University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center
6/10 Okay
"When you allow dogs to stay on your property. The owners should be told that they can't leave them in the room by themselves if they aren't use to being by themselves. A dog was left by itself and barked for two hour disturbing everybody else."
"If this is what Sonesta Select Durham considers “guest-ready,” expectations need serious recalibration.
We booked one room, and within 30 minutes had to request another due to the complete lack of cleanliness and hygiene.
Room #1:
Not “a little dirty”—this was never cleaned.
Used disposable douche bottle in the shower
Feminine napkin strips on the bathroom floor
At that point, we weren’t guests—we were questioning sanitation standards.
We requested another room thinking it was a one-off.
Room #2:
Same issue, different layout.
Ceiling looked like it might cave in
Furniture torn up like it doubled as a scratching post
Black mold on the bathroom ceiling
Hair all over the floor
Hallways smelled strongly of cigarette smoke despite being a non-smoking facility.
We checked in on the 18th and checked out within 2 hours. That’s not a stay—that’s a failed inspection.
Ended up paying $650 at the DoubleTree nearby just to get a clean room—the bare minimum this hotel couldn’t provide.
Overall vibe? Less hotel, more hourly-use energy.
No exaggeration—if anything, this is restrained.
Final verdict:
If cleanliness matters at all, avoid this place."
What should a history enthusiast expect from a trip to Durham?
You'll probably want to seek out the historical sites while on vacation in Durham. While you're here, you might want to visit the college campus and array of shops. You can also relish a trip to the top-notch restaurants.
How many historically relevant hotels are there in Durham?
In Durham, you'll find 813 hotels and other accommodations bookable on Expedia but not many designated as historic hotels.
What are the most important historical places and other sights in Durham?
Durham is notable for landmarks like American Tobacco Campus, Wallace Wade Stadium, and Cameron Indoor Stadium. Cultural venues include Carolina Theatre, Museum of Life and Science, and African American Dance Ensemble. A couple of additional sights to add to your agenda are Durham Performing Arts Center and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
What is a historic hotel like in Durham?
By choosing a historic hotel, you can spend a night or two someplace that has an official historic designation. A castle, stately home, palace or even a pub, lodge, old police station, or skyscraper can be turned into a historic hotel provided that it has special significance. Traditional architecture and period features are typically preserved in the public spaces and guestrooms of these historic hotels in Durham, bringing the history to life.
What is the difference between a historic hotel and a heritage hotel?
These are quite similar. The term "historic hotel" is more common in the U.S., while you'll often hear "heritage hotel" in Asia and Europe. Historic hotels tend to emphasize the architecture and actual building. Mainly heritage hotels draw meaning from the cultural value that the place has and how it inspired the community.
Do historic hotels in Durham have modern facilities?
Yes, efforts are made to preserve historic facades and treasured traditions, but hotel interiors are fitted with modern conveniences and safety features. Tourists who book a stay can expect the usual amenities you'd get from a hotel such as private rooms with updated bathroom facilities, WiFi, and more. Booking a historic hotel in Durham doesn't mean you're picking a place that's rundown.