A Dreamy Staycation at 21c Hotel in Durham: Art, Comfort, and Culinary Delights

Staycation at 21c Museuem

I’m excited to share my recent staycation experience at the fabulous 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, North Carolina! Prepare yourselves for a journey of comfort, art, and delectable cuisine that will leave you wanting more. You can see the short-form vlog about this stay here on my Instagram.

Comfort with a View:

Upon entering my room at 21c, I was immediately struck by the perfect blend of comfort and sleek style. I had a staycation with my girlfriend, Jorden so I requested a double queen room. The plush bedding invited me to sink into relaxation, and the large windows offered a gorgeous view of Durham. I couldn’t help but enjoy the sunset and admire the beauty of Durham’s downtown before heading downstairs for dinner.

But the real treat was the bathroom! I love when hotels have spacious tubs! Our room’s tub was surrounded by sleek and modern design, made for the ideal spot to unwind.

Artful Touches Everywhere

One thing that sets 21c apart is the seamless integration of art into every corner of the hotel. From the lobby to the hallways and even in the rooms, you’re surrounded by incredible contemporary art. I discovered a charming surprise in the drawers—a art book that was fun to flip through while relaxing in our room.

Culinary Delights at The Counting House

Woman holding champagne glass in Counting House, the restaurant inside of 21c Hotel in Durham

My staycation reached new heights when I indulged in a media-tasting 5-course meal at The Counting House, led by the brilliant Chef Stephanie. Her culinary creations, heavily inspired by the flavors of NOLA, transported my taste buds to nostalgic memories of Southern US travels. I’m still thinking of her caviar roll and the chocolate and passionfruit sorbet.

Exploring Durham’s Hidden Gem

After a satisfying meal, our group ventured into one of Durham’s best-kept secrets—the art gallery and bank vault downstairs. The gallery featured thought-provoking exhibits that they carefully curated and rotated, while the bank vault, repurposed into a contemporary art space, was a unique and immersive experience. One of my favorite spots to take out-of-towners! Go ahead and walk through the tiny hallway next to the bank vault!

Brunching with the Pink Penguin

As my staycation came to an end, I couldn’t resist one last treat—brunch at The Counting House with the famous pink penguin. Yes, you heard that right! The whimsical and charming pink penguin mascot joined me for a delightful brunch, making for an unforgettable ending to my staycation.

Suffice it to say, 21c Museum Hotel in Durham surpassed all expectations. From the luxurious comfort of the rooms and the immersive art experiences to the culinary delights at The Counting House, every moment was a celebration of the finer things in life. If you’re looking for a staycation that combines art, luxury, and delicious food, 21c in Durham should be at the top of your list!

For another Durham Hotel blog post, check out my post on The Durham Hotel.

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21c Durham
 111 North Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701
21cmuseumhotels.com/durham