Standing tall and proud in the center of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel is a multi-venue contemporary art museum offering more than 10,500 square feet of art-filled exhibition and event space, a full-service boutique hotel with luxurious guest rooms and home to Counting House restaurant.
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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
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.
Bianca
Jan 2, 2024
4
I really enjoyed my stay. Location is excellent. Plenty of Entertainment and food within walking distance. And the service was good. Everyone was kind and welcoming. The only complaint I have is the condition of the linens. The bedding has been washed and dried a million times. Great cuz it's clean. Not so great because it's hard. Also, the furniture (sofa, chairs, etc) could use a cleaning. If you go make sure to request a microwave and refrigerator for your room if you need it. They do have them but it's only by request. Side note, definitely take a walk through the museum and checkout the bank volt. Pretty cool. I'll likely be back.
Brad Birchett
Nov 28, 2023
4
There were a few kinks in our stay. The $200 Thanksgiving meal was a big disappointment. The food was average and the waitstaff was much below average. We did not receive 3 items that were listed as part of the meal with no explanation - the green beans, the cranberries, and the desert. But we were brought the dressing that we asked our waitress not to bring. The only edible part of the meal was the salad and the prime rib, which was very average, with little taste, but the salad was great.
Before getting the meal we ordered 2 classes of wine that never came. The bartender had to make up for the waitress forgetting our drink order, and not returning to the table.
The room was nice and clean and the bed and pillows were wonderful. The view was outstanding. The only issue with the room was the fact that none of the receptacles worked except one, making it hard to charge both our phones. Both lamps were broken. The overhead light also did not work.
I must say that the doormen, esp. Stan, were wonderful and extremely helpful.
Falan E
Nov 24, 2023
4
Museum space review: Once inside the hotel, it was not effortless to find the underground Cocktail series event that I registered for on Eventbrite. It would have been nice if the guy at the door would have offered assistance. I assume this was a valet company and this individual doesn't work directly for the museum.
When my friend and I ran into a staff member on the elevator he was nice enough to direct us. At the bar, Jasmine was a great bartender and did a fabulous job engaging. Very pleasant and welcoming to myself and a friend. The Sage Advice cocktail was very tasty. I enjoyed it.
21C is a unique experience and something different to do than usual.
I am glad I was invited out to see 21C.
I do feel there is room for more. I enjoyed the multi-media mini-film about the mule.
William Boyd
Nov 21, 2023
5
We went here for my wife's birthday weekend and it was amazing:
1) phenomenal service: the staff were aware it was her birthday, with multiple members wishing her a happy birthday, and a personal card from the manager with a bottle of Rose they left for us in our room that had a marvelous view of downtown.
2) the food: awesome pasta dish with mussels in it, a must have. Seasonal cocktails were a welcome bonus
3) the art: very cool modern exhibit, and a fascinating old bank vault downstairs as well, which makes this not just a place to stay at, but also one to explore.
If you are coming for a short or long stay, put this place at the top of your list. We love this place, and will be back in the future :)
Thank you to a wonderful management and service staff.
William Boyd
William Curtis
Nov 21, 2023
3
I've stayed in 3 other 21c locations on many occasions. They have all been spectacular. The Durham property lags far behind. The staff was polite, but inexperienced. At check in, I was told I'd get a call when my room was ready. I never did. After several trips to reception, I was told that my room was ready but awaiting inspection. That took another 45 minutes. I'm not sure what was inspected, but it wasn't my room. There was a large piece of the broken toilet seat floating in the toilet. The tissue dispenser was empty. The charging stations in both bedside tables were inoperable. The TV remote did not work. The general level of cleanliness was not what I'd expect at a 21c. A bright spot was the bar staff - very friendly. I think the entire property would benefit from a refresh!
Deborah
Nov 19, 2023
3
Only visited the art museum in this hotel which is an interesting place. Kind of weird to have a 24 hour art museum attached to a hotel.
Nonetheless, I liked some of the displays. Sorry, I don't remember the artists, but I understand that you will probably see different displays each time you go.
Another interesting sight is in the basement. Apparently the building used to be a bank way back when. You can tour its old vault.
Chandra Jennings
Nov 11, 2023
5
Absolutely enamored with my stay at 21C! Arrived about an hour before check-in, and they were able to accommodate me. I opened the door to my double room and was amazed by the bathroom--yes, I took selfies, and it was so worthy of that and more! The room was super open and had a cute little seating area. Next to that was an ample TV with tons of channels!
I dropped my stuff and eased into the bed, which was so comfortable. The pillows had different levels of thickness, so I loved playing with them and figuring out what I liked!
After chilling out for a few hours, I finally made my way downstairs to check out the museum and the bank. They still have the vault and the deposit boxes. Wow! It was so cool to be able to walk through and take in history and the uniqueness of this hotel.
To end the night I got to enjoy the beautiful and deep soaking tub-it is a must! I had such a wonderful stay, and I will be back!
A couple of suggestions would be to change the toilet paper to two ply and upgrade the tissues. I think for the amount of money to stay here for a night, the toilet paper should at least me two ply!
Anthony Henderson
Nov 3, 2023
4
Just stopped by mid-day to check out the museum (first time). The exhibits were so purposeful, thoughtful, and intentional. I hope guests of the hotel take the time to visit and learn about the intentionality of the artists and offerings. Stan was a great help in learning more about the hotel and this location in particular. (I have previously visited and stayed in the Louisville, KY location.)
Miriam Carothers
Oct 15, 2023
4
Location is great- and check in went smoothly. The art is well curated. I was a little miffed we didn’t get a room with a bathtub, but I’m not sure if that’s an upgrade situation or not. I also couldn’t locate a gym. Maybe the Durham 21c doesn’t have one?
Anyway- we were there for a wedding and the reception was held in the hotel. So that was super convenient! Me and several wedding guests were stunned by how fantastic the food was during the dinner buffet. Possibly the best wedding food I’ve ever had! The staff was amazing too.
