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View from our balcony.
Visiting Chapel Hill, North Carolina? The Rizzo Center is the perfect hotel for your stay! We won our overnight stay in a drawing, but all opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Arriving at the Rizzo Center
Living in neighboring Durham, travel to the Rizzo Center was very easy. The ten minute drive took me somewhere I’d never been and had no clue existed. This resort is only three miles away from the UNC campus and hospital, making it a perfect place to stay if you’re visiting either. Located a few minutes off I-40, this is an easy place to get to, whether by car or flying into the nearby Raleigh-Durham airport.
Seating areas in the lobby and below on our guest floor.
The front desk personnel quickly checked us in. The lobby is so much more spacious than I expected. Multiple seating areas were available, which were repeated on the other guest floors.
Staff gave us maps to the hotel, recommended where to park, and made several recommendations on activities based on what we said we wanted to do. One of the maps included a walking trail through the neighborhood and Meadowmont when I asked for a two-mile loop.
As a 183-room facility, Rizzo is a perfect place to come solo, or as a group for a family reunion or special event. During our stay, we met a couple vacationing from New Jersey, families attending a family reunion, and several families with their business school graduates. The resort is managed by Destination Hotels, who manage 40 highly ranked properties throughout the US. The Rizzo Center is part of a complex operated by the business school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Conference rooms throughout the resort and classrooms in neighboring buildings make this an ideal resort for companies and other interest groups hosting meetings.
Their Rooms
Suites
Our seating area, with a sliding door to the balcony.We were shown to a suite! Not only did we have a separate sitting area and wet bar, we had a balcony. Comfy sitting chairs on the balcony made for a nice seating area and though it was warm, ceiling fans made it tolerable. Access to the balcony could be gained through sliding doors in both the bedroom and the sitting area.
The kitchen area had a sink and a small fridge. A coffee machine helped get going in the morning! The sitting area also had a small desk with a work station to plug in laptops.
The bedroom in our suite.
Each area had a TV. A sink in the wet bar area, including a small refrigerator. While there wasn’t a microwave there, the nearest available microwave could be found a few steps away in the guest pantry.
The king size bed was comfortable and had clean and fluffy bedding. I slept really well! The updated bathroom with luxurious shower felt decadent. I enjoyed the full-sized toiletries, which I feel are more environmentally friendly.
I loved the full size toiletries. The shower was modern and luxurious!
Rooms
Spacious standard rooms.We peeked into one of the other rooms while it was being cleaned. A king sized bed commanded the space. The room was essentially similar to our room except that it did not have the sitting area. I did not peek into the bathroom, so I can’t comment on the size of it. Other standard rooms feature double queen sized beds, which is what we use when traveling as a family.
Dining Options
Sports Bar
The nachos were delicious and could easily satisfy a football player or two! Tar Heel memorabilia surrounded us!
The Sports Bar was the crown jewel to our stay, due to our server, Tonya. The cocktail menu was extensive but she guided us well through the draft beer choices. We thought we were ordering a small appetizer, but you can see from the size of my nachos, that I even had enough for leftovers (which went into our mini fridge). If you’re a tar heel fan, you’ll enjoy the decor which features lots of memorabilia. A pool table provided entertainment for some youngsters with the wedding party. Some graduates celebrated. Tonya either knew everyone or remembered some guests from the previous night. I love a bar where you feel like a special guest!
Breakfast
Breakfast at the Meadowmont Grill.
Our stay included a buffet breakfast, which helps in planning your travel budget. The options were extensive. We went full breakfast by taking some eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. Healthier options included yogurt, fruit and oatmeal. The pastries looked deliciously tempting! We enjoyed the outdoors since it wasn’t too hot. The quiet of the woods and the sounds of nature really made it feel as if we were far away from civilization!
Resort Facilities
Guest Pantries
Wait, what?!? Ever feel like you need a soda or a snack but since you’re in a hotel, you have to hunt down a vending machine? Guests floors feature “guest pantries” where you can get some popcorn or an ice cream, or pick up a drink. We enjoyed a night watching movies in bed while eating popcorn!
Laundry Rooms
Staying for a lengthy stay? Or visiting your son or daughter at school and they want to do laundry? I’m one of those people who spills everything on herself, so accessible laundry facilities are a great plus. The Rizzo Center has multiple laundry facilities throughout each floor – perfect for long-term or short term stays.
Gym
With a well-equipped gym, you can maintain your workout while you’re staying at the Rizzo Center. Both water and clean towels were plentiful. Some loose weights were available in a corner in addition to the cardio and strength machines.
Pool
I debated making the pool its own category! We visited during warm weather and were able to enjoy an afternoon of sun. Unlike most hotel pools, there was plenty of seating options available. The towels by the pool are super fluffy. If you like to swim laps, this is a great pool to do so. I saw several guests swimming laps both in the evening and early morning. Most importantly, this pool is handi-accessible for guests with mobility issues.
Grounds
The property was donated to the school by the Barbee family. Cool little signs tell you about some historical aspects throughout the grounds. And if you want something more active than walking around, a basketball court is available to guests.
The DuBose House is also on the property and available for special functions. How great would it be to celebrate a special event here? And it would be so convenient for guests of the event to stay across the street at the Rizzo Center.
