainmaker shower heads along with countertops made of granite.
The Historic Brookstown Inn, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
1.08 km (0.7 mi) from Bailey Park
4. Graylyn Estate
The Graylyn Estate was built in the early 20th century by Bowman Gray, who was the president of tobacco company R.J. Reynolds, Inc., and his wife Natalie Lyons Gray, a philanthropist. They had acquired 87 acres (35.2 hectares) of rolling pasture, and with the help of the finest artisans and craftsmen, turned it into the second-largest home in all of North Carolina.
Currently, it’s owned by Wake Forest University; which has restored the home back to its historic magnificence. Visit the Graylyn Estate to experience for yourself the exciting blend of history and innovative technology. It has 85 private guest rooms, and 15 meeting rooms, truly befitting the title of being one of the finest conference centers in the USA.
Graylyn Estate
Address: 1900 Reynolda Rd.
4.33 km (2.7 mi) from Bailey Park
Other historic accommodations in Winston-Salem
5. The Zevely Inn (from USD 228)
Delightful and delicious breakfasts catered to dietary needs, served by a friendly and accommodating host.
Reasonable pricing for a historic inn in Old Salem.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Old Salem, offering a safe and quiet neighborhood.
Charming, clean, and comfortable rooms with a beautiful outdoor patio.
The inn gets its name from Augustus T. Zevely, who was a saddler, doctor, and mayor of Salem. It functioned as the doctor’s office and an inn for travelers that couldn’t get accommodation from the Salem Tavern, and went on so until the start of the 20th century when it came to be used as private residences.
Now, guests can feel like they’re back in the mid 19th century while staying here, due to how the inn was painstakingly restored to capture its original charm and appearance from that era. The restoration process was started in 1993, and the original material used to construct the building was used in the restoration process, accentuating and reinstating the unique beauty of the property.
The Zevely Inn
1.57 km (1.0 mi) from Bailey Park
6. The Shaffner Inn (from USD 147)
Delicious breakfast at Founders, including shrimp and grits, and friendly service from staff
Reasonable pricing with complimentary breakfast included
Convenient downtown location near Old Salem with walkable access to attractions and restaurants
Unique rooms with historic ambience, spacious suites, and a cozy atmosphere
The Shaffner Inn was established in 1907 as the private residence of Henry Fries Shaffner, and visitors are sure to be in awe of the exquisite Victorian-style mansion. The Tiger oak hand-carved paneling and the coal-burning fireplaces are still a part of the property. You can climb up the grand staircase and study the priceless antiques, and feel like a noble from the 20th century.
While the accommodation maintains its historic charm, there are several modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and 43-inch flat-screen TVs provided here.
The Shaffner Inn
986 meters (0.7 ft) from Bailey Park
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Winston-Salem
The charming town of Winston-Salem is seemingly always bursting with activity and is filled with historic structures. Every traveler should check out the museums in this area to gain insights into its history. If that doesn’t prove enough for you, book an accommodation in one of the above properties and have a great stay imbued in historic charm.
History
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