The Graylyn Estate, named #4 ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

The Graylyn Estate was named #4 Best Boutique Hotel by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. After the nomination by a team of travel experts and weeks of voting,  USA TODAY announced the results today, naming The Graylyn Estate as one of the two NC Hotels recognized in the Top 5.  Graylyn climbed up the ranking in 2024, being named #4 Best Boutique Hotel in 2024. 

The Graylyn Estate is excited to celebrate our ranking as a top boutique hotel in the country alongside other renowned hotels.

“The team of dedicated hospitality professionals at Graylyn works to build exceptional experiences for our guests, and we applaud the readers of USAToday who chose to include us on the list of best boutique hotels in the United States,” said Vice President, Hospitality & Auxiliary Services John Wise. 

The Graylyn Estate features 85 historic and modern guest rooms nestled throughout the pristine 55-acre estate. Originally constructed in 1932, the estate was once the private residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman Gray. In 1972, the property was donated to Wake Forest University, restored to its original splendor, and transformed into a boutique hotel and conference center. Graylyn’s legendary hospitality includes serving guests Mrs. Gray’s Butterscotch cookies every afternoon and offering overnight guests unlimited ice cream in honor of Mr. Gray’s favorite treat.

Graylyn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the second-largest historic home in North Carolina, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

Graylyn was recently named a Top 25 Adaptive Reuse Hotel by Historic Hotels of America and Top 29 Romantic, Regency-inspired Wedding Venue by Here Comes The Guide.