10 Best Places to Stay near University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill

You wouldn’t think Chapel Hill was a college town when you first roll up. When I first came to explore where to stay near UNC, I expected to see the usual cluster of hotels orbiting a campus as they do in other cities, but instead, I found something far more intimate. Chapel Hill is like a quintessential Southern town that doesn’t just accommodate you, it welcomes you. 

When visiting UNC and looking for a nearby place to stay, why would you stay in a cookie-cutter hotel when you can stay in a thoughtfully restored historic inn or a boutique hotel with creative energy that Chapel Hill is known for? I’ll let you answer that one. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near UNC, here are some of the best hotels and inns that are more than just in good proximity to the university.

The Carolina Inn

The Carolina Inn is affectionately known as “the University’s living room,” which is partly due to the fact that it’s located on UNC campus. This historic inn has been an iconic place to stay for alumni, students, and faculty visitors for over 100 years. It’s a four-star, boutique-style hotel that’s now owned and run by the Hyatt brand and is a AAA Four Diamond Award winner. Former guests have included Former President Barack Obama, James Taylor, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Despite being historic, it’s by no means drab and run-down. As part of the Historic Hotels of America, it has been lovingly restored over the years, but in a way that has kept its grace and grandeur. In terms of style, it’s noted for being a pioneer of “Southern Colonial style,” which blends influences from Georgian, Neoclassical, and European styles.

Its facilities are a 24-hour gym, a free shuttle bus to the town, a 24-hour front desk, Concierge services, business center, meeting rooms, and a conference room, as well as an on-site restaurant and terrace. Rooms are well-appointed and spacious, and best of all, it’s a 1-minute walk to the campus. See prices and availability here.

The Siena Hotel

NOTE: The Siena Hotel is temporarily closed and due to reopen next year. We’ll keep it in this post for now as it’s worth adding to your list for when it reopens!

The Siena Hotel wouldn’t look out of place in the rolling hills of Tuscany. It’s a boutique hotel that is both an art gallery and a place to stay. As you walk into the lobby, your eye immediately takes it all in – think polished marble floors, chandeliers, and antique furnishings. There are modern features in the hotel, such as the fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, and bar. It also has afree shuttle bus and free parking, so getting around is a breeze. I also like that it’s pet-friendly, and if you’re visiting as a couple, you can enjoy a private dining experience at the restaurant, Il Palio.

Rooms are individually styled and spacious, with premium bedding and climate-controlled A/C. The decor is a bit dated now in terms of style, but it’s well-maintained and clean. It has a certain nostalgic charm to it. UNC is 1.3 miles away, which is a 3-minute drive or a 35-minute walk. See prices and availability here.

Hyatt Place Chapel Hill / Southern Village

For somewhere more affordable while visiting the university, consider the Hyatt Place. It’s a 3-star hotel with a free daily breakfast buffet and coffee available in its on-site cafe. When you’re done exploring the campus, you can return to your hotel and relax by the outdoor pool, challenge someone to a game of tennis on the onsite court or work out in the gym.

Rooms are large and bright with huge windows, bringing in lots of natural light. They have been kitted out with plush bedding and wooden accented furniture – your typical hotel fashion – but they are quiet and comfortable. UNC is 1.5 miles away, which takes about 4 minutes to drive or 40 minutes to walk. It also offers free parking to guests. See prices and availability here.

Aloft Chapel Hill

A Marriott hotel just a 4-minute drive from the campus that offers pet-friendly hotel rooms at an affordable price, Aloft is a great option when you need to stay close to UNC. Rooms are small, but well-appointed, and have huge windows bringing in lots of natural light and making the space feel bigger.

It has a stylish bar, modern fitness center, and indoor swimming pool, plus a really nice lounge area to relax in (perfect when you need more space than your room provides), as well as a minimarket for picking up snacks and an on-site restaurant. If you’re driving, there is free on-site private parking, and it’s also pet-friendly. See prices and availability here.

Self-contained guest cottage

Of course, you don’t have to stay in a hotel, you could go self-contained in a vacation rental, which allows you to cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and relax as if you were at home. This 3-bedroom cottage is just across the street from UNC-Chapel Hill in the historic Westwood neighborhood. It has a sub-zero fridge, Keurig coffee maker, recently refurbished bathrooms, and a large living space and dining table to entertain in. This is the perfect choice for those looking for a place to stay while touring the campus with their families. See prices and availability here.

Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill

Within walking distance of UNC, Graduate is a 4-star hotel that offers the perfect combination of luxury and convenience. What sets this hotel apart is that some rooms have balconies, and it also has suites that resemble a fully contained apartment.

If you are staying in town for a week or more, this would be our top pick for a longer stay – especially if you opt for a suite, which comes with a separate bedroom to living space. It’s also within walking distance of the university, and has a fitness center, restaurant, bar, and free bikes you can use to get around town. See prices and availability here.

Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill-Carrboro/Downtown

Just around the corner from UNC is the Hampton Inn & Suites, which offers a very spacious accommodation option but at an affordable price. This 3-star hotel has both hotel rooms and suites kitted out with kitchenettes and living/work areas, which adds a home-away-from-home feel. For the price, you really can’t ask for more. It’s just 1 mile from UNC, offers a daily breakfast, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, has free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and a minimart. See prices and availability here.

Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill

Another Marriott hotel just a short drive from the UNC campus and Finley Golf Club is the Courtyard, which is a 3-star hotel with lovely staff, clean and comfortable rooms, and ample amenities for a convenient stay.

The decor in the rooms is a bit dated, but one thing you always get with a Marriott brand is good service. Plus, it’s good value for a night or two away. Guests can enjoy a free shuttle service, an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. There is parking available, but it has a fee. See prices and availability here.

Residence Inn by Marriott Chapel Hill

The Residence Inn is a bit further away from UNC than the other hotels on this list, but it’s still a fine place to stay in Chapel Hill because of its relaxing vibe. It’s also very family-friendly and has free parking, so you can drive to the campus within 10-minutes. Or take advantage of the free bicycles for guests to use. 

All rooms come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, plus a work desk and free WiFi. Some rooms have kitchens, allowing for self-catering facilities, but you can also enjoy the free buffet breakfast if you prefer not to cook. It also has a fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, an outdoor fireplace and BBQ area, and a sun terrace that’s made for relaxing on a warm summer’s day. See prices and availability here.

The AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown

The AC Hotel is also a bit further away from the campus, located a 12-minute drive from the campus. Being a Marriott hotel, you can expect modern furnishings and attentive service, but it doesn’t look like your typical, white-washed hotel. It has a warm and contemporary design, with creative touches, a notable nod to Chapel Hill’s creative spirit, whilst still being of the time and comfortable.

The rooms are kitted out with everything you need – free WiFi, air-conditioning, plush beds, and a workspace. The rest of the hotel has equally modern amenities, such as a fitness center, onsite restaurants and bar, plus a terrace and outdoor fireplace. See prices and availability here.

To help with planning a trip to Chapel Hill, we created a 36 hour guide to Chapel Hill that includes our personal suggestions on where to eat, drink, play and explore.