I cannot see why anyone would choose a chain hotel if a room at the Grande Magnolia is available. Our weekend in Benson, NC was exceptional due in large part to staying at the Grande Magnolia. When we arrived we were greeted at the door by a man who knew us by name. We were shown to our room and given a one on one explanation of some of the features and history of the hotel. We walked to the historic downtown area and when we returned we were greeted by Ms. Nancy, the owner. Her passion for the Grande Magnolia radiates uninhibited. The attention to detail and quest for historical accuracy permeates the design decisions made for this magnificent building.
The Grande Magnolia serves breakfast every morning (I believe). While we were there no less than seven families came to the restaurant, so it’s popular with the locals. True to the spirit of “bed and breakfast”, our morning meal was included with our stay. The staff was on the ball and we never had to ask for coffee refills. Checkout was a breeze. I would very much recommend this place to anyone looking for a unique experience in the Four Oaks, Benson or Dunn area.
Reviewed on Jul 12, 2026
