<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF WINSTON HOTELS, INC. FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                              79
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,276
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 6,355
<PP&E>                                         196,923
<DEPRECIATION>                                   9,705
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 195,033
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            8,689
<BONDS>                                         32,600
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           158
<OTHER-SE>                                     142,524
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   195,033
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                19,805
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 7,165
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,026
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 10,047
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,047
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,047
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .84
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0