Grander Weddings and Special Events at The New Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, located on the campus of Duke University, is pleased to announce that its two-year $25 million total renovation and expansion project is complete. These enhancements will further define the Inn as a premier location for elegant weddings and special events. Known for its gracious hospitality and exceptional service, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Inn now features 271 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a grand ballroom with seating for up to 600, a refurbished Fairview Dining Room, enclosed pool, fitness facilities and golf shop, expanded golf practice areas and a state-of-the-art Executive Conference Center.
The Inn has a reputation as one of the finest locations in the Triangle to host weddings, galas and fundraisers. With its renovation and expansion, the Inn has more than doubled its special event space. “The Inn is poised to offer a superior product and experience to its special event guests,” says Randy Kolls, general manager of the Inn. “It’s not about getting bigger; it’s about getting better.”
The new Presidents Ballroom is 7,680 square feet of elegant event space. Accented with crystal and antique brass chandeliers, the ballroom possesses a sophisticated color scheme: crème and gold wall paper, white wood trim and a vibrant patterned carpet that is burgundy, blue, green and gold. Open since early summer, the ballroom and the new walkout terrace have been the site of sophisticated wedding receptions and successful association gatherings. “The response to the new ballroom has been extremely positive,” states Diane Tighe, director of catering. “Guests also love our new Presidents Gallery, which is the perfect location for cocktail receptions prior to entering the ballroom; social groups have fallen in love with its charm.”
With its increased space, the Inn will be able to focus on expanding its opportunities to host group business as well as an increased number of social galas and fundraisers. Larger events will be slated for the Presidents Ballroom while the Ambassador Ballroom, at 3,670 square feet, will be reserved for medium-sized
events. “The Ambassador has a quiet charm about it and we are thrilled with how it has been refreshed during the renovation,” adds Tighe.
The Inn is highly regarded for its ability to personalize any event. The Inn even offers each wedding party its own on-site wedding planner. “We relish the opportunity to create a unique twist for each and every guest event,” says Tighe.
“Our couples and function hosts truly look to entertain their guests with exciting food and wine pairings,” explains Tighe. “Instead of the traditional three-course meals, we are providing four- to six-course menus paired with wines chosen by our Sommelier, Drew Lazarus. Our staff is having lots of fun creating
events with signature drinks, interactive stations and even developing ice sculptures that look great and function as service tools.”
To accommodate the increased number of overnight wedding and special event guests, the Inn has added 100 new guest rooms and suites. All guest rooms and suites boast new décor and convey a feeling of residential elegance. First-class linens grace beds and baths, and plush robes invite relaxation. Handcrafted English armoires have been installed in new rooms, and new executive desks and chairs have been added to both new and existing rooms. High-speed and wireless Internet access is standard in guest rooms, suites, conference spaces and public areas. The Presidential Suite, with gracious walkout balcony overlooking the first tee, putting green, and ninth and 18th greens, can be reserved as a one- or two-bedroom living space.
A thirteen-year recipient of a AAA Four Diamond Award and a fifth consecutive-year recipient of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, the expanded and relocated Fairview Dining Room features glorious vistas of the prestigious Duke University Golf Club, al fresco dining, updated décor and additional specialty
dishes on its menu. The new Bull Durham Bar offers a larger menu, a more gracious bar area and additional casual seating throughout.
Visitors to the Golf Club experience a fabulous classic golf environment with fairways lined by the hardwoods and evergreens of Duke Forest. The only Robert Trent Jones-designed course in the Triangle, the Club was built in 1957 and redesigned in 1993 by Jones’ son, Rees. Rees returned to the area to redesign the
course’s practice areas in conjunction with the current project.
Golfers now warm up on 27,600-plus square feet of new practice areas and enjoy a higher-profile golf shop with breathtaking views of the course and easy access to new locker and fitness facilities.
Last year, the Duke University Golf Club was listed as one of The Best Places to Play in Southeastern USA and the 15th Best Golf Course in North America by Golf Digest®, 2004; one of America’s Top Golf Courses in the 2005 Zagat Survey; and, one of The Top 10 Courses in the Piedmont in 2005 by North Carolina magazine.
“We’re now one of the few facilities in the nation that offers first-class accommodations, state-of-the-art event spaces and an on-site award-winning golf course,” states Ed Ibarguen, general manager of the Duke University Golf Club and PGA Master Professional. In addition to coordinating private tournaments in
conjunction with any special event, Ibarguen and his staff are available for individual and group golf lessons.
Named for Washington Duke (1820-1905), noted industrialist and philanthropist, the Inn maintains proud connections with the Duke family. Built in the style of an old English country inn, the hotel is graced with Duke family photos, treasures and art. The Inn’s crest, recognized as a symbol of quality and excellence,
shares elements with the Duke family coat of arms. It is these connections with the University and the Duke family that shapes the Inn’s identity.
The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is located on the campus of Duke University, only 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and 10 minutes from Research Triangle Park, and is the only AAA Four Award-winning Diamond hotel in Durham. Nestled on 300 acres filled with tall pines and hardwoods, the Inn is known for its beautiful facility and grounds, 271 elegantly-appointed guest rooms and suites, marvelous cuisine in the Four Diamond Award-winning Fairview Dining Room, the Bull Durham Bar, a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole championship golf course, and convenience to local points of interest. It is set apart from other area hotels and conference centers by its unparalleled service, gracious staff, luxurious interiors and attention to detail. The Inn is owned by Duke University and is managed by The Continental Companies of Miami, Florida. For more information or reservations call 919.490.0999 or 1.800.443.3853, or visit http://www.washingtondukeinn.com