I know firsthand that planning a family vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when kids are involved. From making sure there’s enough entertainment for little ones to ensuring the hotel is safe, clean, and centrally located, there are countless boxes to check. On a recent trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, I was blown away by how family-friendly this city is. It’s packed with beautiful green spaces, museums designed with children in mind, and most importantly, hotels that truly understand the needs of families.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences staying at some of the best family-friendly hotels in Raleigh. I’ll also offer tips on how to find the best deals, which booking platforms are most reliable, and what to expect in terms of costs and amenities. Let’s dive into the heart of North Carolina and explore the best accommodations for family travelers like us.
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle
📍 Location: 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd, Cary, NC 27513 (technically Cary, but just a few minutes from Raleigh proper)
Why It’s Great for Families:
Embassy Suites in Cary is a top pick for us when visiting Raleigh. The suite layout is a dream—parents get a separate bedroom, and kids can sprawl out on the sofa bed in the living area. There’s a small kitchenette, which is perfect for storing snacks or whipping up a quick breakfast.
The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning, which includes waffles, omelets made to order, and fresh fruit. Trust me, when traveling with kids, having breakfast onsite is a lifesaver. There’s also a large indoor pool and a pond with ducks outside, which delighted my toddler.
Family-Friendly Features:
- Spacious two-room suites
- Indoor pool
- Free made-to-order breakfast
- Evening reception with snacks and drinks
- Onsite restaurant with kid-friendly menu
What Other Parents Are Saying:
Many reviews on TripAdvisor highlight how accommodating the staff is with young children. Cribs and high chairs are readily available upon request, and housekeeping was always quick to help us out with extra towels and blankets.
Booking Tips and Best Rates:
We found the best deals through Hilton.com and Booking.com. Nightly rates ranged from \$165–\$200 depending on the season. I recommend booking early during holidays as it fills up quickly.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Midtown
📍 Location: 1000 Navaho Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609
Our Experience:
This hotel felt like a home away from home. Each room is a full suite with a kitchen, separate sleeping areas, and even a dishwasher! We stayed here for a week during the summer, and it made things so much easier with the kids. Being able to cook simple meals saved us money and reduced stress.
Standout Features:
- Full kitchens in every suite
- Free hot breakfast buffet
- Outdoor pool and BBQ area
- Grocery delivery service
- Pet-friendly
What Parents Love:
Other parents we met there also appreciated the flexibility of having a kitchen. The laundry facilities onsite were a huge help after muddy park visits. Online reviews consistently mention how clean and quiet the hotel is—two things parents really value.
Price and Booking Advice:
Expect to pay around \$145–\$185 per night. I used Hotels.com and applied a reward night, which made it more affordable. For long stays, consider calling the hotel directly and asking about extended-stay discounts.
3. Hyatt House Raleigh/RDU/Brier Creek
📍 Location: 10030 Sellona St, Raleigh, NC 27617
A Hidden Gem:
This Hyatt House property near the airport was a surprise find. We had a super early flight out of Raleigh, and staying here the night before made all the difference. The rooms are well-equipped for families with kitchens and roomy layouts.
Why We Recommend It:
- Free airport shuttle
- Outdoor pool and basketball court
- Free breakfast with kid-friendly options
- Grocery shopping service
- Close to Brier Creek Commons (great for shopping & dining)
What Others Are Saying:
Reviews often mention how helpful the staff is, especially when checking in with tired kids after a flight. Families appreciate the ample space in rooms and the quiet, residential vibe of the area.
Best Places to Book:
Hyatt.com often has the lowest rates directly, but I also found good deals on Expedia.com. Expect nightly rates between \$130–\$170. Use AAA or AARP discounts if you’re eligible.
4. The Umstead Hotel and Spa
📍 Location: 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513
A Luxury Pick for Families:
If you’re looking to splurge, The Umstead is Raleigh’s most luxurious hotel—and yes, it can be kid-friendly too! The serene setting, stunning nature trails, and attention to detail make it worth the higher price.
Family Perks:
- Spacious rooms and suites
- Onsite fine dining and casual options
- Lakeside walking trails
- Outdoor pool
- Babysitting services available upon request
Our Stay:
The staff went out of their way to make our kids feel welcome—bringing coloring books at dinner and providing mini bathrobes. There’s also a small art gallery and beautiful outdoor gardens that make for a peaceful walk even with little ones.
Reviews and Ratings:
This hotel consistently gets 5 stars across Google and TripAdvisor. The high-end service is evident in every detail, and many families praise how comfortable the beds are.
What It Costs:
Rooms start at \$300/night. Best booked through TheUmstead.com directly or on American Express Travel if you have a rewards card.
5. Aloft Raleigh
📍 Location: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Cool and Convenient:
Located across from North Carolina State University, Aloft Raleigh is a great base for exploring downtown Raleigh with kids. The design is modern and fun, and the lobby has a game area that kept my children entertained during check-in.
Family Highlights:
- Modern, loft-style rooms
- Pool table and game room in lobby
- Outdoor splash pad area
- Quick walk to Pullen Park and museums
- Kid-friendly dining options nearby
What Parents Say:
Parents love the convenience of this location. It’s just minutes from Marbles Kids Museum and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Reviews often mention how clean and quiet the rooms are, even with a youthful vibe throughout the hotel.
