The Raleigh center is around the area of Raleigh City Auditorium and the area of Shaw University.
Raleigh is delightful in all four seasons. Winters are generally short and cool; rarely frigid. Average winter temps in January are around 41 degrees. The city occasionally gets a dusting of snow. April is the driest month and is a nice time to enjoy the spring blooms. It's also the month of the Raleigh Rock 'n Roll Marathon. Book a hotel room early if your trip coincides with it.
Summers are hot and humid. July's average is around 80 degrees, but it can feel much hotter from the humidity. Fall is the driest season and offers an array of reds and golds. The city's nickname is the "City of Oaks," and at no point is the name more fitting than when those majestic trees put on their dazzling fall display.
Fall and spring are the best times to visit due to the smaller crowds (unless there's an event at North Carolina State University), moderate temps, and a host of festivals. However, if you're a basketball fan, NCSU basketball (and three other major teams within driving distance) will give you a reason to visit the city at the least expensive time. Unlike some vacation destinations, Raleigh doesn't have a season where hotels increase rates astronomically. Late fall and winter provide slight decreases in room rates, but the city is affordable year-round.
Raleigh is an economical town for vacation, but it never hurts to look for even deeper discounts. Most hotel chains offer a AAA discount of some sort. Government discounts are less common; perhaps being the state capital, much of their "business" is government, and hotels recognize this as a large part of the visitor population.
The Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown — Capital offers a 9 percent discount rate if you book in advance. While it doesn't offer AAA or a government discount, it is under $130 a night for a fall stay. The Days Inn Raleigh Downtown offers a AAA discount and free breakfast and Wi-Fi. If you're willing to pay at the time of booking, you'll receive an even deeper discount and pay less than $80 for the evening's stay.
The hotels around the convention center and those with meeting rooms book plenty of room blocks and offer discounts based on the size of your group. However, they also have a lot of fees like parking, breakfast, refrigerator use, and others since they largely cater to people on expense accounts. The Embassy Suites Raleigh-Crabtree is an all-suite hotel with plenty of room to stretch out. It's located in the heart of Raleigh's shopping district, offers free parking, and is less than five miles from North Hills. They have a free nightly manager's reception and a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast all for about $150 a night.
If you prefer to save even more money, staying by the airport is a good idea. The Cambria Suites Raleigh Durham Airport is an all-suites hotel located less than two miles from the airport. It has an airport shuttle service, dining options, a pool, Internet access, and a fitness center for about $80.
In addition to the rich history of a state capital, Raleigh offers a number of free things to enjoy. Yes, free. The North Carolina Museum of Art is a treat for art lovers. The pieces pop against gleaming white walls of the gallery and provide an attention-grabbing contrast. The grounds play host to beautiful sculpture and lush gardens. You'll find as much beauty outside of this free museum as you will inside.
The Neuse River Trail (aka the Raleigh Greenway) meanders along the Neuse River, through wetlands and woods. It's a delightful and picturesque stretch for jogging, bike riding, or walking. Locals also love Pullen Park, which is next to North Carolina State University. Don't miss the bronze statue of “Andy and Opie” as well as the old-fashioned carousel.
It's hard to believe The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is free, and even its café offers reasonably priced items (a big contrast from most museum dining). There are fascinating local exhibits like "Coastal Carolina” and an enormous whale skeleton. Visit the "Living Conservatory" and be amazed by the beauty of the live butterflies.
One of the most enjoyable things about Raleigh is the many festivals it hosts every year. The city is known for its hospitality and sense of community, and nowhere is that more clear than in its festivals and unique outdoor events. February brings the Krispy Kreme Challenge, a delicious marriage of “physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude.” The goal is to run five miles and eat 12 doughnuts in an hour. Proceeds go to North Carolina Children's Hospital.
Raleigh has a strong shop-local movement. Every year, Shop Local Raleigh presents the Brewgaloo block party, which features dozens of breweries, food trucks, live music, and beer sold by the pint or the taste. The party goes on for two days, and it's a fabulous celebration of the city.
The North Carolina State Fair is also held in Raleigh during the middle part of October. It's a great place to enjoy the agriculture and livestock of North Carolina as well as all of those scrumptious fried, fair foods. It's the perfect venue to start stretching the stomach and getting “in shape” for the Krispy Kreme Challenge.
