Want to find hotels in Raleigh NC that capture the city’s true spirit? You’ve picked a great spot! The city has reshaped the scene with distinct districts. Award-winning restaurants, buzzing bars, museums, and shopping neighborhoods are just steps from your hotel.
The Triangle area offers impressive options that match your needs. Some travelers prefer luxury hotels with spa retreats in Raleigh NC, while others choose downtown locations for business convenience. The AC Hotel on Glenwood Avenue opened recently, and the lakeside StateView Hotel sits on NC State’s Centennial Campus. Your ideal choice depends on what you value most. Durham and Chapel Hill’s hotels round out the Triangle’s accommodation choices, each with its unique charm.
The Hampton Inn & Suites in Glenwood South Entertainment District makes a perfect base for nightlife enthusiasts. Families who need more space will find the Residence Inn downtown’s apartment-style rooms ideal. Raleigh’s position in the Research Triangle region brings together outstanding educational institutions and tech opportunities. The city welcomes visitors with warm locals and outdoor activities that blend with urban attractions. Let Metropolitan Shuttle guide you through the best places to rest while learning about the Southeast’s largest natural sciences museum!
The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
The Umstead Hotel and Spa sits among whispering Carolina pines on 12 acres of lakefront property. This sophisticated retreat in Cary stands as North Carolina’s crown jewel in luxury accommodation. The property is the state’s only Forbes Five-Star Hotel, making it one of the most prestigious addresses for guests visiting the Triangle area.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa features
The hotel amazes guests with 150 oversized rooms and suites. Each room gives you luxuries that turn an ordinary stay into something extraordinary. Every room has:
- Deep soaking bathtubs and separate standing showers
- Private balconies (in select rooms)
- VertuoLine Nespresso machines
- Mini-bars with local offerings
- Flat-screen smart TVs
- In-room tablet controls
Standard rooms start at a spacious 540 square feet. The premier Governor’s Suite offers 1725 square feet of top-floor luxury with beautiful lakeside views. The hotel’s 27 suites give you more living space with furnished patios, separate living rooms, and pull-out sofas for extra guests.

The property shows off its private fine art collection throughout the common areas. The 16,000-square-foot spa helps you relax with massage therapies, facial treatments, sauna, steam room, therapeutic whirlpool, and a meditation courtyard. Guests who love to stay fit can use the 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bikes and strength training equipment.
Herons restaurant ranks among only 42 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the country. James Beard Award semifinalist Steven Greene leads the kitchen, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa pricing
Luxury at The Umstead comes with standard room rates starting around $458 per night. Suites cost more, going up to $803 based on season and room type.
The hotel adds value with free amenities:
- Morning coffee and tea in the lobby (5:30am-9am)
- WiFi throughout the property
- Bicycle rentals with helmets and trail maps
- Shoe shine service
- Nightly turndown service
Extra costs include valet parking at $14 per night and a $200 cleaning fee for guests with pets. Hotel guests can use the spa facilities when booking treatments worth $175 or more.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa location and ambiance
The hotel’s location in Cary makes the entire Triangle region easy to reach. RDU International Airport is just six minutes away. PNC Arena takes 10 minutes to reach, while downtown Raleigh and Research Triangle Park are 15 minutes away.
Nature and luxury blend naturally at this property. The six-story hotel sits next to a three-acre lake on 12 acres of woodland. Many guests call it an “oasis” or “retreat”. Floor-to-ceiling windows show off views of tall pine trees. Walking trails circle the lake and give you quiet spots to reflect.
The hotel’s interior speaks of refined elegance. Original artwork, fresh flowers, and natural light fill the space. A welcoming fireplace greets you in the lobby. River rock, granite, bamboo, and glass elements create harmony with the surrounding nature.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa best for
Different types of travelers find their perfect stay at The Umstead:
Couples seeking romance love this hotel for special occasions. The spa offers couple’s treatments like “The Retreat” with dual massages and champagne. The property also ranks among the Southeast’s top wedding spots with over 10,000 square feet of event space.
Business travelers enjoy being close to Research Triangle Park. They get free WiFi, comfortable desks, and 24-hour room service. Four meeting rooms fit groups of various sizes, with the largest room spanning 4,015 square feet.
Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy the Forbes Five-Star spa facilities. Saturday morning yoga classes cost $30 per person. The seasonal outdoor pool comes with private cabanas.
Food lovers should try Herons’ acclaimed cuisine. Beyond regular menu items, they serve tasting experiences like “The Art Tour” – an eight-course menu inspired by the hotel’s art collection. Previous guests have called it “the meal of a lifetime”.
The Umstead stands out among Raleigh NC’s best hotels with its mix of luxury rooms, great service, and peaceful setting. Though city attractions stay close by, this lakeside haven feels far from the Triangle’s urban energy, making it different from the best hotels in Durham NC and downtown Raleigh.
Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown
The Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown stands out as a fantastic choice if you want downtown convenience with the comforts of home. This Silver LEED Certified hotel ranks among the best hotels in downtown Raleigh. Guest ratings tell the story clearly – an impressive 4.6/5 overall rating for both short stays and extended visits.
Residence Inn features
The Residence Inn takes pride in its all-suite layout that goes beyond regular hotel rooms. Each suite has:
- Fully-equipped kitchens with cookware, utensils, and appliances
- Complimentary wireless high-speed internet access
- 40-inch HD TVs
- Spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs
- Premium bedding
You’ll find several suite options that match your needs. The choices range from studio king rooms to one-bedroom queens with separate living areas. Some corner king suites even come with private balconies. Groups and families can opt for connecting rooms to create two-bedroom spaces.

Guests can work out at a state-of-the-art fitness center that overlooks South Salisbury Street. The property has three meeting rooms with 2,528 square feet of event space. The largest room fits up to 120 people theater-style.
This property stands apart from other luxury hotels in Raleigh NC thanks to its amazing dining options. Two restaurants call this hotel home: Overlook serves Contemporary American cuisine, while the spectacular 10th & Terrace rooftop bar and lounge steals the show. The rooftop venue welcomes guests with comfortable seating, clear views of the Performing Arts Center, and fusion small plates.
Starting your day right becomes easy with a complimentary full hot breakfast served daily. Guests love this perk, giving it a solid 4.5/5 rating for dining.
Residence Inn pricing
Room rates at the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown start around $199 per night. This mid-range price point among the best hotels in Raleigh NC delivers great value, given the suite-style rooms and included perks.
Extra costs you should know about:
- Self-parking: $18 per day in the attached garage
- Pet fee: $150 for stays of 1-5 days, plus $15 per day after that (maximum 2 pets under 75 pounds)
The hotel’s 4.4/5 value rating makes sense with money-saving features like:
- Free full breakfast daily (6:30-9:30am weekdays, 7-10am weekends)
- Complimentary wireless internet throughout
- Fully-equipped kitchens to cut dining costs
- Free grocery shopping service
Residence Inn location and ambiance
The hotel’s address at 616 South Salisbury Street puts you right in downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street district. Guests love this central spot, giving it an amazing 9.7/10 location rating. This score places it among the most convenient best hotels downtown Raleigh.
Here’s how close you’ll be to key spots:
- Raleigh Convention Center: 500 feet
- Red Hat Amphitheater: 0.2 miles
- State Capitol Building: 0.6 miles
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport: 18.8 miles
Modern design flows through this 10-story building. Guest reviews highlight the hotel’s cleanliness (4.8/5 rating) and overall comfort (9.5/10 rating).
The common areas feature a rooftop terrace with an outdoor fireplace. The 10th floor treats guests to stunning downtown views. A Silver LEED certification shows the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
Residence Inn best for
The Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown shines especially bright for:
Business travelers love the downtown business district location, equipped work desks, free WiFi, and 24-hour business center. Meeting spaces fit up to 120 people, and the Raleigh Convention Center sits just 500 feet away – perfect for conference attendees.
Extended-stay guests appreciate fully-equipped kitchens, free grocery shopping service, and roomy suite layouts. The hotel design creates a true “home away from home” feel for longer stays.
Couples rate this spot 9.7/10 for two-person trips. Many enjoy romantic evenings at the rooftop bar with city views. One guest called it “a great place for a weekend in Raleigh”.
