Where to Stay in Raleigh, North Carolina: Top Areas and Hotels (from a local!)
Planning a trip to Raleigh? Determining where to stay in any city can greatly impact your trip. Fortunately, I’m a Raleigh-based travel blogger who has spent 10 years on and off in the city. So I’ll give you the inside look on the parts of the city to check out, where to stay, and even specific hotel recommendations in each area. Determining where to stay in Raleigh has never been this easy!
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Determining Where to Stay in Raleigh
Raleigh is part of the “Research Triangle” which also includes Chapel Hill and Durham. These three cities in essence form a large triangle and feature 3 powerhouse universities: NC State, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill. While you should definitely check out all three areas if you have time, Raleigh is the main focal point for many travelers. It is the North Carolina state capital after all.
So where should you stay while you’re in Raleigh? Fortunately, there are a LOT of good areas to stay in and even more hotels to choose from. We’re going to take a look at four key areas as well as a couple of “staple” hotels in the Raleigh area. No matter which area of the city you select, you can still get the full Raleigh experience.
Explore the best things to do in Raleigh while you’re in town!
Downtown Raleigh Hotels
Staying in the heart of downtown Raleigh puts you near many of the main sights of the city. You’ll also be surrounded by some of the top restaurants in the US and in walking distance of the main nightlife of the city. Additionally, throughout the year there are dozens of festivals held in Raleigh. Many of which happen right on Fayetteville St. in the center of downtown.
The only “con” to staying in downtown is of course the cost and additional fees, like paying to park. Most hotels in downtown do however offer attached parking garages at reasonable rates. There are also a large quantity of paid (or free) street parking or public garages which tend to be about $5/day.
1. Raleigh Marriott City Center Hotel
The most centrally located hotel in Raleigh, the Raleigh Marriott City Center Hotel is located right on Fayetteville St. in the heart of Raleigh. At one end of this road you’ll see the North Carolina State Capitol Building and at the other end is the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Just out front is where the New Years Eve Acorn Drop (yes, that is a thing) happens, and you are surrounded by restaurants, bars, and the main sights of Raleigh.
Check rates now for the Raleigh Marriott City Center Hotel.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown
Located conveniently in downtown, the Residence Inn is a great place to call home while visiting the city. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants within a couple of blocks and you’ll be right down the street from the North Carolina State Capitol. It’s situated right next to the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, and Red Hat Amphitheater. If you’re in town for an event, this may be the most convenient place to stay!
Check rates now for the Residence Inn in Downtown Raleigh.
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown
A slightly more budget friendly option is the Hampton Inn. It is located on “Glenwood South” – the southern part of Glenwood Avenue. It’s a very safe area but is best known for its bar scene. If you are visiting for a weekend and looking for a solid night’s sleep, this may not be the ideal place for you. On the other hand, if you are looking to go bar hopping, this is the most convenient location for that. There are at least 10 bars within a couple block radius.
Check rates now for the Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown Raleigh.
4. AC Hotel by Marriott Raleigh Downtown
One of the newest hotels in downtown Raleigh, the AC Hotel offers everything you’d look for in a city-center hotel. From a rooftop bar with amazing skyline views to being walking distance to many of the best bars and restaurants in Raleigh, the AC Hotel is perfect for those wanting to be in the center of it all! Keep in mind that its busy location can make it less ideal for those looking for a quiet, early night in!
Check rates now for the AC Hotel in Downtown Raleigh.
5. Longleaf Hotel
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh that offers a bit more fun than the typical hotel chain? The Longleaf Hotel is for you. This retro hotel was recently renovated to be a modern boutique hotel that holds on to its retro charm with some new luxuries built in. And, as a plus, it’s one of the most affordable hotels in downtown Raleigh! While it is located downtown, it sits a bit further out than those listed above, but it’s still walkable to all of the best downtown Raleigh sights.
Check rates now for the Longleaf Hotel in Downtown Raleigh.
Staying in downtown? Visit some of the 10 Best Bars in Downtown Raleigh, NC.