Raleigh's undeniable cool vibe has made it a top place to live and visit, from the trendy Warehouse district to the many craft breweries. Its vast, green expanses are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and provide a laid-back, relaxing setting for any vacation. But, don't write off Raleigh as just a place to eat, drink, and stroll. There's plenty going on with cultural arts and four large universities in the area.
Visitors are also impressed by the many free attractions in this city. From museums to gardens, you can spend an entire weekend not paying for any entertainment here. Hotels are also extremely reasonable for a capital city in an eastern state. Whether you're looking for non-stop action or quiet, contemplative times for your next vacation, Raleigh is a good choice.
Raleigh is vast city with quite a few cheap hotels. There are over about 300 cheap hotels that you can choose from, all with affordable rates and some offering service comparable to higher class hotels. Most of them offer standard services that include well furnished rooms, fitted with high speed wireless internet, cable connected flat screen TVs, private kitchens with coffee making machines, laundry services and 24 hour front desk help. Many will serve free breakfast every morning and offer meals in the on-site restaurants. There is airport pickup and transfer services and most extend free parking to their guests.
Hotels in Raleigh that offer the mentioned things are Wingate by Wydham State Arena, Residence Inn Raleigh Midtown, Candlewood Suites Raleigh Crabtree and Hampton Inn & Suites. The latter is located very close to the airport and offers direct shuttle services to the terminals at the airport and the shops at Brier Creek Commons. The city center is only 5 miles away and other important destinations in town including other Raleigh hotels.
Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh is located at a very convenient location. Guests can watch many great events - from mega band concerts, NCAA basketball games and pro hockey - at the PNC Arena that is just 2 miles away from the hotel.
There are a lot of hotels in Raleigh that offer top notch services to suit the demands of high end guests. Doubletree Hilton Hotel takes luxury to a whole new level with sleek furniture and chic palettes, HDTV flat screens connected to cable television, and private balconies in all of its 190 rooms. Its on-site bar and grill is open 24 hours a day with a pantry market nearby where you can be served of any drink you can think of. If you want to work out, there is a 24 hour fitness center equipped with state of the art facilities. Parking is free of charge in this hotel.
Renaissance Raleigh Hotel at North Hills, Raleigh Marriott City Center, Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh- Crabtree, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley and Hilton North Raleigh- Midtown are other lavish Raleigh hotels that offer world class services.
The city has a lot of interesting places tourists can visit. It is known for the world class museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum. There are a lot of concert halls that you can visit and enjoy such as the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, Koka Booth Amphitheatre and the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. The town also has 3 major shopping malls, prominent shopping areas and several local boutiques that sell everything from souvenirs to electronics.
Below are reviews of the city of Raleigh, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
It was definitely upscale. Every employee was extremely efficient and professional.
Visited Johnson Lake Park for walking trails and fishing.
Very busy city. Nice restaurants!
Nice!
The hilly town is very attractive!
Entertainment!
The hospital and doctor's office was across the street which made it extremely convenient for us!
Friendly staff and extremely clean hotel!!
Nice selection of places to visit and enjoy a meal.
We were visiting Raleigh for a wedding at the Marrian-Wynn House. It was a very nice venue for the wedding. We also checked out Watts & Ward and the bartender knew how to make a Negroni!
I like the fact that Sam's Club is right behind the hotel in case I want a salad.
We were there for a church convention that was held in the Convention Center.
The options of things to do and great restaurants!
I went to the NC Museum of Art. Fantastic. Also went to Brier Creek. Nice area for shopping and dining.
Nice place to live.
We love the city - it has a lot to offer visitors.
Enjoyed my stay! City of Raleigh is clean and beautiful
My parents and Bojangles are what I like about the city of Raleigh.
Raleigh is a great city that has much to offer in terms of the arts, dining, sports and entertainment.
We have family that we visit in Raleigh. I like the shopping at North Hills.
PNC Center. Eagles concert.
Triangle Mall was close by and the shopping in the mall was excellent!
Clean place with a nice bike and hiking trail!
Visited NC Museum of Natural Science, it was very nice.
Had breakfast at Simply Crepes - lots of gluten free options.
Good!
Variety of eateries!
