Stayed at Fairfield Inn RDU/RTP for two recent business trips (both 2 night stays) and have another stay planned next week. The hotel staff was friendly - always said hello as I entered or exited the building. Free breakfast each a.m. offering bagels, toast, fresh fruit, cereal, waffles, juice, coffee, etc. (and the Jimmy Dean sandwiches if that suits...)
Rooms were surprisingly large (go for the executive king - it has a sofa/sitting area). They were clean and beds were pretty comfortable - lots of pillows. Marriott beds are typically softer than Sheraton or Hilton beds, but these beds were nice (fairly new I think). Free high speed internet in the room is always nice. I apparently reached Marriott silver status during one of my stays so they placed a few candies and a thank you note in my room upon arrival which was a pleasant surprise.
Hotel is convenient to the airport, local office parks, and I-40. Downtown Raleigh and Downtown Durham each about 20 mins away. They offer a free airport shuttle - though if you need to get around locally I'd suggest renting a car. Plenty of food within walking distance as well - Steak House, Waffle House, Scholtzky's Deli, Hooters, Bojangles, Wendy's, pizzeria, Outlet Mall food court, and O'Mulligans sports bar. Keep in mind most of these places close pretty early (11pm/12am - but Waffle House and two gas stations/mini marts are open 24 hours if you arrive late and need sustinance).
Overall, the Fairfield Inn by Marriott RDU met my needs for all my trips- at $139/night with free breakfast, free internet, free parking, and a pool I had no complaints!
