Looking for the best downtown Raleigh Hotels for your stay in the city of oaks? We’ve done the research for you!
Whether you’re visiting Raleigh for business or pleasure, down below we’ve hand-picked the best hotels in downtown Raleigh NC to save you time and to make sure you’re located in the best area of downtown to make the most of your stay.
Because we live in Raleigh, we know the best places to stay. Downtown Raleigh continues to evolve into this vibrant mix of districts and we want you to have easy access to all of the best downtown attractions, the best restaurants, bars, and museums.
If you’re in town to attend one of the concerts in Raleigh or for an event at the Raleigh Convention Center or Red Hat Amphitheater, there’s a hotel for you!
As frequent travelers ourselves, we always start our hotel search using Booking.com or Stay22. We like that they have free cancellation on most rooms – you can book knowing you are getting a low rate – and have the freedom to cancel if your plans change!
When you visit Raleigh, you’ll appreciate that downtown is pretty small and easy to navigate by foot, bike, car, or bus. We love spending time in downtown, there is always something fun to do, eat and drink!
Best Downtown Raleigh Hotels
When looking for hotels in Raleigh to recommend to you, or for us as a staycation option, we always consider:
- Central Raleigh location for easy access to attractions, dining, and things to do.
- Cleanliness.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Features and amenities the hotel offers.
- Free parking.
Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown
Residence Inn downtown Raleigh is a Marriott property and one of the best hotels in downtown Raleigh NC if you’re looking for cozy apartment style (all-suite) accommodation.
We stayed here and found the suite hotel rooms to be perfect for family travelers. Yes, rooms include kitchens plus space to relax and work, perfect for short or long stays, business or pleasure. And it’s one of the best hotels in Raleigh with rooftop bars.
Located across the street from the Performing Arts Center, you’re also steps away from the Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and an easy walk to downtown Raleigh’s best local restaurants, bars, museums, and shopping.
Hotel Features:
- On-site restaurant
- Roof-top bar with stunning views
- Modern and large rooms
- Complimentary full breakfast daily
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Walk to:
- Performing Arts Center (1 minute)
- Convention Center (2 minutes)
- Capitol Building (12 minutes)
- Train Station (15 minutes)
Drive to:
- NC State University (8 minutes)
- PNC Arena (14 minutes)
- Airport (22 minutes)
Read our full review of Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown and then check the current rates for your dates of stay here.
Marriott Raleigh City Center
Want to be in the middle of it all in downtown Raleigh? The Marriott Raleigh City Center is another of the popular Raleigh Hotels.
It’s central location on Fayetteville Street (the major street that connects the State Capitol Building to the Performing Arts Center,) makes it a good hotel choice for business travelers (or leisure travelers).
If you’re looking for hotels near Raleigh Convention Center, you can’t get any closer than this property (2-minute walk away) and it’s within easy walking distance to all of downtown’s attractions, restaurants and bars.
Hotel features:
- On-site restaurant and bar (Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen)
- Starbucks on site
- Indoor pool with scenic views of the city
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Comfortable bedding
Walk to:
- Convention Center (2 minutes)
- Performing Arts Center (4 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (5 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (10 minutes)
- Train station (15 minutes)
Drive to:
- NC State University (8 minutes)
- PNC Arena (15 minutes)
- Airport (25 minutes)
Check the current prices for the Marriott Raleigh for your dates of stay.
The Casso
The Casso, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is in a super convenient location to several hotspots in downtown including a short walk to the Warehouse District and Glenwood South.
Offering stylish and modern decor with a local theme. Each of the 126 rooms features playful, neutral tones that create an intriguingly different and authentically inviting environment.
From the onsite restaurant and bar, you can enjoy a delicious meal, cup of coffee or a craft cocktail from the beautiful bar. Or take a break under the massive Sir Walter Raleigh mural in the lobby.
Hotel features:
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- High-speed wifi
- Large LED TVs
- local art
Walk to:
- Warehouse District (3 minutes)
- Glenwood South (3 minutes)
- (Museum of Natural Sciences (12 minutes)
- Capitol building (12 minutes)
- Convention Center (18 minutes)
Drive to:
- NC State University Main Campus (5 minutes)
- Convention Center (3 minutes)
- PNC Arena (13 minutes)
- Airport (20 minutes)
Check the current prices for The Casso for your dates of stay.
Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
The fairly recently redesigned Sheraton Raleigh is also very well located in the heart of downtown on Fayetteville Street (almost next door to the Marriott).
As you enter you step into the light-filled atrium lobby which features an industrial-style brick design warmly complemented by classic furnishings and hardwood flooring.
Like the Marriott, whether you’re here for business or pleasure you’re merely steps away from the Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and the Performing Arts Center. And within walking distance to downtown’s best restaurants, bars and shops.
Hotel features:
- On-site restaurant (Jimmy V’s Osteria & Bar / Italian)
- Lobby coffee shop
- New Fitness center
- Suites that feature downtown views
- Request a room on the 17th floor for exclusive access to the Club Lounge
Walk to:
- Convention Center (2 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (4 minutes)
- Performing Arts Center (5 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (10 minutes)
- Train Station (7 minutes)
- PNC Arena (10 minutes)
- Airport (25 minutes)
Check the current prices for the Sheraton for your dates of stay.
The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection
When you stay at the StateView Hotel you might feel like you’re a million miles away from Raleigh, but you’re just a 3-mile drive from downtown!
Located on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, this is a boutique Marriott Autograph Collection hotel offering a full-service experience with luxury, convenience and comfort.
With Lake Raleigh and the forest as your backdrop, you get the perfect blend of nature with all that downtown Raleigh has to offer mere minutes away!
As Raleigh locals, we enjoyed a perfect Staycation at this hotel, and if you’ve got family or friends visiting from out of town, or are visiting for business or you’re a potential NC State student and looking to check-out campus, you are in good hands here!
Hotel features:
- Onsite restaurant
- Outdoor pool and patio
- 24 hour business & fitness centers
- Complimentary on-site parking
Drive to:
- State Capitol Building (8 minutes)
- Convention Center (8 minutes)
- NC State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course (3 minutes)
- NC State’s James B. Hunt Jr. Library (4 minutes)
- NC State North Campus (7 minutes)
- PNC Arena (Home of Wolfpack Basketball – 15 minutes)
- Raleigh International Airport (20 minutes)
Walk to:
- James B. Hunt Jr. Library (20 minutes)
- NC State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course (7 minutes)
- Lake Raleigh (10 minutes)
Read our full review of the StateView Hotel, then check current rates here.
Watch our video review of the StateView Hotel:
AC Hotel by Marriott
The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown opened in 2021 and is conveniently located at the southern end of Glenwood Ave and just steps away from all the action in Glenwood South.
It has 147 rooms and the aforementioned Willard Rooftop Lounge with city views plus event space and catering.
You can experience 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
Walk to:
- Numerous bars, restaurants and breweries on Glenwood Ave
- Hillsborough Street (10 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (15 minutes)
- Train station (15 minutes)
Drive to:
- Convention Center (5 minutes)
- Performing Arts center (5 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (4 minutes)
- NC State University – North Campus (5 minutes)
- Raleigh International Airport (20 minutes)
Check the current prices for the AC Hotel for your dates of stay.
Aloft Raleigh (NC State University)
Looking to stay near North Carolina State University’s Main Campus? Aloft Raleigh is another Marriott hotel and its prime location on Hillsborough Street is right across the road from the iconic NC State Bell Tower.
This is one of the best hotels in Raleigh if you like vibrancy and a unique social experience with open floor plans, premier business and leisure amenities, and a stunning outdoor terrace bar located on the 2nd floor – a perfect place to unwind.
Being on Hillsborough Street, one of Raleigh’s main thoroughfares, your close to PNC 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:
- Modern decor
- On-site bar
- Heated pool
- Local coffee shop underneath hotel (check our review of Jubala)
- Pet friendly
Walk to:
- North Campus of NC State University (5 minutes)
- Restaurants, breweries, bars and shops (5 minutes)
- Cameron Village (10 minutes)
Drive to:
- State Capitol Building (5 minutes)
- Convention Center (5 minutes)
- Train Station (7 minutes)
- PNC Arena (10 minutes)
- Airport (25 minutes)
Check the current prices for Aloft for your dates of stay.
Hampton Inn & Suites (Glenwood South)
The Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown is another of the popular downtown Raleigh Hotels and a good choice for travelers who want to be among the action.
Glenwood South is the Entertainment District of Raleigh and contains many of Raleigh’s best bars, restaurants, breweries and nightlife. And by staying here, you’re still within easy access to Hillsborough Street, NC State University, Fayetteville Street and everything downtown.
If you are a light sleeper, consider booking a room in the back of the hotel which is more removed from the night life noise.
Hotel features:
- Free hot breakfast
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Business Center
Walk to:
- Numerous bars, restaurants and breweries on Glenwood Ave
- Hillsborough Street (10 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (15 minutes)
- Train station (15 minutes)
Drive to:
- Convention Center (5 minutes)
- Performing Arts center (5 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (4 minutes)
- NC State University – North Campus (5 minutes)
- Raleigh International Airport (20 minutes)
Check current prices for the Hampton Inn for your dates of stay.
I hope this short-list of Raleigh downtown hotels helped you find a place to stay. For a full list of Hotels in Raleigh NC, go here. But, if you’re looking for hotels near Raleigh Airport, check out that post as well. If you’re interested in short term rentals Raleigh, check out this list of properties.
