Raleigh Hotels

Raleigh is one of three cities that, along with Durham and Chapel Hill, make up the 'Research Triangle', a regional centre for high-tech industry. Fitting snugly in the triangle's southeastern corner, Raleigh has a handsome state capitol, North Carolina State University, a revamped pedestrian mall and a decent cultural scene.

The US is most popular with travellers during the summer, but this is when American families pack everything up and head out to visit Aunt Tilly. To avoid mobs (especially throughout the national park system), it's better to go during autumn or early spring.