Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Duke-ly Delight… Maybe with a Few Hiccups: A Review of the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club (Let's Get Real, People!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just emerged from a stay at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and the experience was… well, it was a LOT. Think posh Southern charm meets a slightly stressed-out aunt trying to throw the perfect party. But hey, aren't those the best kind of parties? Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, the Great, and the… "Hmm?"
First things first: Accessibility. I'm happy to report that the Inn seems genuinely invested in being accessible. Wheelchair accessible features are present throughout, which is a HUGE win. The website is pretty upfront, and the folks on the phone were helpful about confirming details. Kudos! Getting around the main areas was slick – ramps where needed, wide hallways, the whole shebang.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't test this directly, but the layout of the main dining spaces looked accessible, with plenty of room to maneuver.
Rooms: Highs and Lows (and Free Wi-Fi – Praise Be!)
Let's talk rooms. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a Godsend, seriously. And the Internet access – wireless was FAST. I mean, I could actually stream without buffering – a small miracle in the hotel world.
Now, about my room. It was… nice. Really, really nice. The Air conditioning worked like a dream (thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for that!), and the Blackout curtains were legit – I slept like a rock, blissfully unaware of the sun's judgmental rays. The Extra-long bed was a massive plus. I'm a tall person, and I'm always cramped. Here, I could sprawl!
The Bathroom Phone? A throwback, for sure, but kinda fun, actually. The Bathrobes were plush, and I wore them way more than I'm willing to admit. The Slippers were a lovely touch, though I accidentally walked into the elevator with them on, mortifying, but hey, it happens.
BUT! (There's always a but, isn't there?) My room (and you know, probably others) could have been a bit better-cleaned. I found a dust bunny or two doing the tango under the sofa, and the mirror had a few, shall we say, smudges. It's not a deal-breaker by any stretch, but it'll get you wondering how much things are really cleaned when you have all the professional-grade sanitizing services on paper. Maybe they were too busy disinfecting the shared stationery (which, by the way, was thoughtfully removed).
Cleanliness and Safety: A COVID-Era Odyssey
Speaking of cleaning, let's talk about the whole COVID situation. They seemed to be taking it seriously. Individually-wrapped food options, hand sanitizer readily available, Staff trained in safety protocol… all good signs. They even had a Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated – I’d never seen this before and was a bit skeptical, but hey, to each their own.
The daily disinfection in common areas felt legit, and the Safe dining setup (more on that later) was appreciated. They even advertise Anti-viral cleaning products.
But again… the dust bunnies. Maybe the professional-grade sanitizing services were concentrated on the visible surfaces. Just a thought.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet of Experiences
Okay, let's get to the meat of it – the food! I'd heard whispers of the Washington Duke's culinary prowess, and the expectations were high.
- The Buffet: Breakfast, buffet, and oh my… I'm a sucker for a good buffet. And the Breakfast [buffet] here was… well, it was fine. The usual suspects were there: eggs (scrambled, and I think they were real), bacon (crispy!), pastries (somewhat stale), and a few sad-looking fruit options. There was also an Asian breakfast selection… which felt a bit… out of place next to the scrambled eggs. The Western breakfast options were more my speed, to be honest.
- The Restaurant: Dinner was a bit more upscale. I opted for the a la carte experience, and the food was actually quite good! The international cuisine really shined. The service? Decent, but the staff seemed stretched thin. The happy hour was a nice touch – perfect for unwinding after a long day of… well, being in the hotel.
- The Poolside Bar: I didn't actually visit, but saw plenty of folks taking advantage of the amenities.
- Room Service: 24-Hour service and I took advantage of it a couple of times. The food was pretty standard, but hey, convenience is key, right?
Things to Do: Pampering, Pools, and Par-Teeing (Maybe Not in That Order)
Now this is where things got a little… complicated. The Spa sounded amazing. They had a Body scrub, promised Massage, a Steamroom, and a Sauna. So I booked a massage. Best decision ever! My masseuse was an absolute wizard. I will be thinking about the massage for a while.
The Swimming pool was great – outdoorsy and well-maintained. They had a Pool with view, which was nice, though I didn't get to spend as much time there as I'd hoped.
Then there's the Fitness center, or as I like to call it, "The Guilt Trip Generator." Honestly, it looked well-equipped. I meant to go, but… well, let's just say I prioritized the pool and the buffet.
The Golf Club is legendary. No, I'm not a golfer. Never have been, never will be. But the buzz around the place was STRONG.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little)
Concierge: They were helpful, but not the "magical concierge" you dream of. More like, "Here's a map, good luck!" Business facilities: They had the usual, Invoice provided, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center, etc.
Getting Around
Car parking [free of charge] – HUGE win in my book! I hate paying for parking. The Taxi service was readily available, too.
Staff: Overall, a Mixed Bag
Most of the staff were lovely – genuinely friendly and trying their best. BUT… there were definitely moments where it felt a bit understaffed, leading to some service hiccups.
For the Kids and Proposal Spot:
The hotel seemed Family/child friendly with Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and potentially a Proposal spot.
Final Verdict: Worth the Trip? (With a Few Caveats!)
The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is a beautiful, comfortable hotel with a lot to offer. It's a classic, and it definitely has its charm. But it's not perfect. The service could be more consistent, and the cleaning (sometimes) left a bit to be desired. However, the rooms are lovely, the spa is amazing, and free Wi-Fi is a huge plus.
Would I go back? Probably. Especially if I can snag another massage. Just maybe bring my own dust buster!
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Alright, pack your bags (mostly clean ones, hopefully), because we're heading to the esteemed Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, North Carolina. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average itinerary – prepare for a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and probably a rogue rogue bag of chips.
Day 1: Arrival, All the Feels, and the Mystical Power of a Really Good Bed
- 1:00 PM - Arrival. "Wow, it's fancier than I thought!"
- Pulling into the circular drive, I instinctively straightened my already questionable posture. The Washington Duke is… well, it's impressive. That brick facade, the manicured lawns, the whole nine yards. I'm not typically a fancy hotel person, mostly because I’m intimidated by the tiny shampoos, but this place has a certain… allure. The check-in was a breeze, though I did almost spill my lukewarm coffee on the very polite front desk person. Classic.
- 1:30 - 2:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Meltdown (a little bit)
- The room! Oh, the room. Massive. Actually, too massive, which initially sent me spiraling into a minor existential crisis: "Who am I to deserve this kind of space?" Then, the bed. Oh. My. God. The bed. I threw myself on it, and all the stress of travel, the questionable decision to wear those shoes, the fact that I forgot my toothbrush – vanished. For a solid fifteen minutes, I was nothing but pure, unadulterated bliss. It's worth the trip just for the bed, honestly.
- 2:30 - 4:00 PM - Exploring the Grounds, AKA "Lost and Found Myself"
- I figured I'd be all outdoorsy now. The grounds are beautiful, I’ll give you that. Walked around the gardens, which were lovely, and got a bit turned around. Twice. I apparently have zero sense of direction, which is a problem. Spotted golfers looking smug. I wanted a golf cart to steal and drive it like a madwoman. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- 4:00 - 5:30 PM - Spa Time (and the awkwardness)
- Decided to try the spa. Massage was heavenly! The therapist was lovely, but I swear I had a minor panic attack when she started asking questions about my skincare routine. I don't have one. Felt like a fraud. But the massage itself? Pure. Relaxation. Post massage, I accidentally strolled into the men's changing room. mortifying, to say the least.
- 6:00 - 7:30 PM – Dinner at Fairview Dining Room (or, the "I'm Not Worthy" experience)
- Fairview. The big, fancy restaurant. I felt wildly underdressed, like a peasant at a royal ball. The food was stunning, I’ll give it that, and the service was impeccable. Ate far too much, and kept wondering if they were judging my lack of table manners. Did my tie-tying skills pass for a pro?
Day 2: Golf, Maybe, and the Unexpected Joy of a Simple Burger
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Inn
- Breakfast buffet - scrambled eggs, dry toast, and a questionable pastry. Definitely lived up to my expectations. I'd skip this next time.
- 9:00 AM - Golf Attempt (and probable failure)
- I tried to play golf. Emphasis on tried. Let's just say my golf swing is a work in progress. And the progress is glacial. I spent more time retrieving my golf balls from various water hazards than actually playing golf. Watched a little old man with the same issues I had, and it was so endearing!
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at the Bull Durham Burger & Brewery (aka, Salvation)
- After the golf debacle, I needed comfort food. And the Bull Durham Burger & Brewery delivered! Simple, delicious, perfect. The beer was cold, the fries were crispy, and the burger, oh, the burger. It was the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a cold bath. I have no shame in admitting I may have devoured two.
- 2:00 PM - Walking around Duke Gardens
- Needed to walk off said burger and the golf-induced shame. Duke Gardens are stunning! I could wander around there for hours. Took way too many pictures of flowers, because, well, I am basic.
- 4:00 PM - Pool Side Slumber
- A nap in the sun – truly a sublime experience.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Inn – or, "I should've gone back to the burger".
- We went back to Fairview, and it gave me the same anxieties as the first time. I wish I'd gone back to that burger. I felt overwhelmed by a sense of not belonging.
Day 3: Departure (and the bittersweet goodbye to the bed)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (Avoided the Eggs)
- Coffee, yogurt and fruit, made a run for it.
- 9:00 AM - Final walk, last-minute shopping at the gift shop
- Bought a Washington Duke coffee mug. A reminder of my time, that I'm not sure I enjoyed.
- 10:00 AM - Check out, a Final look back, and a promise to return
- Said goodbye to the bed, with a deep sigh of longing. Left with a feeling like I could have enjoyed myself more if I hadn't been so lost in my own thoughts.
Look, it wasn't perfect. Maybe it was a little messy. Maybe I'm a bit of a hot mess. But that's what makes it real, right? The Washington Duke Inn is a beautiful place, even if my experience in it may have been less "graceful swan" and more "awkward duckling," I would visit again, however.
Toronto Don Valley Escape: Luxury Suites & Unforgettable Views!
Okay, so, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. Paradise? Is it *really* that?
Paradise is a strong word, right? Depends on your definition. If your version of paradise involves fluffy robes, a ridiculously comfortable bed that practically hugs you goodnight, and a level of service that makes you feel like royalty... yeah, it's pretty darn close. Look, I went. I *needed* to escape. Life was a chaotic mess! And the Washington Duke, well, it felt like someone hit the "reset" button on my soul. The *smell* of the lobby alone – some fancy-pants floral concoction – just washed away a week's worth of stress. But, and this is a BIG but, it's not perfect. More on that later.
What's the vibe? Like, am I supposed to whisper and wear a monocle?
Definitely no monocle required. Thank God! The vibe is… elegant, but relaxed. Think: Southern charm meets understated luxury. People are generally well-behaved, but you don't feel like you're walking on eggshells. I saw everything from a couple celebrating their anniversary (the whole sappy works!) to a group of golfers swapping war stories (and maybe a few lies) over drinks. You can be yourself. Don't be a loudmouth, but don't stifle your joy either. I, personally, was feeling all the joy. I'd been through a tough time and just wanted to *be* somewhere pretty, and this fit the bill.
The Rooms: What are they REALLY like? The beds? The bathrooms? Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up. Let's talk rooms! This is where the Washington Duke really shines. The beds? Oh. My. God. I swear, they're engineered to prevent you from ever wanting to leave. Like, the kind of bed that swallows you whole in the best possible way. I ended up sleeping like a log, a happy, well-rested log. The bathrooms? Marble, people. Marble EVERYWHERE. And the toiletries? Fancy stuff! I think I spent half my time just sniffing the little bottles of shampoo. One minor gripe, and this is being picky, the water pressure in the shower, while perfectly functional, wasn't exactly a firehose. I prefer a firehose. Sue me.
That Golf Course: Are you a golfer? Did you... you know... actually *golf*?
Nope. Not a golfer. I can barely swing a club without looking like a complete idiot. My coordination is abysmal. But even *I* could appreciate the beauty of the course. I took a walk, which, yeah, maybe I should have actually *played* golf. The greens are immaculate. It's rolling hills and trees and water features... it was seriously gorgeous. Watching the golfers was entertaining, like a weird, real-life version of a golf documentary. They were all so focused, and so serious. I'm sure it's a fantastic course, from what I’ve heard, but I mainly just enjoyed the scenery and the occasional frustrated yell from someone who probably shanked one into the woods.
Let's Dish About the Food: Is it worth the price tag? Any hidden gems?
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The Fairview Dining Room is the spot. The ambiance is impeccable. The food? Mostly excellent, but let's get real: it's pricier than my rent (almost). I had the steak one night. Melted in my mouth. Perfection. The service was also top-notch. I felt like a celebrity. (I'm not a celebrity. I just wanted to feel like one. And in that moment, I kinda did.) Breakfast, though? More casual. The omelets were good… but not mind-blowing. They had a buffet, which is always a plus for me - I could load up on carbs before hitting the spa. (Or, you know, before going back to bed.)
The Spa: Worth the splurge? What treatments do you recommend? Tell us everything!
THE SPA. Okay. Deep breaths. This. Is. Where. It. Gets. Good. I did a massage. A *deep tissue* massage. I walked in a stressed-out, hunched-over mess, and walked out feeling like a limp noodle. (A very happy noodle, by the way). The massage therapist was a miracle worker, kneading away every knot and tension I had accumulated over the last several months. The relaxation room is a dream. Dim lights, comfy chairs, and a selection of herbal teas that almost convinced me I was enlightened. It was worth every single penny. Okay, maybe I grumbled a little at the price, but honestly, you need to indulge. It's the whole point of escaping, right? Give yourself permission to be pampered! And for heaven's sake, book the deep tissue.
Customer Service: Were they nice? Quick to help? Or was it a snooty, "we're-better-than-you" vibe?
Generally, the staff was fantastic. Super friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed like they wanted you to have a good time. From the valet guys who whisked my car away in seconds to the front desk staff who magically produced an extra robe when I asked (because, you know, a fluffy robe is practically a fashion statement), everyone went above and beyond. Okay, I got a little lost trying to get to the pool, and one staff member *did* seem a bit… brisk. But hey, no one's perfect. Overall, it was a great experience.
So, the Big Question: Would you go back? And should I?
Would I go back? Absolutely! In a heartbeat. Should you go? YES! If you need a break, if you crave some luxury, if you just plain *deserve* a treat, book it. Just… prepare your wallet. It's not cheap. But if you can swing it, it's worth it. It's not perfect—no place is—but the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is a pretty darn close escape to paradise, and I desperately needed it at the time. Go. Relax. And order the steak. You won't regret it.
Any Secret Tips? Like, how to score the best room or avoid the crowds?
Okay, top secret intel! I'm all about maximizing my relaxation and minimizing my, well, everything else. Here's the scoop. First, request a room with a view of the golf course. Seriously, those manicured greens are eye candy. Second, if you're going for the spa, book your treatments in advance, especially on weekends. Those appointment slots fill up *fast*. AndBook Hotels Now
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