The Best Hotels and B&Bs to Book Near Duke University, Durham

You won’t need to pay a semester’s worth of boarding to stay on the campus of Duke University – just check in to JB Duke Hotel, and you’re good to go. Any alumnus or avid Blue Devils fan will love the guest suites decked out in the university colors. Wallace Wade Stadium is just 0.5mi away (0.8km), making JB Duke one of the best tailgating spots on campus. Mix it up with beer and burgers at the MarketPlace, then go cheer on Durham’s burgeoning superstars.

However you like to take in North Carolina’s natural beauty, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club will oblige. Neighboring 300-acres (121ha) of pine woods, right alongside Duke Forest, this hotel has instant trail access. Had enough walking for one day? Take in the rest of the property’s manicured greens from a golf cart, as you play through one of the top courses in the state. Seeking more peace and calm? Brew up a cup of coffee, and admire the landscaped grounds from your suite’s window.

The next best thing to staying on campus is staying at University Inn. Right across the street from the Duke University Medical Center, and within walking distance of the main campus, University Inn has no qualms about shuttling you to and from each (for free), as well as anywhere else in a 3mi (5km) radius. If you’re visiting a current student, help them save a few quarters by inviting them over to use your laundry facilities.

You may be visiting Duke, but you don’t have to crash in Durham, student-style. Let the Durham Hotel walk your bags up to the Penthouse Suite, where the city is at your fingertips. The view from the private terrace never gets old, but there’s no shame in hanging out in the spacious living room and mixing up cocktails at the butler’s bar. Invite your old college chums up, and spend a night reminiscing about the good old days of exam-cramming over ramen dinners.

The playfully designed rooms at Unscripted brilliantly play with the line between retro and modern. Color pops, geometric shapes, walnut woods and brass furnishings are offset with LED headboard lights and bedside USB outlets. And there’s no happier medium than when you queue up a bit of Marvin Gaye on the Bluetooth sound system. Pick the poolside suite, and crank up the Beach Boys for the partygoers on the Patio to hear.

North Carolina culture needs no outside inspiration, but we will admit that the European influences evident at the Siena Hotel make it stand out in Chapel Hill. Marble bathrooms, Juliette balconies and complimentary Belgian chocolates will never be unwelcome, while you’ll find rustic Italian cuisine at Il Palio only footsteps from your room. Other small, yet thoughtful amenities, such as overnight shoe shines and membership to the YMCA, add an extra layer of value.

Many hotels have rooftop lounges, but only 21c Museum has an old bank vault as its hangout space. It also has got a fantastic restaurant, relaxing spa and full-blown art museum within the walls of its art deco building. It has everything, even an excuse to stay in your guest room: large windows, high ceilings and contemporary custom furnishings create a space as relaxing as can be, especially if you’re lucky enough to snag the terrace suite.

Looking to rekindle an old college romance? Let Cupid’s bow lead you to the Arrowhead Inn. Check in to your suite, and hang that “do not disturb” sign on your door. A flickering fireplace, steamy shower and spa-style whirlpool tub will set the mood just right. Earn yourself an extra snuggle or two by reserving a romance package with your suite: flower petals lead to a bottle of wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and a box of luxury bath products to lather up the night.