THE STORE — Hotel in Raleigh

A Hidden Gem – An Unforgettable Stay

What a place. Let's start with that. When you book a hotel, you usually expect a five-star experience to be the best of the best. Over the past eight years, my wife and I have been fortunate enough to travel more as our kids have grown older. We've explored destinations from Peru to Mexico, Central America, and across the U.S., from the East Coast to the West Coast. About ten years ago, we became members of the Marriott Vacation Club, and we've enjoyed many stays at their properties. However, this time, we wanted to try something different.

My daughter plays soccer for William Peace University, and we needed a place nearby for our visit. I stumbled upon this hidden gem and decided to give it a try. The pictures looked promising, and the story behind the place intrigued me, so we booked it. From the very start, it was clear this experience would be different.

Instead of the standard, impersonal confirmation email, I received a phone call from the owner the day before our stay. He personally ensured that everything was in place, explained the check-in process, and asked if there was anything he could do to make our stay even better. This level of personal attention was just the beginning.

Due to my son's football game in Virginia, we arrived late at around 12:30 or 1:00 a.m., but the owner’s friend, who was managing the property while he was away, had no issue waiting for us. The moment we stepped inside, it was a "wow" experience. The attention to detail was incredible.

We stayed in the smaller of the two rooms upstairs, which was absolutely beautiful. The room was equipped with everything you could need: a mini-fridge stocked with water, coffee, and snacks (which were a lifesaver after our long drive), and a bathroom that was on another level entirely. The bathroom had it all—shaving cream, razors, shampoo, deodorant—and the cherry on top was the Epsom salt for the tub. After a five-hour drive following a long day at work, soaking in a warm bath was exactly what I needed.

The next morning, we met the friend who was managing the place. His positivity, customer service, and overall vibe were top-notch. He gave us a tour of the property, shared some local insights about Raleigh, and introduced us to the most loving dog you could imagine.

As someone who owns two small businesses and has a busy life with kids ranging from 15 to 26 years old, I rarely take the time to write reviews. But this place deserves it. We live three hours away, and with my daughter having more home games, we’ll definitely be back. If you're looking for a unique and extraordinary experience, this is the place. Trust me, you...

This is a second review. I have no connection with the owner, so this is a true rave review. ||||We stayed here for a couple of nights on our way south a few months ago and are back for one night on the way home. The first time we stayed in the smaller of the two rooms, this time in the larger room. Both are wonderful. The bathroom in the larger suite is incredible, with a separate, fantastically-appointed walk-in shower the size of some bathrooms. ||||John is a gracious host, ready to make you feel at home. He is also an incredible architect who has restored this historic building with the most amazing care for every detail. You might notice all these little details, or you might just feel the serenity and beauty of the place. Your stay here will give you the experience that some people must have who can afford to hire an architect to design or renovate their home - there are so many little things that John thought of that only an architect would come up with:a little alcove to fit the TV perfectly, speakers in the walls with an easy connection so you can plug your device in an play your own music, recharging cables, nice, adjustable lighting that you can set however you like it... the list goes on. Every detail is well-thought-out. ||||High quality bed linens and towels, Keurig coffee maker in the room, half and half in the fridge, a basket of snacks, a little desk in each room.... ||||There's a whole bunch of intriguing restaurants walking distance from The Store and it's a lovely neighborhood for a walk. We walked to a great Mediterranean restaurant (Vidrio) for dinner last night. There are a few "boutique" chain hotels downtown, but even new hotels can't compare to the friendliness, comfort and charm of The Store. ||||Seriously. Stay here. It's not really a hotel, but moe of a...

My fiance & I booked a room at The Store while in town for a concert. To our surprise, the host was also hosting a concert at The Store, showcasing some amazing local talents! The Store has a unique design & we really enjoyed admiring the character & ambiance of it. Our host, John, had everything we could need from a cooler with waters & a basket of snacks (healthy to chocolates!) in our room, an iron (starch) & board, a clean bath robe, make up mirror, and even (a variety of male and female) toiletries in the bathroom for our use! A Keurig with different teas, coffees, creamers & sweeteners won my heart! John has thought of everything, even the pillows come in a variety from soft to firm. The towels and bed linen were soft & smelled nice. Everything was immaculately CLEAN! While John was showing us our room & amenities a guest out for the local concert wandered into our restroom & used it; John immediately went and resanitized the restroom for us & blocked off the stairs to deter any future wanderers! John was funny and warm, as well as very knowledgeable of the city. He ran through different cuisines near by & other night life. We LOVED the restaurant he recommended for dinner! John even recommended a mechanic & told who to ask for & to say that he had sent us. The mechanic got us right in, after my fiance told him we stayed at The Store with John, who had sent us over to get our car checked out before making our 3 hour drive home; where as prior to the mention of John & The Store, the mechanic said he couldn't squeeze us in at all that day! This is an amazing place to stay. John is an awesome host & has a breathtaking place. We can't wait to go back! Definitely check this one out! Did I mention: water fountains, fire...