Mike R.
Yelp
My wife and I stayed here this past weekend. We were in town for the Duke vs NC State men's basketball game. The hotel is conveniently located just off of the interstate and about a mile from PNC Arena, home of the Carolina Hurricanes NHL franchise and the NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team. The hotel is also within close proximity of downtown, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, shops, and restaurants.
We arrived Friday evening, and our check-in went smoothly. We dined in the restaurant onsite. It's a small, somewhat open concept in the front of the hotel, across from the front desk. There are televisions throughout, so one could watch a game, the news, ESPN, or other programming while dining. The menu is limited, but there are enough choices to cater to most. We both had burgers, and they were fine. This isn't a fancy restaurant, catering to high society, nor is it one in which one might fear that they'll get sick. Dinner for two was comparable to the cost of going somewhere like Chick-fil-a or Moe's. Had we added on any alcohol, it would have been a little more, though. We had dinner in here both nights. There's a large fireplace with somewhat comfy looking chairs/sofas. There is a bar, though we did not order from or sit at it. Our waitress, whose name escapes me, was so cordial that she offered my wife a "to go" cup of iced tea. My wife loves iced tea and took her up on the offer.
Our room was large enough for the two of us. It was clean and had NO infestations - probably my biggest fear in a hotel, bed bugs. We had a balcony that overlooked the outdoor pool, gazebo, and courtyard. The room stayed warm enough throughout our stay. The bathroom had a hot shower and toilet, while the sink was outside the door. It was also quiet enough that we couldn't hear guests carrying on, doors slamming, and other annoying sounds that keep us up at night. I'm a light sleeper and become easily enraged when folks can't seem to be quiet during overnight hours.
Breakfast is provided in the same restaurant free of charge. Bacon or sausage links, scrambled eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, banana bread, pastries, bananas, yogurt, toast are all served buffet style. OJ, apple juice, water, and coffee round out the beverage options. It's not a Denny's or Golden Corral breakfast buffet, but by gosh, it's free, and it lasted me until dinner. It is served until 10am. Many hotels offer fewer choices and stop serving much earlier. We ate in here both mornings.
My wife and I don't need someone to make our bed or vacuum our room daily, so we left our "do not disturb" placard up throughout the course of our stay. We found every staff member to be friendly and helpful. No one seemed to hate their job or be annoyed by any request we or anyone else made.
One staff member who stood out, though, is Ginger. She is a server/waitress in the restaurant during the breakfast buffet, and she said she works Saturday and Sunday. She's got a positive attitude and great outlook on life. She takes the time to converse with each guest, while making sure to not neglect someone who may need a drink refill or special request. She has gotten to know guests who frequent the hotel, and she calls on them by name.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning to this location in our future travel plans to the Raleigh area.