Name: University Inn Duke
Address: 502 Elf Street, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America, Durham, North Carolina, US
Price range: US$108–US$164 per night
Rating: 8.65

What guests think

At University Inn Duke, reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, spacious rooms, and a highly convenient location steps from Duke Hospital, though the experience is simple and geared toward hospital visits rather than full-service amenities.

Many guests highlight the free weekday shuttle as a big help for appointments. Common downsides include very small bathrooms, thin walls and hard floors that carry noise, and tight paid parking. There is no breakfast or restaurant, but coffee and a small lobby market offer basic options. Overall, expect a no-frills, convenience-first stay tailored to Duke medical visits.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: a free weekday shuttle covers nearby areas, on-site parking is tight and carries an added fee, and a small lobby market with coffee is available; there is no breakfast or on-site restaurant.

Related guest reviews

10

Asami

22 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

They had free shuttle service to near by location on weekdays. Staffs were very friendly and nice!

8

David

19 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location of this property is convenient and the staff is always friendly (we stay here because it is close to Duke University which our children attend). The rooms are always clean, but the hotel is intended to serve families of those in local hospitals. Although the hallways have a "quiet time" - the lack of carpet in hallways does make the place noisy. Also, parking under the building is super tight!

10

william

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

no breakfast but free shuttle to duke and downtown durham

8

Kerri

23 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There is a parking fee that they charge when you arrive that we did not know about. They charge $10.00 to park in their lot when you stay with them, in addition to the price to stay in their hotel.

10

joyce l

4 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient to Durham Bulls stadium. Nice size rooms with plenty of pillows. Clean. Parking is tight but convenient and free for 1 car. If you need to park more than one car, it is $8/day or you can park across street. Hospital is within walking distance. Hotel does not have breakfast but does provide snacks you can purchase.

10

Regina

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were spacious, clean and quiet. And the proximity to Duke Cancer Center was a big plus! Each room had a refrigerator and microwave. And the common area had a pantry, offering beverages, microwaveable meals and snacks.

10

FRED

16 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This property is excellent except for the parking. The parking is limited (although there is a parking garage across the street).

10

Mahmoud

4 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was an amazing experience! Nice room, nice people, and nice services. The shuttle to and from Duke is awesome. Definitely will stay again here!

8

Patty

16 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel caters to folks using Duke hospital. Rooms are large & include a fridge in the sitting area. & microwave. There is no restaurant, which was my main problem. There are snacks and a few frozen microwave meals for sale at double the usual price in the lobby.The hotel does offer a free shuttle service within 3 miles, which is wonderful as the area is busy and confusing and parking is difficult.

10

Guy

23 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super convenient hotel at a very reasonable price near the Duke medical complex. Spacious rooms, lots of light, and great equipment—huge TV, mini-fridge and microwave. Friendly staff. The only downside is that there is not much around except commercial buildings, and not much (restaurants, stores, whatever) within walking distance, which is a problem if you do not have a car. However, the free shuttle service to anywhere in a two-mile radius is great (weekdays only) and really helps.

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Cleanliness

Reviews consistently describe the hotel as very clean and well maintained, with housekeeping praised throughout stays. A few guests reported isolated lapses with linens.

Related guest reviews

10

Patricia

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

This is perhaps one of the cleanest hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in. The beds are very comfortable and the shower is powerful. The staff is friendly and the room was cleaned every day! Much better than anticipated!

10

Nancy

11 Dec 2022

·

This place was immaculate. I mean everything to linens and the towels they all smell so good like they were just taken off of a clothesline really fresh and whatever I would definitely recommend this place to someone and I would definitely go back and stay again..There was no dust anywhere!

10

Donovan

21 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Exceptionally clean room and great servce

10

Diane

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Always the best cleanest hotel ever. A+

10

Sheila

9 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone was very nice. The hotel was very clean.

4

Ian

14 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Dirty bed sheets and floor. Got bit by something. Had to use the spare linens for the pullout.

10

William

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean. Comfortable beds, nicely updated property.

10

Julie

14 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

My mother and I were in awe of this place. Very nice from the time we walked in until we left. Don't think I've ever been to a more clean place EVER!!! Would definitely stay again!!

10

Sarah

7 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I have never stayed in a hotel this clean. This place is perfection at its best. The staff was professional and friendly. I couldn't ask for more.

2

Douglas

31 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Called and emailed front desk 30 minutes after late check in due to finding pillow in this condition, photo attached

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Rooms

Rooms are notably spacious and include a microwave and fridge, but bathrooms are very small and in-room coffee makers are typically absent. Thin walls and hard floors mean hallway and elevator noise can carry.

Related guest reviews

10

Stephen

19 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is literally right next to the hospital and the Duke campus is a short walk. When you enter the room there is a tiny room to the right with the toilet and the tub. To the right there is a larger room with the mirror and sink and a place to hang clothes. As you continue into the room it is huge. It must be like 20x20. There were two beds, a couch, an easy chair, a table and chairs , and like a wet bar with sink, microwave, and refrigerator, and a TV. And there was room between all these things. Room to dance if that is your thing. The walk to the football stadium was very doable. Staff were all personable and helpful. All in all, my go to place if I come back to Duke for another football game.

10

Heather

23 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was easy to find and checking into hotel was quick. Rooms were spacious and clean but bathroom extremely small.

10

Leo

14 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was large and well cleaned - staff friendly and professional

8

Alicia

14 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, seems to have been renovated/updated very recently. Rooms were spacious. It was a convenient in-between location for meetings in Raleigh and Chapel Hill. While the staff wasn’t very friendly initially, the woman who checked me in was kind and graciously moved me when my neighbors continued to blast their TV, which brings me to my biggest concern: the whole place has LVP for the floors, which makes for a very clean and nice look but doesn’t do much for sound. Overall, I feel mixed- I would consider staying again, though.

10

Sabrina

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was much bigger than I expected!! Was clean and comfortable

10

Valeria

29 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

One of the cleanest hotels I have ever stayed at and very friendly and accommodating staff. Only thing I missed was an in room coffee maker even though the room had a kitchette. They provide complimentary coffee but u have to go down to the lobby

8

EUGENE

18 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

very convient to DUKE MEDICAL CNT ONLY 4 MINITUES TO MEDICAL CIRCLE STAFF VERY FRIEDLY CLOSE TO DINNING LOCATION ONLY PROBLEM FOUND BATHROOM TO BE VERY TIGHT

10

Regina

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were spacious, clean and quiet. And the proximity to Duke Cancer Center was a big plus! Each room had a refrigerator and microwave. And the common area had a pantry, offering beverages, microwaveable meals and snacks.

6

Gianna

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room and halls smelled very clean and I had a good experience at reception. The hard floors are pretty loud, and I could hear every word spoken in the room joined to mine. Surprised they charge for parking given the cost to stay per night, but they do list that on the site. Overall, it was fine.

8

Mark

22 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Thin floors and walls. I could hear each person walk down the hallway. And light shown all around my door not sealing tightly. The room was clean and comfortable. Service was very pleasant and quick for both check in and check out.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff and shuttle drivers are widely described as friendly, helpful, and efficient, with easy check-in. Occasional reports cite unfriendly encounters or unmet requests.

Related guest reviews

10

Denise

18 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone was so friendly. Very clean and the room was real nice! We loved the shuttle and the wonderful, helpful and friendly driver. Plan to stay next time my son has his return visit to Duke University Medical Center.

10

Alan Hai-Eng

14 Mar 2025

·

Friendly and helpful staff

8

Samantha

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

For everyone I interacted with in the very social reception area, it was the proximity to the hospital that brought them to this inn. , same for me, but the feature that I appreciated most because of the new sickness that has been ruling my days for the past 6 mos., vertigo, Ireally was grateful for that 1,5 min. shuttle. The two desk clerks I worked with went above and beyond to be kind and helpful, and it was obvious with the frequently returning guests

10

Tamatha

14 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean and the staff were welcoming and helpful! Thanks so much for a relaxing stay.

10

Joseph

4 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Staff was excellent! Friendly and helpful.

2

Tracey

19 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I requested that a crib be placed in my room prior to booking. Upon arrival I was told at the front desk that they seen my request but they only had one baby crib in the hotel and it was being used. They had another one but it was broken. The front desk staff did not make any attempts at fixing the situation. I had to ask for extra pillow cases and push the bed up against the wall to put on the bed to make a barrier so my baby would not fall off the bed. There was also a $10 additional fee for parking that I was not informed about until I arrived. The parking spot were very small.

10

Jeremy

1 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The friendly service and the cleanliness go far beyond what a person might expect for the price. These folks earn their success.

10

KerrieAnn

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Conveniently located from RDU airport. Was able to walk to food court less than 10m. Easily accesible to downtown by uber or Lyft. Front desk staff were kind and attentive, especially Cherise

2

Olivier

19 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

"Incredibly inept staff! Both at the reception and in housekeeping, there's a complete lack of professionalism. Housekeeping even entered my room while I was sleeping. It's evident they lack concern and exploit the facility's proximity to DUKE University, assuming that guests will tolerate it due to the convenient location."

10

mary

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were very friendly. Check in was easy. Parking was convenient.

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Location

The location is highly convenient—right by Duke University Hospital and walkable to campus—with a weekday shuttle extending reach. Some guests noted traffic or exterior noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Brad

10 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Very close to Duke University Hospital.

8

Wayne

19 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location but a bit noisy from close vehicle traffic. Also, the heating system wasn’t to easy to adjust so the room stayed on the warm side.

10

Nancy

12 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. Convenient to Duke Medical Center.

10

Sara

16 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Across street from Duke University Hospital.

10

Eileen

4 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This room was perfect for an overnight stay while my husband was in the hospital. The room was clean and comfortable and the hotel was a short walk to the hospital.

10

Gerald

15 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Well maintained and very conveniently located to Duke Medical Center and University.

10

Robert

5 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was a fine place for us to stay within 2 blocks of Duke University Hospital. The staff were extremely nice and worked with us on our nightly stay as we didn't know how long we would be there. Free coffee downstairs and the room was huge! I have no complaints about the University Inn Durham.

10

Karen

21 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location

10

Karla

26 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed at this hotel due to its proximity to Duke University Hospital. Even on the 4th floor, traffic was loud. Thank goodness for earplugs!

10

Guy

23 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super convenient hotel at a very reasonable price near the Duke medical complex. Spacious rooms, lots of light, and great equipment—huge TV, mini-fridge and microwave. Friendly staff. The only downside is that there is not much around except commercial buildings, and not much (restaurants, stores, whatever) within walking distance, which is a problem if you do not have a car. However, the free shuttle service to anywhere in a two-mile radius is great (weekdays only) and really helps.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

There is no breakfast or on-site restaurant. Lobby coffee and a small market with snacks and frozen meals provide basic options, and the shuttle helps reach nearby dining.

Related guest reviews

10

william

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

no breakfast but free shuttle to duke and downtown durham

6

Pierre

1 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Really basic box with new floors and furniture. Scant decor. Never could get any hot water out of the shower. No problem with sink. No coffee maker in room. No breakfast. Coffee in lobby only, Overpriced considering no breakfast and really basic appointments. Property website linked to 3rd party booking service. Better rates available by booking direct but no direct reservation link or phone nr. Tight covered parking slots a joke. They invite fender benders.

10

Valeria

29 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

One of the cleanest hotels I have ever stayed at and very friendly and accommodating staff. Only thing I missed was an in room coffee maker even though the room had a kitchette. They provide complimentary coffee but u have to go down to the lobby

6

Benjamin

2 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was no food other than pay as you go fruit and small pastries.

10

joyce l

4 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient to Durham Bulls stadium. Nice size rooms with plenty of pillows. Clean. Parking is tight but convenient and free for 1 car. If you need to park more than one car, it is $8/day or you can park across street. Hospital is within walking distance. Hotel does not have breakfast but does provide snacks you can purchase.

10

Regina

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were spacious, clean and quiet. And the proximity to Duke Cancer Center was a big plus! Each room had a refrigerator and microwave. And the common area had a pantry, offering beverages, microwaveable meals and snacks.

10

Alane

1 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved this hotel! It was spotless, quiet, spacious, and kind. We appreciate the water bottle filler and snack options in the lobby as well as the separate shower & sink areas and ample fridge space in the rooms!

8

Robert

21 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I had a family event in Durham and this was an affordable option. Rooms were big and clean, but no amenities that you would expect from a hotel chain. Its guests are mainly people getting treated at Duke Hospital. Parking was not a problem and the hotel had a free shuttle for a 3 mile radius. There is no restaurant at the hotel, but places to eat nearby if you have a car or use the shuttle. The room was a little "spartan", but had a nice tv, fridge, and microwave.

8

Patty

16 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel caters to folks using Duke hospital. Rooms are large & include a fridge in the sitting area. & microwave. There is no restaurant, which was my main problem. There are snacks and a few frozen microwave meals for sale at double the usual price in the lobby.The hotel does offer a free shuttle service within 3 miles, which is wonderful as the area is busy and confusing and parking is difficult.

10

Guy

23 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super convenient hotel at a very reasonable price near the Duke medical complex. Spacious rooms, lots of light, and great equipment—huge TV, mini-fridge and microwave. Friendly staff. The only downside is that there is not much around except commercial buildings, and not much (restaurants, stores, whatever) within walking distance, which is a problem if you do not have a car. However, the free shuttle service to anywhere in a two-mile radius is great (weekdays only) and really helps.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$111
February	US$113
March	US$106
April	US$118
May	US$124
June	US$110
July	US$107
August	US$102
September	US$117
October	US$130
November	US$123
December	US$111

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $117	16 $116	17 $125	18 $133	19 $131
20 $111	21 $130	22 $123	23 $130	24 $129	25 $138	26 $135
27 $120	28 $130	29 $133	30 $127

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $130	2 $153	3 $158
4 $125	5 $133	6 $131	7 $120	8 $155	9 $164	10 $161
11 $108	12 $129	13 $127	14 $131	15 $147	16	17
18 $124	19 $121	20 $129	21 $131	22 $117	23 $139	24 $139
25 $113	26 $132	27 $125	28 $126	29 $117	30 $135	31 $136

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Kitchenette

Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about University Inn Duke

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