The lobby has been outfitted with oak paneling and geometric patterns as part of a top-to-bottom renovation of the historic hotel from 1969. Photo credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
A historic hotel in North Carolina's capital reopened yesterday following a $36 million transformation. Formerly a Holiday Inn, the property has been fully renovated and reflagged as the Hotel Indio Raleigh, part of IHG's Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio.
Known for its iconic circular shape, which has earned it the nickname "the Hair Curler," the hotel offers 204 guest rooms and 4,000 square feet of meeting space. At the top of the 20-floor building is High Ground Lounge, a bar and restaurant with skyline views of the city and a menu centered on Southern cuisine and craft cocktails. Down in the courtyard, a vintage Airstream operates as a coffee bar. Also on-site is a 1,500-square-foot gym.
Built in 1969, the property was named one of Raleigh's historic landmarks in 2015. The renovation project focused on preserving and honoring the hotel's unconventional architecture. Sculptural forms, geometric patterns and custom-built furnishing were brought in to complement the round shape of the building. Warm oak finishings were used to pay homage to Raleigh's identity as the "City of Oaks." Local artists were commissioned for artwork that is displayed throughout the hotel.
"Hotel Indigo Raleigh represents a meaningful investment in one of downtown Raleigh's most recognizable landmarks and in its future as a place that brings people together," said Daniel del Olmo, president and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, which is managing the property. “We look forward to welcoming guests and the Raleigh community to an experience that honors the building's legacy, reflects the character of this city and enriches lives for years to come.”
Changing times for Raleigh
Hotel Indigo Raleigh sits a few blocks north of the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center and the Red Hat Amphitheater. The amphitheater is currently being relocated one block south and is expected to reopen in 2027. Meanwhile, the convention center is undergoing an expansion that will bring its total event space up to 789,000 square feet. The expansion, which is expected to debut in 2029, is being built on the former site of the amphitheater.
In addition to the Hotel Indigo, Raleigh is also adding a new headquarters hotel next to the convention center. The 600-room Omni property is slated to open in 2028 with an additional 61,000 square feet of meeting space.
The city's convention and visitors bureau is also undergoing change. Longtime president and CEO Dennis Edwards will step down at the end of the year, following nearly 20 years of service. A new successor has not yet been named.