Families get great value from suites with separate living areas and sofa beds. Kitchen facilities make meal prep easy, and the central location means quick trips to family spots like the Museum of Natural Sciences (0.7 miles away).
Event attendees benefit from being close to Red Hat Amphitheater (0.2 miles) and performing arts venues. A guest noted, “If you are going to a concert or sporting event at the PNC Arena (home of Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey), it is about an 18-minute drive”.
Comparing the best hotels in Durham NC to the best hotels downtown Raleigh, the Residence Inn excels at mixing comfortable accommodations with a prime location. The 4.6/5 overall guest rating proves this hotel delivers exactly what urban explorers need: spacious suites, convenient amenities, and easy access to downtown Raleigh’s attractions.
The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection
The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection sits at the heart of NC State’s bustling Centennial Campus. This state-of-the-art property blends academic excellence with luxury comfort. The official hotel of North Carolina State University stands out among luxury hotels in Raleigh NC.
StateView Hotel features
The property seamlessly combines technology and comfort throughout its 164 sleeping rooms and 3 suites. Each room has these amenities:
- Private bathroom with walk-in shower
- 49-inch flat-screen Smart TV
- In-room phone charger and wireless dock
- Refrigerator
- High-speed complimentary WiFi (for Marriott Rewards members)
- Personal safe
Room choices range from standard guest rooms to luxurious suites. The Presidential Suite catches everyone’s eye with lake views, a spacious living room, and an 8-seat in-room conference table. Natural light floods the Lakeside Corner King room through its dual-wall windows.
The property’s heated outdoor saltwater pool comes surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas. A 24-hour fitness center gives guests access to cardiovascular machines and free weights. Business guests can work from the state-of-the-art 24-hour business center with its cozy fireplace.
Flask & Beaker Restaurant showcases an open kitchen concept overlooking woodland and Lake Raleigh. Diners rate it 3.9/5, praising its locally inspired menu. The restaurant serves breakfast daily from 6:00am-12:00pm and dinner Friday-Saturday from 5:30pm-10:00pm.
StateView Hotel pricing
The StateView Hotel prices stay competitive with the best hotels in Raleigh NC. March and November typically offer better deals. Sunday and Tuesday stays cost less, while Wednesday rates run higher.
Value scores reach 8.3/10, thanks to several free perks:
- Self-parking in a convenient surface lot
- WiFi for Marriott Rewards members
- 24-hour fitness center access
- Noon checkout time
Guest satisfaction hits 4.1/5, showing mostly positive experiences with some service variations. Cleanliness scores shine at 4.4/5.
StateView Hotel location and ambiance
Located at 2451 Alumni Drive on NC State’s Centennial Campus, The StateView offers perfect access for university visitors. Lake Raleigh views greet guests from rooms and common areas. Location ratings soar to 9.1/10.
Notable distances:
- James B. Hunt Jr. Library sits 1 mile away
- Lonnie Poole Golf Course lies 0.3 miles away (7-minute walk)
- Central Raleigh stands 2.4 miles away
- North Carolina State University remains easily accessible
Academic energy meets natural beauty here. The back patio welcomes guests with lounge chairs and gas-lit fire pits overlooking the pool. A modern lobby provides plenty of space to gather.
The architecture reflects university ties through state-of-the-art design and interactive spaces. Guests love how the property honors NC State’s history while looking toward shared future possibilities.
StateView Hotel best for
University-connected travelers find exceptional value here. The Official Hotel of North Carolina State University serves these groups perfectly:
University visitors love the direct campus access. Parents, prospective students, and returning alumni can walk to campus destinations easily.
Business travelers appreciate 10,000 square feet of meeting space across 8 rooms. The largest room fits 400 guests, perfect for corporate events, interviews, or university functions. A 24-hour business center adds convenience.
Graduation attendees find The StateView perfect for North Carolina State University commencement weekends. The campus location eliminates travel stress during busy times.

Sports fans stay close to university athletic facilities. The gift shop stocks NC State merchandise for Wolfpack supporters.
Nature enthusiasts explore protected forest and walking trails around the property. A peaceful lakefront setting balances busy schedules.
