If you are planning a visit to Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, and want a hotel that combines historic charm, modern comfort, and upscale amenities, The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel should be at the top of your list. From its prime location to exquisite design and guest‑centric touches, this boutique hotel delivers a memorable experience for leisure travelers, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and business visitors alike. In this guide, I am sharing everything you need to know about The Kimpton Cardinal Winston-Salem — what makes it special, top amenities, nearby attractions, and helpful tips for planning your stay.
The Kimpton Cardinal in Winston‑Salem: A Stylish Stay in the Heart of the City
Why Choose The Kimpton Cardinal in Winston‑Salem?
Located in the heart of downtown Winston‑Salem, The Kimpton Cardinal stands out as one of the city’s most stylish and sought‑after hotels. Housed in the iconic 1929 art deco building that once served as the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Headquarters, which was the original design for The Empire State Building, the Cardinal artfully blends its architectural heritage with modern design elements and thoughtful amenities with North Carolina touches.
Here is what sets it apart:
Prime Downtown Location — Steps from major attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
Historic Meets Contemporary — Classic early 20th‑century architecture meets modern boutique design.
Kimpton Signature Service — Friendly staff and personalized touches that elevate the guest experience.
Whether you are in town for business, a special occasion, or a Piedmont Triad weekend escape, this hotel delivers style and substance in equal measure.
Stylish Rooms & Suites
The Kimpton Cardinal features a variety of rooms and suites that are as comfortable as they are chic. Expect spacious layouts, plush bedding, chic décor, and thoughtful amenities like:
Premium linens and luxury toiletries
Flat‑screen TVs with streaming options
- Seersucker robes and nods to North Carolina throughout the room decor
Work desks for business travelers
Some rooms with soaker tubs or city views
If you are seeking extra space or elevated perks, the suites provide separate living areas and enhanced touches that make your stay even more special.
Top Amenities at The Kimpton Cardinal
The Kimpton Cardinal places a strong emphasis on comfort and convenience. Signature amenities include:
Daily Coffee + Tea Service
Start your morning with complimentary coffee and tea in the hotel lobby — a classic Kimpton perk. We were visiting during the holidays, so they also had apple cider with garnishes like dried apples and cinnamon sticks.
Wine & Beer Happy Hour
Every evening from 5:00-6:00, there is a hosted happy hour in the lobby with local beers and a selection of wines.
Pet‑Friendly Perks
The Kimpton Cardinal truly understands that pets are family. From dogs and cats to feathered and even scaly companions (as long as they fit in the elevator), the hotel welcomes all well-behaved pets with open arms. There are no size or weight limits, no restrictions on the number of pets, and no deposits or cleaning fees, making travel refreshingly stress-free. Thoughtful touches include courtesy walking bags, dedicated pet-friendly floors, door hangers to alert staff and guests, and pet beds and water bowls available upon request. Guests are also provided with a list of nearby pet-friendly businesses, ensuring everyone in your party feels pampered during your Winston-Salem stay. Learn more about the pet-friendly perks here.
Complimentary Bike Rentals
Explore Winston‑Salem on two wheels with free bike rentals available for guests.
Rec Center
The Kimpton Cardinal’s Rec Room makes it easy to play where you stay, offering a fun, high-energy space perfect for a night in. Guests can bowl, shoot hoops, play pool, shuffleboard, foosball, ping-pong, or card games, all while catching the action on a massive 80-inch TV and several additional screens. With stadium and lounge seating, high-top tables, and a playful two-story spiral slide at the center, the Rec Room adds a uniquely social, can’t-miss element to a stay in downtown Winston-Salem.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center at The Kimpton Cardinal is anything but an afterthought. Far from the cramped, bare-bones hotel gyms many travelers expect, this impressive 1,867-square-foot space features leading-edge equipment, free weights, yoga mats, balance balls, and more. As the largest fitness center in Kimpton’s entire portfolio of 60+ hotels, it is designed to motivate, complete with a dramatic original mural that inspires you to dig deep and squeeze out that last rep.
Event & Meeting Spaces
Ideal for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings, the Cardinal offers flexible event venues with attentive service.
