502 Elf Street, Durham, NC 27705, United States
#15 of 81 hotels in Durham
Guests' ChoiceBased on 533 hotel reviews
8.6Cleanliness
9.1
Comfort
9.1
Location
9.2
Facilities
8.6
Staff
8.9
Value for money
8.7
Free WiFi
8.9
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 27 August 2025
Nila
United StatesA/C didn’t work in first room. We were moved into a nicer room though.
Convenient, clean and comfortable.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 24 August 2025
Stephen
United StatesThere was no breakfast or coffee in the room but there was coffee in the lobby and snacks for purchase.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 19 August 2025
Van
United StatesBathroom was a bit tight, but manageable. The WiFi did not work on our phones and iPads after the first night. It worked on my laptop during the entire stay, but it did not work for any of our other devices (4 iPhones, and 2 iPads) after the first night. These devices stated that the modem/router needed to be restarted, so I called the front desk and asked the attendant to restart the modem/router. She said the WiFi was fine and told us she couldn't do anything about it. She suggested restarting all of our devices and log into the wifi again. We followed her suggestions, but that did not resolve our issue.
The cleaning staff were friendly and very helpful. Check-in person was friendly. Our bedroom was spacious and clean. Having access to a water filter station and free coffee was helpful. The bed was comfortable. The shower water pressure was nice. Toilet flushed well. A/C worked well.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 28 July 2025
Carter
United StatesLittle bathroom
No breakfast
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 28 July 2025
Nila
United StatesNoisy. Thin walls
Close to Eye center
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 27 July 2025
Janet
United StatesWe had to drive to get anywhere we needed to go.
Very clean, but basic. Free coffee in the lobby at any time.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 18 July 2025
Jennifer
United Statesna
Front desk was amazing. Had everything we needed in a great location.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 11 July 2025
Scott
United StatesNothing really
Friendly staff and nice big rooms well organized and clean.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 3 June 2025
Thomas
United StatesThe room was very clean. We liked that there was no carpeting or musty upholstery.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 2 June 2025
Sandy
United StatesParking is difficult & tight
Close to Duke Hospital
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 1 June 2025
Sailanie
United StatesThe only thing I didn't really like was that I had to pay to park my car (and I didn't see it anywhere in their website or I may not look for it since I am used to free parking at the hotels I have stayed at) and the spots were tight. Not a big deal. But if we would have to stay for longer than a day, the parking fee would be a little much.
The room was very clean. Beds and pillows were comfortable. My children enjoyed the mini living room where they could sit and watch.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 31 May 2025
Phillip
United StatesWe absolutely loved our stay at the University Inn near Duke University! From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The staff went above and beyond—every interaction with guest services was warm, professional, and genuinely helpful. It’s clear they take pride in making sure every guest feels welcomed and well cared for. The cleanliness of the entire property stood out immediately. Our room was spotless, fresh, and incredibly comfortable. You can tell the housekeeping team takes their work seriously, and it made our stay feel even more relaxing. We also really appreciated all the amenities the hotel offers. From the well-equipped fitness center to the cozy lobby lounge and complimentary coffee, everything is designed with the guest’s comfort in mind. The location is perfect too—just a short walk from Duke University and conveniently close to restaurants, shops, and the hospital. Whether you’re visiting Duke, exploring Durham, or just looking for a peaceful, welcoming place to stay, University Inn is a true gem. We’ll definitely be back!
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 30 May 2025
Paul
United StatesAfter we arrived I noticed a sign in the elevator that the facility offers a discounted rate for guests who are staying at the facility for medical procedures. When I inquired about this at the desk I was informed that we did not qualify since we booked the reservation through Booking.com. Plus we had to pay an additional $10/day parking fee that is waived if your book directly with the hotel.
I can not say enough good things about our experience at University Inn. Our room was exceptional, roomy, clean and very comfortable. The staff were very accommodating and they have a shuttle to provide transportation to the local medical facilities which was wonderful. There was a sign posted in the hallway requesting that guests observe quiet time between 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM to provide rest to people who are staying for medical reasons. We have stayed in many hotels associated with big chains and this facility was the cleanest and nicest we have ever experienced. If you are planning to visit Duke for medical services, I highly recommend University Inn. Note: The hotel offers a discounted rate for patients receiving medical care but you must book the reservation directly with the hotel and not through Booking.com.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 27 May 2025
Sandra
United StatesThe price through the app was way too high and could not cancel. We didn't know it and the hospital stay rate was much lower. I had to book in a hurry and had been pleased but not this time My mom broke her hip and was transferred to Duke
Yes we enjoyed our stay
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 24 May 2025
Mary
United StatesAll was good.
Very clean. Great front desk help. Very close to hospital. The shuttle was so wonderful as they took us to the front door. Outpatient surgery. And picked us up after.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 22 May 2025
Aya
GuamGreat location when you visit Duke University or Hospital. Shuttle service is also great factor to choose this hotel.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 22 May 2025
Scott
United StatesNothing to dislike!
Close to Duke clinic and hospital. Super friendly staff. Amazing shuttle service got us to all of our appointments for Liver Transplant evaluation plenty early. Nice parking lot very affordable. Nice and clean rooms. The extra couch and chair was a nice touch made us feel very welcomed we never had to ask for anything always had ckean room with clean towels so we could rest when we got there.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 20 May 2025
Gang
CanadaNothing.
The hotel staff were exceptionally supportive and friendly, especially the shuttle bus driver. His kindness and extra effort made a big difference—truly outstanding service.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 20 May 2025
Matt
United StatesIt's clean and comfortable. But missing things that would make it cozy. No rugs. Harsh lighting in the hallways.
Free shuttle to nearby destinations. Clean. Friendly staff. Walkable to Duke's campus.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 16 May 2025
Xinxin
ChinaVery good location close to Duke University. Very friendly and responsive to our request of different check in options.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 13 May 2025
Aaron
United Kingdomroom, clean
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 5 May 2025
Priscille
RwandaLack of small Kitchen
The room was clean
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 28 April 2025
Bill
United StatesTV remote. TV channels were all set up with a decimal point (11.1, 11.2 etc) but the remote controller had no way to apply a period or dot ( . ) and so scanning channels was difficult or near impossible. No other complaints
Not applicable - coffee only
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 26 April 2025
Jerome
United StatesSplitting hairs really, but for price point, know that lobby is small-ish and plain, and staff were professional but I wouldn’t say welcoming
Location- super close to the Medical Center, but also reasonable walk to Duke West Campus, to avoid having to park in scarce parking during Event weekends. We had a suite (2 Q + sofabed) and lots of room besides, which was perfect for this family of four.
Stayed in March 2025
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