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Where to Stay in Raleigh

Where to Stay in Raleigh

Raleigh North Carolina, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types in Raleigh

Hotel & Traditional Stays

  • Luxury Hotels

    Experience five-star service at The Umstead Accommodation and Spa (Cary) or modern luxury at The StateView Hotel (NCSU campus). Raleigh Marriott City Center is a downtown choice. (Check IHG Hotels)

  • Boutique Hotels

    The Longleaf Hotel blends retro charm with modern comfort. Guest House Raleigh delivers personalized service in individually designed rooms.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Many chain options like Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott are found downtown, near NCSU, and in North Hills. They supply consistent comfort and amenities. (Book via Booking.com or Agoda)

  • Budget Hotels/Motels

    Chains like Days Inn or Super 8 have budget-friendly rates, usually along major roads. (Consider Hostelworld for budget alternatives outside Raleigh, as dedicated hostels are rare here).

Alternative Stays

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo list apartments and houses for various budgets and group sizes, often with kitchen facilities and greater spaciousness.

  • Homestay & Community Tourism

    Informal homestay programs exist through platforms like Airbnb, where you can rent a room in a local home. (TrustedHousesitters for unique stays)

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    William B. Umstead State Park (near Raleigh) makes primitive and developed camping sites available, a true nature experience. Other state parks close by also have camping facilities.

  • Hostels

    Dedicated hostels are very limited or not present in Raleigh. Travelers seeking budget-friendly shared accommodations may want to look into divided rooms in vacation rentals.

Neighborhood Guide for Accommodations

Raleigh's neighborhoods have distinct characters, each with merits for travelers.

Downtown Raleigh

Highlights
  • Highly walkable
  • Instant access to museums, dining, nightlife
  • Excellent public transport connections
  • Generally safe in active, well-lit areas
Considerations
  • Accommodation can be pricier
  • Parking might be challenging during events
  • Some areas become quiet after business hours
  • Standard urban precautions apply

Glenwood South

Highlights
  • Trendy district west of downtown
  • Lively nightlife, upscale bars, restaurants
  • Easy walkability to other downtown attractions
  • Modern apartments
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • Accommodation usually includes boutique or higher-end hotels
  • Lively atmosphere
  • Parking availability varies

North Hills & Village District

Highlights
  • North Hills: Upscale shopping, dining, entertainment
  • Village District: Charming local boutiques, diverse restaurants
  • Close to NCSU campus (Village District)
  • Quieter, more relaxed ambiance
Considerations
  • Less walkable to downtown attractions (North Hills)
  • Generally requires driving for sightseeing (North Hills)
  • Parking can be busy (Village District)
  • Modern suburban feel (North Hills)

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

Downtown & NCSU Area

Downtown is central for museums, state government buildings, and cultural venues, and a major GoRaleigh bus hub. The NCSU area is well-connected by bus to downtown, delivering a balance of university-town vibes and city access.

North Hills

North Hills needs a car or ride-share service to get to downtown attractions. Downtown and Glenwood South can be lively, especially on weekend evenings. North Hills and the Village District usually have a calmer, more laid-back vibe.

Booking Strategies for Raleigh Accommodations

Smart booking secures optimal options and prices for your stay.

When to Book

  • High Season (Spring, Fall): Book several months in advance, especially during major festivals (Hopscotch Music Festival, Artsplosure) or significant NCSU events (graduation, football games). These periods have high demand.
  • Off-peak Season: Get more flexibility during these times, but booking a few weeks out generally yields the best selection and prices.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices are highest in spring and fall, and during major event weekends. More competitive rates usually appear during the summer and winter low seasons.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiation is not common in the U.S. For hotels, specifically established chains. It may happen for highly budget motels outside the city center, but it is not standard practice.

