When I booked three nights at the Hyatt Place Raleigh West for a recent trip to North Carolina, I thought the relatives we were visiting were in Raleigh. No, they were in nearby Durham, but what a terrific mistake. Located in Raleigh Corporate Center Park off I-40, this particular hotel is an easy access point to anywhere in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area–and the price point is quite a bit lower than if we had stayed in Durham closer to Duke University. Also, the environmentally friendly hotel delivered on where it counts.
The spacious comfort, friendly service and the aesthetically pleasing ambiance enticed us to stay put for the three days. Plus, as I discovered, a stay here is an environment booster. This Hyatt Place has LEEDS status. Eighty percent of the water is heated by solar panels, for example, and the parking lot has electric car charging stations.
Another environmentally friendly feature is that guest room thermostats are motion activated. Our two queen bed suite style room (my dad was my traveling companion) had plenty of space for me to set up my laptop at the desk in the sitting area without getting in my dad’s way. A partial screen wall sets the two spaces apart. For families, this configuration is perfect. Even if the sofa is pulled out into a bed, there would be plenty of room to head to the single cup coffee maker and the refrigerator without bumping into furniture. The large screen TV could be angled to be watched from either the beds or the couch.
Because the sink was located outside the bathroom, taking a shower didn’t keep someone else from brushing teeth. The room also had a large closet with an ironing board and iron plus space for hanging up several clothing items. This is where I found the hair dryer.
Decor was sleek and modern with warm wood and gold tones creating a homey, slightly artsy look. Several lamps afford various lighting configurations from soft lighting to well lit.
During our stay, we came across travelers who were exploring the region while using the hotel as their home base. Families with children, couples, friends, and business travelers gathered for the breakfast buffet that offered different hot items each day and a variety of fruit, yogurt and toppings. As some items ran out, the staff cooked up replacements. The breakfast area, outdoor patio and the tables in the lobby area offered plenty of seating.
Hyatt Place Raleigh West-reception area and part of lobby with dining room in background
Although the stated time for breakfast to be over on the weekends is 10 a.m. and on weekdays, 9:30 a.m., staff took a leisurely approach in putting items away. The coffee and tea station stayed open a bit longer, but fair warning–coffee is not served free 24-7 unless you make it in your room. Instead, Hyatt Place has a coffee/ snack bar set up where guests can order light fare–soups, sandwiches, pastries and more. Cocktails, wine and beer are also on the menu.
If you are a person who likes to hang out away from your room. the lobby/reception area has couches and chairs meant to enjoy a visit with family or friends, and the workout room is impressive. There is also an outdoor seasonal pool. The business center area is an open space situated at one end of the lobby. I briefly used one of the computers to seek out rooms closer to Durham which helped me to decide that our Hyatt Place stay was perfect. Other relatives of ours are staying at this hotel this week.
Another hotel plus for those traveling with pets. For a $75 non-refundable deposit your pet can stay too. The deposit is good for 6 nights.
I booked our room at Hotels.com. The rate was a little over $100 including tax. You can also book at the hotel’s website.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein
