Hotels in Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh Introduction

As one of the first planned cities in the U.S., Raleigh broke new ground with its revolutionary streetscape, which was designed on a unique grid pattern. The sparkling new city was incorporated as the state capital of North Carolina in 1792, with its grand Capitol building stealing the limelight in Union Square. Prestigious academic institutions have further forged Raleigh’s reputation as a trailblazing city, while its wealth of museums—focusing on everything from natural sciences to African American culture—have made it a magnet for visitors keen to expand their knowledge of the rich heritage of the southeast.

Hotels in Raleigh

Thanks to the city’s well-established tourism industry and thriving student population, hotels in Raleigh are both abundant and competitively priced. From 4-star landmark inns to favorite budget brands, Raleigh hotels are geared to provide good value without sacrificing any home comforts. If you’re planning an extended stay to visit family or attend an academic event, why not take advantage of the flexibility of an aparthotel? There are plenty of these popular properties in Raleigh, and they allow you to combine the convenience of a traditional hotel with the freedom of an independent apartment.

Where to stay

Inspired planning ensures that whichever Raleigh hotel you opt for, you’ll never be far from useful amenities such as stores, markets, and public transportation. You’ll find a widespread accommodation offering right across town, ranging from mid-range international chains near the airport to cheap Raleigh hotels on the Interstate 440 Beltline, meaning the city caters efficiently for both air and road travelers. For a more romantic view of Raleigh’s many cultural attractions, stay downtown and enjoy the buzz of restaurants and bars on your doorstep. The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel is just one of many hotels near the Capitol building that boast facilities like a pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Things to see

Get a feel for Raleigh’s path-breaking civic planning on Fayetteville Street, one of the heritage highlights of downtown. This major thoroughfare leads from the historic Capitol building to the state-of-the-art Convention Center, and passes many of the city’s famous museums along the way. Familiarize yourself with local history in the City of Raleigh Museum, housed in the historic Briggs Hardware Building, which dates from 1874, or explore the fascinating ecology and wildlife of North Carolina in the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Visit Pope House, the former home of a prominent African American doctor of medicine, and learn about the legacy of Shaw University, the oldest African American university in the southern U.S. Don’t miss the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel, a striking 1920s landmark named after the city’s namesake, or McLellan’s Dime Store, a photogenic example of the Renaissance Revival style at its most elegant.

How to get to Raleigh

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is one of the main air hubs in North Carolina, and provides convenient connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. The airport is situated on Interstate 40 between Raleigh and the county seat of Durham. The 5-mile journey into Raleigh downtown takes around 20 minutes in regular traffic. Alternatively, hop on a bus shuttle to connect with the regional public transportation network. Interstate 40 is the main highway route into Raleigh, while Interstate 440—the Raleigh Beltline—loops around the city center. The Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the southern U.S., with 4 lines stopping in Raleigh.