Best Hotels in Raleigh NC Downtown and Beyond

Have you been wondering about the best hotel in Raleigh? I’ve got you covered!

As an NC native and full-time traveler who has spent over half of the year staying in hotels, I can easily help find the best hotel in Raleigh NC for you.

Downtown Raleigh is ideal for short trips so most of my recommendations are conveniently located downtown. Staying downtown offers immediate access to trendy restaurants, eclectic boutiques, historic landmarks and bustling nightlife venues.

Being in the heart of the city means everything is within easy reach, whether you’re here for business, pleasure, or a bit of both. Embrace the convenience of city living and immerse yourself in the rich culture and entertainment options that downtown Raleigh has to offer.

1. Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown

⭐️ RATING: 9.2/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 616 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States of America  | ✅ Book it!

The Residence Inn is an excellent accommodation choice in a prime downtown Raleigh location equipped with a variety of amenities designed for your comfort and enjoyment.

After a day of exploration, you can unwind at the rooftop bar and restaurant, which offers a delightful cocktail hour – a perfect chance to mingle and make new friends.

When I used to travel full-time for work, Residence Inn was always my top choice in hotels. The suites, with their studio apartment feel, instantly put me at ease with their spacious, well-planned design.

The fully equipped kitchen in each guestroom allowed me to whip up my favorite meals, bringing a touch of comfort away from home. This fusion of convenience and comfort made Residence Inn my preferred choice in accommodations.

PROS – Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh

• Prime downtown location: Situated in the heart of the city, Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh offers easy access to local attractions, business centers, shopping, and dining.
• Variety of amenities: Convenient amenities like high-speed internet, a gym, and laundry facilities, ensure a comfortable stay.
• Complimentary breakfast: Enjoy a hearty start to your day with the complimentary full breakfast offered daily.
• City views from Rooftop bar and restaurant: Unwind and socialize at the rooftop bar and restaurant, which not only offers an excellent selection of food and drinks but also a stunning view of the city.
• Spacious suites: The suites are designed like studio apartments, providing ample space for both work and relaxation.
• Home-like comfort: With the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen in each room, you can whip up your favorite meals just like at home.

CONS of Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh

• Paid Parking: Guests must pay an additional fee for use of the conveniently connected parking garage, which can add to the overall cost of the stay.
• Limited In-Room Entertainment: Some guests might find the limited range of TV channels and lack of game consoles or streaming services a little disappointing.
• No Pool or Spa: It’s worth noting that Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh does not feature a pool or spa onsite.
• Potential Noise from the Bar: As the rooftop bar and restaurant is a popular spot, guests in higher floors might experience some noise, especially during peak times.

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2. Guest House Raleigh

⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 420 S Bloodworth St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States of America | ✅ Book it!

Guest House Raleigh is an ideal stay option for travelers seeking a bed-and-breakfast ambiance blended with the modern convenience of a hotel.

Each spacious room comes equipped with a desk, making it perfect for business travelers or those who prefer to maintain their productivity while on vacation. The private bathrooms add a layer of intimacy and comfort to your stay. A fridge is available in all rooms, ensuring your favorite beverages and snacks are always within reach.

For those seeking a little extra, select rooms boast a balcony, providing guests with a private space to enjoy the fresh air and soak in the local scenery.

With its seamless blend of homely vibes and practical features, Guest House Raleigh ensures a stay that feels like a home away from home.

PROS of Guest House Raleigh

• Clean, Home-Like Feel: Guest House Raleigh reviewers repeatedly mentioned the immaculate interior that exudes a warm, homely ambiance. The clean, welcoming environment allows guests to relax and feel right at home, enhancing the overall quality of their stay.
• Off-Street Parking: Off-street parking offers guests the peace of mind of knowing their vehicle is safely parked. This feature particularly appeals to those driving into the city, with the convenience of not having to worry about finding a secure parking spot.
• Spacious Rooms: The rooms at Guest House Raleigh are generously sized, equipped with all the essentials, and designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The spacious design allows guests to unwind and enjoy their stay without feeling cramped.
• Convenient In-City Location: Guest House Raleigh benefits from a prime location within the city. This central positioning makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore and enjoy all the city has to offer.
• Shared Kitchen Facility: Guest House Raleigh also features a shared kitchen facility, enabling guests to prepare their own meals if they choose to. The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances, utensils, and a dining area, making it easy for guests to feel at home while cooking and dining.

CONS of Guest House Raleigh

• Transitional Urban Neighborhood: While the central location of Guest House Raleigh lends itself to easy access to city attractions, the accommodation is located in a transitional urban neighborhood. This may be off-putting for those seeking a quieter, more suburban environment for their stay.
• Scratchy Cotton Sheets: A minor drawback mentioned by some guests is the quality of the bedding. The cotton sheets, while clean and well-maintained, are reported to be somewhat scratchy, which might affect the comfort of those with sensitive skin or particular bedding preferences.
• Limited Dining Options: Unfortunately, the Guest House Raleigh does not house its own restaurant or café. Therefore, guests will have to seek dining options in the surrounding city, which may be inconvenient for those preferring to eat in-house.
• Security Cameras in Common Areas: Guest House Raleigh has security cameras in all common areas which makes some guests uncomfortable. Please note that the privacy of individual rooms is respected, and no cameras are installed in private areas.

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3. The Longleaf Hotel

⭐️ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 300 N. Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603 | ✅ Book it!

The Longleaf Hotel is by far the most unique hotel on our list. The iconic renovated motor lodge seamlessly marries the allure of yesteryear with contemporary luxury.

Step into updated, stylish rooms that provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploring Raleigh’s. The Longleaf Hotel excels at creating a cozy retreat that pays homage to the past while providing all the amenities of today.

Additionally, local talent takes the stage at the onsite lounge every day and many guests rave they preferred relaxing here with a drink instead of other venues in town.

The Longleaf Hotel offers the convenience of a chain hotel with the added benefit of supporting an innovative local business.

I love the hotel’s own description of the vibe to expect at the Long Pine Hotel: “Expect an unpretentious atmosphere that is just a little bit swanky, because you should feel both comfortable and special at the same time.”

PROS of The Longleaf Hotel Raleigh

• Luxurious Bedding and Bath Products: The pillowtop Kingsdown mattresses and luxury bedding ensure a restful night’s sleep. Bath products are Malin+Goetz so you don’t have to worry about crappy hotel soap drying out your skin.
• Adorable Vintage Look with Concrete Starburst Breezeways: Every corner of The Longleaf Hotel is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and style. The most unique feature is the adorable concrete starburst walls lining the breezeway.
• Pet Friendly: Some rooms are pet friendly and can accommodate up to 2 dogs under 40 pounds each. But there is an additional pet fee for the dog and cats are not allowed. Dogs cannot be left in rooms unattended.
• Complimentary Counter Culture Coffee: The lobby coffee bar provides complimentary Counter Culture Coffee to kickstart your mornings and keep you energized throughout the day. They also offer pastries and teas for purchase.
• Decorated with NC Artisan Products: From wall art to furnishings, the Longleaft Hotel showcases the talent of local artisans, adding a touch of authenticity to your surroundings.
• Convenient Location: The Longleaf Hotel is conveniently located near downtown Raleigh. It is only a 5-minute walk to the Museum of Natural Sciences and less than 0.5 mile to the State Capitol.
• Plenty of Free Parking: Guests have their choice of convenient parking spots just outside their front door.

CONS The Longleaf Hotel Raleigh

• No On-Site Restaurant: While the surrounding area boasts culinary delights, The Longleaf Hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant. Guests may need to venture out for meals, which might be less convenient for those looking for in-house dining options.
• Dog-Friendly Policy: While the Longleaf does welcome furry friends, the hotel being dog-friendly might not be ideal for guests who have allergies.
• Exterior Room Entrances: Some guests may find the exterior room entrances less preferable but it stays true to the motor lodge feel.
• City Sounds Can Be Loud: Be aware a few guests did mention a nearby train and other expected city noises. But they also said it wasn’t too disturbing and they would return.
• No Pool: Unfortunately, The Longleaf Hotel does not offer a pool on-site, limiting options for guests looking to relax with a swim or soak under the sun.
• No Rewards Program: Being privately owned means that The Longleaf Hotel may not participate in a larger hotel chain’s rewards program. This could be a drawback for guests who usually enjoy accruing loyalty points or other membership perks during their stays.

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4. Embassy Suites Brier Creek- Near the RDU Airport

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 8001 Arco Corporate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617, United States of America | ✅ Book it!

Embassy Suites Brier Creek in Raleigh is the perfect destination for visitors who want to be close to RDU airport but want more than your standard “airport hotel”.

Brier Creek is a suburban area of Raleigh that has all of the usual shopping and restaurant options you’ll find in North Carolina cities. There are not as many boutique-style shops or Instagrammable gastro restaurant experiences as in downtown Raleigh. However, Brier Creek is very car-friendly with abundant free parking in most locations.

