The hype
Staff is friendly and the cookies are great, but the aging infrastructure is showing cracks.
Doubletree By Hilton Raleigh Midtown
$105-150/ night
Book this if You need a predictable business base near the beltline and hospital, and you have a car.
Why People Love It
- Warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in (the brand standard holds up)
- Easy access to I-440 for zipping around Raleigh
- Free parking in a city where that's becoming rare
Quick Take: A standard-issue business hotel masquerading as 'Midtown' chic, currently plagued by a elevator crisis that might leave you taking the stairs.
Reviewed by @tripswithqt: I booked a quick staycation here and was pleasantly surprised by the upgrade—being a member really pays off! The room was spacious enough for the romantic setup I planned, and the staff was incredibly sweet. It’s a solid, clean spot for a couple’s getaway in Raleigh.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Midtown' location is technically correct but feels isolated in a corporate park; you're near everything but next to nothing.
- You have a car and want free parking
- You are visiting patients at the nearby Duke Raleigh or Rex hospitals
- You want a decent gym and seasonal pool without paying downtown prices
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed spots in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but watch out for 'cold water' complaints on upper floors.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Broken elevators and peeling wallpaper are recurring themes.
- Linens & towels: Standard Hilton quality – crisp and clean.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like cookies; hallways can smell a bit musty or like cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
- Plumbing noise from adjacent rooms
- Highway hum from I-440 on one side
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is NOT included for most rates; expect to pay ~$15 for the buffet
- The 'shuttle' to North Hills is inconsistent/often unavailable; don't rely on it
- Check-in is 3 PM, Check-out is 11 AM
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes (for the stairs)
- Car charger (you will be driving everywhere)
- Earplugs (for the thin walls)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool View rooms (quieter than parking lot side)
- Lower floors (1-2) to avoid the elevator headache until fixed
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator banks (noisy)
- High floors (5-6) if you aren't prepared to hike the stairs
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on a lower floor (1st or 2nd) facing the pool area to minimize elevator reliance and road noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast free?
No. The buffet at Reale restaurant costs around $10-15 per person unless you have Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond status or booked a specific package.
Is it walkable to North Hills?
No. It is over 3 miles away along busy roads. You must drive or rideshare.
Does the hotel have a shuttle?
Technically yes, but reviews suggest it's often unavailable or has very limited radius. Plan on using Uber.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a seasonal outdoor pool. It's decent for a dip but not a resort-style experience.
Are pets allowed?
No. This property is strictly no-pets.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center that is actually quite decent and clean.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for your warm cookie even if you check in late – they have a warmer drawer behind the desk.
- ✨
The 'Reale' restaurant is okay in a pinch, but Rey's Restaurant (a high-end steakhouse) is a hidden gem nearby for a proper meal.
- ✨
Join Hilton Honors before booking to get free WiFi (otherwise they might charge).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'discarded syringes in flower beds' mentioned in a recent review is a concerning red flag for the grounds maintenance.
💡Water pressure on the 5th floor has been reported as weak/cold in recent stays.
💡The stairwells are reportedly where some guests 'camp out' when elevators break.
💡It's a popular spot for wedding blocks, so weekends can get rowdy in the lobby.
💡The 'balcony' rooms often just look out at the parking lot or other office buildings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Doubletree By Hilton Raleigh Midtown is located and what's nearby.