Raleigh
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About Raleigh
North Carolina’s bustling state capital, Raleigh is bursting with fabulous museums, outdoor activities and foodie spots, perfect for a fun-filled trip. Popular with couples, families and groups of friends, accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from self-catering apartments to slick city hotels. Whilst some of the best places to stay in Raleigh are in the heart of the downtown area, our top picks also promise a chic boutique experience or luxurious escape in more leafy surroundings. Whether you’re in the city centre or the countryside, Raleigh has something for everyone!
Home to North Carolina State University, the largest in the Carolinas, Raleigh is a hub of regular artsy and musical events, as well as offering some great nightlife, fuelled by the 35,000+ students living in the city. The university buildings are well worth visiting, as is the city’s hip downtown area, where you’ll find chic boutiques and quirky eateries galore. Delve into the art scene at the Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh, or the North Carolina Museum of Art. Family-friendly attractions include the Marbles Kids Museum and the Videri Chocolate Factory, which offers brilliant tours and tastings. Historic Durham, site of Duke University and a selection of terrific museums and late-night hangouts, is just 30 minutes' drive away.
Outdoorsy travellers, on the other hand, should head to William B Umstead State Park for great hiking, cyling, fishing and boating on three man-made lakes.
Back in the city, foodies will find Raleigh brimming with excellent places to sample top regional produce, including Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall. If you’re into stronger stuff, the Raleigh Beer Trail is a fun way to see the city, before settling in to the Rialto Theatre for a vintage movie night. Kick back at one of the best places to stay in Raleigh before another big day of discovery.
The Best Places to Stay in Raleigh
For a City Stay
- Longleaf Hotel is a great-value choice for a central city stay, complete with appealing mid-century modern interiors in what was once a 1960s Travelodge. The hip bar draws a crowd for cocktails and local craft beers. Simple and funky.
- The Casso features eclectic contemporary design and local artwork in rooms with views of the city skyline. An excellent downtown base, the property also has an acclaimed eatery and a lively, youthful vibe. Very cool.
For Boutique Chic
- The Mayton promises 45 chic, colourful rooms and suites in a beautiful red-brick building. Set in downtown Cary (15 minutes from central Raleigh), this is a wonderful pick for explorers of all ages. Multi-room family suites are great for those travelling with little ones and there's modern American fare at the bistro. A charming boutique hotel for families or romantic couples.
For Luxury & a Spa
- The Umstead Hotel & Spa is a glitzy property in leafy surroundings between Cary and Umstead. Expect expansive rooms and suites with sophisticated interiors and verdant views, as well as a superb onsite spa. There are hiking trails, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and an excellent restaurant. For a swish and soothing North Carolina escape as a couple or family.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR Cottage
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
- Fly to Raleigh–Durham International Airport and take the bus or taxi into the city.
- Alternatively, catch a train on the Amtrak rail route from New York (to the north) or Charlotte (to the south).
- North Carolina is a wonderful region to explore by road. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Summers in Raleigh are hot and can be very busy. Time your trip for the spring (March - May) or autumn (September - November) for fewer crowds, lovely temperatures and great hotel offers. The countryside looks especailly striking in the spring!
STILL NOT SURE?
- Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Durham.
- Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in North Carolina.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
Best Hotels in Raleigh
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The StateView Hotel Raleigh (North Carolina) 164 rooms from CA$163
Local exploring - Walkers, runners, cyclists and equestrians will find more than 20 miles of trails to explore at William B. Umstead State ParkBack to Nature - Discover the natural world at the many nearby nature preserves and Neuse River Greenway TrailSights nearby - Hire a rickshaw for a fun and eco-friendly way to experience downtown RaleighRestaurant - On-site dining at Flask & Beaker for a farm-to-table experienceA comfortable hotel in the heart of Raleigh on NC State University campus. Spacious rooms are decorated in muted tones, some with double aspect views. There's a heated outdoor pool, a stylish terrace with firepit and a restaurant looking out to Lake Raleigh. A tranquil spot but still close to city. See More
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Longleaf Hotel Raleigh 56 rooms from CA$179
Value chic - Enjoy the stylish refurbishment of mid century modernism and a chic lounge bar all offered at very reasonable ratesGreat walks - Stroll through the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State UniversityBoutiqueRecommended by - TabletHaving undergone a complete refurbishment mid-century modernism reigns again at this Travelodge. Spacious rooms are decorated in pastel hues with longleaf wallpaper, luxury bedding, and Malin+Goetz bath products. A sophisticated bar pulls a hip crowd. A chic and well-priced stay in central Raleigh. See More
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The Casso Raleigh 126 rooms from CA$196
Local exploring - Home to major universities, top-notch museums, lively food and music scenes, and endless outdoor activitiesGreat walks - William B.Umstead State Park offers a network of hiking trailsA chic, contemporary hotel, surrounded by the boutique shops, galleries, restaurants and bars of charming Raleigh. A unique blend of cosy modern and classic with local artworks and minimalist white-tiled bathrooms. Taste local-inspired cuisine at the bar, and great cocktails. A cool city stay. See More
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The Mayton Raleigh 45 rooms from CA$220
Families - Two or three bedroom suites are ideal for families or small groups and can accommodate between 6 and 10 peopleLocal exploring - The Mayton is an ideal base for exploring Downtowns eateries, museums, parks and theatreRestaurant - Enjoy drinks and dinner at the contemporary and casual American bistro, in the spacious dining room or on the outdoor terraceLocal markets - Visit Cary Downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings to find local produceA luxury contemporary hotel in the heart of Downtown Cary. Bright and airy rooms and suites with 1920s colourful themes, antique furnishings and stunning city or park views. Sip on cocktails in the Study and taste delicious casual modern American fare on the terrace. A chic base for local exploring! See More
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Heights House Hotel Raleigh 9 rooms from CA$341
Historic - Stunning pre-Civil War Italianate mansion dates from 1860; it was painstakingly restored and refubished by husband and wife teamWeddings - An elegant venue for elopments or weddings for up to 100. Book out all the rooms so that it feels like a private residenceCity Style - This meticulously designed and much-loved mansion has become one of Raleigh's best boutique hotelsSights nearby - Raleigh sites include JC Raulston Arboretum, North Carolina State Capitol & Historic Yates Mill County ParkBeautifully renovated Italianate mansion transformed into Boylan Heights boutique gem. On-trend decor blends historic architectural features with chic of-the-moment furnishings across the dining room, parlour and suites with soaring ceilings. A real labour of love, ideal for weddings & design fans. See More
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The Umstead Hotel & Spa Raleigh 150 rooms from CA$449
Spa breaks - With a deluxe inhouse spa, it's perfect for a weekend spa break.Great walks - Go walking along the nearby pine tree trails.Restaurant - Recommended.SpaLuxury abounds at this excellent, modern five-star hotel in North Carolina. Consistently stylish and comfortable from the premium room to the presidential suite, it ensures optimal relaxation for guests. Something to suit all tastes from hiking trails to reclining in the extensive spa. See More