Members-only rates
4.5 / 5 Excellent

University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center

2-star hotel Excellent 502 Elf St, Durham, NC, 27705
University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center
University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center – Durham, NC
University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center – Durham, NC
Check in 3:00 PM
Check out 11:00 AM

About University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center

This boutique hotel in Durham is located next to Duke University Medical Center and one block from Regional VA Hospital. The inn offers a free transfer service to the hospital and spacious rooms. All guest rooms at the University Inn Duke include a microwave and refrigerator. Cable TV and free WiFi are also featured. Duke University Inn provides a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities are available on site. A free local area shuttle is offered Monday through Friday. Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Thomas Executive Conference Center are a 5-minute drive from the University Inn. Sarah P Duke Gardens is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Amenities

  • On-site parking
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Café / coffee shop
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • Elevator

Reviews

4.5 / 5
Excellent 1007 reviews
  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    2 blocks from Duke University Eye Care Perfect location, clean, will continue to stay every year.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    The room was clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. Air conditioning was good. Ice machine was on the floor I stayed on. Parking was good and I appreciate the shuttle to and from the clinic that I visit.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    Clean room. Helpful staff. Plenty of parking. Close to Duke hospital and clinics

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    people. The hotel is good, reliable, clean, all that. It’s connected to medical facilities so it’s sort of “for” that, and it does have a bit of a clinical feel. It’s not one of those with an exciting check in experience or anything. No vibe of people going out to have fun touristy experiences. I was here for a conference but it was almost a little too sedate even for that. But if you’re visiting loved ones who aren’t well, it’s ideal, you don’t want all that horsing around and laughing and such going on around you anyway. I meant what I said about the staff, they were just the best.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    Our stay at University Inn was wonderful! The place was clean, the staff was helpful, the shuttle drivers were accommodating and the housekeeping staff was tip notch! I will definitely make this our go to spot when traveling to Duke Hostpital for care.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    The bed had a foam mattress. My husband, with his bad back found it extremely uncomfortable. The pillows were enormous about the size of a kitchen trash can. I wonder who can sleep using them? I slept flat on the bed with no pillow as there was no other option. Lots of light in the room and noise in the halls and I could not figure out how to access the local TV stations. The main positive is a "free" shuttle to the Duke Medical Center. The second night we stayed at La Quinta Inn in Durham. It was about $30 cheaper per night with free parking, breakfast, and a much more comfortable room. Oh BTW Duke has parking garages so no need to stay at University Inn for the "free" shuttle.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    I was surprised to have to pay for parking as we did not make the reservation directly and parking was very limited. Also assumed there would be a breakfast as most hotels include those now but there wasn't any. Overall adequate lodging. Location excellent if going to the hospital for treatment.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    Would absolutely stay here again! We were a family of five visiting the area to tour colleges. We stayed here for 3 nights in order to spend time on the Duke University and UNC campuses. It was the perfect location for visiting everywhere we needed to be. We did not visit the hospital however it was right across the street which was so convenient for anyone staying for treatments, etc. The room is spacious enough for everyone. We had a suite which was great having the sofa and additional space. The staff was so friendly and very helpful with directions and recommendations. Our only complaint, which is minor, is the size of the bathroom. We were fine however be prepared that the area for the toilet and shower is very tight.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    Clean and convenient. Very close to Duke.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    I liked how close it was to the hospital. The elevator was down when we arrived, but staff got it repaired quickly! Very nice accommodation for one night stay. Thanks again!

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    Nice and clean. Staff was attentive. I’d recommend to anyone to stay here.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    The room was clean; staff was friendly and helpful; free coffee available-no other breakfast, but you could pay for other food items; other clients were NOT quiet in the evening. Walking distance to hospital.

  • Engine customer Aug 2026

    Clean room friendly staff

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    NOTE: The only problem we experienced was the parking. It is very tight and if you need to use a cart to bring in your luggage from the car it is not really possible unless there are few cars. The way the cars park you cannot pull the cart to your car unless you are in the first row under covered parking, or if you park in the uncovered area which is very small. There are only two handicapped spaces and they are on a slight slope, not the best situation for mobility issues.

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    This place was an excellent place to stay. Everything was clean and well organized. Not a luxury hotel but definitely a clean one. Nice quiet getaway. Although it's not a 4 or 5 star hotel I definitely think it deserves at least a 3.5-4 star. I will be back to stay here if I'm in the Durham area!!!!

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    University Inn!

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    Great location, clean, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Clean and spacious rooms. Will stay again.

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    I like the lack of carpet for cleanliness but floor was a little sticky and it was very loud. The laundry, people yelling down hall in middle of night. Comfortable bed and good water pressure but probably won’t stay again.

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    We were very impressed by the appearance, cleanliness, and service at this hotel. We had a mini suite with king size bed, and the room was cozy and comfortable. I couldn’t ask for nice staff who were pleasant and helpful. We will stay there again.

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    Very nice place to stay! Always clean!

Frequently asked questions about University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center

Does University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center offer parking?
Yes, paid self-parking is available on-site at University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center.
Does University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center does not list dedicated meeting or conference facilities. For business event venues in Durham, see business hotels in Durham.
Does University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center have a fitness center?
University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center does not list an on-site fitness center. Some properties partner with nearby gyms — check directly with the hotel.
Where is University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center located, and how walkable is the area?
University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center is located at 502 Elf St, Durham, NC 27705. With a Walk Score of 65, the area is rated Somewhat Walkable. Some errands can be done on foot, but a car or rideshare is helpful for most trips.

What's nearby

Map of points of interest near University Inn Durham next to Duke University Medical Center
  • Duke University 0.6 mi
  • 11 foot 8 Bridge 1.6 mi
  • Durham Convention Center 2.1 mi
  • American Tobacco Company 2.1 mi
  • International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry 8.0 mi
  • Research Triangle Park 8.1 mi
  • Neuse River 9.0 mi

Why no public rates?

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