Little Extras
Raining and forgot your umbrella? Fret not! Rizzo has you covered with an umbrella stand by the front lobby doors. Water fountains that allow refills of water bottles are found throughout. And there is free WiFi throughout the resort – including in the pool area.
Visiting Chapel Hill
The Rizzo Center is located down Meadowmont Lane, in a residential area. But you wouldn’t even realize that you are just outside of a major growing area. Meadowmont Village features several restaurants, studios, and boutiques. Some medical offices for UNC Chapel Hill (including my cardiologist!) are found at Meadowmont, making access to the facilities from Rizzo Center super convenient.
Enjoying some popcorn from the guest pantry while watching a movie in bed – staycation heaven!
Our driver during the visit was Dawuud. He explained the different dining options and offered to drive us to wherever we wanted. When we finished our Meadowmont visit, we called Dawuud to pick us up. Five minutes later, we were in an air conditioned van going back to our suite to enjoy watching a movie in bed!
And if you decide to venture into Durham, check out these other great places: Fullsteam Brewery, Ponysaurus Brewing, and Bull City Ciderworks.
Relaxing in the infinity pool. The middle room (two doors) on the third floor was our suite!
Why You Should Stay Here
I highly recommend going to a local hotel for your staycation – it helped to feel like we were away from our ordinary commitments at home. And if you’re in this area, consider a stay at the Rizzo Center! You can make reservations through their website.
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. Now that the children are gone, but still saving for retirement, she enjoys traveling in an affordable way and wants to share those ideas.
This looks so cool. The rooms are quite a treat – very comfortable and luxurious. I love the pool and the fact that you had a view of the same from your balcony. I envy you for this staycation.
It was wonderful! We’ll need to do it again!
This looks like a beautiful place to be in. I could sit in the garden all day. It looks so lush and refreshing. Glad to know you had a fabulous time. Cheers!!
Thank you!
Looks like a lovely hotel to spend a night or two. The dining options look delicious.
Surprisingly good for a less known location.
Wow! Looks like an amazing place to stay. Great that there is a lap pool and those nachos look like they are so delicious!
They really were!
I am impressed with such detailed narration of this place. Looks like it has something to offer everyone from kids to grown ups. The food and beverage choices in the pictures look delectable complimenting it with the luxurious interiors
Am completely sold on the dining options and the luxury at the Rizzo Center. Those Nachos and beer… and breakfast at the grill, yummy! Whenever we get to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, this is going to be a place to explore. Full size toiletries is rare and I would love them too 🙂 Thanks for letting us know about this hidden gem!
You’re welcome!
I’m sold on the guest pantries! I’ve never come across that before, and it’s perfect for me as I always have the munchies in hotel suites! North Carolina is one place I’ve yet to visit in the US, but now I know where I’ll be staying!
Isn’t that unique? Great idea!
Going by the photos and the description, it sure seems like a hidden gem! Loved the classy interiors and luxurious rooms and beds! Seems definitely welcoming!
It really was.
Wow this really is a hidden gem, it’s homely, welcoming and elegant all at the same time, what a perfect way to feel relaxed. I would love to stay here and now I am craving Ben and Jerries ice cream after seeing that fridge stocked up and it would all be ok to have because of the gym and the swimming pool haha. Great Post
Haha! That’s a plan!
Looks like the perfect accommodation the rizzo centre. It certainly has everything you would need from a good hotel. Looks to keep the kids happy fitness centre and a sports bar as welll. The tools look spacious and well presented with details. Overall a great place to spend a few days.
Full service and offerings.
The place looks cool. I especially love the idea of walking on the cemetery grounds(is that weird?)
Chappel hill in itself looks like an interesting place to visit, and getting to stay somewhere so serene is just amazing
Looks like a great place to stay. I agree a large lobby is very important, makes you feel like the hotel has a certain quality about it. The beds look very comfy with deliciously fluffy bedding, nice touch that it was clean as well! Next time I’m in NC I’ll know where to stay. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like such a nice staycation. I love a good weekend of pampering and it looks like you were able to do that. Hope to make it to Chapel hill some day!
I like the classy style of that building. Already the lobby of the Rizzo Center gives such a solid and tasteful impression. To me it looks like a perfect place for relaxing and some very cozy vacation time. But also the design and interior of the rooms are very appealing and I love when a hotel has a well-equipped gym. This makes the Rizzo center in total for me already a place that I definitely would like to stay on a trip through North Carolina and a stop by in Chapel Hill.
After reading your post, I feel, Staying at Rizzo center must be full of luxury and comfort. I loved the swimming pool view from your balcony. The suite rooms are spacious and with full of amenities. It is good they have laundry because for a longer stay, we really need them. A great place to stay at Chapel Hill.
I am glad you had a great stay. The place you looks great and well-equipped. I also consider buffet breakfast inclusion when choosing which hotel to stay. Will definitely consider this hotel when we visit there soon.
OK. You’ve convinced me. I’m moving in! The grounds of the Dubose House look beautiful, and that pool doesn’t look bad either! Now excuse me while I go and make some nachos to match the ones in your pic! All joking aside, this looks like a great place to stay in Chapel Hill! Thanks for sharing!