If you have ever stayed at an Embassy Suites, you know they work hard to keep their guests happy. Guests can expect outstanding service and comfortable spacious suites.

One of guests’ favorite amenities at the Embassy Suites is the heated indoor pool with hot tub.

The Embassy Suites in Brier Creek also offer a free airport shuttle to nearby RDU. Based on your group and budgets, rooms range from standard King suites for 2 with a mini fridge to family-sized suites that can accommodate up to 8 guests.

Finally, the onsite restaurant exceeds most guests’ expectations. Some room rates include complimentary drinks at the bar and breakfast to start your day off right. It’s not your average hotel’s packets of oatmeal either, Embassy Suites has a cooked-to-order breakfast.

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5. The StateView Hotel

⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 2451 Alumni Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606 , United States of America | ✅ Book it!

The StateView offers close proximity to the campus of North Carolina State University and southwest Raleigh.

The shining star of this clean Marriot property is its picturesque setting next to Lake Raleigh, complete with a scenic walking trail.

The hotel does offer a seasonal outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Some room rates include breakfast so be sure to read the fine print if you don’t want to pay extra. Some guests complained about the restaurant being short-staffed with limited hours and long wait times so you may not want to rely on it.

Honestly, if you don’t plan to have a car when visiting Raleigh then this location might not be ideal.

The hotel is located nearly 4 miles from the State Capitol downtown and 9 miles to RDU airport with no shuttles. A few attractions near The StateView Hotel in Raleigh are Pullen Park, WRAL azalea gardens and the sunflower field at Dorothy Dix park

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6. Hampton Inn Midtown Raleigh

⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 1229 Wake Towne Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609 | ✅ Book it!

If you are looking for a hotel in Raleigh that won’t break the bank but still provides quality, look no further than Hampton Inn Midtown. The clean and modern rooms mean you can rest comfortably on a budget.

I realize the name can be confusing but Midtown is an uncommon name for the area also known as North Hills. North Hills is one of the more established (i.e. older) affluent areas of Raleigh.

As a kid in a middle-class house with really frugal parents and brand-name tastes, I loved going thrift shopping in North Hills. The “rich people” donate almost new, name-brand items that I could buy with our KMart budget.

Now back to the Hampton Inn, the convenient North Hills location offers the chance to be close to downtown attractions but with the driveability and convenience of the suburbs.

Hampton Inn Midtown Raleigh affordable rates including free parking and breakfast. It’s a great option for those who just want a nice place to sleep and don’t need to be downtown.

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Where to stay in Raleigh?

Pro Tip: Avoid locations on New Bern Avenue or Capitol Boulevard as hotels in these locations may not be as safe as other areas.

Brier Creek is conveniently located near the RDU airport. When I-540 (the outer “Beltline” bypass) was completed Brier Creek grew by leaps and bounds. There are plenty of stores and restaurants in this area but it is not as pedestrian-friendly as downtown.

If you are looking for a hotel near the RDU airport and your budget allows, the highest-rated option is the Embassy Suites in Brier Creek.

For a more family-friendly option, Hyatt House Raleigh in North Hills provides spacious rooms and close proximity to shopping and dining. The Hyatt House is more expensive and luxurious than our North Hills recommendation – Hampton Inn Midtown.

You may have heard of The Umstead Hotel and Spa but I intentionally didn’t include it in my list because it is not in Raleigh. This hotel, in Cary NC, offers luxurious accommodations and a world-class spa amidst a serene, natural setting.

Things to do in Downtown Raleigh

Visiting downtown Raleigh is an experience like no other. It cracks me up when I meet people who visited NC, and found the people and natural beauty so charming that they moved here.

Native North Carolinians are less common in Raleigh these days but you’ll know it when meet one. We are very welcoming and usually sprinkle our sentences with ya’lls, ma’ams, sirs and a big smile.

Whether you’re a North Carolina native or a first-time visitor just passing thru from Raleigh to Asheville, here are some of the best things to do while you’re here:

Take a free Self Guided Walking Tour

The City of Raleigh has created 6 different self guided audio walking tours with downloadable maps available here.

We love getting our steps in while exploring a new location. In my opinion, walking is the best way to fully experience a new location.

