Where to Stay in Cary: Honest Reviews of 8 Accommodations for Every Budget

The Umstead Hotel and Spa

If you're looking to splurge, The Umstead is without question Cary's crown jewel. I treated myself here after closing a major dental equipment deal last year, and it was worth every penny. The property sits adjacent to a serene lake with walking trails that provided the perfect morning ritual before my meetings.

The rooms feature plush bedding that rivals any five-star hotel I've experienced in my European travels. What truly sets The Umstead apart is their attention to detail—from the locally-sourced toiletries to the impeccable turn-down service. Their on-site restaurant, Herons, serves cuisine that would make my Ukrainian grandmother proud (high praise, believe me).

Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle

While technically in Cary, this property sits at the edge near Research Triangle Park. The all-suite layout makes it ideal for business travelers who need separate sleeping and working spaces. I particularly appreciate their evening reception with complimentary drinks—perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings or for casual networking. The made-to-order breakfast is leagues better than standard hotel fare, and I've found the staff consistently accommodating with early check-ins when flights arrive early from Anchorage.

Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Cary

This has become my go-to accommodation when attending multiple-day conferences in the area. Located just off Walnut Street, it provides easy access to both downtown Cary and the highway connections to Raleigh and Durham. The rooms strike that perfect balance between comfort and functionality—I particularly appreciate the ergonomic desk chairs that save my back during pre-conference preparation.

The on-site restaurant is surprisingly good for a mid-range hotel, though you're also within walking distance of several excellent dining options. Their fitness center isn't massive but includes all the essentials for maintaining my soccer-inspired workout routine. I always travel with my foam roller for post-workout recovery, which pairs perfectly with the spacious rooms here.

Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh-Cary

Consistency is the Courtyard's strong suit. The rooms are predictably clean and well-maintained, if not particularly memorable. What makes this property stand out is their reimagined lobby with individual media pods—perfect for catching up on emails or hosting informal meetings. Their Bistro serves Starbucks coffee, which saved me during early morning presentations last spring.

The location near Crossroads Plaza means you're steps away from shopping and casual dining options. The walls can be a bit thin, so I always bring my white noise machine to ensure uninterrupted sleep—a must before important business meetings.

Hampton Inn Raleigh/Cary

Don't let the 'budget' classification fool you—the Hampton Inn delivers remarkable value. During my most recent stay (when I was in town for the Women's International Champions Cup), I was impressed by their recently renovated rooms featuring surprisingly comfortable beds and quality linens. The complimentary breakfast goes beyond the standard continental fare with hot options that vary daily.

The location off Walnut Street provides convenient access to both I-40 and US-1, making it ideal for business travelers who need to move between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The staff here consistently remembers returning guests—a small touch that makes a big difference when you're traveling solo frequently.

Extended Stay America Raleigh-Cary-Regency Parkway

For longer business trips, this property offers significant advantages with its in-room kitchenettes. During a two-week dental training program I attended last fall, I saved considerably on dining expenses by preparing simple meals in my room. The portable spice kit I brought made even basic cooking feel more like home.

While the furnishings won't win design awards, the rooms are spacious and functional. The weekly housekeeping schedule might be off-putting to some, but I appreciate the privacy. The property offers free laundry facilities—a genuine lifesaver during extended stays. For business travelers watching their per diem, this place offers unbeatable value.

The Mayton

This 44-room boutique hotel in downtown Cary captured my heart during my last visit. The building's Georgian-style architecture houses interiors that blend traditional elements with contemporary touches. Each room features unique décor—mine had the most comfortable reading chair by the window where I spent evenings researching my family genealogy after business meetings.

The Mayton's location is unbeatable for business travelers who want to explore downtown Cary on foot. Their on-site restaurant sources ingredients from local farms, and the bar makes a phenomenal Old Fashioned (my grandfather's favorite, according to his journals). The personalized service here makes chain hotels feel positively impersonal by comparison.

Airbnb: Downtown Cary Carriage House

For business travelers seeking home-like accommodations, this particular Airbnb listing (easily found by searching 'Downtown Cary Carriage House') offers exceptional value. The renovated historic building provides a unique stay with modern amenities including high-speed internet that easily handled my video consultations with my dental practice back in Anchorage.

The full kitchen comes stocked with quality essentials, and the separate living and sleeping areas create a perfect work-life balance. The host provides a local guidebook with insider recommendations that led me to some wonderful local restaurants. Being within walking distance of Bond Brothers Beer Company makes after-work relaxation convenient—they often have live music that provides the perfect unwinding atmosphere after intense business days.

Transportation Connections

Cary's strategic location between Raleigh and Durham means you're well-positioned for business throughout the Research Triangle, but transportation planning is essential. Most accommodations offer free parking, but not all provide airport shuttles. The Umstead and Embassy Suites offer shuttle services to RDU Airport (though reservations are required), while budget properties typically don't.

Rideshare services are readily available throughout Cary with average wait times of 5-10 minutes. For longer stays, I've found that renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially when meetings are scattered across different campuses or office parks. Most hotels have dedicated business centers, but I always travel with my portable monitor for extended work sessions in my room.

Connectivity and Work Essentials

Internet reliability varies significantly between properties. The Umstead, Hilton Garden Inn, and The Mayton offer the most consistent high-speed connections in my experience. Budget properties often have adequate speeds for email and basic work, but might struggle with video conferencing.

For critical business calls, I always travel with my noise-cancelling headphones to ensure clarity regardless of hotel ambient noise. Most mid-range and luxury properties offer in-room safes large enough for laptops, while budget accommodations may only have front-desk safes—something to consider if you're traveling with sensitive business materials or equipment.