A Review of Three Trails Hotel in Elkin, North Carolina

Welcome to Checking In: A series dedicated to the unique places we stay when we travel

After more than a decade of weekend getaways, there’s no accommodation type I love more than a good boutique hotel.

This category of stay is often overlooked in favor of luxury chains or budget staples – but there they are, hiding in plain sight. Choosing a boutique hotel doesn’t necessarily come with a higher price tag, but it does lend itself to a more well-rounded travel experience.

You see, these hotels are generally centrally located, filled with the character of your destination, and include all the amenities you’ve come to expect in a hotel stay. For a recent trip to Elkin, North Carolina, there was one property in particular that checked all of those boxes and so many more.

My stay at Three Trails was generously hosted by the team at The Carolina Experience, however, this review is independently written and all opinions are my own. This post contains commissionable links.

Three Trails is part of The Carolina Experience, a collection of unique properties throughout North Carolina, and my previous host during my stay in Southern Pines. Translation: I knew Michael and I were in for a treat during a quick getaway only ninety minutes from Charlotte.

But even though I knew I was in for a clean and comfortable stay in a desirable location, I felt unprepared for how much I would fall in love with Elkin – and in large part thanks to this perfect home away from home:

ABOUT THREE TRAILS

View from the Three Trails roof over Elkin — Three Trails is located in downtown Elkin, North Carolina

Three Trails is a charming boutique hotel on Main Street in downtown Elkin, North Carolina, where three trails converge: the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Yadkin River State Trail.

The building that now houses Three Trails has lived many lives over the past century and a quarter. Originally one of the earliest structures on Elkin’s Main Street, it first served as the Click and Company Store, a central hub of commerce (see photos here and here). Later, it transitioned into Spainhour’s Department Store. Eventually, the space was repurposed to accommodate the Yadkin Valley Bank, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of Elkin’s community.

Today, Three Trails has been lovingly transformed into fourteen boutique apartments while keeping the building’s charm fully intact through adaptive reuse (fun fact: the Yadkin Valley Bank vault is now a closet in Room 6!). Although the property is contactless, every measure has been taken to ensure a smooth experience, from clear instructions on checking in via electronic keypads to stocking everything a guest needs and more in each room.

THREE TRAILS ROOMS AND AMENITIES

Interior of Room 11 — Each room layout is unique – here’s a look at our room, Room 11

Alyssa pulls a wine key from a drawer — The kitchen is fully stocked for all your needs (especially if those needs are a glass of local wine!)

View of chairs on the roof deck at Three Trails — When the weather’s nice, spend an evening unwinding on the rooftop deck

The hotel offers fourteen rooms, including Studios, Townhomes, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom Suites. As you might expect given Three Trails’ history, each room is unique (even among the same room type, the layout and window placement vary!).

No matter the size, each room features a stocked kitchen with a full-size fridge and range, a dining area, HDTV, premium linens (like Brooklinen towels), a smart lock with keyless entry, free WiFi, a coffee maker, a clothes iron, and more. Depending on the room selected, it also may have a sleeper sofa.

Without a traditional lobby, most of the hotel’s amenities can be found in the room. But there is one external amenity that can’t be overlooked, and that is the rooftop deck. It’s the perfect place to kick back after a long day of exploring, preferably with a glass of local wine or beer (glasses and bottle openers can be found in the room!).

MY REVIEW OF THREE TRAILS

Three Trails bedroom and living area — The room felt cozy and home-like from the very start

A kitchen and a coffee maker — Tempting as it was to go out and enjoy every meal at all of Elkin’s great dining establishments, it was nice to have the space to store snacks and make coffee in the room to save a little money

Driving into Elkin for the first time, I was struck by how perfectly situated the hotel is in the center of downtown. It helps, of course, that I missed my first turn and set out on an unexpected tour of the downtown area, eventually circling back to locate the hotel smack dab in the middle of it all.

Once we were finally parked on Main Street, I pulled up the email with our check-in instructions. A few quick taps on my phone, and we were through the front doors with our luggage in tow. The hotel doesn’t have a traditional lobby, but there is a small entryway that, in my opinion, would make an ideal spot for a little coffee shop (just my unsolicited two cents!).

Room 11 was just a quick trek up two flights of stairs and down a charming, brick-lined hallway. Entering the key code provided in my email revealed a room flooded with natural light from oversized windows.

“Oh!” I exclaimed, a sentiment Michael soon echoed as we dropped our bags, taking in the room together. It was the perfect blend of bright and cozy, even more stunning than the photos on the hotel’s website had suggested. I unloaded our snacks into the oversized refrigerator and began exploring.

Though the room was only slightly larger than a standard hotel room, the soaring ceilings and clever layout made it feel much more spacious. By dividing the space into distinct kitchen, living, sleeping, and bath areas, it felt more like an updated Brooklyn apartment than a hotel in a small North Carolina town.

Four images of Three Trails decor — I appreciated all of the thoughtful touches throughout the space, from the furniture and decor to the little helpers like a ceiling fan and white noise machine

View of Main Street Elkin from the room — The hotel’s central location is perfect for exploring Elkin and beyond into the Yadkin Valley

Have you ever stayed somewhere and thought, “The person who designed this clearly never stayed here”? Well, that’s the exact opposite of my weekend in Elkin, because it was clear that every detail was carefully considered.

The highlights of our two-night stay were the surprisingly thoughtful touches: a white noise machine in the bedroom, a beverage faucet alongside the kitchen sink, climate control in both the bedroom and living areas, board games tucked under the TV, a comfortable bed with a convenient shelf for easy reach, a closet with real hangers, and even an electric wine opener – the list goes on.

But it wasn’t just the small details; they really nailed the big picture too. From the keyless entry to the clever layout, they’ve managed to create a space that feels designed for temporary living, not just for a transient stay.

My only regret is not being able to enjoy the rooftop deck; with temperatures in the mid-nineties, it was simply too hot for most of our stay. Fortunately, the view of downtown from our room was just as wonderful (and much more comfortable!).

I honestly don’t really have many quibbles about our stay. Moving in and around the hotel felt effortless, and I can truly say it enhanced our experience in Elkin. If I could suggest anything to add to the space, it would be a coat and key hook by the room entrance and a full-length mirror somewhere in the unit (the back of the bathroom door is practically begging for it!), and maybe some additional soundproofing between rooms. But then again, maybe that was just our luck to have an extra rowdy bunch of neighbors next door!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: THREE TRAILS

Where is Three Trails located?

Three Trails is located in the heart of downtown Elkin, at 101 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621.

Does the hotel offer parking?

Yes, the hotel has a few dedicated spots behind the building, and overflow parking can be found across the street, at Town Hall, or in any public parking space. Michael and I found plenty of on-street parking along Main Street, which doesn’t have parking restrictions on the weekends.

What types of rooms are available?

The hotel offers several room types, from cozy studios to three-bedroom apartments. Depending on the room type, Three Trails can accommodate 1-8 guests per room.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes! Your bestie can join you on your Elkin journey in one of the hotel’s pet-friendly rooms (Room 1 or Room 2). Note, a $150 pet fee is required.

A contactless stay? What if I need help?

Contactless doesn’t mean you’re left on your own – it just means you’re given full independence during your stay. A welcome email will arrive shortly before your stay, walking you through the check-in process in detail. This email also includes the property manager’s phone number, so if you do find you need assistance during your stay, all you need to do is call or text (just like at a traditional hotel).

A flight of stairs at Three Trails — Most of the rooms at Three Trails are accessed by stairs

How accessible is the property?

Two units are located on the bottom floor of the hotel, and one of those units is designated as an ADA room. The remaining floors are located up one or two flights of stairs, as an elevator is currently unavailable.

What’s the housekeeping situation?

Housekeeping is not provided mid-stay, but a laundry room is available (extra helpful for hiking-centric stays where you may need to launder clothing!).

Are there any sales or deals at Three Trails?

Hello kindred spirit! You can save 20% on your stay at Three Trails or any other of the other properties by The Carolina Experience with code WAYWARD when you book direct.

What is there to do nearby?

Elkin is in the middle of the Yadkin Valley wine region, so there are a ton of wineries to explore within a short drive (Raffaldini and Grassy Creek are a couple of personal faves). Closer to your home-away-from-home you’ll find great bars and breweries (Fruition, The RailYard, and Angry Troll), wonderful local restaurants (The Yellow Door Cafe, Southern on Main), and an excellent live music venue.

My full weekend guide to Elkin is on the way, so keep an eye out for your perfectly planned itinerary!

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BOOKING A STAY AT THREE TRAILS

View of the Yadkin River from Three Trails — I can’t imagine a better location for exploring the Yadkin Valley than this!

Alyssa looks into her cup of coffee at Three Trails — My Elkin weekend was truly enriched by staying at a hotel with local soul

While there are times when it makes sense to choose a place simply to crash for the night, choosing destination-specific accommodations offers a much richer travel experience. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in town, Three Trails feels almost synonymous with the spirit of Elkin, a town that proudly embraces its history while eagerly looking toward the future. I can’t begin to imagine a more local experience than that!

If you’re unsure whether a contactless stay is right for you, rest assured that it combines the best aspects of both the Airbnb and boutique hotel experiences: easy check-in, a unique and charming place to stay, home-like amenities, and best of all, no lengthy chore list to worry about before checkout.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a solo traveler looking for a quiet retreat, or a family in search of a place to squeeze everyone under the same roof, Three Trails should be on your map. Plus, The Carolina Experience has kindly extended Wayward readers an incredible 20% discount with code WAYWARD when you book direct, now through the end of 2024.

Thank you to The Carolina Experience for generously hosting our stay!

—

Questions for you

Have I missed any of your questions about Three Trails?

What is the most memorable hotel amenity you’ve ever experienced?

Checking In: A Review of Three Trails in Elkin, North Carolina