Among downtown Raleigh and Durham NC hotels, The StateView creates its own space through campus integration. Location (4.5/5) and cleanliness (4.4/5) lead the ratings, while service reaches 4.2/5.
The StateView Hotel creates something special by mixing academic inspiration with upscale comfort. NC State visitors and those seeking state-of-the-art amenities in a peaceful setting will find this Autograph Collection property unique among Raleigh NC’s best places to stay.
The Durham Hotel, Downtown Durham
The Durham Hotel takes you back in time with its mid-century modern design. This historic 1968 bank building has been reshaped into one of the Triangle region’s most stylish boutique hotels. Right in the heart of downtown Durham, this independently owned gem blends vintage charm with modern comfort and stands out among the best hotels in Durham NC.
The Durham Hotel features
This boutique property welcomes guests with 53 thoughtfully appointed rooms, including four spacious suites. Each room comes alive with:
- Walk-in showers and private bathrooms
- City views through floor-to-ceiling windows
- Platform beds with Raleigh Denim custom blankets
- Morning delivery of freshly ground Counter Culture Coffee
- Refrigerator and snack trays stocked with North Carolina goods
- Burt’s Bees bedside gifts
The hotel’s distinctive amenities extend beyond your room. A stunning rooftop lounge showcases panoramic downtown views and serves craft cocktails with small plates in both indoor and outdoor settings. The street-level coffee bar welcomes guests from 7am to 9pm daily with Counter Culture coffee and Strong Arm Bakery pastries.
Guests can stay active at the 24-hour on-site fitness center or use complimentary passes to the Downtown Durham YMCA right behind the hotel.
The Durham Hotel pricing
This boutique gem’s room rates typically range from $251 on weeknights to $273 on weekend nights. July and December usually offer the best deals. Better rates pop up on Sundays and Tuesdays, while Thursday brings premium pricing.
Valet parking runs $24.75 per day. Public parking sits just a one-minute walk away. The hotel takes all major credit cards but not personal checks.
Parents can request cribs at no extra cost for children up to age 3. Kids under 12 stay free in existing beds.
The Durham Hotel location and ambiance
Located at 315 East Chapel Hill Street in downtown Durham, the hotel scores an impressive 9.7 out of 10 from couples for its location. Everything sits within easy reach:
- Carolina Theater (0.1 miles)
- Durham Performing Arts Center (0.3 miles)
- American Tobacco Campus (9-minute walk)
- Popular spots like M Sushi, M Kokko, and Alley Twenty Six
The hotel puts you 12 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and 3.1 miles from Duke University. The Triangle area spreads out before you.
The mid-century modern design celebrates the building’s 1968 roots. Original features remain untouched, from grand floor-to-ceiling windows to the curvilinear mezzanine. The bank’s massive safe door now serves as the main bar’s centerpiece. Custom geometric carpets, Moroccan tiles, and chandeliers inspired by Tokyo’s Okura Hotel create a unique atmosphere.
The Durham Hotel best for
The hotel shines especially bright for these guests:
Design enthusiasts love the preserved mid-century architecture and custom-designed furniture and lighting. Through collaboration with Los Angeles-based Commune Design, spaces feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Foodies can’t resist the restaurant’s seasonal menus that celebrate North Carolina’s farmers, cheesemakers, brewers, and fishermen. Local flavors come alive through morning coffee service, all-day dining, and rooftop cocktails.
Business travelers appreciate the central location, business center, and versatile meeting spaces that fit 6 to 70 people. A boardroom seats 10, while the mezzanine room offers 1,035 square feet for events.
Cultural explorers thrive on easy access to Durham’s theaters, museums, and dining scene. The hotel adds its own flair with jazz nights, rooftop yoga classes, and stargazing events.
Couples give the location a stellar 9.7 rating for two-person trips. Many rave about romantic evenings at the rooftop bar.
Among the best hotels in Raleigh NC and Durham NC, The Durham Hotel creates its own category. Independent ownership, historic significance, and deep cultural connections make this boutique gem more than a hotel – it’s Durham’s creative spirit brought to life.
