Planning a meeting and would like some suggestions on hotels that aren't too far from the airport yet are also close enough to shops/restaurants for people to walk to. Many thanks.

I'd stay at one of the hotels right around Crabtree Valley Mall ... Embassy Suites, Marriott, Homewood Suites, e.g., and you can then walk to the Mall. In and around the Mall, you have many good restaurants and lots of shopping, of course!

I would not consider walking across that very busy huge intersection at Crabtree Mall unless they've made it pedestrian friendly.

Agree with elsie tho, Embassy or Marriott.

It is a shame there isn't a hotel near the good restaurants downtown.

For a great dinner, try Margaux's.

GoTravel, the walk across Glenwood from Embassy is fine. I see people doing it all the time! Crossing Creedmoor is a little dicier, maybe ...

GoTravel,

You mentioned good restaurants downtown. I'm looking for one that's open on Sun. Any suggestions. Thanks!

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but I was getting no response to my restaurant question.

I really like 518 West and the 42nd Street Oyster Bar.

The South End Brewery also has good food.

They aren't actually downtown but close enough.

Thank you so much!!

Southend Brewery is closed. It is now 1705 Prime and very good, but expensive.

In the next few years there will be plenty of hotels downtown as Raleigh is paying for suburban growth while DT catches up. Crabtree is probably the best idea for now. In 6-12 months, North Hills would be the place as they are building a 4star New Renaissance Hotel within crawling distance of shops, restaurants, movie theater and such. But will be another 6-112 months.

For DT restaurants, depends on what level of food. Fins moved DT and it is one of the best restaurants in NC but expensive. Also Sullivan’s is on GlenwoodSouth near 411. A great bar/jass club for older adults 30/40/50 year olds is Amra's on Glenwood South.

The walk from Embassy to Crabtree is very safe. There is a huge crosswalk with I think crossing signals. I see people all the time and my company puts people there so they can walk to Crabtree. Just wait for the red light.