University Inn Duke Durham Exterior photoUniversity Inn Duke Durham Exterior photoUniversity Inn Duke Durham Exterior photo

UNIVERSITY INN DUKE, Durham

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Check rooms and rates
From$90 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

502 Elf Street, Durham, 27705-
Close to 9th Street District

Key Highlights

Directly across the street from Duke University Medical Center and within a 5-minute walk to the main hospital entrance.

Complimentary shuttle service Monday through Friday covering a 5 km radius, including Duke University and the VA Hospital.

Spacious rooms and suites with microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and hard-surface laminate floors for superior cleanliness.

On-site guest laundry and 24-hour front desk for flexible arrivals.

Private on-site parking available for US$10 per day, with one space per room included on a reservation basis.

Hotel Details

Location

Across from Duke University Medical Center, a 5-minute walk from the hospital entrance and a 15-minute walk from Sarah P Duke Gardens.
The University Inn sits directly across the street from Duke University Medical Center and is the closest hotel to the hospital. Duke Clinics, the Durham VA Medical Center, Duke Eye Center, Medical Pavilion, Duke Cancer Center, Duke University, and Cameron Indoor Stadium are all within walking distance. Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the Thomas Executive Conference Center are a 5-minute drive away. The surrounding area is residential but offers a handful of nearby restaurants within a short walk or drive; several more options on Erwin Road and Hillsborough Road are about 5 minutes away by car. Free street parking nearby can be limited, but the hotel's on-site private parking is available for a daily fee. A 20-minute walk reaches supermarkets and the broader Duke campuses.

Accommodation

Spacious rooms and suites with hard-surface laminate floors, microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs. All rooms feature uncarpeted floors for easy cleaning.
Accommodation options include King Rooms with one king bed and seating, Double Rooms with two queen beds, and Suites with either two queen beds or one king bed, a sofa seating area with recliner, a small breakfast table, and a wet bar with microwave and refrigerator. All units have a 32-inch or 42-inch flat-screen TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, air conditioning, and heating. Bathroom layouts place the sink separate from the shower and toilet, so you need to walk through the main room to access the sink after showering. Some bathrooms have safety rails. The laminate flooring contributes to very high overall cleanliness but also means noise from the corridor and adjacent rooms travels easily. Road-facing or high-traffic rooms may be noisier, though quiet hours (10 pm-8 am) are posted and generally observed. Beds tend to be firm, and pillow comfort varies; some find them too hard. A work desk and ample living space make the rooms practical for longer medical stays or campus visits.

Dining

No on-site restaurant. Complimentary coffee and tea are available in the lobby, and a pantry offers snacks, microwave meals, and drinks for purchase.
There is no restaurant or breakfast service at the hotel. The lobby pantry stocks a range of items including snacks, danishes, muffins, cereal, fruit, frozen and microwaveable meals, coffee, tea, and drinks for purchase. Free coffee and hot water are provided in the lobby throughout the day. A water filter station is also available. For a fuller meal, several nearby restaurants on Erwin Road and Hillsborough Road are about 5 minutes away by car, and third-party food delivery services are accessible. The front desk also keeps a listing of local restaurants. Guests seeking a breakfast restaurant can find options on Erwin Road and Hillsborough Road approximately 5 minutes away.

Wellness and Leisure

No spa, pool, or fitness centre on site. The surrounding area offers walking access to Duke Gardens and the Duke University campus.
The hotel does not have a spa, swimming pool, or fitness centre. For leisure and relaxation, Sarah P Duke Gardens is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the Duke University campus with its gardens, chapels, and stadiums is within walking distance. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is a 5-minute drive away. The lobby also features a small lending library for guests.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, on-site guest laundry, and a weekday shuttle service to Duke medical facilities and a 5 km radius.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The 24-hour front desk assists with check-in, luggage storage, taxi reservations, and local recommendations. The complimentary shuttle runs Monday through Friday from 7 am to 9 pm on a first-come, first-served basis within a 3-6 km radius, serving Duke University, Duke Hospital, Duke Cancer Center, Cameron Indoor Stadium, VA Hospital, and downtown Durham. Private on-site parking is available for US$10 per day (one car per room; reservation needed). Guest laundry facilities are on site for an additional charge. Daily housekeeping is included free of charge. Pets are allowed; charges may apply. The hotel has an elevator and some accessible rooms (3 double suites with wheelchair-accessible showers). Designated smoking areas are available outside.
Highly rated by guestsof University Inn Duke
Spacious roomComfortable bedHelpful staffFree shuttle serviceConvenient location
  • Guest Parking

    Easy Parking

    “Parking was super convenient, right by the front door. I paid a $10 fee, but it was worth it.”

    Kevin from Canada
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Home Away

    “The room felt like home, with a good-sized fridge, microwave, and even an ironing board.”

    Maria from Spain
    Review on
  • Bathroom

    Compact space

    “While the room was large, the bathroom space felt a bit small, but functional for the stay.”

    Rajesh from India
    Review on
  • Dining

    Coffee Perks

    “No in-room coffee maker, but free coffee in the lobby was a nice touch!”

