If Pinehurst Resort was a college football program, it would be the Alabama Crimson Tide. Steeped in tradition, but also ever-evolving to stay on the leading edge of tourism, golf and growing the game. The Carolina Hotel, dubbed “The Queen of the South,” is as tradition-laden as any lodging in the U.S.
But Pinehurst Resort’s leadership recognized that history doesn’t have to take a backseat to the comfort and convenience provided by modern amenities. It recently commissioned a complete remake of the historic Manor hotel, replete with updated rooms, private hospitality suites and the North & South Whiskey Bar.
And now, it’s the Carolina’s turn.
The next iteration of Pinehurst’s continued evolution begins in December with the phase one renovation of the Carolina Hotel’s guest rooms and lobby, as well as the creation of an expanded outdoor seating area with fire pits situated outside the Ryder Cup Lounge.
A big chunk of the work will be done over the winter months and the first half of 2022, and guest room renovations are planned over three stages to ensure a limited impact on guests’ stays. The remainder of the room renovations will be finished ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open.
“Pinehurst has enjoyed a period of significant enhancements, updates and changes over the last decade,” says Bob Dedman Jr., Pinehurst Resort’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is another opportunity for us to continue to improve on the overall experience.”
Guest rooms will undergo an expansive transformation, blending modern luxuries travelers have come to expect with Pinehurst’s historic charm and comfort. The refreshed and reconfigured rooms will have brighter interiors, new fixtures, finishes and custom-built furniture, as well as expanded bathrooms, improved lighting and soundproofing.
Those who’ve visited Pinehurst Resort in the past know that wandering the hallways of the Carolina is part of the experience, not to mention a veritable golf history lesson. As part of the renovation lobby floors, walls, ceilings and lighting will be updated to further encourage guests to roam and discover, as will room corridors and the Carolina Coffee Shop. According to Pinehurst officials, all enhancements will pay homage to Pinehurst’s past, like the resort’s 2019 renovation of the Manor.
“For more than a century, The Carolina has stood as a storied landmark in our area,” says Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort. “We will draw inspiration from its origins to incorporate into the design of the interior spaces of this grand hotel. It’s important to us that The Carolina serve the needs of today’s guest, but also that its original charm can be felt at every turn.”
And the Ryder Cup Terrace is getting in on the action. For decades, Pinehurst’s guests have gravitated to the sweeping verandas circling the Carolina Hotel, soaking in the sounds and pine-scented air that make the Sandhills of North Carolina one of golf’s true treasures. Steps off the veranda and adjacent to the Ryder Cup Lounge, the Ryder Cup Terrace will feature cozy fire pits and soft seating, making it the perfect setting to begin an evening with a pre-dinner cocktail, or to wind down after a round.
“As we like to say, ‘It’s always Pinehurst, always better,’” Dedman says. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to give our guests the very best experience they can possibly have at Pinehurst.”
