Although Raleigh is a city best known for its oak trees and turning historic warehouses into hip venues, it’s also not short of high-rises, particularly in the downtown and North Hills areas.
One of the best places to admire the landscape of Raleigh is from the rooftop bar at the top of a hotel.
Whether you’re visiting Raleigh or you’re planning a staycation, in this guide we share the best hotels in Raleigh with rooftop bars so you can enjoy views of the City of Oaks from both your room and a rooftop lounge.
We have stayed in or visited all of these hotels listed below, so we’re not just picking hotels out of thin air. We can personally vouch that all these properties all have great locations, amenities, and of course a rooftop bar!
Raleigh continues to evolve into this vibrant mix of districts and neighborhoods and we want you to have easy access to all of the best attractions, restaurants, bars, museums and concert venues. Let’s dive into this short list of hotels for your travel style.
Residence Inn By Marriott Raleigh Downtown
One of our favorite hotels in Raleigh that we’ve personally enjoyed a staycation at is the Residence Inn downtown Raleigh.
This property by Marriott offers apartment style (all-suite) accommodation, which is perfect for family or business travelers, plus an excellent rooftop bar with stunning views.
A definite highlight of staying at this hotel is the 10th and Terrace rooftop lounge and bar, especially to take in an elevated sunset drink in Raleigh. We also loved its buffet breakfast – wtih many gluten free options!
The rooftop deck has comfy lounges, tables and chairs, heaters, and uninterrupted views of the Performing Arts Center which shines bright at night, and you get sweeping views over the Southern part of downtown Raleigh!
The deck is a lovely space to enjoy a cocktail, local craft beer, or fine wine.
There’s food too – a Contemporary American Fusion small plates menu. And the attached indoor bar area is inviting and cozy as well if the weather doesn’t cooperate to sit outside.
As for the hotel rooms, they include kitchens plus plenty of space to relax and work, perfect for short or long stays, business or pleasure!
Located directly across from the Performing Arts Center, and you’re only steps away from the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and an easy walk to the best restaurants in downtown, plus bars, museums, and shopping.
Hotel features:
- Roof-top bar with views
- On-site restaurant
- Modern and large rooms
- Complimentary full breakfast daily
- State-of-the-art fitness center
AC Hotel By Marriott, Downtown Raleigh
The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown is conveniently located at the southern end of Glenwood Avenue and you’re just steps away from all the action in the Glenwood South Entertainment District.
One of the popular features of this 147-room hotel is the Willard Rooftop Lounge containing two outdoor terraces and an indoor dining space with spectacular downtown Raleigh views.
We haven’t stayed in this hotel, yet, but have enjoyed several drinks on the rooftop including pre-dinner drinks before our 20th wedding anniversary dinner. And a late afternoon/early evening drink here is one of our favorite spots for awesome views of the growing downtown Raleigh skyline at sunset.
The rooftop lounge offers a cool and comfortable atmosphere and is a nice space to gather and relax with your significant other, a group of friends or work colleagues!
Being in the happening Glenwood South District, you’re steps away from endless bars and restaurants up and down Glenwood Ave to make a real night of it, and you’re within walking distance of the Warehouse District and downtown Raleigh.
The Willard serves cocktails, beer, wine by the glass or bottle, plus Mediterranean-inspired small plates. They also host cool events like wine tastings and star gazing.
As for the hotel, enjoy European design and comfort including a European inspired breakfast, unwind in your guest room with free Wi-Fi, glass enclosed showers, smart TV’s, sleek furniture and premium bedding.
Hotel features:
- Rooftop lounge with city views
- European inspired breakfast
- Sleek furniture and premium bedding
- Event space and catering
AC Hotel by Marriott, North Hills
Located in the heart of the fantastic North Hills District and just a 10-minute drive from downtown Raleigh, the AC Hotel by Marriott in North Hills makes for the perfect base for couples, families, groups of friends and business travelers.
At the top of this AC Hotel is yet another rooftop bar, Level7, a sophisticated bar and cocktail lounge specializing in craft cocktails, small batch brews, wines, and small bites.
Level7 offers impressive views out over the North Hills neighborhood and a vibrant atmosphere. The rooftop bar continues the European inspired experience of the hotel and serves tapas, Spanish wines on tap, handcrafted cocktails and craft beers.
Grab a cocktail before dinner such as their signature Gin & Tonic, or the Smoked Manhattan, or a late-night drink under the stars and socialize with all age groups from young professionals to middle-aged couples, to people living in North Hills.
This hotel features a sleek and spacious lobby area and once you step outside you can walk to all the fantastic restaurants in North Hills, including some of our favorite restaurants in the city such as Giorgio Pizza Bar, Coquette, and Rosewater Kitchen.
Guests at this hotel enjoy free WiFi, a Smart TV, coffee/tea maker, glass enclosed rain showers, and a nice sitting and workspace area.
Hotel features:
- Rooftop bar
- European inspired breakfast
- Glass enclosed showers
- Smart TV’s
- Sleek furniture and premium bedding.
- Steps away from prime shopping, dining, & entertainment.