North Hills Hotels
North Hills is an upscale area located just 5 miles north of downtown. It features a large outdoor mall with shopping, food and drink, and all kinds of entertainment. You’ll even find a movie theater, a bowling alley, a small amphitheater, and more all within a few blocks. In North Hills there are plenty of places to explore, and they hold a number of events there throughout the year. You’ll find Thursday “Beach Music” days in the summer, free outdoor workouts, and even concerts at the amphitheater.
If you want options of things to do within walking distance, North Hills is a great area to stay in. However, if nightlife is your thing, please be warned that while there are only a few bars in this area. It is not nearly as “happening” of a scene as downtown. Fortunately, it’s just a short Uber ride downtown!
1. Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
The Renaissance Hotel sits grandly at the end of the outdoor shopping mall area. It is close to everything, including Starbucks, boutiques, delicious restaurants and lounges, and even a Target. This hotel is often used for corporate events in the area due to its style and class.
Check rates now for the Renaissance Hotel in North Hills.
2. Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills Hotel
Opened within the last few years, the Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills is a slightly more budget friendly hotel than the Renaissance and is located right across the street. It comes with many of the same conveniences of the location but with just a little less luxury.
Check rates now for the Hyatt House in North Hills.
3. AC Hotel by Marriott Raleigh North Hills
Another convenient hotel in the North Hills area is the European-inspired AC Hotel. It also opened just a few years ago. One of the perks of the AC Hotel is the rooftop bar where you can grab a drink or a quick meal with some views.
Check rates now for the AC Hotel in North Hills.
Learn how to spend an epic weekend in Raleigh!
NC State University Hotels
Located just 3 miles from downtown, NC State is the largest of the many universities within the Raleigh area. We also have William Peace University, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Campbell University Law School, Meredith College, and more. That being said, as NC State is the largest, it comes with a number of hotels nearby campus for all of those fun college events that bring parents and sports fans into town.
One thing I’ve learned from my time in Raleigh and working on NC State’s Centennial Campus is that the university’s campus(es) is HUGE. As such, if you have a reason to be near a particular part of campus, I’d look it up first. You’ll want to be within walking distance. Of course, they also have the Wolfline Bus which can also help you get around campus. It is free to ride even for non-students.
1. The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection
The StateView Hotel is located directly on NC State’s Centennial Campus. It backs up to a lake and is also directly across from the Lonnie Pool Golf Course. The setting is beautiful and scenic with a number of greenway trails winding their way through campus if you want to take a run or a walk in the beautiful North Carolina weather.
There are onsite food and drink available and more options across the street at Lonnie Pool Golf Course, but the bulk of the delicious food Raleigh is known for will be a car ride or Uber away.
Nearby Sight: If your stay is during the school year, and you’re a little bit of a nerd like me, take a walk to the nearby Hunt Library to check out the “bookBot“, the library’s robotic book delivery system. It’s located just inside the front doors and anyone is welcome to come see it. If that’s not tempting enough on its own, directly to your left when you enter the Hunt Library you will find Common Grounds Cafe. Here you can grab a cone or cup of NC State’s very own Howling Cow ice cream. It is made right on campus using fresh milk and cream from their Raleigh farm.
Check rates now for the StateView Hotel.
2. Aloft Raleigh
If you’re looking for a more student-like environment near NC State University, the Aloft location is right for you. It is located right across the street from the North Carolina State University Memorial Belltower. This Belltower is an icon for NC State and is located in the heart of the student district. Just a block away you’ll find plenty of food and bars that students frequent. Or, if that’s not your scene, just a couple of blocks away is Cameron Village. Cameron Village offers additional restaurant choices with a more family friendly vibe, along with countless boutiques to browse.
Check rates now for the Aloft Hotel.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh – Brownstone – University
Not quite as modern as the StateView or Aloft Hotels is the DoubleTree. It’s another great option for the NC State University area. It is located just a five minute walk down the street from the Aloft. While it is a little bit further from the student bar and food area, it is very close to some well known, and liked, staples. This includes Players Retreat – a sports bar and restaurant open until 2am, and David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar – a delicious Asian food restaurant..
