The Best Hotels to Book in Cary, North Carolina

Of all the hotels in Cary, this place is super-convenient for drivers, off the Highway 64/I-40 intersection, right down the road from North Carolina State University. Rooms – either one king bed or two queens – include touches like modern-print carpeting and subway-tile-inspired floors in the bathroom. You’re close to a strip of shopping centers, linked by the hotel’s free shuttle – if it’s your first time in the state, a stop at Cook Out might be necessary. But if you’ve had enough of their chargrilled burgers and chock-a-block milkshakes – nigh-on impossible – try the Korean barbecue at Buldaegi BBQ House or all-day breakfast at Barry’s Cafe.

For a more collegiate feel, head to this old-school inn in downtown Cary. Each of the 44 rooms and suites is uniquely decorated, from the art-deco suite painted a royal blue fit for royalty to the lilac-colored queen suite overlooking the park next door. Eat at the Mayton’s restaurant, Peck & Plume, which does fine breakfasts (try the blueberry pecan pancakes) and dinner (the locally caught fish spread is a must) – or explore the city’s offerings downtown, like the Asian fusion food at MC Restaurant across the street.

On the north side of Cary, this pet-friendly place is perfectly positioned, just 5mi (8km) from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 9mi (14km) from Research Triangle Park – served by the hotel’s free shuttle – and down the highway from Raleigh. The city is home to sites including the halls of the North Carolina Museum of Art, the gardens at the JC Raulston Arboretum or the campus of North Carolina State University. Rooms are spacious, with modern touches like funky blue-and-gray-print carpeting and sleek couches. Expect made-to-order breakfast as well as punchy evening drinks and tasty snacks.

Stay in style at an all-suite hotel off Highway 1, on the southeast side of Cary. Rooms – with either two queens or a king bed – are relaxing spaces colored blue and green, with nature prints and leaf-shaped side tables throughout. The continental breakfast is a step above standard hotel fare, with favorites including quiche cups, yogurt with granola and fruit compotes and coffee served with oat milk. The cherry – or cherries – on the top of it all? The indoor pool and cute little fitness center. Go burn those calories.

This branch of the Courtyard label in southeast Cary bills itself as an intuitively designed hotel, with media pods in the lobby for uninterrupted online time – great when you’re planning your weekend – and Peloton bikes in the fitness center. The decor is attractive and sleek: gray walls, raised beds and funky modern furniture in suites. Go for a dip in the outdoor pool or relax on the sundeck, but allow time to explore the sights nearby. Top tip: take a run around Lake Johnson Park and explore the miles of trails at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.

Staying in town awhile? The Sonesta, on Cary’s south side, is perfect for extended visits – and extended families. There are suites with multiple bedrooms, just the ticket for self-caterers, with fully equipped kitchens and handy surprises – complimentary on-site laundry machines, for instance, and grab-and-go breakfasts. Make use of the hotel’s outdoor spaces – there’s a basketball court, a pool and a lounge and grilling station. Check out nearby spots, too, among our favorites the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Koka Booth Amphitheatre, and back in Cary grab farm-to-table food at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen.

Suites are roomy – and pet-friendly – at this spot off the interstate in south Cary. The central location is a boon, a 15-minute drive from North Carolina State University and North Carolina State Fairgrounds. You’ll sleep soundly in the corporate-comfy bedrooms, where wifi is free and fridges and microwaves come as standard. Start each day with hot breakfast down in the lobby, and finish it off with a dip in the heated indoor pool. The Comfort Suites shares a strip with the WakeMed Cary Hospital and local joints including Danny’s Bar-B-Que – a great spot for toasted sandwiches, fried catfish and St-Louis-style ribs.

This branch of the ever-popular Holiday Inn chain stands on the cusp of both Raleigh and Cary – so you’re close to the action in the big city. The hotel itself is pleasantly low-key, although the 120 guest rooms are attention-grabbing enough, with houndstooth-print dressers, chevron headboards and snazzy wallpaper in the bathrooms. One of the highlights of a stay here is a meal out on the veranda of the Café Sage restaurant – tuck into popular staples including salmon and rice bowls, sliders and eggs over easy.