How to find the best hotel deal in Durham
It's nice and easy to book flights with us, right? Well, that same clever search engine can also help you find amazing prices on Durham hotels. Check out these hacks to spot the best prices fast.
Save on your Durham hotel and have your pick of rooms when you book early. You'll also have more time to compare and choose the ideal place.
However, you could still find a last-minute bargain. Although prices usually rise closer to your stay, some places cut rates a day or two before to avoid having vacant rooms, especially in low season.
Stay flexible with your dates, snag better rates. Search for hotels across different months or seasons. Even going midweek (instead of weekends) can lead to huge savings.
Browse around for stays with free cancellation. Secure a great price today and easily cancel later if your itinerary changes.
Where to stay in Durham
Central Durham
Central Durham gives you a front-row seat to city life. If sightseeing is on your to-do list, stay at any of these hotels and find yourself close to some big-name attractions.
Hampton Inn & Suites Durham/North I-85 makes it easy to head out and explore. Around 3 kilometers away, this 3-star stay is one of the most well-known hotels near Durham Performing Arts Centre. It gets a lot of bookings from families in particular.
Browsing around for hotels near Sarah P. Duke Gardens? About 3 kilometers away, Hilton Durham Near Duke University keeps you close enough to pop over whenever. With a 3-star rating, this hotel in Durham is especially appealing to families.
Or experience everything the city has to offer from one of the hotels near Museum of Life and Science. Hampton Inn & Suites Durham University Medical Centre is 5 kilometers or so from this popular sight. It's a preferred choice for business travellers and has a 3-star rating.
When to go to Durham
If you're planning a peak season trip, book your hotel in Durham for July. This is when the city's top attractions and events are in full swing, giving you plenty to see and do.
Explore at a more leisurely pace by locking in a Durham hotel in March. It's the quietest time to visit and is usually cheaper too.
The weather can play a big part in when you choose to travel. If you prefer warmer conditions, July typically delivers with temperatures that reach up to 33ºC (91ºF).
January is the coolest month, with lows of -3ºC (27ºF).
To dodge grey skies, search for Durham hotels in November. With an average of four days of rain, this is the driest month.
July brings the wettest weather. You can expect around 13 days of rainfall.
Best hotels in Durham
Best budget hotels
Why pay extra? Budget Durham hotels come with the basics so you can spend your money on what really counts: adventures and grabbing souvenirs at every stop. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like kitchenettes and laundry facilities, you'll find at least 60 of these affordable stays across the city.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Durham is a 3-star option that focuses on comfort without overcomplicating things. A safe deposit box and a restaurant are among its amenities.
Alternatively, make a booking at Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek. Offering conveniences including a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk, this 3-star Durham hotel keeps things simple and affordable.
Another simple win for your budget is The Lodge at Duke Medical Centre. This 3-star stay features shuttle services and parking.
Best 4-star hotels in Durham
Searching for hotels in Durham that go beyond the basics? A 4-star stay is a great fit. With around ten to select from, they come with appealing extras like spas, gyms, and on-site dining. You get top quality without the top-end price tag.
Rizzo Centre, A Destination by Hyatt Hotel gets the 4-star guest experience right. An outdoor swimming pool and a fireplace help make this accommodation option a go-to for many.
Another Durham hotel to consider is The Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection. It offers thoughtful amenities such as concierge assistance and a lobby bar.
Want more choice? DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park proves great stays aren't just for five-star budgets. Make the most of a pool, an outdoor swimming pool and other extras at this stay.
Best hotels in Durham for families
Taking off with the kids? You need a hotel that offers more than just a bed. Childcare services, cribs, kids' menus, and connecting rooms make family stays easier. You'll find roughly ten family-friendly hotels in Durham waiting to welcome your crew.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh Durham Airport AT RTP by IHG is an affordable option that consistently earns overall guest ratings above 4 out of 5. With internet access, satellite TV and plenty more, this 2-star hotel offers comfort without the high cost.
Discover what a luxury family stay feels like at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. Rated 4 stars, this Durham hotel features parking and an indoor swimming pool.
Best hotels with a spa
Step away from the crowds and into calm at a Durham hotel with a spa. With roughly seven to choose from, they're designed to help you relax. Many offer features like saunas, hot tubs, beauty treatments, and hydrotherapy pools.
Settle into Wingate by Wyndham Raleigh Durham / Airport and take a break from it all. A fitness centre, room service and a host of other perks await you at this 3-star accommodation option.
Or get comfortable at 21C Museum Hotel Durham. With a steam room and a spa, this 4-star hotel in Durham creates the right mood for rest.
Once you've checked in to Extended Stay America Select Suites - Durham - University, you'll wonder why you ever stayed anywhere else. This option features amenities like a spa and room service.
Best hotels with a pool
A pool brings something extra to your stay. Book a resort and you'll usually find large outdoor setups and maybe even water slides for kids. At city hotels, indoor and rooftop pools are more typical. Choose from at least 40 pool hotels in Durham and get set to jump right in.
Take a refreshing break at Rizzo Centre, A Destination by Hyatt Hotel. Along with an outdoor swimming pool, this Durham hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and air conditioning.
Hampton Inn & Suites Durham University Medical Centre also gives you every reason to pack your swimsuit and goggles. Settle into this popular option and take advantage of an indoor swimming pool, internet access and a barbecue.
Alternatively, make your own kind of fun at The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport. An outdoor swimming pool, this hotel has parking and internet access.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Travelling's better with your pet by your side. From comfy beds and water bowls to nearby walking areas, pet-friendly hotels are set up to help you and your best buddy feel right at home. There are roughly 50 Durham hotels ready to welcome your best friend.
Show up with your sidekick at Residence Inn by Marriott Durham Duke University Medical Centre Area. Take advantage of conveniences here like a lounge and a bar.
Your four-legged friend is also on the guest list at Red Roof Inn Durham - Triangle Park. It includes Wi-Fi, internet access and more.
University Inn Duke will have you feeling right where you belong. Its amenities include air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Flying to Durham
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the main airport for this city. Once your flight to Durham lands, it's around 18 kilometers to the centre.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the centre of Durham by ride-share or taxi. The journey by public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
If you're flying in late, you could stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek, a 2-star option that's an easy hop from the runway. One of the things guests like most about this place is its rooms.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek is a reliable 4-star stay that's also close to RDU. It boasts an overall rating of 4-plus out of 5 from satisfied guests.
Frequently booked by families, Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport-Brier Creek is another one to consider. This 3-star hotel offers a welcome stop before your next boarding call.