The Mayton, Downtown Cary
Downtown Cary has a boutique gem that makes you feel right at home. The Mayton’s 44 rooms and suites create such a welcoming atmosphere that guests often say “It’s good to be back” – even during their first stay.
The Mayton features
This boutique hotel stands out from anything else you’ll find in the Triangle area:
- Each room has its own unique setup and personality
- Beautiful 1920s design styles range from Classic to Art Deco
- Beds feature triple-sheeted 400-thread count unbleached cotton sheets
- Natural, 100% vegetable-based toiletries
- Business-ready desks
- Flat-screen HDTVs
- Personal climate control
- Free WiFi throughout the property
The Mayton’s suite options include the roomy 800-square-foot Unity Suite. This space comes with a king bed, living room, and pull-out sofa that fits up to six guests comfortably.
Peck & Plume restaurant serves up refined American dishes with a great selection of wines, local beers, and craft cocktails. Guests can’t stop talking about the Grilled Caesar Salad with grilled chicken and the Biscuits and Gravy at brunch.
Relaxation comes naturally here. You can sip coffee or cocktails in The Study or take it easy on the Terrace. The wine cellar’s penny-tile floor blends modern style with vintage appeal.
The Mayton pricing
The hotel positions itself as a boutique luxury option in downtown Cary, though specific standard rates aren’t listed. Special packages and seasonal deals pop up throughout the year.
Extra touches add real value:
- Nightly turndown service includes chocolate truffles
- Surface lot and valet parking make life easier
- Tonic Remedies spa serves tea while you wait for treatments
The Mayton location and ambiance
Located at 301 South Academy Street in downtown Cary’s heart, this hotel makes a perfect home base for the Triangle region.
You can walk to several spots nearby:
- Cary Arts Center (0.1 miles)
- Downtown Cary Park (0.08 miles)
- SideBar (0.3 miles)
- Local breweries and restaurants
Research Triangle Park, NC State University, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport sit just minutes away – the airport takes less than 15 minutes to reach.
The Mayton feels like somewhere you belong. This Georgian-style hotel mixes luxury touches with green practices. Guests often mention how different it feels from typical hotels – more like coming home.
Colorful design elements and eye-catching architectural details fill the common spaces. A welcoming lobby features an electric fireplace and built-ins, while the charming library lets guests dine in cozy comfort.
The Mayton best for
The Mayton really shines for these guests:
Couples seeking romance love the intimate feel and charming design. Special occasions feel even more special here.
Business travelers appreciate the central location, work-ready desks, and tech setup. Three meeting rooms span 3,000 square feet, with the largest fitting 200 people – perfect for gatherings big and small.
Families enjoy the roomy suites with separate living spaces. A Junior Suite gives parents and kids extra room to spread out.
Local food enthusiasts love walking to downtown Cary’s restaurants and the hotel’s own dining spot. Monthly pub crawls sell out fast here.
The Mayton offers something special compared to other luxury hotels in Raleigh NC – a personal boutique experience that stands out among the best hotels in Durham NC and best hotels downtown Raleigh.