Aloft Raleigh (NC State University)
Not a rooftop bar so to speak, but the Aloft Raleigh has a nice outdoor terrace bar located on the 2nd floor overlooking North Carolina State University’s Main Campus and Belltower, and it’s a prime location on Hillsborough Street.
This is a popular hotel if you like vibrancy and a unique social experience with open floor plans, premier business and leisure amenities, and the stunning outdoor terrace bar located on the 2nd floor is the perfect place to unwind.
Being on Hillsborough Street, one of Raleigh’s main thoroughfares, this hotel is close to Lenovo Arena (home of the Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey team) and walking distance to NC State women’s basketball at Reynolds Coliseum. Plus, you’re convenient to Meredith College and the NC State Fairgrounds.
Hotel features:
- On-site bar
- Modern decor
- Heated pool
- Local coffee shop underneath hotel (check our review of Jubala)
- Pet friendly
Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown
Of course, we have to conclude with the Tempo by Hilton, which holds the title of housing Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar, Urban Oak.
This relatively new rooftop bar has been elevating the nightlife scene to new heights, literally, as it sits on the 14th floor. It offers craft cocktails, curated small plates, and has two outdoor terraces, joined by an elegant and sophisticated indoor area, with views overlooking downtown.
Although it’s decor is stylish and sleek in design, you don’t need to feel like you have to dress up here. There are some comfortable sofas under greenery, which feels more urban – it’s like sitting in a park, but 14 stories up.
A highlight is the Oak tree in the center of the indoor space – a nod to Raleigh’s lovable nickname, City of Oaks.
We’ve not personally stayed at the hotel, but as a Hilton brand, and one of the newest hotels in Raleigh having opened its doors in January 2025, you can expect its facilities to be top-notch.
In case you didn’t know about the Tempo brand of Hilton hotels, it’s a newish idea with each hotel (only four in the world) having a curated style. In Raleigh, this hotel has 261 total guest rooms with modern furnishings (think polished wood floor, abstract art on the wall, and clean-line furniture).
There’s not much in the way of facilities, it’s more catered towards business travelers as it has a gym and a business center and not much else, but the previous guest reviews say the breakfast is pretty decent and the staff offer warm hospitality.
Hotel features:
- The highest rooftop bar in Raleigh
- Fitness center
- Parking
- Stylish modern decor
- Child-friendly
- 8-minute walk from Raleigh Union Station
Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station
Another fantastic hotel with a rooftop bar in Downtown Raleigh is the Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station. It’s perfect for those who want a little bit more comfort with their suite rooms. It’s also for those who want something really modern, as it’s another newly opened hotel in Downtown Raleigh.
Located on the seventh floor of the Hyatt House, High Rail rooftop bar is a sophisticated rooftop bar that blends panoramic city skyline views with elevated small‑plate dining and cocktails
In true respect to Raleigh’s industrial heritage, this bar, housed in a repurposed railway building, nods to Raleigh’s historic Seaboard Station heritage through sleek design, a wraparound bar, and mid-century modern seating that channels a swanky ’60s lounge aesthetic.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and the outdoor terrace bring the unparalled vistas of Raleigh into the space, creating an open and freeing atmosphere any time of day. The fireplace on the terrace is the perfect place to sit beside on a dry winter’s night.
There is a globally inspired menu with shareable meals and handcrafted cocktails, though prices are a bit on the steep end – it would make for a wonderful date night or special occasion venue.
The best time to come to High Rail is for sunset – we were wowed by those expansive views and the tangerine setting sun!
We have not stayed at this hotel yet, but did a tour before it opened, and can verify that the suite rooms are spacious and comfortable. The corner suites have amazing views.
Hyatt House hotel provides you with the comforts of home — a spacious room, a full closet, a well-appointed bathroom, a cozy living room and a well-equipped kitchen. With ample space to work and relax, you can bring the kids, the dog and make yourself at home for a while.
The Hyatt is located on the northern side of Downtown Raleigh putting you at within walking distance of the Capitol District and one of our favorite areas, North Person St and Historic Oakwood. It’s also located in the newly revitalized mixed-use development of Seaboard Station. This means your steps away from restaurants, cafes, and even a distillery. New establishments are opening every few months.
Hotel Features
- Pet friendly
- buffet breakfast included
- self parking available
- fitness center
- Seasonal outdoor pool
- Child friendly
In Summary
If you didn’t know where to stay and what hotels have rooftop bars in Raleigh, I hope this article saved you time in narrowing down your choice.
If I had to choose one, I’d probably go with the Residence Inn as you’re right in the heart of downtown Raleigh and I like their all-suite rooms!
However, I’m sure you’d enjoy your stay at all of these hotels and we wouldn’t recommend any accommodation in Raleigh options otherwise!
Raleigh Travel Tips
To help you with planning your trip to Raleigh, check out the below articles for our personal insights on the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and where to play:
- Complete guide to Raleigh-Durham Airport
- 48 Hours in Raleigh (itinerary)
- Best coffee shops in Raleigh
- Where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh
- Top lunch spots
- Top attractions in Raleigh
- Sipping At New Heights: The Best Rooftop Bars in Raleigh NC
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