Where to Book and Save:
I used Priceline.com for this one, combining a mobile-only coupon. Rates range from \$140–\$190/night. The Marriott Bonvoy app sometimes features last-minute flash sales too.
Booking Platforms I Rely On
Throughout my travels, I’ve used multiple platforms to book family accommodations in the U.S. Here are my personal favorites:
- Booking.com – Best for user reviews and flexible cancellation
- Hotels.com – Great rewards program (10 nights = 1 free)
- Expedia.com – Often has good bundle deals
- Priceline.com – Excellent for mobile app flash deals
- Google Hotels – Great for quick comparisons and alerts
My Top Tips for Booking Family-Friendly Hotels in Raleigh
Traveling with kids takes careful planning—and that begins with the booking process. After several family vacations (and a few mistakes along the way), I’ve learned a few essential tips that make a big difference when choosing the right hotel in Raleigh:
1. Book Early—Especially for Summer and Holidays
Raleigh is surprisingly busy during school breaks and the warm months, thanks to its kid-friendly attractions and outdoor events. Try to book at least 1–2 months in advance to secure your preferred hotel and room type, especially suites or larger family rooms.
2. Call the Hotel After Booking
Even if you’ve reserved through a platform like Expedia or Booking.com, I highly recommend calling the hotel directly after booking. Confirm your room setup (e.g., crib, extra bed, connecting rooms), ask about early check-in or late check-out, and let them know you’re traveling with kids. Many hotels are more accommodating when they know ahead of time.
3. Use Loyalty Programs
Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt all offer great benefits for repeat stays. Even as a casual traveler, you can earn perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, and early check-in—perfect for families with unpredictable schedules.
4. Look Beyond Just Price
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but with kids, sometimes convenience, safety, and comfort are worth paying a little extra. A hotel with free parking, breakfast, and a kitchenette might actually save you money in the long run.
5. Check Reviews from Other Parents
Before booking, I always filter reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to see what other parents say. Look for mentions of crib availability, noise levels, pool quality, and how welcoming the staff is to children.
Why Raleigh Is Such a Great Family Destination
Beyond the hotels, Raleigh itself is a treasure trove of activities for families. Some of the places we explored during our stay—and that I highly recommend for those traveling with kids—include:
🌳 Pullen Park
Located just minutes from downtown, this massive park has a mini train ride, paddle boats, carousels, and picnic areas. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. and full of nostalgic charm.
🧪 Marbles Kids Museum
This interactive museum is a dream for young children. With hands-on exhibits focused on play and learning, our kids could have stayed there all day.
🌿 JC Raulston Arboretum
Free and beautiful, this botanical garden is great for a peaceful walk. The Children’s Garden section is especially well done.
🦕 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
From dinosaurs to live animal exhibits, this museum kept both our kids and us fascinated for hours. Best part? It’s free.
🍨 Two Roosters Ice Cream
A must-stop treat shop with creative flavors that both kids and adults will love. It’s also near several of the hotels mentioned earlier.
Budgeting for Your Family Trip to Raleigh
While Raleigh is more affordable than many major U.S. cities, costs can add up quickly when traveling with kids. Here’s a rough estimate of what a family trip might cost for 4 nights (2 adults, 2 kids):
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel (Mid-Range) | \$600–\$800 total |
| Food & Dining | \$250–\$400 |
| Local Transportation (Gas/Uber) | \$60–\$100 |
| Attractions | \$50–\$150 (most are free or low-cost) |
| Misc. (Snacks, Souvenirs) | \$50–\$100 |
| Total | \$1000–\$1500 |
👉 Pro Tip: Many hotels offer “stay 3 nights, get 1 free” promotions during off-peak months. Booking directly through their websites or calling can often unlock these unadvertised offers.
Raleigh Wins for Family Travel
What surprised me most about Raleigh wasn’t just how kid-friendly it is—it was how relaxed we felt as a family there. The hotel staff genuinely cared, the attractions were never too crowded, and the Southern hospitality was real.
Each of the hotels we stayed in had something special to offer. Whether it was a quick overnight stay before an early flight at Hyatt House Brier Creek, or a longer, luxurious retreat at The Umstead, I found myself thinking: this is the kind of place I’d happily return to—not just because it’s easy with kids, but because it offers a true blend of comfort, culture, and community.
So if you’re planning your next family trip, don’t overlook Raleigh. And when you do come, choose your hotel wisely—it can make all the difference.
Quick Summary of Recommended Family Hotels in Raleigh
| Hotel Name | Best For | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham | Large families, indoor pool | \$165–\$200 | Hilton.com, Booking.com |
| Residence Inn Raleigh Midtown | Long stays, full kitchens | \$145–\$185 | Hotels.com |
| Hyatt House Raleigh/RDU Brier Creek | Airport proximity, modern suites | \$130–\$170 | Hyatt.com, Expedia.com |
| The Umstead Hotel and Spa | Luxury stays, nature surroundings | \$300+ | TheUmstead.com |
| Aloft Raleigh | Downtown location, stylish vibe | \$140–\$190 | Priceline.com |
Travel Smart, Stay Happy
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style, relaxation, or sanity. With the right hotel and a little planning, your family trip to Raleigh can be a smooth, fun, and memorable experience. From modern suites to free breakfasts, pools, and play areas, Raleigh’s family-friendly hotels understand what we really need on the road.
If you’ve stayed at a great hotel in Raleigh with your family, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment or message me directly. Here’s to many more adventures with the little ones!
