10 Best Hotels Near North Carolina State University

If you’re planning a visit to North Carolina State University, then you might be looking for a place to stay nearby. 

NC State University has been a beloved institution in Raleigh, and all of North Carolina for that matter, for more than 137 years. However, the campus isn’t exactly in downtown Raleigh, so those planning to visit here for a campus tour, lecture, or to visit a college student, will want to stay nearby.

Fortunately, there are many hotels within a 10-mile radius of the NC State University campus, and many of them offer discounted rates to university affiliates (just call them to inquire about rates).

So, if you’re planning on visiting the university but are unsure where to stay, be sure to check out one of the below mentioned hotels near NC State University.

The CASSO Raleigh

• Address: 603 W Morgan St, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 2.5 miles (12-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $$

We love The CASSO. It’s super stylish and chic, with every room being an Instagrammable moment, and the onsite restaurant serves fantastic food.

As well as being stunning, it’s also probably the best-located hotel in the city. It’s right by Hillsborough Street, perfect for finding places to eat, and Glenwood South, where the city’s top nightlife happens. And of course, it’s within a few miles of the University.

If you don’t want to drive to the University, there are free bikes for guests to use, and private parking at the hotel where you can leave your car. There’s also a lavish fitness center, and a gorgeous onsite bar serving craft cocktails.

Wake up each morning to a hearty à la carte breakfast or come back after a long day and indulge in classic American cuisine at the onsite restaurant. Read our review of CASSO. And then See prices and availability here!

Aloft Raleigh

• Address: 2100 Hillsborough Street
• Distance to University: 0.2 miles (4-minute walk)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $$

The Aloft is a stylish and modern hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms and suites located directly across from the North campus and Memorial Belltower.

Located on Hillsborough Street, it’s within walking distance of the University and also located on one of Raleigh’s major thoroughfares, where some of the best coffee shops, restaurants, and bars are located.

Although everything is within easy reach of Aloft, if you don’t feel like venturing too far from your apartment, there is a 24/7 pantry on-site, a W XYZ bar where you can get cocktails with a view of the iconic NC State Belltower, as well as a Lobera Tacos and Tequila and Jubala Coffee downstairs.

There’s also an onsite fitness center and splash pool, as well as meeting rooms and a business center. On occasion, the hotel also opens up its space to local artists to showcase their latest work.

Those associated with the university can receive discounted deals. Call Aloft Raleigh to ask about special rates: 1 919-828-9900. See prices and availability here!

StateView Hotel

• Address: 2451 Alumni Dr, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 3 miles (10-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ****
• Price: $$$

The StateView Hotel is an inviting boutique hotel with gorgeous green surroundings. Located on NC State’s Centennial Campus, you can reach James B. Hunt Jr. Library within a 20-minute walk.

What we love about StateView Hotel is the views over Lake Raleigh, one of our favorite lakes in Raleigh. You can also walk over to Lonnie Poole Golf Course for a round of golf, or head over to the NC State Farmers Public Market for fresh produce.

The hotel itself boasts huge suite rooms, all with garden or lake views, as well as a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor heated saltwater pool and onsite restaurant, Flask & Beaker, which serves farm-to-table cuisine.

If you’re affiliated with the University, you can receive discounts for StateView Hotel – give them a call to ask about special rates: 919-743-0055.See prices and availability here!

AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown

• Address: 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 2.4 miles (11-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $$

Located within a block from The Casso is the AC Hotel Raleigh, another top-located hotel in Raleigh. 

AC Hotel has bright and airy rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in plenty of natural light. We love the clean and minimalistic decor, and a standout feature is its rooftop bar, the Willard Rooftop Lounge.

It also has a fitness center, private parking, and breakfast served daily. The breakfast is probably one of the best in Raleigh, it has lots of options so even the fussiest eater can find something to satisfy them!

Guests love this hotel for its high-quality amenities – rooms are soundproofed and everything is kept in immaculate condition. Read more: See prices and availability here!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh SW NC State, an IHG Hotel 

• Address: 3741 Thistledown Dr, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 3.1 miles (10-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $

Also nestled in the serene, green surroundings beyond Centennial Campus is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

This 3-star hotel offers affordable rooms that are basic, but comfortable – perfect if you’re in town for a campus tour for a day or two and don’t want to fork out for luxury.

