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21c Museum Hotel

4.4

111 North Corcoran St
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 956-6700
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Google Reviews

Photo of Bianca 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.

Photo of Brad Birchett 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.

Photo of Falan E 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.

Photo of William Boyd 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

Photo of William Curtis 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!

Photo of Deborah 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.

Photo of Chandra Jennings 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!

Photo of Anthony Henderson 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.)

Photo of Miriam Carothers 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.

Photo of Angie Brandt Angie Brandt
Sep 29, 2023 3

It really pains me to post a negative review but this hotel needs some attention. My bed sheets were not turned over between the last guest and I. When I called for new sheets (10:30pm), I was told housekeeping was off duty but that they could bring new sheets that I could put on myself. Then, I had to call down again for pillow cases because they didn't bring those up with the bedsheets. Room had an odor that I can't quite describe, someone's dried up contact was on the bedside table, and the toiletries were not refreshed (body wash was completely empty for example). They were fully booked and I am quite certain we stayed in a room that was not properly cleaned between guests. Hallways and common spaces need some freshening up as well. Great, convenient location and the staff was nice and accommodating.

Photo of Eric J Eric J
Sep 18, 2023 3

Well located, interesting concept for a hotel. Located in a former bank, hotel is also an art gallery. Rooms are nicely laid out. However, the execution is lacking. Beds are not good, the deadbolt on our door failed, the shower head spewed water everywhere. There is a Nespresso machine in the room, that's a nice touch--but its probably the noisiest home appliance I've every heard. If they do a better job running this hotel, it could be 5 stars.

Photo of LadyBelle LadyBelle
Sep 8, 2023 3

The staff was extremely excited about the new management. I spoke with Nick the new director and he has some really great goals and extreme changes in store for the property. The hotel has such wonderful potential. The staff are super hospitable and eager to help. The price was a little high for the overall experience but hopefully they will get there. Angel at the front desk went above and beyond to make everything right for us. The staff is absolutely wonderful but the hotel and property needs quite a bit of work to be considered for $300 a night on a Thursday.

Photo of Charity Jules Charity Jules
Aug 26, 2023 5

I've stayed at 21C Durham a couple of times, and it is nice. The rooms are a little austere. But that also makes them immaculate. Highlights: - Beds are comfortable, with high-quality linens. - The toiletries are Malin & Goetz, which are fabulous. - Service is always friendly. The doormen are an incredible asset to the staff. - The Counting House, on location restaurant offers high quality creative options. - The best part is the Museum. Every show I've seen there has been excellent. - Be sure to visit the vault in the basement.

Photo of Anthony Scharf Anthony Scharf
Aug 13, 2023 5

Great location with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants within walking distance. The art galleries available around the hotel was always interesting to look at and was worth seeing. Would definitely stay here again on my next trip to Durham.

Photo of Andrey Btw Andrey Btw
Aug 10, 2023 5

This hotel is a gem. It's not even hiding. Whoever had the idea of transforming extra capacity into art spaces is a genius. The idea is powerful enough to transform the industry. However, the business model might need to get tweaked. It's hard to generate sufficient revenue I imagine to make return on some serious art investment. Still, extremely impressive. 10,000 stars out of 5.

Photo of Austin Fossey Austin Fossey
Jul 23, 2023 5

A free museum with a quirky collection, including pink penguins you can move around wherever you like. There's also a cool old bank vault in the basement. They let us bring in our ice cream, which was nice. Definitely a cool, hidden gem in downtown Durham!

Photo of Toni Lee Toni Lee
Jul 20, 2023 5

Stylish boutique hotel-museum hybrid, featuring modern art throughout the space. Clean, unique and perfectly located in the heart of downtown Durham. All of the pink penguins make for a quirky and cute touch.

Photo of sharlene brown sharlene brown
Jul 18, 2023 4

This hotel is different. The first two floors are a museum. The room I stayed in had a dark decor but it was clean. The location was great, close to our office at American Underground.

Photo of Ken Ray (mrkenray) Ken Ray (mrkenray)
Jun 15, 2023 5

I can only speak to the quality of the museum, I have never spent the night at the hotel. The museum however is just wonderful. There's all kinds of Art and it's all very very interesting. The old bank vault in the cellar is open for you to explore. Don't miss out on the gallery on the second floor. The place is very handicapped friendly. There are elevators as well as stairs. The bathrooms are kind of exciting as they are of the opaque glass variety.

Photo of Peter Taylor Peter Taylor
May 26, 2023 5

We had a fantastic stay at this hotel last weekend. Despite 3 weddings in the hotel, the staff, to a one, was always friendly, smiling, and accommodating. Requests were all handled smoothly -- with hand-offs happening seamlessly, when required. I rarely experience that in the US and never in the last several years. The building was great too. The room furnishings, public spaces/museum exhibits, bar were a refreshing change from the usual cookie-cutter chains. Well done!