I like the beauty, the restaurants, shopping, the diversity. The traffic did not seem excessive.
History Museum, Pullen Park and Yates Mill.
Dog show!
The staff was friendly and welcoming. The room was clean.
Tbe atmosphere was great!
The town was pretty easy to navigate.
Plenty to do, nice city.
Beautiful city!
Food close by hotel, in walking distance.
Food is close by to walk to.
Staff was friendly and helpful Room was clean Breakfast was excellent. After that hotel experience, nothing!
Raleigh is a beautiful city with a lot to do. Shopping areas were everywhere. Restaurants were plentiful!
The city is beautiful.
Duke Gardens is delightful!
Clean and friendly with interesting history.
Crabtree Mall!!
Capital Grill was amazing. Liked North Hill's shopping.
Restaurants, museums and shopping!
I visited the Good Guys Car Show at the Fairgrounds and all the great restaurants.
So many places to go hiking!
Lots to do! Good restaurants!
Raleigh is a very busy city, with loads of restaurants of all price scales. There are plenty of places to shop and full of entertainment and events.
The Raleigh Hurricane and NC State basketball programs!!!
The bed was comfortable. The shower was nice. the room was clean. Lots to do! Good restaurants!
Quick accessibility to all shopping desires and necessities.
Convenience to the Convention Center.
The staff are friendly!
Friendly people and great restaurants!
There was a great Italian restaurant across the street from the hotel and several other dining options within walking distance.
We saw a Hurricanes match and had a great time.
Wedding venue was great!
The shopping!
We were in town for a softball tournament, nice fields.
Raleigh seems to have a large number of privately owned restaurants. It is nice to be able to sample local fare and being able to stay away from the chain restaurants.
Playing softball and the sightseeing!
We love all the restaurants, cultural offerings and live sports that Raleigh has to offer
Raleigh was very pretty, friendly and I really enjoyed all the trees!
The atmosphere was nice!
NC State University
Van Gogh Immersion. Art Museum. Taverna Agora.
Pretty area with lots to do!
Didn't get to see the city. But the hotel staff was very friendly. Would stay again
Great modern city and excellent airport.
Plenty of things to do from restaurants/nightlife/the arts/shopping/recreation/golf
Didn't really spend time downtown. The WRAL soccer complex was impressive.
The city of Raleigh was a nice city of what I saw. The area of the hotel appeared to be a safe place.
Love the area, close to mall and eatery.
I loved the vibe and the food. I really liked going to Wake Forest area and enjoying the downtown where my brother lives
Raleigh is very very beautiful city 🏙, people is very friendly and very nice 😊..
We were in Raleigh providing training and didn't see much but what we did see was very pretty with lots of history.
Downtown bar district along street on side of hotel was a fun area.
Enjoyed downtown Raleigh. Nice mix of old and new. Lots of restaurants and social activity.
We attended the Dixie Deer Classic at the Fairgrounds; wonderful time, excellent restaurant choices.
Raleigh has great food, bars, breweries, and nightlife. There are also many museums and art galleries open for families. Great place to explore
Great city!
The Crabtree Mall was awesome and right across from our hotel, Homewood Suites. The city of Raleigh is very clean.
Historic buildings were nice, restaurants were close and good.
Great places to eat: Randy's, Taco Place and Philly Steak.
Different type of shops to visit.
In town for visit with granddaughter who is college student so mostly eating & shopping. Both have good options!
I come for the North Carolina State Fair.
Great city for both nightlife and to raise a family!!!
It's my home town and it was easy to get around. The central location was perfect for family and friend to visit me while I was in town. Besides the hotel, I enjoyed Brio and Season 52 restaurants. I shopped at Crabtree Mall on Black Friday. Best Buy, Coach and Lego Store. Everyone I encountered made me feel welcomed in North Carolina. I visited Midtown NorthHills nail salon for a spa day with freinds. During my stay I had a great time at North Hills Cinema , 5 guys, and my daughter enjoyed the Cinema arcade and the kids play area green. My favorite experience was at Bahama Breeze Caribbean eatery. Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina.
Lots to do
Close to our destination
- so close to the hospital and Denny's.
Was there for Bluegrass and it was great.
Access to whatever you want to do on foot.
Easy travel to different parts of the city.
Plenty to do in the area.