Booking Channels & Policies

  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Airbnb, and Vrbo for a wide selection.
  • Direct Booking: Consider booking straight with hotels. This at times results in better rates, access to loyalty points, or special packages.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: These vary by property. Always check deposit requirements and cancellation policies carefully before confirming your booking. Many hotels feature free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before arrival.
  • Homestay Platforms: TrustedHousesitters for unique stays, though it focuses on house/pet sitting rather than traditional paid accommodation.

Affiliate Links for Booking

Explore and Compare
  • Booking.com - Global booking platform.
  • Agoda - Strong in Asia, also covers global destinations.
  • IHG Hotels - InterContinental Hotels Group.
  • Vrbo - Vacation rental specialist.
Unique & Budget Stays
  • Hostelworld - Budget accommodation for shared rooms.
  • TrustedHousesitters - House and pet sitting opportunities.
  • Airbnb - For unique local stays (no direct affiliate link, but mention is relevant).
  • Expedia & Hotels.com - For broader hotel options (no direct promotional links, but mention is relevant).

Remember to Check:

Reviews

Check recent feedback from other travelers before booking. These deliver current insights into cleanliness, service, and noise levels.

Location

Confirm the accommodation's location relative to your planned activities and transportation needs.

Amenities

Verify amenities like parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, especially if they are important for your stay.

Raleigh Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some specific recommendations tailored to different traveler needs.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget-Friendly
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Raleigh Glenwood South
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Raleigh North East
  • Look for deals on Booking.com
Mid-Range Comfort

Reliable comfort and convenience:

  • Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown
  • Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Downtown
  • Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
  • Check current prices on Agoda

Luxury & Boutique

Premium Experience

Indulge in top-tier amenities and service:

  • The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary)
  • The StateView Hotel (NCSU campus)
  • Raleigh Marriott City Center
  • Visit IHG Hotels for luxury options
Unique Stays

Distinct character and charm:

  • The Longleaf Hotel
  • Guest House Raleigh
  • Discover unique rentals on Vrbo

Family-Friendly Stays

  • Spacious Suites

    Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham/RDU Airport has spacious suites with separate living areas, often with complimentary breakfast.

  • Kitchen Access

    Residence Inn properties deliver suites with kitchens, a convenience for families with specific dietary needs or for saving on food expenses.

  • Entertainment

    Look for hotels with pools, which deliver good entertainment for children.

  • Home Rentals

    Vacation rentals via Vrbo or Airbnb (no affiliate) feature various options for families.

Solo & Long-Stay Travelers

  • Solo Traveler

    Downtown hotels enable walkability and easy access to social venues, making it simple to meet people or enjoy the city's energy. Vacation rentals deliver privacy and a local experience. (Hostelworld for budget shared options)

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Extended Stay America, Residence Inn, and Homewood Suites come with amenities suitable for longer visits, like kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Airbnb/VRBO (no affiliate for Airbnb, Vrbo for rentals) for apartment rentals create a comfortable home-away-from-home experience.

  • Cultural Significance

    The Longleaf Hotel: A prime instance of a renovated mid-century modern motel, presenting an unique architectural and a journey into the past.

  • House Sitting

    For very long stays and unique experiences, explore TrustedHousesitters for house and pet sitting opportunities.

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

The Longleaf Hotel

A prime example of a renovated mid-century modern motel, it delivers an unique architectural and historical experience, blending retro charm with contemporary comfort.

  • Stylish design
  • Popular bar
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Historic preservation
Guest House Raleigh

A charming and intimate guesthouse in downtown Raleigh. It delivers personalized service and individually designed rooms, creating an unique and local feel.

  • Charming and intimate
  • Personalized service
  • Individually designed rooms
  • Downtown location

Remember These Tips!

Read Reviews

Check recent traveler reviews for current insights into cleanliness, service, and noise levels.

Location First

Confirm the property's location relative to your planned activities and transport.

Check Policies

Always confirm deposit and cancellation policies carefully before booking.

Where to Stay in Raleigh. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation