Anonymous wrote:Stay at Notth Hills, either the Marriott AC or The Renaissance. Lots to do in the immediate area and just a few miles from NC State.

+1 - except the PP means "North" Hills. It's an upscale strip mall kind of thing but I agree good with kids the OP's ages.

Stay at Notth Hills, either the Marriott AC or The Renaissance. Lots to do in the immediate area and just a few miles from NC State.

With a 9 yo and 15 yo I would go somewhere else. Go to Hilton Head, DH can join for the front and back end of the trip.

Anonymous wrote:Friends of mine have liked the Aloft right across from NC State. I’ve never stayed at the Marriott right in the city center but it looks very nice.

I stayed in the Aloft. It was fine. Not exceptional but fine. The positive is that they have a great breakfast place right nearby.

Friends of mine have liked the Aloft right across from NC State. I’ve never stayed at the Marriott right in the city center but it looks very nice.

Any recs of really nice hotels to stay but not the price of Umstead?

Anonymous wrote:There is a family friendly restaurant called Cowfish. Burgers and sushi! Both kid favorites! No rez though. You have to put your name on a waitlist.

Another good option for lunch or dinner is Morgan Street Food Hall in downtown Raleigh. Around 15 vendors so plenty of choices to make everyone happy, and the food was good. Really cool old building.