This was the second year in a row we stayed at this hotel for a week prior to Thanksgiving. We asked for our same room in advance and were happy to get it at check-in. Noticed a smoke smell in the hallway on the 5th floor and learned that the other wing of 5th floor was for smokers (we were at the far end of the non-smoking wing). We hadn't noticed a smell our first time here, so that was a surprise. The front desk clerk said they would be renovating the hotel and "maybe it would change." (I think he meant they may become an entirely non-smoking hotel.) The odor did not enter our room, so we didn't let it bother us.

Staff was friendly and professional, maids also gave us a nice greeting in the halls. Nice breakfast/lounge area off the front lobby, and wireless Internet works very well. Exercise room right off the lobby had a doctor's scale, which came in handy when we wanted to weigh our big suitcase before leaving for the airport.

Morning breakfast has a good selection, but I wish they had kept the hard-boiled eggs from last year. I also thought I remembered that last year we could get a small tray to take breakfast up to our room, but no trays this year.

Despite the above small problems, I'm giving this four stars because it's pretty much the only place in this area of Raleigh that is a quality operation with an affordable room rate. It's 1/2 block from Trader Joe's, so very convenient to get food for keeping snacks and beverages in the room frig. One block to Costco (we visit family when here). If they renovate, I'm very much hoping they don't raise the room rates, as we will stay here again if rates continue to be affordable.

To be fair, from what I was told, this hotel will be refurbished in the very near future. That said; I would not stay here again until it happens. Here are a few of the issues I had with the place:
1. No one was at the desk to check us in for 5-10 minutes, but there was someone playing on the computer behind the desk (not sure what his job is).
2. Water in coffee pot was luke-warm (would not disolve hot chocolate mix) which doesn't seem like a big deal unless your all the way up on the 5th floor like we were.
3. The elevator was slipping so when we reached the top floor it bounced up and down for about 15 seconds- not a pleasant experience. When I notified the person at the front desk he seemed almost disinterested. He made eye contact, but ignored me when another person approached the desk.
4. Vending machines would not accept bills.
5. The entire 5th floor smells like smoke...Big time!
6. The ironing board in the room was worthless.

Some of these items may seem trivial, but I expect more from Hampton Inn.

I did not give this hotel a 1 because I did not see any bugs however, this hotel has an entire floor dedicated to smokers. This is not a tall building! I understand that there are still people out there who do smoke however, since I do not smoke, I do not want to be subjected to anyone else's smoke residue. There were no non smoking rooms left and I had to sleep in a smoking room. The entire floor stunk. The room itself stunk.

The beds were lumpy and the mattress was wobbly. I did not use the amenities because they were no name brand and I don't need to be washing my hair with something that looks like dishwashing detergent. The room was shabby. The sheets were either stained with lipstick or dirty; Luckily there were two beds to choose from.

I have only stayed at a Hampton Inn one time before and I did not remember it to be this run down. I then realized that it was not all hotels since I have since stayed in a Hampton Inn in West Haven, CT (the same one I had stayed in previously) and was reminded that they are not all this run down. I am not disparaging the brand, just this particular hotel.

On a more positive note, the breakfast was fine and the coffee quite good.

I get to Raleigh about once a year and usually stay at the airport, but this time I needed to be closer to a specific business. A colleague recommended the Hampton Inn and I am very glad I listened to her. The woman who greeted me and checked me in did a great job of explaining the brand and it's guarantee.

I was at first turned off by by room location - directly across the hall from the elevator. I could hear doors opening & closing as well as building sounds and some elevator sounds until about 10:30 p.m., and some things awakened me during the night. Overall it was an "okay" night's sleep. It could have been because this was the last night of a 5 day trip and I miss my bed at home.

Shower height was good, bathroom was large, and the internet, coffee machine, and other basic amenities met my needs.