I've stayed here several times, but this was the first time after all of the hotel updates and renovations. They did a GREAT job, as the hotel looks nice, clean and very up-to-date. The lobby is very sleek, and looks great with the updates. There is a Starbucks right off the entry, and it's got great hours - opens very early (around 5 or 5:30) and stays open late.

The lobby restaurant is nice and quiet (hardly anyone ever there), but they serve the same menu as the sports bar, so the prices are actually decent. So if you want an inexpensive meal, don't want to leave the hotel, and don't want to deal with smoke found in a bar, then this is a great option. As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a Bahama Breeze next door, within easy walking distance. But any other restaurants are at least a short drive away. If you eat too much, the hotel has a really nice new fitness center and pool area - with plenty of treadmills, bikes, and weights. Didn't get too crowded, so plenty of space during the week.

The location of the hotel is great - right off 440 and only about 20 minutes to the airport by freeway. Plenty of parking - the parking lot(s) are huge and go all the way around the hotel. There is a covered drop-off point for check in as well. The hotel is also in a nice, clean, safe area. Plenty of room in the lobby and the front desk had 3 people there so check-in was quick and easy.

The rooms were nicely updated - hardwood floors in the entry, new closet doors, bedspreads, curtains, flat-screen TV, etc., and there is indeed plenty of desk room with which to work. That was nice - but it's also good to spread out if you have a lot of luggage. The bathrooms are also updated, good-sized bathtubs with the new curved shower curtain rods, which makes for even more space. I had a room with two double beds, but still PLENTY of space to move around.

If you have access to the concierge level (6th floor), the lounge is not too big, but it is cordoned off - you need your key to get in - and they have a really nice and plentiful selection for both breakfast and evening snacks (enough for dinner if you are not really hungry). It's also staffed so they do a good job about keeping tables cleaned off and things stocked.

SO - I "dined" in most areas of the hotel - at the restaurant (quiet, good prices), had coffee at the Starbucks, got food from the "pantry" area next to the front desk (that takes the place of the old hotel gift shop), and at the 6th floor lounge. All in all, not too bad.

The hotel does get good reviews for business travelers, but it would also be great for families - clean, safe, roomy, great fitness center with pool, and plenty of dining options. I would go out of my way to stay here again if in the Raleigh area.