The hype
Travelers love the fresh, modern design and the rooftop vibe, but many are surprised by the lack of free breakfast.
Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown
$170-260 / night
Book this if You want a brand-new, Peloton-equipped crash pad steps from the Raleigh Convention Center and Warehouse District nightlife.
Why People Love It
- Urban Oak rooftop bar (tallest in the area) has killer city views
- Wellness-focused rooms with 'Get Ready Zones' and Bluetooth mirrors
- Walkable access to Poole's Diner and Red Hat Amphitheater
Quick Take: A sharp, modern business hotel that trades a swimming pool for a high-end gym and a rooftop social scene.
Reviewed by @willianaashley: I was blown away by the design here—that library wall is stunning. It feels so upscale but the price was surprisingly reasonable for downtown Raleigh. Definitely my new go-to spot for a stylish, cozy stay in the city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Thin walls are a recurring complaint—you might hear your neighbor's TV or hallway conversations.
- You prioritize a high-quality gym and wellness amenities over a pool
- You're in town for a convention and want to walk there in 3 minutes
- You want a room designed for working and getting ready, not just sleeping
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is standard and generally praised for thoroughness.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling new tile and glass. Very few complaints, though one isolated report of a slow drain.
- Maintenance: Brand new building (opened 2024), so everything is in top working order. No peeling paint or worn carpets yet.
- Linens & towels: Fresh, crisp, and new. No signs of wear.
- Odors & scents: Neutral, fresh 'new hotel' smell. No musty or smoke odors reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic and sirens from Davie Street
- Train horns from nearby Union Station (580m away)
- Hallway noise due to thinner walls
Before you book
Good to know
- This is a dual-branded property sharing a building with Homewood Suites
- Breakfast at Moonsong Cafe is à la carte, not a free buffet
- The rooftop bar, Urban Oak, opens at 5 PM and gets busy with locals
What to pack
- Earplugs if you're a light sleeper (trains/street noise)
- Workout gear to use the high-end fitness center or in-room Peloton
- A light jacket for the rooftop patio, even in shoulder seasons
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner King Room for extra light and dual-aspect city views
- Wellness Room if you want an in-room Peloton bike and Therabody products
- High-floor rooms (10+) facing away from the street for less noise
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing Davie Street (traffic noise)
- Rooms near the elevator bank (hallway noise carries)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love a high-floor room (10th floor or above) facing away from the main street to minimize train and traffic noise. A Corner King would be ideal if available.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is no pool at this property, neither indoor nor outdoor.
Is breakfast included?
No. Breakfast is available for purchase at the Moonsong Cafe (approx. $15-25/person).
How much is parking?
Valet parking is mandatory and costs $30 per night. There is no self-parking on-site.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The hotel has a strict no-pets policy.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a well-equipped fitness center with Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines.
How far is the convention center?
It's a 3-minute walk (about 0.2 miles) to the Raleigh Convention Center.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Get Ready Zone' in rooms has a lit vanity mirror with built-in Bluetooth speakers—connect your phone for morning tunes.
- ✨
If the hotel valet is full or too slow, there's a public parking deck (Wake County Deck) just a block away on W Cabarrus St.
- ✨
Moonsong Cafe turns into a cocktail bar in the evening if the rooftop is too crowded.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be slow during peak checkout times because they serve both Tempo and Homewood Suites guests.
💡The 'Wellness Rooms' aren't just marketing; they actually have a Peloton bike *inside* the room.
💡You can hear the train whistle from Union Station clearly in many rooms.
💡There is no microwave in standard Tempo rooms (unlike the Homewood Suites side).
💡The lobby art features a cool mural of Sir Walter Raleigh that's worth a look.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown is located and what's nearby.