DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 6, 2026 – The AAA Four Diamond rated Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, part of the family of hotels, including JB Duke Hotel and The Lodge at Duke Medical Center, owned by Duke University, has joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a global independent hotel brand representing more than 625 distinct luxury hotels, resorts and residences across 80 countries. The Inn is now the only property in North Carolina to hold a place in Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection, reserved for hotels that meet the hospitality industry’s highest standards and consistently deliver sophisticated amenities, attentive service and refined dining.
The recognition arrives at a moment of historic transformation for the Inn. Significant updates to the AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room, conference and event spaces, and specialty suites were completed in 2024. This was followed by an even more ambitious second phase in 2025 when the Lobby and other public spaces, Bull Durham Bar and Vista Restaurant were artfully renovated to reflect the dynamic character of North Carolina and the evolving preferences of today’s travelers.
“The Inn has been part of Duke's story for generations, and in that time, one thing has never changed: our commitment to exceptional service,” said Randy Kolls, co-managing partner and managing director of the Duke University family of hotels. “Being welcomed into Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a significant, meaningful recognition of our legacy and a powerful affirmation that our standards align with the finest hotels in the world. As the only property in North Carolina to be a member of this prestigious global collection, we will continue to define what luxury hospitality means in the region.”
The Inn has held a AAA Four Diamond rating for 26 consecutive years and is consistently recognized as one of the best hotels in North Carolina by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and TripAdvisor.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects travelers to independently owned and operated hotels through its four global collections: Legend, L.V.X., Lifestyle and Preferred Residences. Every member property is required to meet the standards of the brand’s Integrated Quality Assurance Program. As of October 20, the Inn’s eligible guests may earn points through I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s loyalty program with more than six million members worldwide, for their stay.
To book a stay at the Washington Duke Inn, please call 919.490.0999 or book online. To make reservations at the Fairview Dining Room, visit OpenTable or call 919.493.6699.
About Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Nestled in 300 wooded acres inside Duke Forest and on the campus of Duke University, the AAA Four Diamond Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is known for its spacious lodging, world-class golf and award-winning dining. As one of the top North Carolina hotels for meetings and special events, the Inn's Conference Center accommodates up to 600 attendees. The Washington Duke Inn is located at 3001 Cameron Boulevard in Durham, N.C. To book a stay, please call (800) 443-3853 or visit https://washingtondukeinn.com. Follow the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club on Facebook and Instagram.
About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 625 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its curated global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
