Raleigh hotels

The local Hampton Inn & Suites is located in midtown, one of my favourite places to stay in Raleigh. It’s close to the city yet still beside the interstate motorway for instant access to the other Triangle cities. This is also one of the best hotels to stay in Raleigh if you’re looking to explore the NC barbecue scene.

The hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants and within walking distance of The Ritz, where local bands play throughout the week. The free breakfast helps kickstart a day spent shopping, dining and enjoying midtown without having to venture too far from the hotel.

For lazy days, the outdoor pool is the perfect place to soak up the sun in the summer. Meanwhile, the fact you can stream entertainment in every room makes it tempting to snuggle up and stay in bed in the winter.

If, like me, you tend to travel around by car during your holiday, Home2 Suites By Hilton is one of the best hotels in Raleigh to book, as it has instant access to the interstate. Located two turns off the I-540 highway, this comfortable and casual hotel has suites with full-size appliances in its kitchens. Even though the hot breakfast is free each morning, the in-room kitchens add a layer of convenience that many roadside hotels lack.

All of the suites, even the studios, have great layouts that don’t feel cramped. And although it’s not an in-room amenity, the 24-hour laundry facilities near the fitness centre make it effortless to clean clothes while fitting a workout in.

The heated indoor pool is another major perk of this hotel; even some of the best hotels in Raleigh’s busiest areas only offer an outdoor seasonal pool.

I’m so used to seeing Aloft properties in the heart of the city that I was pleasantly surprised by Aloft Raleigh-Durham’s airport-adjacent location. This hip hotel is a fantastic option when spending a short time in the city. It’s one of the top boutique hotels in Raleigh that not only offers airport transfers but also has a complimentary shuttle service to anywhere in a five-mile radius.

The city skyline artwork in the rooms is an exciting reminder that the hotel is only minutes away from Raleigh’s many museums, restaurants and parks. Custom bathroom amenities and a specially designed bed make for a supremely comfortable stay.

The wxyz(SM) bar has plenty of drink options for quenching your thirst, while the re:fuel 24-hour pantry is perfect for indulging cravings no matter the hour.

It’s hard to believe that The Stateview Hotel is only minutes away from the city centre. It’s one of the top-rated hotels in Raleigh thanks to its enchanting location on the shores of Lake Raleigh. Woodlands surround the hotel, so you can only imagine how delightful an outdoor cup of coffee is every morning.

One of the best hotels in Raleigh, on a chilly night, the upscale guestrooms offer a warm welcome. The rooms all have chaises along the window, providing a fantastic place to read or simply gaze out at the scenery. The one-bedroom suite is especially cosy, as the couches set around the living area let everyone enjoy the lake or mountain views.

The Flask & Beaker bar and restaurant is another wonderful spot for soaking in the lakeside vistas. Open for breakfast and dinner, this restaurant delivers fine farm-to-table cuisine along Lake Raleigh’s shoreline.

I love The Longleaf Hotel’s vintage motor lodge aesthetic. Tucked into its own enclave at the northern end of the city centre, this is one of the best hotels in Raleigh for fans of mid-century design. Modernised with pillowtop mattresses, lavish bath products and custom décor from local artisans, the stocked refrigerators and snack bars in each room sweeten the deal.

The Longleaf is retro and refined. It seems like every inch of this property embraces its home state wherever possible. Yellow Dog Bakery, Tin Roof and Counter Culture – all local shops – are showcased in the lobby’s espresso bar.

Around the corner, The Longleaf Lounge is always a buzz of activity. From Monday Bingo nights to mixers on the outdoor patio, it’s the coolest place to hang out in town. A bar menu full of local craft beers and international wines makes for the perfect nightcap.

The small brick-lined fireplace at the Four Points by Sheraton provides a warm welcome to Raleigh – even to guests cheering on visiting teams. This is one of the best hotels in Raleigh for attending sports games at the nearby Lenovo Center or Carter-Finley Stadium. As hockey fan, I love that it’s just a short cab ride away from watching the Carolina Hurricanes take to the ice.

The variety of room categories makes this a great option for different group sizes and those with varying preferences. The entry-level Traditional rooms are surprisingly spacious, even for guests like myself who travel with young children.

I do see the appeal of the one- and two-bedroom suites, though, as they also feature sofa beds; options for extra privacy are always helpful when travelling with older kids or other adults.

Set right in the city centre, this Marriott property is one of the best hotels in Raleigh for exploring the city’s main sites. The Raleigh Convention Center and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts are right across the street. I also love how attractions like the Marbles Kids Museum, Nash Square and CAM Raleigh Museum are within walking distance of the hotel.

The city centre is an ideal location for checking out Raleigh’s food scene, but one huge perk of this Marriott property is that it serves local Southern cuisine. The Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen brings in farm-fresh food from across the state.

I can’t resist the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, washed down with a strong rye cocktail. Such a filling meal makes an afternoon nap on my suite’s plush bed all the more enjoyable.

Hyatt House in the North Hills area is one of the best hotels in Raleigh for those looking to stay just outside the city. With so much to do in North Raleigh, like golfing at the North Ridge Country Club and walking the trails around Shelley Lake Park, Hyatt House is a great option away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The hotel’s residential-style rooms and suites feel like a real home away from home. Sleeper sofas, full kitchens and working desks in all of the units are perfect for family holidays and working remotely. Both are my travel styles, so I like to book a suite with separate bedrooms to keep family and work time separate.

The kitchens are helpful too, especially with the stock of snacks and groceries at the H Market in the lobby. When cooking feels like a chore, guests can rely on the complimentary breakfast and H Bar menu.

Embassy Suites by Hilton is one of my favourite chains to stay at, and the Raleigh Durham Airport location always lives up to my expectations. I’m a big fan of the free airport shuttle service, which takes the stress out of booking a rideshare for a 10-minute trip.

The free made-to-order breakfast is always a treat, but my favourite experience at Embassy Suites is the evening reception. Complimentary appetisers and alcoholic beverages are such wonderful ways to feel welcomed by the staff. The lobby’s colourful design and the outdoor terrace’s inviting canopied seating areas encourage mixing and mingling with other guests.

This is one of the best hotels in Raleigh for taking day trips to Durham. The close proximity to Bull City means there’s always time for a quick dive in the indoor pool before heading to a Duke basketball or American football game.

As one of the best hotels in Raleigh for visitors to North Carolina State University, this Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is close to campus yet far enough away to feel secluded. Nearby Lake Johnson and Lake Raleigh lend the area a nature-filled feel, despite being moments away from Miller Fields.

Clean, simple guestrooms and suites have all amenities covered. From free breakfast and Wi-Fi to an indoor swimming pool, children’s activities and EV chargers, this Holiday Inn Express offers plenty for guests of all ages.

Even without visiting the campus, the Holiday Inn Express is in a great location for exploring this southwest side of Raleigh. Historic Yates Mill County Park, Lake Benson Park and Lonnie Poole Golf Course are only minutes away.