Check rates now for the DoubleTree Hotel.
Discover the best restaurants in downtown Raleigh!
Crabtree Valley Mall Hotels
Crabtree Valley Mall is one of the largest malls in the Raleigh area. While the mall itself is like any mall in the United States, you will find plenty of restaurants that are walkable. Unfortunately, many of these restaurants are chain restaurants. You will really miss the Raleigh flare, but you certainly won’t go hungry! That being said, it is still only 5-6 miles from downtown. Even if you’re a picky eater, you will definitely find someplace to eat here. Think The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Changs.
1. Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
Located directly across the from Crabtree Valley Mall, this would be my pick for the area. You can cross the main road safely in a cross walk, at a light, and you’re there. Not to mention they recently renovated this hotel including adding on a lovely outdoor pool area.
Check rates now for the Raleigh Marriott at Crabtree Valley.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh / Crabtree Valley
While the Hilton Garden Inn is just down the street from the Crabtree Valley Mall, I do not recommend you walking there due to the busy road and lack of sidewalks. As long as you have a car though, the location will work well for your stay in Raleigh. It is close to the highway 440 which is the Raleigh beltline and just off Glenwood Avenue, which will take you straight into downtown Raleigh.
Check rates now for the Hilton Garden Inn at Crabtree Valley.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree Valley
Similar to the Hilton Garden Inn, but just a little more budget friendly is the DoubleTree by Crabtree Valley Mall. It does however require a car to really get around and enjoy any part of Raleigh. But with a car, you will be unstoppable. It is also located right near highway 440, the Raleigh beltline, and right off of Glenwood Avenue, which will take you directly to the city center.
Check rates now for the DoubleTree at Crabtree Valley.
Boutique Raleigh Hotels
As with any city, there are a few “renowned” hotels in the area. You know, those that people might go to for a staycation or to celebrate a big event. If you’re looking for more “Southern Charm” than big chain, these boutique Raleigh hotels may be the route you want to take.
1. The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Umstead Hotel is the best known hotel (and spa) in the Raleigh area. Once upon a time it was even ranked in the Top 50 Hotels Worldwide. Unfortunately, it comes with a price tag to match. But, if you’re ready to splurge, the Umstead is happy to oblige.
Check rates now for the Umstead Hotel.
2. Mayton Inn
Located in the quaint downtown of Cary, a suburb of Raleigh, and only a 15 minute drive to downtown Raleigh, the Mayton Inn is a full service boutique hotel. It offers multiple different room designs, a Southern-inspired restaurant, a bar, and of course a spa. It is also within walking distance of a few restaurants and bars in the heart of Cary. If “local” inspiration is what you’re after, check out the Mayton Inn.
Check rates now for the Mayton Inn.
Alternatives to Hotels in Raleigh
Looking for more affordable or quirkier options than a traditional hotel? Or perhaps you want more of a “local” experience, like an Airbnb or VRBO. Check out some of these alternative accommodation sites to find an affordable place to stay in Raleigh.
You may be surprised at the accommodation opportunities Raleigh can provide. And, you’ll likely encounter some of that “southern hospitality” that you’ve heard so much about.
Learn more about the top sites for finding affordable hotels.
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Cool post! I come from near the other Durham, the one in North East England, and have long wanted to visit North Carolina. I am gonna wait until I can see the Tar Heels’ basketball team play live.
North Carolina has a lot to offer – beach and mountains and of course basketball. I think that deserves its own category! I hope you can make the journey soon (in basketball season)!
So Glad you didn’t have Holiday inn Downtown Raleigh in your places to stay. The Hotel is a nightmare.
I’m sorry to hear it! I do think there are better hotel options in downtown Raleigh, location, service, parking, and update-wise!
This is a great selection of hotels you’ve put together! I see a few that I would really like to stay at when I book a trip to Raleigh.
There really are a lot of great hotels in Raleigh. It’s just dependent on what you want to do while you’re in town!
Your choice of hotel selection is amazing.
This area has a lot to travel.
Thank you so much