    Ingrid from Sweden
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Check-in is from 15:00; check-out until 11:00. Late check-out may be requested but is not guaranteed.
  • Parking costs US$10 per day per car; reservation is required. Parking passes are issued per reservation.
  • Pets are allowed but may incur additional charges depending on the length of stay.
  • Cancellation policy varies by rate plan; most plans allow cancellation until 4 pm the day before arrival.
  • A valid ID and credit card are required at check-in; cash payments are accepted with a valid ID and credit card for incidentals.
  • Minimum check-in age is 18 years.
  • Deposits may be required during special events such as graduation or alumni weekends.

Most popular facilities

at University Inn Duke
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour services
Laundry
TV
Lift

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Book directly with the hotel to access the medical rate for patients and to avoid potential third-party parking fees.

  • 02

    Use the complimentary weekday shuttle (Mon-Fri, 7 am-9 pm) for hassle-free transport to Duke medical facilities and local destinations within 3-6 km.

  • 03

    Request a quiet room away from elevators and high-traffic areas if you are a light sleeper, as sound carries easily through the uncarpeted hallways.

  • 04

    Plan to purchase snacks, microwave meals, and drinks from the lobby pantry or use third-party delivery, as there is no on-site restaurant.

Choose your room type

University Inn Duke — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • King Room
    2 persons
    370 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
  • Queen Room Two Queen Beds
    4 persons
    370 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
  • Junior Suite
    2 persons
    472 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at University Inn Duke — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Lift

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
Show more

University Inn Duke Location

502 Elf Street, Durham, 27705
Explore Durham
Explore Durham
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
19 minutes' walk
Stunning botanical gardens featuring diverse plant collections, perfect for leisurely strolls and vibrant seasonal displays.
Duke University Chapel
Duke University Chapel
16 minutes' walk
A striking Gothic-style chapel known for its beautiful stained glass windows and regular organ concerts, inviting visitors year-round.
Nasher Museum of Art
Nasher Museum of Art
25 minutes walking
Contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibits and notable collections, with engaging programs and free admission Fridays.
American Tobacco Campus
American Tobacco Campus
10-minute drive
Cultural hub with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, highlighted by the historic tobacco factories turned vibrant venues.
Hiking at Jordan Lake
10-minute drive
Outdoor adventure with scenic trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, ideal for both experienced hikers and casual walkers.
Relaxation at Pure Yoga
8-minute drive
Serene yoga studio offering diverse classes and wellness workshops, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay.
Brookwood Grille Durham
2 minutes' walk
Casual eatery featuring comfort food with a Southern twist, known for its warm service and popular fried chicken.
Enzo's Pizza Co
12 minutes' walk
Cozy pizzeria serving delicious, made-to-order pizzas with fresh ingredients, ideal for a quick bite or family meal.
Locopops Gourmet Popsicles
15 minutes' walk
Unique popsicle shop offering handmade gourmet pops in various flavors, perfect for cooling off on warm days.
Griffith Film Theater
15 minutes' walk
Intimate theater showcasing independent films and cultural events, making it a great spot for film enthusiasts.
Durham Central Park
Durham Central Park
10-minute drive
Community park hosting seasonal events, markets, and music festivals, suitable for families and social gatherings.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Durham 6 min  ·  2.4 mi
  • Airports
    Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) 41 min  ·  16.7 mi
    Danville Regional (DAN) 134 min  ·  55.4 mi
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
48
Former name
University Inn at Duke

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at University Inn Duke
Review score
Based on 507 verified reviews
8.6 /10
Great
86 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
8.9/10
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.0/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Helpful staff
Convenient location
Spacious rooms
Cons
Hard beds
Noisy corridors
Guest reviews
based on 590 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About University Inn Duke
What is the check-in and check-out policy at University Inn Duke?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is University Inn Duke from Raleigh-Durham International Airport?
The hotel is 30 km from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Are there any popular attractions near University Inn Duke?
Nearby attractions include Sarah P. Duke Gardens (1 km), Cameron Indoor Stadium (2 km), and Durham Bulls Athletic Park (approximately 2 km).
What room amenities are available at University Inn Duke?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a microwave, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi.
Is parking available at University Inn Duke?
Private parking is available on-site for 10 USD per day, and a reservation is needed.
Is there a shuttle service available at University Inn Duke?
A free local area shuttle service is offered Monday through Friday within a 4.8 km radius.
What languages do the staff at University Inn Duke speak?
The staff primarily speaks English.
Does University Inn Duke have laundry facilities?
Laundry facilities are available on-site for guest use.
What are the methods of payment accepted at University Inn Duke?
The hotel accepts American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard.
What amenities does the common area at University Inn Duke provide?
The common area features complimentary wireless internet access and a television.
Are there any designated smoking areas at University Inn Duke?
The hotel is smoke-free, with designated outdoor smoking areas available.
Are there any nearby restaurants to University Inn Duke?
Nearby restaurants include Locopops Gourmet Popsicles (1 km), Hungry Leaf (1 km), and Wimpy's Grill (2 km).

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