If you’re seeking a hotel experience that truly embodies the essence of Raleigh, look no further than The Casso Hotel in the heart of downtown! As a Marriott Tribute property, this boutique-style hotel seamlessly blends the city’s rich art culture and history with top-notch amenities that make it more than just a place to stay.
Our visit was to experience an overnight staycation for one night (hosted by The CASSO) and we were impressed. I think we’ve found our home away from home in downtown Raleigh. Don’t be like us and let it take you so long to discover this gem of a hotel in Raleigh. We enjoyed staying here as locals because it meant we could just relax and fully enjoy the hotel’s amenities, so we could share this in-depth review with you! No need for us to explore the nearby downtown Raleigh streets as we do that almost every day via our business!
We’re happy to recommend the CASSO Hotel as a memorable place to stay in Raleigh, especially for those travelers who want a unique experience.
Artistic Design with Local Flair
The CASSO’S design is a tribute to Raleigh’s creative spirit. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re welcomed by an eclectic mix of contemporary and retro-inspired decor, giving the space a vibrant, yet inviting, atmosphere.
Check In: Lobby
The first to catch your eye is the gigantic floor to ceiling mural of Sir Walter Raleigh. Your first lesson as an out-of-town visitor – it’s who our city is named after, but I’m guessing you knew that. It’s the first of many photo opportunities in the hotel, and we recommend taking it with a craft cocktail from the bar!
Book lovers will fall in love with the unique design feature behind the check-in desk. A large, featured display of stacked old National Geographic subscription books, donated by someone in the community. My traveler’s heart exploded scanning the spines to see which global destinations were featured that I could add to my never-completed bucket list of travel.
Bar and Lounge (Downstairs Gathering Space)
Local artwork, stories about the city’s heritage and artistic evolution, hang from the walls throughout the hotel. The piece opposite the bar introduces you to one of Raleigh’s biggest facts – our city is the birthplace of former President Andrew Johnson and the inspiration behind this hotel’s name. The Casso Inn was one of Raleigh’s largest and most popular hotels in the 1700s and 1800’s and the registered birthplace of President Johnson in 1808.
Without a doubt, The CASSO Hotel delivers an authentic guest experience synonymous with Raleigh. (You can visit President Johnson’s former home at the Mordecai Historic Park.) Before going up to your room, you may want to pause in the lounge area for a coffee, which they make at the bar. You can walk to some of Raleigh’s best coffee shops from the hotel, but it was a decent cup to get us settled in, and the lounge area is very inviting!
What I most loved was the guitar hanging in the comfy lounge area that you are welcome to pick up and play. I was more than happy to bring out my inner Phoebe with a Sweaty Cat rendition for my large, absent crowds.
Going up to your Room
As you head to the elevator, you’ll spot a giant squirrel munching on acorns – after all, this is the City of Oaks! It makes for another fun photo op if you’re feeling snap-happy. Depending on which elevator you take (why not try both), you’ll be greeted by two of Raleigh’s beloved creatures – besides the squirrels, of course. In one elevator, you’ll find a charming drawing of two cardinals, North Carolina’s state bird. The vibrant red one is the male, and the brown one is the female.
The other elevator features a wolf, a nod to the Wolfpack, our NC State University mascot. Just a short distance from the hotel is NC State and this is a popular choice for visiting parents doing a campus tour. Once you step off the elevator onto your floor, more squirrels are there to welcome you, this time cleverly indicating the floor number – just in case the large, brightly patterned numbers next to them weren’t clear enough!
I loved this simple yet thoughtful design touch, with those striking numbers next to each room adding a fun pop of personality. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find carefully curated elements that celebrate Raleigh’s past while embracing a modern aesthetic, creating a unique boutique vibe that sets it apart from traditional chain hotels.
Boutique Style Rooms
The classy design is well suited to Raleigh’s modern personality of an adolescent coming into their own. Full of energy, warmth, fun with a splash of individuality with local art and unique design details.
Forget the closets, here you’ll find a feature wall of shiplap (yes, shiplap in a hotel room), offering an easy hanging place for coat hangers. There’s also a magnetic board so you don’t lose important things like concert or NC State game tickets, spare Ben Franklins, or love messages to your significant other.
Those who love their hotel room coffee machines will be happy an upscale Keurig is in the room. Keeping up with these modern touches are high speed Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and your favorite streaming options!
Rooms vary from double queens to kings, including accessible and pet-friendly rooms – and all 126 rooms come with a Raleigh view. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, and of a moderate size, which is to be expected being a city hotel. See current rates and availability.
Going Back Down: Exquisite Flavors await
The highlight of our stay was dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Stop right there in your tracks. I’m a professional travel blogger, I usually skip the hotel restaurants as well – with good reason. Well at the CASSO you may want to rethink that as our dinner here was extraordinary. More about that in a moment. First, before dinner, you must stop at the bar for pre-dinner drinks.
Signature Craft Cocktails at the Bar
The bar is another key attraction, drawing both guests and locals with its signature craft cocktails and modern, upscale design way more elevated than your typical hotel bar. The mixologists here are true artists, creating concoctions that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. They are also very friendly and happy to offer recommendations, share tips about Raleigh, and get down low to take creative photos of you!
Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing twist on a classic, or something completely original, the bar’s creative drink menu is sure to impress. Keep an eye out for seasonal cocktails, like the ones we enjoyed, a Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini and Smoky Old Fashioned. As a mezcal lover, I also really enjoyed my Verdad cocktail with Aperol, velvet falernum, bergamot, lemon, and alpine bitters. It went so well with the delicious food I ate.
Craig enjoyed the sophistication of his Back Mountain Manhattan style cocktail with Woodford wheat, Woodford rye, and amaro Montenegro.
Good Day Good Night Restaurant: A Culinary Highlight
As mentioned, one of the hotel’s standout features is its on-site restaurant, Good Day Good Night in a small, intimate and beautifully decorated space. It’s a restaurant we recommend locals come to eat at even if they are not staying at the hotel – you are more than welcome and if you want tasty food, it’s a worthy date night or special occasion experience. In the evening, the restaurant comes alive with a menu that shines with locally sourced ingredients where possible, expertly crafted into mouthwatering dishes deeply rooted in culinary heritage.
From innovative small plates to hearty entrees, there’s something to satisfy every palate. You can expect excellent service to match – attentive and friendly without being overbearing. Chef Andres Felipe Cortes brings a vibrant culinary flair, blending his Colombian roots with Executive Chef experience from Florida to Raleigh. His creative dishes, infused with Latin American flavors, are a fusion that truly works!
We had the pleasure of sampling selections from their exciting new menu, and let’s just say we were more than willing to expand our stomachs for these taste sensations. A special note of appreciation: every dish was beautifully adapted to accommodate my gluten-free needs.
Starting with the Salmon Ceviche, I’m not claiming expert status, but my taste buds will tell you this is the best ceviche I’ve ever had. The dish struck a perfect balance between spice and sour, and it left me wanting more. Now, let’s talk about Chicken Wings. We’re no strangers to great wings in Raleigh, but the spicy maple-glazed wings at Good Day Good Night have officially earned a spot on our list of Raleigh’s best.
The aroma alone – sweet like pancakes with a hint of spice – had me checking my watch to make sure it wasn’t breakfast time! These wings are delicious enough to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They’re some of the most unique wings I’ve ever tasted. Next up were Sliders with hand-formed burger patties, perfectly cooked and topped with onion and green tomato. The Salmon with wild mushroom risotto, crowned with fried tomatoes, was rich and creamy, made even better by knowing the mushrooms were sourced from a local farm.
Our other entrée was a Peruvian chicken dish with potatoes, peppers, green tomatoes, and a Peruvian sweet pepper sauce. The portion was generous, the chicken expertly cooked, and the Peruvian flavors were lively and distinct.
To round out the meal, we enjoyed a perfectly creamy cheesecake, not too sweet and topped with berries. The surprise star was the addition of ube, a purple sweet potato popular in Filipino cuisine, which added an interesting twist to the dessert.
Our evening at Good Day Good Night was a culinary journey around the world, and we were absolutely impressed. The quality rivals some of the best restaurants in Raleigh, with prices that are pleasantly comparable. It’s a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered!
Breakfast at Good Day Good Night
In the mornings, Good Day Good Night turns into a cozy breakfast haven, featuring a range of classic dishes and inventive twists on morning favorites. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before exploring Raleigh. With a fresh, made-to-order à la carte menu, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. You’ll find favorites like avocado toast, berry parfait, waffles, pancakes, and hearty old-fashioned oatmeal.
I savored the CASSO omelet, loaded with bacon, mushrooms, cheese, and tomatoes, then topped with fresh avocado. Craig opted for a similar omelet, swapping out the bacon for turkey bacon. Every bite was a delicious way to kickstart the day!
After breakfast, we took our coffees outside to enjoy the sunshine and cozy outdoor seating area for guests on W Morgan Street in downtown Raleigh.
Fitness Room
After all that delicious food, we needed to move our bodies a little in the large basement floor fitness center.
I was impressed with the spacious and airy workout room with views out of the railroad tracks and the range of equipment from treadmills, elliptical, rowing machine, TRX equipment, free wights and a punching bag.
Prime Location in Downtown Raleigh
Another reason to stay at The CASSO is its prominent location in the heart of Raleigh. offers easy access to the city’s top attractions, dining, and nightlife. Many of Raleigh’s most popular museums and attractions are within walking distance, making it a breeze to explore the city without needing a car. It’s an ideal location for concertgoers, college visitors, and event attendees. The hotel has become a favorite among those visiting for concerts.
The Perfect Place to Stay in Raleigh
Whether you’re in town for a concert, a NC State college tour, or simply to enjoy Raleigh’s vibrant culture, The CASSO Hotel offers an experience that’s both stylish and comfortable. Its artistic design, exceptional dining, and unbeatable location make it a top choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in all that Raleigh has to offer. If you’re seeking a unique, boutique hotel that captures the essence of Raleigh, The Casso is the place to be.
You may find our itinerary guides helpful for your stay in Raleigh. Here is our 24-hour itinerary in Raleigh and our 48-hours in Raleigh itinerary guide. And here’s a sophisticated 2-day itinerary for Raleigh and Cary. And, our guide to what’s happening in Raleigh this weekend!
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