It has a simple indoor pool, an on-site gym, and a business center. It has a continental breakfast available each day and free parking onsite. What’s more, the Holiday Inn is pet-friendly, so you can bring Fido along with you and take him for walks around nearby Lake Johnson in your free time.

If you’re affiliated with the University, call Holiday Inn Express to ask about special deals: 919-854-0001. See prices and availability here!

Hotel Towneplace Suites Raleigh-University Area 

• Address: 3771 Thistledown Dr, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 3.1 miles (10-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $

Next door to the Holiday Inn is Hotel Towneplace Suites, which is a perfect option for those who want to stay longer in Raleigh and have apartment facilities, such as a full kitchen and living space.

Rooms are well-appointed with stylish decor, and the facilities are kept to a high standard. The hotel boasts a good-sized gym, a restaurant, and BBQ facilities. They also have free bikes for guests to use if you don’t want to drive into the University.

As well as being a 10-minute drive from the University, it’s also close to Lake Johnson and Lake Raleigh, which would be perfect places to take a walk and unwind in nature after your university visit. See prices and availability here!

Hampton Inn & Suites

• Address: 600 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 3 miles (13-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $

If you want to stay close to NC State University and downtown Raleigh, then the Hampton Inn & Suites is the perfect middle ground. 

It’s a modern yet reasonably priced hotel with excellent facilities, such as an indoor pool, fitness center, and daily breakfast with free coffee served throughout the day in the lobby. Rooms are spacious and cozy, with top-notch amenities.

If you’re looking to pair nightlife with your University visit, this is a good place to be, as it’s right next to Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh’s nightlife street where all the hip bars are popping. If you’re not looking to party, this may not be the right hotel for you as guests say it can get loud at night on weekends.

The Hampton Inn & Suites offers deals to those associated with the University. See prices and availability here!

The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge

• Address: 300 N Dawson St, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 3.6 miles (12-minute drive)
• Star Rating: **
• Price: $

Another affordable hotel near NC State University and close to downtown is Longleaf Hotel and Lounge, which is just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Natural Sciences, putting you within a short drive to the University as well as close to the nightlife of Glenwood Avenue, but not so close that the noise keeps you awake. 

It’s a former motel that’s been refurbished with contemporary and stylish decor, with an entertainment space and bar with a terrace. 

Although only a 2-star hotel, rooms are cozy and well appointed. The staff are friendly and always welcome you with a smile, and they are on hand 24 hours to help you with your needs.

There’s also an à la carte or American breakfast served daily. The Longleaf also has an affiliation with the University, so be sure to call to ask about special rates: 919-867-5770. See prices and availability here!

Home2 Suites by Hilton Raleigh State Arena

• Address: 6825 Chapel Hill Rd, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 4.7 miles (15-minute drive)
• Star Rating: ***
• Price: $

Home2 Suites is a budget-friendly hotel by Hilton Hotels, located out of town on West Hillsborough Street, putting it in a quiet area but still close enough to the University to make it an easy commute.

Although away from the city center, Home2 Suites has plenty of amenities to make it comfortable for a night or two.

It has an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue area, and free private parking. The best part of this hotel is the lounge and terrace, which is the perfect place to meet other travelers.

A potential downside is that it doesn’t have a lot of places to eat nearby, however, all guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning. Home2 Suites also offers deals to those affiliated with the University: 919-863-9330. See prices and availability here!

Ramada by Wyndham Raleigh

• Address: 1520 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh
• Distance to University: 4.3 miles (12-minute drive)
• Star Rating: **
• Price: $

This is the cheapest accommodation on this list with rooms for less than $100 per night, but it’s by no means drab and dreary! The Ramada by Wyndham is comfortable and clean, with friendly staff and a family-friendly atmosphere.

It’s located within a short drive of the University but is also close to the Lenovo Center and Carter Finley Stadium if you’d like to tie a sporting game or concert in with your visit.

The best part of this hotel is the breakfast. There is a buffet breakfast served daily and there is a reasonable spread of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and bagels. What more could you want for the price?

There’s also an outdoor pool and a small fitness center. Those associated with the university can receive discounted deals. Call: 919-832-4100. See prices and availability here!

More Hotels in Raleigh Area

• Best Hotels Near Lenovo Center (Formerly PNC Arena) In Raleigh
• 9 of the best downtown Raleigh hotels
• 12 top hotels near RDU Airport