The O'Neil

Great hotel with a lot of history and charm. The staff couldn't have been better and they made you feel like a special part of the family that had come to visit. The added bonus is they are just across the street from the Chef and the Farmers Table. Anytime we are in the area we are staying here again.

I debated if I was going to leave this review. I should because it’s worth sharing my experience. I chose this hotel because my last name is O’Neal. It was part of my experience. I arrived promptly for my check in and I was not greeted. No big deal (1st red flag). I gave the lady my name and she was a little confused. I proceeded to show her my reservation number. She advised me of the price; however, I was aware when I made the reservation. She asked me would I like to proceed. At this point, I felt it was necessary for my to be cynical because of her tone! I replied, yes I’m here right. I offered to pay cash. She said we do not accept cash. This was very interesting because there are no fees associated with processing cash. I’m a business owner. I pulled my American Express card out and then she advised me they do not accept American Express. By now, I’m experiencing the feeling of not being wanted. I proceeded anyway. I wanted to convey a message of perseverance to my then 6 year old biracial kid. So I said no problem. I have my old faithful. I pulled out my bank card. She swiped my bank card three times and she said it’s declining. I said interesting, it’s literally enough money in that account to buy the building! I asked for a second and we called my bank. Luckily, the hold time was not long. This is God working his magic! I explained the situation to the representative and she advised me to hold so she can see the issue. She said there were no decline purchase attempts on my card. She said “try it now”. The hotel representative tried my card again and she showed me it declined. I updated the bank representative with the new information. The bank representative look in the terminal processing system and advised the hotel representative to try it again. She did and it was decline once more. The bank representative said that it’s being decline because she is entering the wrong expiration date! I had her on speaker. She tried it again and I watch her enter the numbers correctly. It went through. I wrote this to say. All the attendant had to say is your not welcome here! She can turn me or anyone else away. I guess she wasn’t comfortable because I was black. In the end, my money served its purpose just like whomever her preferred guest money did! The room was clean and comfortable. Henceforth the three stars. I’ve never been back and I do not anticipate staying there. I guess it just hard to accept others monetary accomplishments based on merits. My money was obtained in a legal manner, no basketball husband and etc! God Bless them.

Great staff, fun quirky lobby, big rooms. The drinks and snacks in the old bank vault are a nice touch. I would definitely stay here again. It’s literally across the street from Chef and the Farmer and a two minute walk from Mother Earth brewery. For history nerds like me, the CSS Neuse museum is also an easy three-minute walk. Ideal for a weekend retreat.nnIf the management read these reviews, I do have some thoughts that could make the experience even better...nFirst, the bed. My bed was REALLY high and very, very soft. Not just soft, but kinda saggy in the middle (2c). Might want to check the bed frame.nSecond, the parking. I didn’t feel great about leaving my car on the street overnight. I wish there was a better option.

Beautifully decorated and luxurious stay.

I didn't stay at the hotel as I was in Kinston for a class reunion and stayed with a relative, but a couple that was at the reunion stayed here and they showed a small group of us the room they were staying in, which was outstanding and the couple confirmed the room was awesome. The lobby of the hotel is absolutely fantastic!