DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh Brownstone University

The bathroom was really nice, and the shower pressure was fantastic, one of the best hotel showers I’ve had. The beds were comfortable with plenty of pillows, and our room was very clean. The hotel has some age to it, though: the sliding glass door was difficult to open and let outside air in. I overheard another guest say their door wouldn’t open at all. Our room had no mini fridge. The staff were friendly and helpful when we needed to add an extra night. There were ice and soda machines at the end of the hall, and the location was convenient for several places. I’d stay here again.

The front desk staff were the one good part of our stay. The rooms were dusty and unclean, and the manager, Derrick, was rude and difficult to reach. My wife and I held our wedding here. We appreciated the rate, but the experience would have been better elsewhere. In the meetings, we agreed that all payments would be made at the end of the reception. During the ceremony, Derrick locked the door and told our guests nobody could come in until the remaining amount was paid, even though we’d discussed paying at the end of the night. I also felt he treated us disrespectfully because we’re two women getting married. It was very unprofessional. We won’t be back.

The event areas and restrooms on both floors were clean and well kept. We had the ceremony in a downstairs room and the reception upstairs, and the upstairs space especially impressed us. The wait staff were prompt, and both the appetizers and meal were very good. The atmosphere was nice, and the event was handled really well. The lobby looked nice at first, but we had to stand by the revolving door watching a TV screen cycle through hotel events to find our room. We waited a couple of minutes, and nobody offered to help. I’d suggest a screen listing all the events at once instead of flipping through them.

Free parking so close to downtown was a big plus, and the bar service was wonderful. The restaurant was great for breakfast too. We used the hotel for our wedding guests and our wedding night after getting married nearby, and the stay itself was lovely. Most of our guests’ rooms were on two floors, which made it easy for us to connect. Arranging everything was easy and transparent from the start. I got accurate details, a great contract rate, and excellent communication. I have no complaints. The employees were amazing!