Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree Valley

With its classic red-lettered logo and rather forgettable exterior, this property looks like a typical Hampton Inn on the outside. Inside, though, is a pleasant surprise. The vast lobby’s bright colors and modern furnishings have more character than one might expect from the chain. Hardwood floors lead up to the reception desk, and guests can often be seen socializing in the large, separate seating area with boldly striped carpeting, plenty of plump sofas, several TVs, and  a few Apple computers. A beverage corner supplies free coffee and water, and an outdoor patio provides additional lounging space. Business travelers are common here, but the vibrant decor and inviting atmosphere also make the hotel especially family-friendly.

Sitting fairly close to the airport, downtown Raleigh, and plenty of shopping, the hotel’s hilltop location is both convenient for corporate travelers and safe for families. Crabtree Valley Mall is a 12-minute walk away. The offices and restaurants in downtown Raleigh are a 15-minute drive away. The North Carolina Museums of Art, Natural Sciences, and History are all within 15 minutes away by car. Pullen Park amusement park is a 13-minute drive away. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. The hotel offers free airport transfers as well as shuttles to select locations within Raleigh.  

Rooms are fairly spacious, with decor that’s generic but modern and pleasant enough, including forest green carpeting, geometric-patterned drapes, wooden headboards, and large ottomans. Beds -- single king or two queens -- are plush and comfortable. Windows in standard rooms can be on the small side though, and despite the hotel’s hilltop location, views of parking lots and buildings are unexceptional. 

All rooms have desks, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Ironing equipment is provided. Tea-and coffee-making facilities are available, and placed in the bathrooms. Suites have two rooms plus microwaves and mini-fridges. Executive Suites are especially fancy, with electric fireplaces and boardroom-style meeting tables. Standard rooms are available with accessible features.

Bathrooms are slightly narrow, but have great lighting and clean granite-topped sinks. All standard bathrooms have walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. The Executive Suite has a hot tub. Neutrogena toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all bathrooms.

Guests can expect the usual range of Hampton Inn amenities here. Breakfast is included with room rates, and is served in a large colorfully decorated space adjacent to the lobby. The buffet selection is above average, including waffles, eggs, donuts, home fries, and fruit, along with tea and several coffee varieties. Room service isn’t available, but there is a snack shop on-site selling refrigerated beverages, packaged snacks, and frozen meals. Plus there's a communal microwave in which to prepare meals. Free evening cookies in the lobby are, of course, popular.

Guests don’t love having to walk through the lobby to reach the indoor pool, but the pool area itself is lovely, including a kids’ area with a mushroom fountain and  large windows for ample light. There’s also a large TV in the pool room.

The hotel gym is decently sized, with a good range of exercise machines, balls, and free weights. A business center has five computers. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. Coin-operated laundry machines are available. There’s also plenty of outdoor parking on-site for free.