If you’re visiting Raleigh for the first time and not sure where to stay, first timers should consider staying in a hotel in downtown to put you close to all the top attractions, award-winning restaurants, lively bars, museums, and shopping neighborhoods.
Downtown Raleigh continues to evolve into this vibrant mix of districts, and staying in this area means you can navigate these top landmarks by foot, bike, or bus.
Whether you’re visiting Raleigh for business or pleasure, to attend a concert or event at the Raleigh Convention Center or Red Hat Amphitheater, or just passing through, below are the best hotels in downtown Raleigh NC that put you close to the action!
Best Downtown Raleigh Hotels
Below we have hand-picked 8 of our favorite hotels in the downtown area that we consider to be the best. These hotels have been selected for their:
- Central location for easy access to attractions, dining, and things to do
- Cleanliness
- Fast and free wifi
- Superior features and amenities the hotel offers
- Free parking
1. Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown
Residence Inn downtown Raleigh is operated by Marriott, a well-known luxury hotel chain, and this is definitely one of the more upscale hotels in the city because it offers cozy apartment style (all-suite) accommodation.
We’ve stayed here a few times and found the suite hotel rooms are perfect for family travelers and visitors staying for more than a few days.
The rooms include kitchens plus space to relax and work, perfect for long stays and business travelers. We also love it for its rooftop, which is the perfect place to relax in the evening and witness incredible sunsets with skyline views.
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
Walking distance to:
- Performing Arts Center (1 minute)
- Convention Center (2 minutes)
- Capitol Building (12 minutes)
- Train Station (15 minutes)
Driving distance to:
- NC State University (8 minutes)
- PNC Arena (14 minutes)
- Airport (22 minutes)
Read more:
- Best hotels in Raleigh with rooftop bars
- Read our full review of Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
2. Raleigh Marriott City Center
Want to be in the middle of it all in downtown Raleigh? The Marriott Raleigh City Center is located on the beating heart of downtown, Fayetteville Street (the major street that connects the State Capitol Building to the Performing Arts Center).
Its central location makes it a good hotel choice for business travelers (or leisure travelers) who want to be within walking distance and don’t want to be driving from place to place.
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.
It’s location is not the only great thing about this hotel though, it’s also kitted out with luxurious amenities such as an indoor pool with scenic views, a fantastic onsite-restaurant serving up Southern cuisine, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the attentive staff are always on hand to offer great service.
Hotel features:
- On-site restaurant and bar (Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen)
- Starbucks on site
- Indoor pool with scenic views of the city
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Comfortable bedding
Walking distance to:
- Convention Center (2 minutes)
- Performing Arts Center (4 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (5 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (10 minutes)
- Train station (15 minutes)
Driving distance to:
- NC State University (8 minutes)
- PNC Arena (15 minutes)
- Airport (25 minutes)
3. The Casso
The Casso, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is also in a super convenient location to several hotspots in downtown including a short walk to the Warehouse District and historic Glenwood South.
Offering stylish and modern decor with a local theme, each of the 126 rooms features playful, neutral tones that create an inviting environment that feels homely and welcoming – a true taste of Southern hospitality!
From the onsite restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious meal, cup of coffee, or a relax with a craft cocktail from the beautiful bar. If you want to get out for an evening meal, the Morgan Street Food Hall is just one block away!
Another great place to relax in outside your room is under the massive Sir Walter Raleigh mural in the lobby.
Hotel features:
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- High-speed wifi
- Large LED TVs
- Local art and decor
Walking distance to:
- Warehouse District (3 minutes)
- Glenwood South (3 minutes)
- (Museum of Natural Sciences (12 minutes)
- Capitol building (12 minutes)
- Convention Center (18 minutes)
Driving distance to:
- NC State University Main Campus (5 minutes)
- Convention Center (3 minutes)
- PNC Arena (13 minutes)
- Airport (20 minutes)
4. Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
The sheek and beautifully designed Sheraton Raleigh is also nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street (almost next door to the Marriott).
As you enter, your eyes are immediately drawn to the contemporary style of the interior design. The huge light-filled atrium lobby has been decorated with an industrial-style brick design, which has been 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, as well as within walking distance to downtown’s best restaurants, bars and shops.
They have a great buffet breakfast here (not included), and we found client service here to be exceptional. Rooms were comfortable, yet on the small side.
I do prefer the Residence Inn when staying in Downtown Raleigh, but this is also a solid choice for location!
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
Walking distance to:
- Convention Center (2 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (4 minutes)
- Performing Arts Center (5 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (10 minutes)
Driving distance to:
- Train Station (7 minutes)
- PNC Arena (10 minutes)
- Airport (25 minutes)
5. 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! And because it’s not right in the center of downtown, prices are more affordable, too.
We have enjoyed a staycation at this hotel on a few occasions and have only positive things to say about our experience.
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 the campus, you are in good hands here!
It really is one of our favorite hotels in Raleigh.
Hotel features:
- Onsite restaurant
- Outdoor pool and patio
- 24 hour business & fitness centers
- Complimentary on-site parking
Walking distance to:
- James B. Hunt Jr. Library (20 minutes)
- NC State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course (7 minutes)
- Lake Raleigh (10 minutes)
Driving distance 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)
Read our full review of the StateView Hotel here.
Watch our video review of the StateView Hotel
6. AC Hotel by Marriott
The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown is a European-inspired hotel that opened in 2021 and is conveniently located at the southern end of Glenwood Ave, just steps away from all the action in Glenwood South (the nightlife district).
It has 147 rooms, each spacious and roomy, with free Wi-Fi, glass enclosed showers, smart TV’s, sleek furniture and premium bedding.
The highlight of this hotel is the Willard Rooftop Lounge which has incredibly city views plus and event space and catering.
Hotel features:
- Rooftop lounge with city views
- European inspired breakfast
- Sleek furniture and premium bedding
- Event space and catering
Walking distance to:
- Numerous bars, restaurants and breweries on Glenwood Ave
- Hillsborough Street (10 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (15 minutes)
- Train station (15 minutes)
Driving distance to:
- Convention Center (5 minutes)
- Performing Arts center (5 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (4 minutes)
- NC State University – North Campus (5 minutes)
- Raleigh Durham International Airport (20 minutes)
7. Aloft Raleigh (NC State University)
Looking to stay near North Carolina State University’s Main Campus? Aloft Raleigh is another Marriott hotel (yes, another one!) and it’s nestled in a prime location on Hillsborough Street, right across the road from the iconic NC State Bell Tower.
This is one of the best hotels in Raleigh to stay at if you like vibrancy and a unique social experience, because it’s not just a hotel, but an aparthotel, with open floor plans, premier business and leisure amenities, and a stunning outdoor terrace bar located on the 2nd floor where you can mingle with other travelers or just 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
Walking distance to:
- North Campus of NC State University (5 minutes)
- Restaurants, breweries, bars and shops (5 minutes)
- Cameron Village (10 minutes)
Driving distance to:
- State Capitol Building (5 minutes)
- Convention Center (5 minutes)
- Train Station (7 minutes)
- PNC Arena (10 minutes)
- Airport (25 minutes)
8. Hampton Inn & Suites (Glenwood South)
The Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown is our last choice of hotels near downtown 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, live entertainment venues, clubs, and nightlife.
By staying here, you’re still within easy access to Hillsborough Street, NC State University, Fayetteville Street, and everything in the heart of 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
Walking distance to:
- Numerous bars, restaurants and breweries on Glenwood Ave
- Hillsborough Street (10 minutes)
- State Capitol Building (15 minutes)
- Train station (15 minutes)
Driving distance 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)
9. Longleaf Hotel and Lounge
The Longleaf hotel is the perfect hotel for those traveling on a budget. This motel is right in the center of the downtown neighborhood and offers hotel guests a cozy and comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
This 2* hotel has friendly staff, free parking, and an onsite bar called Longleaf Lounge, which is the perfect place to relax in after a day of exploring.
Each hotel room comes with free wifi, a mini bar, A/C and a TV. It’s simple and fuss-free, but comfortable enough. Some rooms also come with a terrace. They also offer complimentary coffee in the reception area AND they allow dogs to stay too (for an extra fee)
It’s location cannot be beaten. Located on North Dawson Street, it has great access to many of the top attractions in downtown, and with free parking, you can park your car and explore on foot!
Hotel features:
- Complimentary wi-fi
- Breakfast
- Free parking
- 24-hour front desk
- On-site bar
- Pets allowed
Walking distance to:
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (8 mins)
- Bars, restaurants and entertainment in Glenwood South (10 mins)
- Fayetteville Street (10 mins)
- NC State Capitol Building (11 mins)
- CAM Raleigh (15 mins)
- Raleigh Convention Center (18 mins)
Driving distance to:
- Convention Center (4 minutes)
- Performing Arts Center (4 minutes)
- Red Hat Amphitheater (4 minutes)
- NC State University – North Campus (6 minutes)
- Raleigh International Airport (19 minutes)
Map of Downtown Raleigh Hotels
Visiting Raleigh and need some itinerary guidance?
Allow us to help with our ready-made Raleigh itineraries. Here is a 24 Hours In Raleigh Itinerary, perfect for first timers. If you’re staying a little longer, use our 48-hour itinerary for help. We also have itinerary guides for the Warehouse District and North Hills.
