Pinehurst Resort staff joined executives, builders and local officials on the new, expanded veranda of The Carolina Hotel on March 24 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completed renovations of the historic hotel’s lobby, coffee shop, porches and guest rooms. 

According to a press release from the Resort, the initial work began in November of 2021, and after nearly 18 months, some renovations to the property are continuing, such as the Ryder Cup Lounge which has begun “its complete overhaul.” 

“Countless people drive down Carolina Vista with an anticipation of arriving at Pinehurst, which they have been dreaming about, maybe, all their life, and we wanted this wonderful hotel to match the anticipation,” said Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley in a press release. “Our people always do a great job welcoming guests, but I think now the work that’s been done has taken that to the next level.” 

With Village of Pinehurst Mayor John Strickland, Dwane Parsons of Parsons Construction and Randy Holmes of Glave & Holmes Architecture on hand among many others, Pinehurst Resort Director of Lodging Matt Chriscoe joined Pashley and members of Pinehurst’s staff to cut the ribbon and officially note the completion of the first stage of renovations.

According to the release, those renovations have transformed the hotel’s public spaces into a more modern and inviting experience for guests while still maintaining some features from the past such as the arched windows framing the exterior. 

The lobby features new furnishings, comfortable seating areas and “brighter, modern” lighting fixtures and also includes updated check-in and concierge desks, making the process of arrival and departure more efficient for guests.

The Coffee House has also undergone a complete transformation. The updated space features an expanded open design with a wide selection of coffee, tea and snacks.

The Carolina’s guest rooms enjoy an equally expansive renewal, with the refreshed rooms being brighter and featuring all new fixtures, finishes and custom-built furniture. The completed rooms have been reconfigured with expanded bathrooms as lighting and soundproofing have also been improved.

According to Pashley, the renovations are now currently in the middle of phase two, which will include 120 more rooms in need of renovation which will be done in phases of 60 at a time. Those redesigns are expected to be completed by Spring of 2024.

“We’re incredibly proud of the renovations that have taken place, but we continue to progress,” said Pashley in a press release. “It never stops. As (Pinehurst CEO) Bob Dedman says, ‘Always Pinehurst, always better,’ so we are always working on something here to take our guests’ experience to the next level. It’s a great work of bricks and mortar, but it’s our people and the way they make you feel that has always made Pinehurst truly special, and nothing has changed with the way you are greeted and welcomed at Pinehurst. The building now matches the people.”