Where to Eat at The Kimpton Cardinal
One of the standout features is its on‑site dining that rivals many local restaurants.
The Katharine
Located in the lobby of The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, The Katharine is a Winston-Salem restaurant with a French connection, blending the bon vivant spirit of a grand Parisian café with a touch of Southern flair. Named for R.J. Reynolds family matriarch Katharine Reynolds, this light-filled, energetic space invites guests to linger over brasserie classics, fresh oysters from the raw bar, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re grabbing a seat at the bar or settling in for a leisurely meal with friends, The Katharine delivers an elegant menu, warm hospitality, and a lively yet refined atmosphere that feels both timeless and distinctly downtown.
Order the deviled eggs, the Truite Meuniere or the steak frites, and one of the cocktails that benefits the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Read about my experience at The Katharine here.
Explore Nearby Attractions
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Kimpton Cardinal is its walkable location. You’ll be within easy reach of some of Winston‑Salem’s best attractions:
Arts District
Winston-Salem’s Arts District is a vibrant hub of creativity, filled with locally owned restaurants, craft cocktail bars, indie shops, and galleries that invite you to slow down and explore. From browsing racks of one-of-a-kind finds to discovering art that genuinely makes you stop and look, this walkable district blends culture, food, and community into one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Kaleideum Downtown
Kaleideum Downtown is an innovative, hands-on learning museum in Winston-Salem designed to spark curiosity and creativity for visitors of all ages. Through interactive exhibits and engaging programs rooted in STEAM disciplines—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—the museum invites guests to explore everything from the natural world and outer space to human anatomy and emerging technology. From the moment you step inside, Kaleideum offers an immersive, curiosity-driven experience that makes learning feel like an adventure.
Körner’s Folly
Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Step back in time with a visit to this beautifully preserved historic district, featuring period buildings, gardens, and reenactments. Be sure to visit Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts to experience some of the most unique art, furniture, and architecture from the region.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park, located in Surry and Yadkin counties about 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, is anchored by the iconic knob that rises dramatically above the landscape. This natural landmark draws outdoor enthusiasts to a wide range of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping, with access points on both the rugged monadnock and along the Yadkin River. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail also winds through the park, connecting visitors to miles of scenic vistas and making Pilot Mountain a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Reynolda House and Reynolda Village
No visit to Winston-Salem simply is not complete without strolling through Reynolda Village and exploring the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Once part of the historic Reynolds estate, Reynolda is now a stunning blend of gardens, shops, walking paths, cafes, and art.
Reynolda House itself is breathtaking, and the grand spaces feel cozy and nostalgic, and the museum’s collection offers a beautiful cultural layer to your weekend. After exploring the house, wander Reynolda Village, browse local boutiques, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the peaceful setting.
Truist Stadium
Catch a game at Truist Stadium and cheer on the Dash, a High-A Affiliate MILB team. See my other favorite stadiums around North Carolina here.
Best Time to Visit
Winston‑Salem offers something special year‑round, and these seasons are particularly enjoyable:
Spring & Fall — Mild weather, outdoor festivals, and scenic walks across downtown.
Summer — Outdoor concerts, patios, and farmers markets.
Winter Holidays — Festive events and a cozy ambiance in the hotel and surrounding shops.
No matter when you visit, The Kimpton Cardinal offers a welcoming base to return to after a day of exploring.
Tips for Booking Your Stay
To make the most of your experience:
Book Early for Peak Seasons: Spring, fall, and local event weekends fill up fast.
Check for Packages: The hotel often offers seasonal packages for romantic getaways or culinary events at The Katharine
Check for Local Events: Winston‑Salem has a lively events calendar — pairing your stay with a festival or show amplifies the experience.
Final Thoughts
With its unbeatable downtown location, thoughtful Kimpton touches, and stylish accommodations, The Kimpton Cardinal is more than just a place to sleep — it is an integral part of your Winston‑Salem experience. Whether you are here for a weekend escape, business trip, or special celebration, this boutique hotel brings comfort, charm, and Southern hospitality to the forefront.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay at The Kimpton Cardinal and discover why it is one of Winston‑Salem’s most beloved boutique hotels.
