Hilton HHonors - Where to stay in RDU

I am traveling to raleigh in 3 weeks. I will be working right next to the hilton north building. I will also have a rental. I have heard multiple bad reviews about that hilton though, and am thinking about staying at the HGI RDU. Is the 15 mile drive horrible in the mornings (traffic) or is there a better place to stay hilton prop wise closer? Price isnt an objects as it is on the company dime.

Thanks.

Just curious, what kind of negative comments have you heard? I understand that they have just completed renovations of the guest rooms and all public areas, including new carpet, wallpaper and bathrooms. They also offer high-speed access on floors 4-6 (I think) and in-room fitness (for a fee, if you are that motivated.) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif The restaurant is also new, I am told. I have never stayed there (I am local, after all), so I do not really have a way to know how it was before.

The commute from the HGI should not be too horrible in the morning, since you would be moving west to east (the heavier commute from Raleigh is east to west, towards the RTP). Still, I think you would find it a lot more convenient to stay at the North Raleigh Hilton and, besides, there is not much to do around RDU.

Good luck. If you are a HH member, be sure to ask for the HH Service Manager at the North Raleigh and mention that you read this here. I bet that she will know exactly who you got this info from. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif And, who knows, you may just be the guest of the day.

[This message has been edited by Skyman (edited 07-20-2003).]

Don't know about the Hilton North but ES Crabtree is very nice if you aren't too far. Stayed at HGI once, no different from any other HGI. Wouldn't say it was worth a 15-minute drive every day though. There are also a couple of decent Sheratons in RDU.

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KLM PE,HHonors Diamond,SPG Plat,PC Plat,SAS Silver

if u r gonna be near RDU, there's a homewood abt 1 exit away thats really nice (free highspeed internet too!). also, avoid the HI near RDU.

is the hilton north the one off capital boulevard and that circular highway (forgot the number)?

[This message has been edited by saimike (edited 07-20-2003).]

I saw the negative reviews on tripadvisor.com. I usually check there and here before I book my work travel. I also looked at another site that had 3 reviews and all were average at best. I started reviewing my sites ahead of booking after a horrible time spent at richmond airport hilton.

I am a Diamond HH member. I was guest of the day in Sioux Falls Hampton inn, and I got fresh, warm cookies devievered to my room! That could sway where I stay. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Do I need to call ahead to reserve an upgrade to the exec floor, or is it now usually full. That saved me in Orlando, where I got the top room at the Castle hotel.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/008174.html

Cookies! Delicious delicacies, indeed! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

After you make your reservation, you may want to call the hotel directly and verify that they have your Diamond number. I think that the HH Manager on property gets some sort of daily list of HH members currently staying on property. They are aware of competition nearby so I am sure that they are doing their best to ensure loyalty (within reason, of course).

BTW, the hotel is right off of the I-440 Wake Forest Road Exit (heading north) *not* the Capital Blvd. exit.

There is an Embassy Suites right across from Crabtree (on Creedmoor Rd). Not sure where you will be working, but can probably take Millbrook Rd. there.

I am booked for the hilton north. will give you all a review when I get home.

I'm at the North RDU Hilton right now. When I checked in they had already given me an upgrade to the Executive level (real nice different lounge that is not in a room but right off the elevator, key needed to get to the floor, high speed internet for $9.95 and nice rooms). I asked if I could be upgraded to a Jr. Suite but they didn't have one for the first night. They did give me one on the 3rd floor the next day for the rest of my stay. The room is a little larger than the Executive floor with an refrig but that is about all. Also there is no high speed access on this floor.

If you can get a low rate, go ahead and book it. They will upgrade you with no problem. Would I stay in a suite at this property? If they offer it, I always take it. I wouldn't be too upset if I didn't get it as the Executive floor is very nice.