It’s hard to know what to look at first when you step into The O’Neil’s opulent lobby. The enormous steel reinforced 16-ton bank vault turned snack bar. Three dramatic, enormous portraits of the owner’s daughters, well-lit and framed in shiny brass. The restored octagonal blue, green and gold ornate plaster ceiling. This boutique hotel has a lot going on and intentionally conveys a luxurious, over-the-top feel to all who visit.
Originally the Farmers & Merchants Bank, this grand building has been towering over downtown Kinston since it opened in 1924. Built of cool gray limestone in the Renaissance Revival style, you can’t miss it as the Queen Street storefronts sit neatly some three stories at its feet. The building was renovated in 2015 by Steven Hill–the Kinston native behind Mother Earth Brewing, Mother Earth Motor Lodge, and the revitalization of arts in the area. He envisioned The O’Neil and had a heavy hand in the unique style of each of the seven eclectic rooms guests may reserve. Each has a different décor theme and feel: A king room with classic elegance; an assaulting bright red, Asian-themed room with a king size bed and a vault refashioned with bunk beds that may tempt traveling families to keep their kids safe behind bars for a night.
The second-floor loft has a cozy sitting area where guests can overlook the lobby. You’ll get a great view of the original marble teller stalls, cushy seating areas, chandeliers and guests checking in. Beverages–including Mother Earth beers, of course–and snacks are available for guests in the main floor vault at any time. Many guests bring them here to unwind before heading out to take in all that Kinston has to offer.
Perhaps The O’Neil’s best feature is its proximity to downtown Kinston’s restaurants and shops. Walk to Jay’s 108 for sushi, tapas, and burgers. Stroll down the block for a fine dining experience at Vivian Howard’s flagship restaurant Chef and the Farmer. Take in some history at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. Find gifts and apparel–many made by North Carolina artisans–for yourself and others at Leon Thomas Treasures. Take a brewery tour at Mother Earth Brewing or walk down Queen Street and view the gallery at the Community Council for Arts. There is much to explore from your well-positioned home base. Go ahead and reserve a night of luxury, you deserve it.