City of Raleigh Walking Tours

• Weird Raleigh Walking Tour 
• Downtown Raleigh Murals Tour
• Historic Equity Walking Tour
• Parks and Natural History Walking Tour
• Leaders of Raleigh Tour
• New Bern Avenue and Edenton Street History Marker Tour
  
  

Find Your Museum

Raleigh is full of museums that cater to a variety of interests.

The city has been called the Smithsonian of the South but I’m not sure if that is an entirely accurate nickname since most Raleigh museums are operated by different organizations and only a few offer free admission.

Although, museums are a great indoor thing to do in Raleigh. And several are close enough together, you can split up the family and explore different museums.

From traditional art galleries to interactive science centers, there’s something for every kind of visitor. Each person will find something different to enjoy.

A few of the museum options in Raleigh :

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
• Pope House Museum
• Joel Lane Museum House and Gardens
• North Carolina Museum of History
• North Carolina Museum of Art
• Marbles Kids Museum
• Mordecai Historic Park
• City of Raleigh Museum (COR)
• Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)
• Artspace
• Legends of Harley Davidson Drag Racing Museum
• Gregg Museum of Art and Design
• North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
• Raleigh Fire Museum
• Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum

Raleigh is home to some of the best museums in the country, and exploring them is a great way to spend an afternoon or a full day.

Visit the City Market

The City Market is home to local farms, artists, and restaurants. Think of it as a small neighborhood on its own.

There’s a farmers market element but you can also get a good coffee or a cocktail. Wander the cobblestone streets from shop to shop in search of a handmade treasure. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants. Or just enjoy watching others from one of the sidewalk cafe tables.

Catch a show or Explore Raleigh Little Theater Rose Garden

This historic theater has been entertaining audiences since 1925.

With 10 productions per year, you may get lucky and find a community performance happening during your visit.

If you can’t see a show, be sure to check out their Rose Gardens. The Raleigh Rose Garden on the campus of the Little Theater is one of only 3 accredited rose gardens in North Carolina.

Take a Tour of Historic Oakwood Cemetery

This cemetery is one of Raleigh’s most beautiful landmarks and has a park-like setting.

It is the final resting place for seven governors, five United States Senators, eight Supreme Court Chief Justices of North Carolina, four Civil War generals, two Secretaries of the United States Navy and thousands of others.

Oakwood Cemetery is full of interesting stories about the people who have called this city home over the years.

Check Out Pullen Park

Pullen Park was the first public park in North Carolina and it’s the equivalent of Central Park for Raleigh. It’s only 66 acres and you will probably want to drive there but it is the main city park.

It is the perfect spot for a relaxing day outdoors, with plenty of areas for picnicking and swimming as well as amusement park rides for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

Stop By The State Farmers’ Market

If you love fresh produce, you won’t want to miss out on stopping by The State Farmers’ Market near downtown Raleigh! Here you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables grown right in North Carolina by local farmers year-round.

The NC State Farmers Market is a large farmers market with dozens of vendor booths open daily. On weekends, it’s a popular outing for locals and even more vendors set up shop.

Pro Tip : Try some homestyle Southern cooking at the NC Farmers Market Restaurant while there. My grandma’s senior group used to take regular lunch trips to this restaurant so you can trust the collards and black eyed peas are the real deal.

Catch A Game or Concert

Raleigh is home to several large sporting event venues including Carter Finley and PNC Arena. It almost seems improper for me to recommend supporting NC State sports since I graduated from a rival school about 85 mile east, East Carolina University.

But if you’re looking for some thrilling sports action during your stay in Raleigh, Carter Finley arena is home to NC State Wolfpack football and outdoor concerts or PNC Arena offers Carolina Hurricane NHL Hockey, NC State Wolfpack basketball and other indoor events.

Other popular nearby sports teams you may recognize include the Duke University Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tarheels.

Shop ‘Til You Drop at The Villages, formerly known as Cameron Village Shopping Center

Located closer to the NCSU campus and not within downtown walking range, Cameron Village is one of Raleigh’s favorite unique shopping destinations.

Built in 1949, everything but the name has stood the test of time. Locals still do their shopping here.

Yes, you can find a Barnes and Noble bookstore or ChickFilaA in most Raleigh neighborhoods but many of the other shops at The Villages are more unique like the Antique Emporium or H & H Shoe Repair.

Goodnights Comedy Club is one of the top places to catch a comedy show in Raleigh.

It offers an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options that will keep everyone busy!

Pro Tip: Any time of the day is a great time for a GoodBerry’s Frozen Custard.
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FAQs About Best Hotels in Raleigh NC