Standing tall and proud in the center of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel is a multi-venue contemporary art museum offering a full-service boutique hotel with luxurious guest rooms, more than 10,500 square feet of art-filled exhibition and event space, and it's home to Counting House restaurant.
Built in 1935, this 17-story skyscraper was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the same NYC architecture firm responsible for designing the Empire State Building.
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Hours:
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours
Fantastic 1937 Art Deco skyscraper, formerly a regional bank headquarters. Now a hip boutique hotel and contemporary art space, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fabulous Counting House Restaurant and bar features the sophisticated and creative dishes of Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson.
Don't miss the small but elegant Art Deco entrance lobby, the magnificent ballroom with original pecan paneling and terrazzo floor, and the very cool original vault downstairs, now a cozy special event space!
Greg fort
Mar 4, 2025
5
The phone lines were down so I was unable to get a hold of anyone to make sure my upcoming visit was in place. After emailing the director of operations I immediately received a response assuring me that everything was on the up and up which was a relief for this visit was very important to me. Once at the hotel everyone we came in contact with was personable and kind and made us feel very welcome. Our room was perfect, everything you needed. Comfy bed, soft lights we will definitely be back.
Drevon Thompson
Feb 24, 2025
4
Customer service was top notch! Stan the door guy was very nice and helpful. If I’m being honest the restaurant is the main reason it’s and 8 not a 10. The service there was disappointing; no one (except the workers) were there and they declined to serve us at the bar, then when we sat they gave us cold food. Aside from that everything was great. Downtown Durham, I’m sure is an amazing place during the warmer dates throughout the year, we were almost snowed in and it was still great!!
Peter M
Feb 13, 2025
5
The 21c a cool museum hotel in a historic building that was thoughtfully renovated. It's located in the center of Durham with several excellent restaurants, shops and bars nearby (not to mention its own great bar/restaurant inside. I especially appreciate Amy who helped me find my sport coat that I left behind. She was extremely attentive and called me back to let me know she found it and would have it ready for me the next time I drove through town. I highly recommend the 21c!
MrNORWAYROCKS
Feb 11, 2025
3
I found this place to be rather dysfunctional. Credit card machine not working at check-in, staff seemed confused. You have to call the front desk to get ice delivered to room.
On the plus side everyone was friendly and the restaurant ended up being pretty darn good. Rooms were neat and clean, with adequate provisions in the bathroom. We're not sure if we will stay here again on our next visit to Durham.
Robert W Hillier
Feb 10, 2025
4
Check-in was a breeze, however, our room was located right next to the top of elevator shift which was fully operational (and noisy) at all hours of the day. Had a drink (Martini) before dinner (dinner and breakfast were both great) but the pour was disappointing. For what you charge, give a more ample pour or use smaller vessels to give the appearance of getting your money’s worth. We also felt bad for an employee’s child who was relegated to the couch area of the bar while the mother was working. Not a good look for a high end hotel.
Ryan Eckert
Feb 3, 2025
5
Came here for a work trip and found it to be very perfectly centrally located. The staff was incredibly helpful and educated me on the many different hotel amenities and facilities along with everything else. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly from the people at the door when I walked in to the staff and the check-in desk and the people who handled our event there. Couldn't have asked for a better room or experience.
Chad Steen
Jan 28, 2025
5
My wife and I stayed a couple of nights celebrating her birthday in the 21c suite. The staff was very accommodating and super friendly. We greatly enjoyed the room, the inspiring views, and the short walks to a couple different fantastic restaurants and bars.
Fenrael
Jan 27, 2025
5
We had a fantastic stay at the 21C Museum Hotel! We were visiting from out of town and wanted a nice boutique hotel in the middle of everything. When we arrived, we were early. The front desk was super accommodating and held our bags while we walked around and took in the sights. An hour later, our room was ready and we checked in early. Amy at the front desk is amazing and gave us advice on local restaurants and things to do.
