Historic Raleigh Circular Hotel Will Open in October

The former Holiday Inn will debut as a Hotel Indigo following a multi-million dollar renovation project.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Hotels

Screen-print poster illustration of a cylindrical mid-century modern building with vertical windows, evoking the historic hotel landmark in Raleigh. — The iconic circular building in downtown Raleigh will reopen as a Hotel Indigo in October, adding significant lodging capacity to the city after a multi-million dollar renovation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The iconic circular building in downtown Raleigh is set to reopen as a Hotel Indigo in October 2026. This relaunch follows a major renovation aimed at boosting hotel room capacity in the city.

Why it matters

The hotel provides essential new lodging capacity for Raleigh as the city continues to attract conventions and business travelers. It also preserves a recognizable piece of local architecture while updating the facility for modern guests.

The renovation project cost $36 million and resulted in 204 fully updated guest rooms. The building retains its unique 1960s circular exterior profile.

The details

The property underwent a comprehensive interior transformation including significant styling updates and new decor. This work was completed to establish a new brand identity for the site after the building sat closed for over one year.

The original building first opened during the 1960s.
The city granted the building historical status in 2025.
The hotel is scheduled to open to the public in October 2026.

Travel Outlook

This project highlights the growing trend of adaptive reuse for mid-century commercial architecture in urban centers. It aligns with broader tourism efforts to revitalize city cores by updating legacy structures rather than opting for new builds.

Travelers planning visits to the Raleigh area for upcoming conventions should monitor the hotel website for booking availability as the October opening approaches. This property will offer a central location for those seeking accommodations within the downtown district.

The takeaway

Preserving historical architecture allows cities to maintain a unique identity while expanding their functional capacity for visitors. Guests can look forward to a blend of mid-century aesthetics and contemporary interior amenities.