Comparison Table
Feature | The Umstead Hotel and Spa | Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown | The StateView Hotel | The Durham Hotel | The Mayton |
Room Count | 150 rooms, 27 suites | All-suite property (count not mentioned) | 164 rooms, 3 suites | 53 rooms, 4 suites | 44 rooms and suites |
Starting Price | $458/night | $199/night | Not mentioned | $251-273/night | Not mentioned |
Room Features | – Deep soaking tubs- Private balconies- Nespresso machines- Mini-bars- Smart TVs | – Full kitchens- 40-inch HDTVs- Work desks- Premium bedding | – 49-inch Smart TVs- Walk-in showers- Phone chargers- Refrigerator | – Floor-to-ceiling windows- Platform beds- Walk-in showers- Local snacks | – Triple-sheeted beds- Writing desks- HDTVs- Natural toiletries |
Dining Options | – Herons (Forbes Five-Star)- 24-hour room service | – Overlook restaurant- 10th & Terrace rooftop bar- Free breakfast | – Flask & Beaker Restaurant- Breakfast and dinner service | – Rooftop lounge- Coffee bar- Restaurant with local focus | – Peck & Plume restaurant- Wine cellar |
Notable Amenities | – 16,000 sq ft spa- 24/7 fitness center- Outdoor pool- Art collection | – Fitness center- Meeting spaces- Grocery service- Rooftop terrace | – Saltwater pool- 24-hour fitness center- 10,000 sq ft meeting space | – Rooftop lounge- YMCA access- Coffee delivery | – Spa services- Meeting rooms- The Study lounge |
Best For | – Couples- Business travelers- Wellness enthusiasts- Food lovers | – Business travelers- Long-term guests- Families- Event guests | – University visitors- Business travelers- Sports fans- Nature lovers | – Design enthusiasts- Food lovers- Business travelers- Cultural explorers | – Couples- Business travelers- Families- Food lovers |
Effortless Group Travel in Raleigh-Durham with Metropolitan Shuttle
Exploring Raleigh-Durham with your group becomes seamless when you choose Metropolitan Shuttle’s Raleigh Durham charter services. They offer convenient pickups directly from top hotels in the region. Whether you’re heading to a corporate event, a cultural attraction, or a local festival, their fleet—ranging from minibuses to full-size charter buses—ensures comfortable and timely transportation. With professional drivers and customizable itineraries, Metropolitan Shuttle takes the hassle out of group travel, allowing you to focus on enjoying the vibrant offerings of the Raleigh-Durham area.
Conclusion
Now you know all about the best places to stay in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary. These five amazing hotels each bring something special to your travel experience.
The Umstead shines as North Carolina’s crown jewel with its Forbes Five-Star rating and peaceful woods. Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown gives you roomy suites right in the heart of the city. The StateView brings high-tech comfort and academic spirit to NC State’s lively campus. Design enthusiasts love The Durham Hotel’s mid-century style and deep cultural roots. The Mayton feels just like home from the moment you walk in.
Your ideal hotel choice depends on what matters most to you. The Umstead is perfect if you want luxury spa days and amazing food. Need more space downtown? The Residence Inn has you covered. The StateView makes sense for NC State visitors. Want something with unique character? The Durham Hotel and The Mayton both create memorable stays with their own unique charm.
These hotels also put you close to everything the Triangle has to offer. You’ll find top restaurants, cool museums, and outdoor fun just minutes away.
Want to plan your Triangle trip? Check out our detailed guide to compare what each hotel offers, where they’re located, and what they cost. Book directly with the hotel to get the best deals and extras. Your perfect Raleigh-Durham-Cary adventure starts with picking the right place to stay!
FAQs
Q1. What are the best areas to stay in Raleigh?
Downtown Raleigh is highly recommended for its convenience, vibrant nightlife, and walkability. It offers easy access to major attractions, a variety of dining options, and numerous hotels. Other popular areas include the University Area near NC State, North Hills for young professionals, and Five Points for its central location and lively atmosphere.
Q2. How does Raleigh compare to Durham for visitors?
Both cities offer unique experiences. Durham is known for its eclectic vibe, excellent food scene, and proximity to major hospitals. Raleigh, as the state capital, offers more attractions, a strong economy, and a blend of small-town hospitality with urban amenities. Your choice depends on your preferences and the purpose of your visit.
Q3. What makes the Raleigh-Durham area so attractive to visitors and residents?
The Raleigh-Durham area is popular due to its strong economy, job opportunities, pleasant climate, and welcoming atmosphere. It combines urban amenities with a touch of Southern hospitality. The presence of renowned universities, a thriving tech scene, and diverse cultural offerings also contribute to its appeal.
Q4. What can visitors expect from downtown Raleigh?
Downtown Raleigh offers a vibrant urban experience with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy walkable streets, historic sites like the State Capitol, museums, theaters, and a diverse dining scene. The area also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Q5. Which hotels in Raleigh offer the best value for money?
While value can be subjective, hotels like the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown offer good value with suite-style rooms and amenities like free breakfast and WiFi. The StateView Hotel provides a unique experience on NC State’s campus at competitive rates. For luxury seekers, The Umstead Hotel and Spa, though pricier, offers exceptional amenities and service that many find worth the cost.