The room was perfect and they put us up high with a nice view. The art exhibits within the hotel are really cool. The Counting House restaurant and bar attached to the hotel was very good. We had a few drinks from the bar and they were all made very well. There's art everywhere in the hotel so take the time to take it all in.
The hotel is a short walk from so many shops, restaurants, bars, and museums. Highly recommend!
James Spencer
Dec 16, 2024
3
I hope I just had an off room, but my room seemed to stay really cold the whole time. My TV was also bad and needs replacing. The backlights can be seen and I can’t believe it wasn’t checked or noticed sooner. The valet guys were extremely helpful and nice but when I called the valet line and a front desk person answered and I asked to have my car brought around, none of the 5 mornings I was there was it ready nor did it seem like they even knew I needed it. They tell you there’s a 15 min wait just for where they have to go to get the cars and that’s fine and they were quick to get it when it was my turn, but something in the communication system needs to be looked at. The shower tray was small and also not tightened in so everything slid off and I couldn’t use any of my own stuff I brought. The shower was very nice though. The room was pretty small but I got a discount deal online so it was fine for price I paid. I was busy with my stay plans so I did not call to try to get some of these things addressed during my stay so while I probably wouldn’t stay here again, there was enough good bones that I’d be hopeful it was a one off or just the room I got.
Jeff B
Dec 9, 2024
5
What a wonderful non-chain hotel. Unique by every measure. Champagne to our room for anniversary. Over communicate both before and after your stay. The bank vault downstairs is a must see. The 24/7 museum art is a great addition to your stay. Rooms are nice and comfortable. Hotel is mostly valet service so can be a little hectic if you come and go a lot but the valet service was quick and friendly. Highly recommend!
Kristen Slack
Dec 2, 2024
5
This hotel experience was above expectations. I especially love the integration of art throughout the hotel premises. Restaurant/bar are decent, staff extremely professional and friendly. I will definitely choose to stay here again.
Melissa Mason
Dec 2, 2024
5
Very interesting hotel. It used to be a bank. There is unique artwork everywhere. They have valet parking in a garage across the street in the downtown Durham area conveniently located near DPAC. There is a beautiful spa and a fitness room
Harold Morrison Jr
Nov 1, 2024
5
This was my first stay at the 21c Museum Hotel and I had an excellent stay. The hotel is centrally located in downtown Durham and is within walking distance to all of the great downtown restaurants and bars. The hotel is nicely decorated and we found the staff to be both professional and friendly. Our room was clean, well decorated and had all of the modern conveniences. They have a very nice bar and restaurant. Big surprise was that they have a separate good size sauna and steam room within their workout room that is accessible 24/7. I come to Durham often and this will now be my go to hotel.
Caroline Gregory
Oct 29, 2024
5
21C feels like family and our new home away from home. We knew we wanted a downtown hotel wedding. We like to think of our city of Fayetteville’s downtown as our living room, but we don’t have a hotel there (yet!). 21c quickly became the only choice in my mind. I knew the hotel itself would provide the perfect backdrop, but it was really the staff that made it a fairytale for us. From the moment we arrived, the excitement of the staff about the wedding was palpable in the air. Stan and Devon at the valet stand quickly became friends. Lauren with room service and the restaurant took great care of us our entire stay, and kept me laughing during the sometimes hard work of being the bride. She was an absolutely delightful person and is such an asset to the team. Lauren with catering made sure the food and food service was on point. We had a much higher than expected RSVP acceptance, and had to make a last minute switch from a seated dinner to a buffet. The food was delicious and perfectly timed and executed for the 200 guests (we thought we’d have 160!) Michael, the hotel manager, has obviously trained his entire team well. He offered handwritten notes and wine to my parents and me upon check in, and personalized 21C bathrobes on our wedding night brought tears to my eyes. I really did weep when we pulled away from the hotel when our stay was over. We can’t wait to come back and enjoy a weekend at 21C again soon.
Shawn Carrano
Oct 12, 2024
5
My GF cooked this hotel for a last minute weekend getaway. I had some issues at check in that was out of the front desks control. Damian, Amy, and Nick did everything they could to be sure everything got handled. They even found me a parking spot for my vehicle which couldn’t be valeted. They kept communicating with me to let me know things were in progress. The museum aspect is extremely appealing. I travel all over the world and wanted people to know this is a place to definitely check out when they need to stay in the area.
Tammy Wilkins
Oct 5, 2024
4
Excellent customer service, uniquely themed and a lovely atmosphere.
The valet team is wonderful. Very courteous, and welcoming. Their kindness from the time I stepped out of my car until I left the morning of storm was consistent and much appreciated. They set the town from start to finish and everything in between. Always a smile and very helpful. The front desk was next up with warm greeting and willingness to answer questions and ensure a pleasant stay. What a wonderful experience. I would have rated 5 ⭐️ if the restaurant on the first floor had at least 1-2 plant based options.
Lauren Knight
Oct 1, 2024
4
Due to Hurricane Helene driving conditions were impacted. We originally were told that we had to check out at 11 am. We called down and that was reiterated, despite the inability to see 20 feet in front of us. The front desk did not make any effort to make us feel okay or understand the situation of needing to stay longer. When we asked if we could just stay in our room they just said your check out time is 11 am despite it being 11:15 am.
The one bright spot int he entire experience were Sam & Axel and the Valet day-crew. They helped me when my rental car died and they sat with me, called a tow truck and helped make me feel safe. I was super grateful and they checked in on us every time we would enter or leave. They went above and beyond, were warm and kind the entire stay. They were much warmer than the front desk team and they communicated efficiently and effectively between each other and to me. I would come back for them alone.
Erica Tetteh
Sep 30, 2024
5
I love the location of this hotel. It sits in the middle of downtown Durham. This gains you walking access to local restaurants and events. The Art Museum is amazing! The ability to wonder the halls in a sense and enjoy the talking pieces on the wall is great. The rooms are designed to make you feel like you are in another era of time and the comfort of the bed, leaves you wanting one more night's stay. The staff is wonderful! They are very pleasant to interact with and maintain a friendly disposition.
Jason Hartigan
Sep 24, 2024
5
Beautiful adaptive reuse of an old historic bank building. You can see the art deco era touches throughout the hotel. Rotating museum exhibits on the second floor are unique and beautiful. Only one complaint ia the elevators are quite slow and during my stay was made even worse by one of the elevators being out of service. The check-in is on the second floor, but the was a room with ample space on the lobby level for check-in, which would have somewhat alleviated the amount of elevator use, for people checking in. Just seemed like an overlooked efficiency. Otherwise loved our stay here.
Mike Arrigo
Sep 17, 2024
5
Nice old hotel that's been fixed up. Art not my thing but displays are cool. Room are nice but shower has no water Pressure. Bar has a great selection but only one bartender and beer was warm.
Heather Stephens
Sep 11, 2024
5
My mother and I stayed for a night in Durham for a comedy show we were seeing at DPAC. Our room was spacious and comfortable and the staff were so accommodating. Angel at the front desk made check in a breeze and was so helpful getting me ice. The hotel including a museum of fine art was the cherry on top. Thank you for our pleasant stay.
S. M.
Sep 1, 2024
4
Nice hotel for adults in a cool old bank building. Has a spa, some interesting art, and good room service. Big shower and mini fridge in the room. They have a doorman and also offer valet services, but we didn’t bring a car so can’t comment on that. No problems getting Uber pickups. Would stay again.
shann
Jul 4, 2024
5
The parking situation is better than it seems. This place is top-notch, with friendly staff. I enjoyed drinks at the bar, had a relaxing massage, and brunch at the restaurant. The art added to the experience provided a sense of tranquility. There are clubs and ice cream shops within walking distance. The baseball stadium is also nearby. It's a lively area with plenty to do.
