Scene
An eco-friendly escape
As you approach the Proximity Hotel, you’ll likely notice the 100 solar panels on the roof. They are the first hint at the hotel’s vibe, which is of an energy-efficient futuristic factory. It touts itself as the “greenest” hotel in America and has cred in this area, as the first in the country to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) status from the U.S. Green Building Council, back in 2008. The Proximity Hotel has more than 70 sustainable practices, including high-efficiency plumbing to reduce excess water use and wood salvaged from a downed tree, which was used in the bar. All that doesn’t mean this Greensboro hotel isn’t warm and welcoming, because it is. But, it’s also a beacon for environmentally conscious travelers or ones looking for modern comfort and green space outside of the tourist zone.
Location
Tucked away from Greensboro’s downtown in a quiet area near offices and strip malls
The Proximity Hotel isn’t the most convenient in terms of visiting the Greensboro downtown landmarks like the International Civil Rights Center and Museum or even the college campuses of Greensboro College, Guilford College and the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
You’ll almost definitely need a car during your visit, but it is possible to walk to a few locations from the hotel. One of them is the O.Henry Hotel, owned by the same company as the Proximity Hotel, which is named for the writer that called Greensboro home. Guests can also take advantage of bike rentals.
A few places you close to the Proximity Hotel include:
- Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen is a nearby restaurant owned by the company behind the Proximity Hotel, open since 1989. The upscale Southern restaurant has dishes that incorporate local ingredients like fried green tomatoes with blue cheese aioli and shrimp and grits.
- Green Valley Grill, located at the O.Henry Hotel, has European and Mediterranean dishes. Open all day, menu favorites include the smoked bacon and brie flatbread, pan-seared scallops and root-beer-braised beef short ribs. The Wine Spectator award-winning program has over 500 wines.
- Located close to Lucky 32, Osteria is an Italian restaurant that focuses on the cuisine of the country’s Emilia-Romagna region. Highlights of the menu include house-made pasta, veal chops and risotto. The wine list has over 70 bottles of varying price levels.
- Friendly Center is a nearby shopping center with dining and shopping. The restaurants are a mix of local and national chains, along with the closest movie theater, grocery store, pharmacy and post office. The stores include outposts of clothing, furniture and gift stores like Williams-Sonoma, REI and Barnes & Noble.
- Book fans can head to the local outpost of McKay’s, a used bookstore that started in the Triad area of North Carolina. The sprawling shelves have a variety of titles, along with puzzles, games, movies, electronics and gifts.
- Lake Daniel Greenway runs along North Buffalo Creek to the appropriately named Lake Daniel Park. The trail is accessible across the street from the O.Henry Hotel and is made up of two miles of paved concrete. There are also further connections to the Latham Park Greenway and the Hill Street Connector Trail if you want a longer walk.
- On the opposite side of the Friendly Center is the Greensboro Botanical Gardens, a welcome escape from the downtown energy, featuring a variety of plant life. An elevated boardwalk brings guests above the bog. The hours vary by the season, but it’s free to visit.
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Rooms
Hotel rooms highlight local makers with custom furniture
Proximity Hotel has 147 guest rooms across eight floors, all in a loft-style layout, including accessible rooms and six suites. The furnishings are designed by the hotel’s in-house team, and rooms include recent design and architecture magazines. Beds have Magi bedding, and there are blackout curtains over the windows for a restful night’s sleep. USB outlets are nearby for charging.
All rooms have free internet/free wifi, seating areas and televisions, with original artwork by artist-in-residence Chip Holton. The bathrooms have plush bathrobes and Aveda bath products. The rooms also have coffee makers, docking stations, mini-fridges and microwaves. On each floor there’s a station with hot and cold water. They also offer an ironing service.
- Loft King: These rooms have king-sized beds and have options for corner rooms and rooms in the center of the building.
- Loft King Spa: This room has all of the amenities of the other rooms but also has a Terrazzo shower and separate soaking tub, windows that open into the sleeping room and double vanity sinks.
- Loft Double Queen: The queen version of this room is slightly larger than the king and has a tub, but otherwise has the same features.
- Loft Studio: The studio room is an add-on for those staying in a king or queen room with a connecting door for added space.
- City Suite: The most lavish of the Proximity Hotel’s rooms, this corner suite on the top floor has a large living area, a dining table and wet bar.
Amenities
Perks appeal to business and leisure travelers alike
The features of the Proximity Hotel are fairly standard, including a seasonal outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and weights. Parking is free, or for a fee if you opt for valet. There’s also a concierge and a business center. In-room dining details are below.
But they also reward frequent visitors and locals. The business traveler loyalty program includes perks like discounted rates and restaurant vouchers. Locals are as common a sighting at the restaurant as hotel guests, and reservations are currently required.
Speaking of the restaurant, Print Works Bistro actually predates the hotel and is reached through a glass walkway from the social lobby or from the parking lot at street level. The restaurant is open for weekday breakfast, weekend brunch and nightly dinner.
The menu has a little bit of everything, with European influences. Favorite dishes include quiche Lorraine, pan-seared trout and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Guests can order their favorite dishes from Print Works Bistro on the creekside terrace or through in-room service. There’s also an extensive bar menu, with 75 wines available by the glass as well as a seasonal cocktail menu. The Negroni is a great choice, made with Emulsion Gin from Greensboro’s Fainting Goat Spirits.
Misc.
- Standard check-in time is 3:00 pm. For early check-in, contact the hotel and the option is based on availability.
- Standard check-out time is 12:00 pm. For late check-out, 2:00 pm may be possible but is also based on availability.
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