MainStay Suites Raleigh - Cary

The room had some updated furnishings, flooring, lights, and granite kitchenette counters, but cleanliness really fell short. There was a dirty towel hanging behind the door and hair in the tub. I saw maintenance and housekeeping cleaning a large amount of blood from the carpet and elevator after arriving, which was alarming enough to look like a crime scene. I told Alexis I wasn’t comfortable staying; she was professional and offered a refund of the dog registration fees, but my third-party booking was already too late for a room refund. I noticed transients around the property as well. I only needed a clean, comfortable, safe place while traveling for work, and this didn’t give me that sense of safety. The mattress could be firmer, and the pillows are small, though there are enough to double up. The beds are queen size. No continental breakfast. It was about $192 for three nights, so you get what you pay for, I suppose. I didn’t expect much, but a clean room and some feeling of safety seemed reasonable.

I’m a loyal Choice Privileges Elite Member, and I agree with Cortney Nicholson’s account of the rude service from the night clerk, CHASTITY. Cortney said the clerk hung up on her three times while she was asking for the general manager’s contact details. On one call, the clerk reportedly said the GM wasn’t there and wouldn’t speak with her even if he were, then hung up again. Cortney found the GM’s name, Hiran Parikh, through the reservation call center and hoped to discuss issues from previous stays. She said she’d spent thousands at this MainStay location, had never been treated that way before, and planned to escalate it to MainStay/ChoiceHotels corporate. She also said the clerk gave no name, but was working Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m. EST. I’ve had pleasant interactions with the other front desk staff here, but this kind of conduct is unacceptable. Hanging up while a customer is trying to share feedback is downright rude, and I’m taking my own bad experience to Choice Hotels/ MainStay Suites corporate too. As Cortney and other dissatisfied customers have said, CHASTITY has no business in customer relations. I’m not recommending this branch and will never stay here again. To the MainStay franchise owner, please listen to customer feedback and don’t rudely argue with people, even when their observations are negative. They’re trying to help improve the service and facilities. Cortney said she hadn’t raised her voice, used profanity, or spoken aggressively, and described the clerk’s attitude as contemptuous despite her long history as a guest. She wanted the employee reprimanded and hoped management would contact her about the hostility and misconduct. I share her view completely. 👎👎

I’d read all the negative reviews, so I wanted to add that my stay was good. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and the layout was handy, with a full-size fridge and countertop electric stove. No bugs either. The in-room sign said breakfast is no longer offered, although it’s still advertised as included. At $80 for the night, I can’t be mad about that. I’d come back.

The parking lot was dirty, and there was a strong marijuana smell in the halls and stairwells. I’d requested a handicapped room but was put on the second floor, even though the lot was empty. The elevator was broken, and there’s only one serving three floors. If I hadn’t paid for the room already, I would’ve left.