Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center

Our soccer club picked this hotel, and the rooms were very nice, with comfortable beds, a good TV, mini fridge, safe, well-stocked bathroom, and coffee station. The staff were helpful and professional. Everyone we dealt with around the Raleigh area, including at the hotel, mall, and food service, was super friendly. Parking costs extra if your group hasn't included it, though ours had. There's no free breakfast, which matters with early games and hungry girls. Parties in the lobby ballrooms happened every night, filling the lot and leaving the stairwell smoky, our hall smelling, and intoxicated people around. I'm not a prude, but I wasn't comfortable with my teenage daughter going to the lobby or other floors alone. It's a nice place overall, but in my opinion more suited to young professionals than soccer teams.

The lobby is attractive and thoughtfully designed, with a comfortable spot to relax by the bar. The rooms felt modern after their updates, and I liked the walk-in shower. The stay didn't feel hospitable, though, which was disappointing for a Sheraton. There are often events here, so a quiet morning trip to breakfast in your pajamas isn't really what to expect.

The Sheraton Imperial Hotel feels like a modern base in the middle of the "Research Triangle," a name that still sounds like a villain's outfit to me. The lobby has left its 1980s look behind for a big, sleek Great Room, with plenty of open space for socializing. That's not usually my thing, but the “&More by Sheraton” cafe gave me a good place to hide with a dark roast and watch the business crowd pass by without attracting attention to my 8 inch stature. The rooms are practical and uncluttered after the renovations. The wall sconces look sturdy enough for a grappling hook, or at least a pose, and the blackout curtains can make high noon feel like midnight. The convention area is huge, which means you may share an elevator with a wedding party or, as I did, some people from an exterminator conference. Quiet isn't guaranteed here. A few useful details from my stay: the complimentary shuttle to RDU airport runs on a schedule, so plan your getaway. Seasons serves a solid breakfast and dinner, which can save you a trip into Triangle rush hour traffic. There's a seasonal outdoor pool open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, handy for a late swim after patrol. The lobby market is well stocked with snacks for when you're settling in. It's no Wayne Manor, but with clean rooms, strong coffee, and a spot near the airport, the Sheraton Imperial makes a dependable fortress for a weary traveler.

Nothing about it felt imperial. The place is old and tired, with a really noisy air conditioner whose fan speed I couldn't change. The bed was okay, but there wasn't enough storage, and the shower badly needs replacing and renovating. Breakfast was dull and sparse for the price. Parking also costs extra.