Looking for the best hotels in Raleigh with rooftop bars for your stay in the city of oaks? We’ve been living in Raleigh since 2004 and know the best places to stay and have done the research for you!
We have stayed in or frequented all of these hotels listed below, and whether you are visiting Raleigh for business or pleasure, 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.
Best Hotels in Raleigh with Rooftop Bar
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.
The rooftop deck has comfy lounges, tables and chairs, 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!
This deck is a lovely space to enjoy a cocktail, local craft beer, or fine wine. There’s food too 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
Book your stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott and you’ll be located in the heart of downtown Raleigh!
AC Hotel By Marriott, Downtown Raleigh
The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown is conveniently located at the southern end of Glenwood Ave 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
Book your stay at the AC Hotel by Marriott and you’ll be steps away from Glenwood South and downtown Raleigh!
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 Las Ramblas, 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.
Book your stay at this AC Hotel and you’ll be right in the heart of vibrant North Hills!
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 one of the popular hotels in Raleigh 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 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:
- On-site bar
- Modern decor
- Heated pool
- Local coffee shop underneath hotel (check our review of Jubala)
- Pet friendly
Book your stay at Aloft Raleigh and you’ll be steps away from NC State University and a short drive to downtown!
In Summary
If you didn’t know where to stay and what are the hotels in Raleigh with rooftop bars, 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 four 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:
