11 Most Romantic Hotels in Raleigh NC

Southern charm meets a sweet escape in Raleigh, the lovely little capital of North Carolina. Along with Chapel Hill and Durham, the city makes up the famous Research Triangle. But, there’s a lot more to Raleigh than meets the eye. Couples especially have a ton to do and see here, given that the city is all about oak-filled green spaces, world-class museums, and a vibrant art and food scene. That, along with the many options for a romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC, make this rich Southern city a very romantic getaway. What’s more, there’s a lot for couples to do, ranging from decadent spas to outdoor adventures. So, no matter your romance preferences, you’ll find something to do with your boo at Raleigh. To that end, here are the 11 most romantic hotels in Raleigh, NC.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa

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The Umstead Hotel and Spa is the most romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC. It’s tucked amidst lush woodlands in Cary and is the ultimate relaxation oasis. In fact, Forbes and AAA hail it as a Five-Diamond and Five-Star property, making it perfect for couples who want to splurge on a romantic weekend. The world begins to fade away in the calm and cool lobby, featuring warm wood and massive nature-themed art when you walk in. The rooms and suites are exquisite, and staying in them is like staying in a forest glade. For one, they overlook the stunning natural setting. Add to that fluffy towels, soft linens, neutral hues, dim lighting, and spa-style bathrooms with deeps-soaking bathtubs.

Suppose you manage to leave these digs, head to the stunning lakeside terrace for a glass of wine and your bae by your side. Enjoy couple’s massages at the incredible spa, which comes with an outdoor pool, a whirlpool, a steam room, and a sauna.

Heights House Hotel

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Young couples who want to keep their finger on the pulse of romance should consider the Heights House Hotel, one of America’s coolest new hotels. The hotel sits in a revitalized pre-Civil War-era Downtown Raleigh mansion. With just nine incredibly gorgeous suites in the massive Italianate-style home, staying here is an intimate and exclusive experience. Think grand common spaces, cozy fireplaces, and hardwood floors; all decked out with immaculate decor. It’s no wonder that every inch of this National Historic Landmark is Insta-worthy. While all suites are lovely, we’d recommend the Honeymoon Suite. It has a spacious bedroom with not only a four-poster bed but also a living room with a freestanding and deep-soaking bathtub! It’s no wonder that this hotel is considered the zenith of romantic stays in the Research Triangle.

Aloft Raleigh

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Yet another romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC for hip, young couples is Aloft Raleigh. This trendy full-service hotel is close to the shopping, dining, and entertainment of downtown Raleigh and the Village District. So, they can grab the complimentary bikes at the front desk and go off exploring on their own. The design-forward hotel celebrates the city’s spirit with art-filled hangout areas and whimsical retro decor. Head to the signature re:charge fitness center when you want to work out. Later on, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Splash pool with your beloved. Your mornings begin with a good caffeine fix at the onsite Jubala Coffee. Meanwhile, your evenings are best spent sipping handcrafted cocktails at the chic W XYZ bar while enjoying the live DJ. Wind up the day in your modern rooms, which feature plush beds, flatscreen TVs, and luxe bathrooms with Bliss spa amenities.

The StateView Hotel

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If lake views are important to you, then the StateView Hotel overlooking Lake Raleigh is the place for you. Choose from a host of luxurious rooms and suites, complete with plush beds and smart flatscreen TVs. It’s the perfect way to end a fun-filled day in Raleigh! What’s more, the full-length windows overlook the lush greenery, and the luxe bathrooms even have deep-soaking bathtubs for long and languorous soaks with your beloved. The rest of the hotel is equally romantic. Dig into delicious local meals at the upscale restaurant that boasts spectacular views of the forest. Bibliophiles will find an incredible library on the campus; in fact, it’s been hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. However, the zenith of decadence is the pool, with loungers to the side and sweeping views of the forest around. In fact, it’s one of the best hotel pools in Raleigh NC.

The Longleaf Hotel

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Are you looking for an offbeat romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC? Then look no further than the Longleaf Hotel, a mid-century gem where vintage motor lodge charm meets modish comfort. This unique and modernized hotel still radiates the vibes of the 1960s-era motor lodge it once was, but with boutique comforts. Think crafted bespoke room details like longleaf-inspired wallpaper, custom photography, and retro light fixtures. They look straight out of a Mad Men episode, with pillow-top Kingsdown beds, vintage-style Bluetooth speakers, fully stocked fridges, and luxe ensuites with Malin+Goetz bath products. However, one of the coolest touches is that many aspects are locally sourced, including the wallpaper, the custom art, and the shibori-dyed robes and throw pillows.

The Longleaf Lounge is the perfect place to kick back with your beloved and drinks like beers, classic cocktails, and wines. The Southern hospitality, combined with the retro décor, makes you feel special, as does the fire pit on the back patio for cold nights.

The Mayton

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The 44-room downtown Cary hotel, The Mayton, is a gorgeous Georgian-style boutique inn perfect for couples visiting the Raleigh region. This Tucked amidst tree-lined streets, this hotel boasts cheerful rooms, and suites feature plush beds, HDTVs, and swish bathrooms with luxury bath products. Couples will especially love the suites, including kitchenettes and lavish living rooms. After a day of exploring, dig into delicious Southern fare at the elegant restaurant, but not before guzzling excellent wines, local beers, or craft cocktails. All in all, this upscale boutique hotel is the perfect base if you want to stay close to the main attractions but away from the hustle and bustle.

Guest House Raleigh

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Guest House Raleigh is, without a doubt, the most romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC that’s actually not a hotel – it’s a bed and breakfast. This one-of-a-kind retreat is Raleigh’s first independent boutique hotel, which sits in the 1880s-built historic Gorham House. Choose from just eight rooms, which makes staying here a very intimate and cozy experience, unlike larger hotels. Go for the rooms that have a small balcony with alfresco seating overlooking the lush gardens and greenery. Your day begins with a daily continental breakfast with granola and yogurt that the hosts serve in the open kitchen. Later on, relax in one of the common spaces, such as the parlor or the porch with the rocking chairs with a glass of wine and your boo for company.

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel

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Another excellent retreat option for young couples in the heart of downtown Raleigh is the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. You have the choice of incredibly well-appointed and comfortable rooms, the best f which offer spectacular views of downtown. What’s more, they even feature comforters with premium bedding, video game consoles, and cable TVs. Once you’ve settled in, head down to the onsite restaurant’s posh outdoor patio for a delicious and intimate meal. In fact, the patio is the largest outdoor covered patio in all of Raleigh! There’s even a fitness center and a hot tub for unwinding, plus concierge services and a 24-hour reception as well.

Raleigh Marriott City Center

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The Raleigh Marriott City Center is yet another romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC for couples who want to stay in the heart of the city. This hotel is close to Raleigh downtown’s attractions, including museums, entertainment, and dining, making it the perfect city center romantic base. After a day of exploring, head to the indoor pool for a luxuriant swim or a languorous dip. You still don’t have to go back to your room after that; the hot tub and its steaming waters await you and your partner.

If you’re both fitness freaks, the gym, complete with Peloton bikes, is where you should be. Besides the restaurant serving all meals, including Southern favorites, there’s even a Starbucks on the premises. What more could you want? If you were impressed by the amenities, wait till you see the rooms and suites, which have 55-inch smart TVs, coffeemakers, and ensuite bathrooms.

Hotel 83

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If you’re looking for a fun Raleigh retreat, look no further than Hotel 83. The incredibly modern and stylish full-service property features some of the city’s best rooms, combined with top-notch amenities. For instance, enjoy delicious Southern cuisine at the must-try restaurant, which serves all meals. However, one top aspect that makes the hotel so unique is its curated experiences program. When you check-in, you’re given an inspiring, battle-tested, and handcrafted guide of stuff to see, places to eat, and things to do. Now, if that isn’t amazing, then what is? There’s also a fitness center, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk.

Wait till you see the rooms and suites at this pet-friendly hotel, which has locally inspired décor and in-room yoga kits. Couples will love the huge black and white tiled bathrooms, which feature huge shower areas large enough for two.

AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown

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The AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown is the absolute best romantic hotel in Raleigh, NC. Enjoy a weekend of pampering at this hotel, famous for its fantastic dining options. The onsite restaurant serves delicious meals, including European-inspired breakfasts with artisan cured meats, assorted cheeses, and freshly baked croissants. After a long day, sip on hand-crafted cocktails and dig into tapas at the rooftop lounge, Level7, complete with scenic views of Raleigh.

After a long day of exploring, you’ll appreciate the well-appointed rooms, which are very spacious and even have sitting areas. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer picturesque views over Raleigh’s skyline, but it’s the luxe ensuites that you’ll love, with huge for-two shower areas and bespoke bath products.

Most Romantic Restaurants in Raleigh, NC

• Herons: The resident restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa is consistently rated as one of the Triangle’s most romantic restaurants – and it’s easy to see why. The romantic restaurant has both low-lit indoor and lovely outdoor patio seating and is open for all meals. However, couples will love the four-course dinner tasting menu that changes seasonally.
• The Fearrington House Restaurant: Part of the luxury inn of the same name, this romantic restaurant takes things a step ahead and sometimes even choppered in guests for a meal! Choose from the three/four or the decadent seven-course tasting menu in a quiet and luxurious setting. Besides amazing cocktails, they also have an extensive wine list of more than 1,500 wines!

Most Romantic Bars in Raleigh, NC

• The Green Light: How would you like to enjoy a date at a bar that’s been voted one of the “23 Best Secret Bars in the World”? That’s the Green Light for you, and half the fun here is getting inside at all! There’s room for just 32 people at this super-small bar, which is a rather well-kept secret behind a hidden door! The classy and cozy ambiance with low lighting is the perfect romantic setting as you enjoy both craft and classic cocktails.
• The Haymaker: This gorgeous Downtown Raleigh cocktail bar blends classic cocktails and vintage decor. Enjoy the giant punch bowl or champagne on tap. If you’re here during the holidays, the bar transforms into an OTT festive pop-up bar called “Miracle at the Haymaker”!

Most Romantic Things To Do in Raleigh, NC

• Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts: Enjoy a night of watching the performing arts with your beloved, dressed in your evening est. Catch shows such as My Fair Lady or Romeo and Juliet, heading to The Haymaker for a nightcap later.

Most Romantic Areas To Stay in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh lies just two hours northeast of NC cultural melting pot Charlotte. What’s more, it makes for a fantastic base for exploring the Research Triangle region and the charming cities of Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and more. So, which neighborhoods should you stay in?

Firstly, there’s the heart of all the action in town, Downtown Raleigh. It’s home to the best entertainment, dining, and shopping in the city. Secondly, there’s the stunner that is the Crabtree Valley on the northern fringes of Raleigh. It’s a 10-minute drive and still feels like a world away from the bustle. Additionally, it boasts one of the most scenic settings ever. Next, there’s Southwest Raleigh with Lakes Johnson and Raleigh, which is perfect for couples looking for romantic lakeside digs. Finally, there’s Cary, which is a lusher suburb of Raleigh and home to some excellent resorts.

If you have a shorter layover, here are the best hotels near Raleigh Durham International Airport.