Trip to Duke Univ Eye Center
 

Taking my elderly, vision impaired mother to Durham, NC in December for an appointment at the Duke Center for Macular Degeneration. The Center recommended three hotels -- Hilton, Hampton and Brookwood Inn. Any comments, suggestions, warnings are appreciated. Also, we will probably fly, as we live in Northwest Florida. Would we need to rent a car, or just take a taxi from the airport? The Hilton and the Hampton are supposed to have a shuttle to the Eye Center. If she is approved for the surgery, we will be making several more trips up over the next four months. Thanks for your help.

The airport is close to Durham - and not far (maybe 15 to 20 minutes) as long as it's not rush hour from most if the Duke facilities.

If the center recommended those hotels, I'd say they are OK since I am sure they would have feedback from others who have stayed there.

I would either take a taxi since driving in Durham is no fun and it's not too far from the airport. Be sure to call whatever hotel you chose to make sure the shuttle hours accommodate your plans.

The area most of the Duke facilities is in is safe, but I would not venture out on my own at night. It's extremely easy to get lost there if driving due to so many nameless medical facilties.

I'd probably elect the Hilton as you can get room service if you're too tired to go out for dining and they have an in-house restaurant.

Brookwood Inn is very bare bones. Wouldn't want to stay there. Hilton seems like a good choice. And, as an aside, you'll get excellent care at the Duke eye center. My husband works there!

The hilton is probably your best choice. Lets just say that Durham is not the crown jewel of the Triangle and you wouldn't want to be in one of the less desireable places. Durham is a decent city for the adventurous or well-armed.

Yes, Durham has crime. So does EVERY city. I've lived in Durham for 5 years and haven't been a victim of crime. When I lived in Chapel Hill, I was. Yes, it's not true of everyone, but it's what happened to me.

I would say rent a car. I'm not sure of taxi prices, but if you want to have a meal other than the hotel, or go to a shopping center while mom is resting, it would be easier if you had a car.

I live in Durham and recommend getting a car if you want to be able to get around at all other than going to the clinic and hotel. You can drive to the clinic from the airport quite easily if not during rush hour. Just take Interstate 40 west and veer right onto 147 (the Durham Expressway). You can exit 147 right at the hospital. The Web site probably has a map. I think those hotels are in decent enough neighborhoods. Durham does have a bad rep for crime, partly deserved, just as New York's is partly deserved. But just like with New York, it is much safer than a lot of people think.