
Built in 1928, the Art Deco R.J. Reynolds Building served as the tobacco company’s headquarters until 2009. It was once the tallest building south of Baltimore and served as the inspiration for the design of the Empire State Building in New York City . In 2016, the property was opened as the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem.
Rooms at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

The hotel has 174 rooms spread across the building’s first six floors, as well as 36 suites. The rest of the floors are residential. All have large windows overlooking the city. All come with flat-screen televisions, plush seersucker bathrobes, a work desk, and a mini-bar. The king suite also has a pull-out couch for additional space.

Amenities at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
The hotel also boasts a fitness center with an attached recreation center. It has an adult-sized slide, a small bowling alley, a basketball court, and meeting space. And like other Kimpton properties, The Cardinal has a daily happy hour with wine and light bites. In the morning, they serve coffee in the lobby.
Dining at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

The hotel’s restaurant, Katharine Brasserie, is a French-inspired eatery named for RJ Reynolds’ wife. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and have menu items like steak frites, pastrami sandwich, and local oysters. There’s also an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu. The Cheerwine Old Fashioned is especially tasty.

It’s also a short walk from landmarks like Old Salem as well as local restaurants Camino Bakery and Krankie’s Coffee.
Tips for Staying at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is located at 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101. Rates start at around $149 per night but you can also use IHG points. Valet parking is available for around $30 per day but there are also parking decks nearby for self-parking. Book your stay by visiting their website or calling (877) 216-3448.
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel provided a media rate for my stay.
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