Raleigh's Hotel Indigo Reopens After $36M Renovation, Boosts Tourism

In a move set to enhance Raleigh's appeal as a convention and event destination, Hotel Indigo will make its grand return next Tuesday. The hotel, closed since 2025, has undergone a substantial $36 million renovation, transforming the former Holiday Inn landmark into a modern hospitality hub.

This redevelopment project breathes new life into the historic building, which has stood since 1969. The hotel now boasts updated guest rooms and common spaces, alongside the revitalized 20th-floor venue, High Ground, offering sweeping views of Raleigh's skyline.

"The entire place was gutted out. It was a $36 million investment," stated Carlos Faz, General Manager of Hotel Indigo, emphasizing the extensive nature of the renovations.

Notably, this hotel is one of only nine such circular structures originally constructed by Holiday Inn still standing in the United States. "There's only nine left in the United States and so we are one of those nine left," Faz remarked.

Raleigh tourism officials view the hotel's reopening as a key component of their strategy to boost the city's capacity to host significant conventions and events, a move that could attract larger gatherings that were previously beyond the city's capacity.

Denny Edwards, CEO of Visit Raleigh, highlighted the city’s growth trajectory, stating, "We have 17 new hotels under construction that will open in the next three years that's over 2,600 rooms and a 14% growth in hotel room inventory that we're going to have in the next three years."

Edwards explained that this expansion is part of a broader tourism and infrastructure initiative, which includes $2 billion in ongoing infrastructure investments tied to the tourism sector.

"All that new product just gives our visitors that new experience-- something fresh, something new," added Edwards, speaking to the allure of new developments for tourists.

The renovation of Hotel Indigo aims to strike a balance between preserving the building's historic character and introducing modern amenities and style. "It's now an iconic landmark, initially based from 1969, to now truly representing the mid modern century modern art and decorations and style that we have put together to make it look like what it is today," Faz elaborated.

With the hotel now accepting reservations, guests can look forward to its official reopening next Tuesday, marking a new chapter for this historic Raleigh institution.

Download the ABC11 News app