Extended Stay America Select Suites - Raleigh - Cary - Regency Parkway South

The hotel is primarily recognized for its extended stay model, offering rooms equipped with a full-size kitchen or kitchenette, a feature highly valued by guests needing longer accommodations and the flexibility of preparing their own meals. While many reviews highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff as a significant positive, consistently praising their responsiveness and personal approach, there are widespread concerns regarding room cleanliness and the outdated condition of the property. The hotel appears to be best suited for long-term guests or business travelers who prioritize the convenience of in-room cooking facilities and appreciate personalized staff interactions. However, families and short-term leisure travelers might find the lack of traditional hotel amenities and inconsistent cleanliness challenging. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to confirm specific room amenities upon arrival and manage expectations regarding daily housekeeping services, as these differ from typical hotel offerings.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently comment on the available facilities, which include a full-size fridge and kitchen in rooms, catering to those on extended stays. Many appreciate the convenience of on-site laundry facilities and a small gym room. However, feedback on other amenities is mixed to negative. Many guests report that basic kitchen essentials like utensils, cups, or coffee makers are not provided and require an additional fee or are simply unavailable. The Wi-Fi is often described as unreliable or "sketchy," and there is a consistent complaint about the absence of an ice machine anywhere on the property. Furthermore, many guests noted that the TVs in rooms were often non-functional or had poor sound quality, and the overall building is perceived as outdated and in need of significant renovation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most prevalent and concerning feedback revolves around cleanliness, with numerous guests describing rooms as filthy, dirty, and having a terrible smell ranging from cigarettes and marijuana to mold and general unpleasantness. Reports of roaches and other bugs are frequent, significantly impacting guest comfort. Many reviews mention stained carpets, dirty sheets, and uncleaned bathrooms with issues like pubic hair, uncleaned toilets, and black mold. While some guests found the beds comfortable, others reported hard beds or broken springs. Noise levels are a common complaint, stemming from loud AC units and disturbances from neighboring rooms. Additionally, many rooms are noted to have broken items such as non-functional TVs, damaged door locks, or leaking toilets, further detracting from the overall comfort and quality of the stay.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining options is consistently negative, with many guests expressing disappointment that breakfast is either no longer offered or is extremely basic, consisting only of items like breakfast bars and coffee. There are frequent complaints about the complete absence of coffee in the rooms or even in the lobby, which is a significant inconvenience for many travelers expecting standard hotel amenities. Guests expecting a typical hotel breakfast experience will likely be disappointed, as the hotel does not provide substantial food services or a variety of options. The lack of readily available coffee or any form of grab-and-go breakfast is a recurring point of dissatisfaction, indicating a minimal approach to dining amenities and a departure from what some guests experienced in previous stays.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is frequently cited as a significant positive, with guests appreciating its central location and proximity to various points of interest. It is conveniently situated within walking distance or a short drive to attractions like the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, making it ideal for event attendees. Guests also highlight its close proximity to a nature preserve, shops, restaurants, and essential services such as a hospital, gas stations, and grocery stores. This accessibility to daily necessities and entertainment options is a major draw for many visitors. While the location itself is praised, a few guests have noted concerns about the presence of sketchy people in the immediate parking lot area, though this does not detract from the overall convenience of the hotel's setting.

Staff & Service
The staff and service consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of the guest experience. Guests frequently describe the staff as wonderful, personal, helpful, friendly, attentive, accommodating, and kind. Many reviews praise their responsiveness, noting that issues are addressed immediately and that staff go "above and beyond" to make guests feel welcome. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, and guests appreciate the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, such as reactivating room keys or providing information. Despite other challenges at the property, the dedication and positive attitude of the staff are a recurring theme, significantly contributing to the overall satisfaction of many guests.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific extended stay policies that deviate from typical hotel operations. For instance, housekeeping services are not provided daily, and guests are often required to take their own trash to outside dumpsters and exchange dirty towels and linens at the front desk. There are also reports of extra charges for basic items like additional towels or kitchen utensils, which are not included in the room. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, but some guests encountered issues with specific room assignments and fees, particularly concerning service animals. Furthermore, some reviews mention the hotel's non-acceptance of FEMA housing assistance, which caused significant inconvenience for certain travelers. These unique operational aspects are important for guests to understand before booking.