If you’re coming into Winston Salem from out of town, we can help you pick specific hotel areas that are convenient for what you’re coming to see!
Many visitors say that what’s most important to them to know is what is within a 5 minute walk away from the hotel. What stores, shops, and restaurants are accessible without needing to rent a car or worry about parking?
And if one does need to drive, where should they aim to park and what kinds of drive times are typical?
Hotels for Downtown Winston Salem Visits
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Winston Salem, there’s plenty to see and do!
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is a 4-star hotel situated right next to Krankies, which is a popular coffee shop and hangout spot. It’s also a brief walk right up 4th Street to Bailey Park, which not only hosts various events throughout the summer but is a core relaxation spot.
Bailey Park also features bars and restaurants like:
You can also find shops within walking distance from Kimpton, such as:
- The Mast General Store – if you haven’t been, you have to see this! Something for everyone.
- Wood and Thread Boutique
- Numerous jewelry and clothing stores
Winston-Salem Historic Inns presents two unique and historically significant properties in downtown Winston-Salem: The Shaffner Inn and The Summit Street Inns. Both inns are notable for their distinctive architectural styles and proximity to favorite downtown spots. These establishments are known for their opulent amenities, top-notch service, and outstanding complimentary breakfast each morning. With a focus on events, they specialize in creating memorable experiences for occasions such as weddings, showers, anniversaries, or business meetings.
Located near bustling city attractions, The Shaffner Inn strikes an ideal balance between peacefulness and convenience. Originally a grand family home, this historic estate has been carefully restored to merge classic elegance with contemporary comfort.
You are just a short drive or walking-distance to:
- Old Salem
- DiLisio’s Italian Restaurant
- BYGood Coffee
- Camino Bakery: Brookstown Ave.
Nestled in the quaint Historic West End Neighborhood, Summit Street Inns consists of two remarkable historic homes, each with its own unique and captivating charm. Boasting grand wrap-around porches, a prime location just a short walk from popular local restaurants, and meticulously restored bedrooms with lavish bathrooms, this inn stands out as a truly exceptional destination.
Walk to a local favorite for dinner or drinks:
Other hotels right within this area of downtown are Hampton Inn & Suites, Embassy Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, The Historic Brookstown Inn, and Courtyard (by Marriott). These are all close by enough that they share proximity to the above attractions.
Bailey Park also offers free parking, although availability is limited during busy times of the day.
Any of these hotels will keep you situated right within downtown for convenient access to big local events hosted at Hawthorne Inn and Conference center throughout the year.
The International Black Theatre Festival is typically hosted in downtown, and draws visitors from all over the world. You can imagine parking is trickier with crowds like that, which is an even bigger reason to snag a hotel right nearby.
Other Things To See Within A 15 Minute Walk From These Hotels:
- Camel City BBQ
- Salem Cemetery
- Forsyth County Central Library
- The Winston Salem Dash (Baseball team that plays at Truist Stadium)
- Numerous churches
Hotels Near Downtown By Other Historic Staples
If you’re willing to stay closer to the outskirts of downtown, here are a couple other considerations.
The Zevely Inn is fairly affordable compared to other offerings, has excellent ratings, and is a stone’s throw from Old Salem. Old Salem is one of the most historic places to visit in Winston Salem, with numerous buildings left over from Moravian roots. You can also rather easily walk to Old Salem Historic Museum and Gardens in this same area, which makes for a beautiful afternoon.
A bit further of a walk (only 12 mins) takes you to Gateway Nature Preserve, which is a family friendly place for hikes, bird watching, and play.
Holiday Inn Express is situated west of downtown. It’s further from some of downtown’s attractions, but is more practical in other ways because of how close it is to grocery stores and other local sightseeing like:
- Publix
- Whole Foods
- Cin Cin Burger Bar
- Cagney’s Kitchen
- Stratford Park
- Runnymede Park
- Thruway Shopping Center
- Miller Park (this is a longer walk, but not a bad drive)
The Holiday Inn Express is also due north of the beautiful and historic Ardmore neighborhood — definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area here. Ardmore has plenty of sidewalks for peaceful and scenic walks or bicycling.
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If you’re curious about other major neighborhoods in Winston Salem for things to do and see, you can browse our guides here: