After writing guides about The Triangle, including the best places to stay around the city, it became time for our own guide to accommodations in the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. There is a large diversity in the types and prices of properties spanning every loyalty program.
We’ve denoted which ones are our picks and which ones come highly recommended on travel websites so that you can be sure that you’re staying in the best place.
We occasionally accept complimentary accommodations in exchange for a review to offset costs but write honestly about our experiences.
This post contains affiliate links.
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina is best associated with being the home of the University of North Carolina, but there’s so much more to it. The city is home to charming restaurants and shops, not to mention world-class museums. And you won’t be hard-pressed to find a nice place to stay.
Chapel Hill Hotels
The Carolina Inn (review here) is the go-to accommodation since its opening in 1924. The design was inspired by George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon and a portion of all stays benefit the university’s library.
Rizzo Center is a large Hyatt property a few miles from campus, with garden-like grounds and an area shuttle. Inspired by the nearby campus, Graduate Chapel Hill is covered in Carolina blue, with an onsite restaurant.
The Siena Hotel takes its style from Italy, with individually-designed rooms featuring balconies and an Italian restaurant. The sleek, European-inspired AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill is convenient to downtown.
Chapel Hill Inns and B&Bs
Set in nearby Pittsboro, Fearrington House Inn is a destination unto itself, with sprawling grounds and onsite dining. The Relais & Chateaux property has been around since the late 1980s, with cozy rooms with fireplaces.
Chapel Hill Airbnbs and Rentals
Choose from one of Chapel Hill’s many neighborhoods during your visit, which can be booked on Airbnb and Booking. Some of the lovely rentals include this midcentury home and this woodland retreat.
Durham
Durham is equal parts a college town and an independent city. Spend equal amounts of time near campus and downtown during your visit, seeing the real-life places from Bull Durham and visiting the famed Duke University museums.
Durham Hotels
Durham has an abundance of cool hotels, including boutique and repurposed buildings. 21c Museum Hotel Durham is in a former bank building, complete with galleries, sleek rooms with Nespresso machines, an in-house restaurant, and their iconic penguin statues.
The Durham Hotel is a trendy midcentury-inspired hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant. The Unscripted Durham (review here) has a similar style, with a rooftop pool, multiple restaurants, and graffiti-inspired artwork throughout the property.
The Lodge at Duke Medical Center appeals to the many travelers that come for the medical facilities but has stylish rooms with exposed brick and an onsite restaurant. The sleek JB Duke Hotel is another option, with a popular bar.
Durham Inns and B&Bs
Settle into the circa 1775 Arrowhead Inn, with its six-acre garden and chef-prepared breakfasts daily. Close to the Duke campus, Washington Duke Inn has amenities like a golf course, three onsite restaurants, flatscreen televisions, and an indoor pool.
Morehead Manor is an African-American-owned bed and breakfast that has been operating in Durham for over two decades. The Colonial Revival home is close to the city’s attractions and features daily breakfast.
Durham Airbnbs and Rentals
Stay in a downtown house to be in the heart of the action with a local experience. Airbnb has some properties in town, but we also love this modern Durham retreat and the contemporary escape.
Durham Camping
There are a number of campsites nearby for tents and RVs, including at Eno River State Park.
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state, located at the crossroads of major intersections with an international airport. The name comes from Sir Walter Raleigh, an English statesman known for his association with the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke.
Raleigh Hotels
As the state capital, Raleigh has more hotels to choose from than the other cities of the Triangle. Our pick is the Heights House Hotel (review here), located in an 1858 Italianate mansion. It has nine guest suites with Frame televisions and complimentary breakfast.
The Longleaf Hotel is named for the longleaf pine trees of the Piedmont and has 56 rooms as well as an onsite lounge. Set in the warehouse district, the 126-room Hotel 83 opened in 2020 with an in-house restaurant. Rooms are pet-friendly and guests can enjoy the onsite fitness center.
The Autograph Collection-affiliated The StateView Hotel on Lake Raleigh has an outdoor pool and fitness center. The Casso is a new trendy space with a fitness center and a restaurant.
Raleigh Inns and B&Bs
You won’t find traditional bed and breakfasts in Raleigh, but instead funky mini-hotels tucked into the city’s neighborhoods. The Store is located in a former grocery store in a residential neighborhood and has art-filled rooms and lounge space.
Guest House Raleigh was the city’s first boutique hotel, opened in 2018 in a historic home with eight rooms. There is miniamlist but stylish decor.
Raleigh Airbnbs and Rentals
If you’re traveling with a group, your best bet is a rental from the major sites, including in neighborhoods like Carrboro. Options include this downtown Raleigh townhouse and this stylish North Raleigh abode.
Raleigh Camping
If you’re traveling with an RV or tent, there are plenty of campgrounds nearby. Umstead State Park is an option, along with the RV sites at the North Carolina State Fairground.
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