University Inn Duke

Hotels
8.7 (924 reviews)
502 Elf Street , Durham , us
+1 919-286-4421

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Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Heating
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Laundry
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Cleanliness
Location
Friendly staff
Shuttle service
Cons:
No breakfast bar
Parking fees
Noise from thin walls

Categories

Cleanliness
8.48
Room was mostly clean, but thin walls caused noise disturbances.
Service
9.05
Several comments highlight friendly and efficient staff.
Location
9.29
Many guests praised the hotel's proximity to Duke and other amenities.
Room Quality
8.74
Rooms were generally described as clean and spacious.
Amenities
8.57
Shuttle service appreciated, though some expected breakfast options.
Value for Money
8.73
Good value based on cleanliness and location, but parking fees noted.
Food and Beverage
7.78
Lack of breakfast options and paid parking impacted perception.
Overall Experience
8.95
Overall feedback indicates a pleasant stay with noted concerns.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 14:51

Property Description

Charming Boutique Hotel near Duke University Medical Center

Convenient Amenities: Enjoy the convenience of a free transfer service to the hospital, along with in-room microwave, refrigerator, cable TV, and free WiFi.

Exceptional Services: Benefit from a 24-hour front desk, on-site laundry facilities, and a complimentary local area shuttle service on weekdays.

Nearby Attractions: Explore Durham easily with a short drive to Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Thomas Executive Conference Center, or take a leisurely stroll to Sarah P Duke Gardens.

Book your stay at University Inn Duke for a comfortable and well-equipped experience in Durham.

Important information:

Please note the hotel provides a free transport to/from hospitals, clinics and other locations within a limited radius, between the hours of 07:00 - 21:00. Guests are kindly requested to contact the hotel for further details.

One parking pass for one vehicle will be provided per reservation, passes for additional vehicles will have a cost of $8 per day.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: RDU

Location

Guest Reviews

8.7
Based on 924 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.48
Service: 9.05
Location: 9.29
Room Quality: 8.74
Amenities: 8.57
Value for Money: 8.73
Food and Beverage: 7.78
Overall Experience: 8.95
J
John • family_with_children • us
8
See above. Good but prices have risen
Pros:

Coffee was good and free. The rest required payment, so I brought my own.

Cons:

I think there should be a free breakfast and parking included in price. It is getting a little expensive.overall good but has gotten more expensive than 1 year ago

2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
A
Alex • couple • us
3
This place is grim.
Pros:

Location, parking.

Cons:

It’s dingy, bleak, charmless.

2026-08-02 • via Nuitee
R
Ricky • couple • us
7
Nice Hotel
Pros:

Clean

Cons:

Nothing breakfast would have been nice

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • couple • us
10
Pros:

We have always used this hotel when we have appointments at Duke medical. Staff takes good care of us and bed is comfortable and clean

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
D
Divya • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

The staff was really lovely - especially Cherriece! Also the shuttle service was incredible - thank you for the lovely stay

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • couple • us
9
2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
W
William • couple • us
7
Efficient
2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
E
Eckley • couple • us
8
2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • us
8
Perfect for an overnight stay close to the hospital.
Pros:

Proximity to the hospital

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • couple • us
5
Great location, served its purpose.
Pros:

Great location to access medical facilities. It was very clean. The bed was comfortable.

Cons:

Staff was less than interested in being there or doing their job. A/C was blowing cold air but only a few inches from the vent while on high, never cooled the room. Only washing machine on our floor was broken.

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
E
Evelyn • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

The room was comfortable and clean. Close to the hospital.

Cons:

At the should be free. The parking lot had tight parking spots.

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
T
Tineshia • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

I liked the hotel, the room, and the staff was wonderful.

2026-06-21 • via Nuitee
B
Brandy • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

It was close to the hospital.

Cons:

The walls are very thin. I was at the other end of the hall from the elevator and could hear it ding when it arrived on the floor. The woman that checked me in acted like I was a bother. And charging for parking is crazy!

2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
R
Ryan • couple • us
9
2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
M
Michelle • solo_traveller • kw
7
2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
R
Russell • solo_traveller • gb
5
Just OK (and broken aircon)
Pros:

Well located for hospital and Duke University. Shuttle bus.

Cons:

The air con unit in the room was exceptionally noisy and ineffective during a hot week. Not being used to AC I didn’t realise until I encountered the same unit in a different hotel the day after I left.

2026-06-14 • via Nuitee
M
Marlise • solo_traveller • us
10
This was my second time staying here. Great value for money and truly the most hygienic and clean room I’ve ever stayed
Pros:

Super clean room!! Comfortable bed and great location to the university.

2026-06-14 • via Nuitee
R
R_and_R_Oxon • Business
4
Just OK (and broken aircon)
Pros:

Well located for hospital and Duke University. Shuttle bus.

But the air con unit in the room was exceptionally noisy and ineffective during a hot week. Not being used to AC I didn’t realise until I encountered the same unit in a different hotel the day after I left.

2026-06-13 • via Tripadvisor
F
Fullana • solo_traveller • es
9
2026-06-11 • via Nuitee
M
Margaret • couple • us
8
Functional and clean room without frills.
Pros:

I had surgery at Duke and the hotel was close and when contacted, I was assured they had a recliner in their suite room category. The room was clean an worked for our needs. The room was huge. We were able to check in earlier and that was nice since I had just had out patient surgery.

Cons:

It was a very minimal room. I thought getting a suite would include a kitchenette. It had a sink, microwave and fridge. But, the room had lots of empty space where a kitchenette could have been. There was no breakfast options unless we wanted to buy cookies. I thought the cost of the room was high. My husband and I have stayed in less expensive rooms that were nicer.

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee