Where to Stay in Fayetteville NC: Best Areas & Hotels

Choosing where to stay in Fayetteville is really a choice about what kind of trip you want. The city is organized into a few distinct lodging zones, each with its own vibe, price point, and strengths for different travelers.

This guide breaks down Fayetteville's main hotel and rental areas so you can match your stay to your purpose—whether you're here for Fort Liberty, a Crown Complex event, a weekend downtown, or a scouting trip before relocating.

Quick overview of Fayetteville lodging areas

| Area | Best for | Vibe | | --- | --- | --- | | Cool Spring Downtown District | Weekend visitors, couples, sports fans | Historic, walkable, social | | Skibo Road & Cross Creek Mall | Shoppers, families, business travel | Busy commercial corridor | | Fort Liberty & Bragg Blvd corridor | PCS, TDY, long stays | Practical, commute-first | | Crown Complex & I-95/301 | Events, road trips | Event-centered, highway-oriented | | Haymount, Westover, Hope Mills, Ramsey St | Families, relocation scouts | Neighborhood and suburban | | RV parks & camping | Road trips, outdoor lovers | Nature-focused, flexible |

Cool Spring Downtown District (Market House & Segra Stadium)

Downtown Fayetteville's Cool Spring District runs roughly from the historic Market House along Hay Street to Segra Stadium. This is where Fayetteville feels most like a classic Southern downtown: brick facades, historic architecture, independent restaurants, and a growing nightlife scene.

Who this area is best for

• Visitors who want to park once and walk
• Couples' getaways and weekend trips
• Sports fans catching a Fayetteville Woodpeckers game
• Architecture and history buffs

Lodging types you will find

Historic adaptive reuse buildings

The most iconic building downtown is the former Prince Charles Hotel beside Segra Stadium. It has been redeveloped as The Residences at the Prince Charles, with apartments and some short-term rentals that overlook the ballpark. These stays offer:

• High ceilings and tall windows
• Views into Segra Stadium for select units
• Direct access to downtown restaurants and events

Boutique inns and bed-and-breakfasts

Just uphill toward Haymount, properties like historic Craftsman-era homes provide a more intimate experience. Typical features include:

• 4–6 guest rooms instead of hundreds
• Big porches and period details
• Homemade, sit-down breakfasts
• Personal hosts who know the city well

Lofts over storefronts

Many downtown lofts are carved out of upper floors above Hay Street and Person Street storefronts. They suit:

• Digital nomads and remote workers
• Traveling nurses and extended-stay guests
• Visitors who want to "live like a local" for a few weeks

These spaces often feature exposed brick, open floor plans, and kitchenettes or full kitchens.

The "social district" experience

Fayetteville's downtown social district allows adults to carry approved beverages outdoors within a marked zone. For guests staying downtown, this means:

• You can grab a drink and stroll past the Market House
• Events, art walks, and game days feel like an open-air plaza
• The entire district functions as one connected social space rather than isolated bars

If you value walkability, character, and nightlife over free parking and highway access, the Cool Spring District is your top choice.

Skibo Road & Cross Creek Mall corridor

Skibo Road and the Cross Creek Mall area form Fayetteville's main commercial spine. This is where you'll find the broadest selection of name-brand hotels, shopping, and chain restaurants.

Who this area is best for

• Families who want predictable, mid-range hotels
• Shoppers coming in from surrounding counties
• Business travelers and defense contractors
• Visitors who prefer lots of nearby dining choices

Hotel options and amenities

Along and around Skibo Road you will typically find:

• Upper-upscale and upscale brands like Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn with suites, on-site restaurants, and meeting space
• Extended-stay suites like Residence Inn with full kitchens and grocery delivery
• Modern mid-scale hotels like Tru by Hilton geared toward shorter stays
• Economy and budget motels directly on busy corridors for lowest nightly rates

Common amenities across this corridor include:

• Free surface parking
• Easy access to Cross Creek Mall and big-box stores
• Short drives to Fort Liberty via the All American Freeway
• Plenty of quick-service and sit-down restaurants within a five-minute drive

Why choose Skibo over downtown

Pick this area if you want:

• Straightforward highway access and lots of parking
• Standardized rooms that match your preferred brand
• The ability to stock up at big-box stores during your stay

If you do not need historic ambiance and are prioritizing convenience and loyalty points, Skibo Road is usually your best bet.

Fort Liberty & Bragg Boulevard extended-stay corridor

The constant flow of PCS moves, training cycles, and temporary duty assignments at Fort Liberty creates huge demand for extended-stay lodging just off post.

Who this area is best for

• Military families waiting on on-post housing
• Service members on TDY orders
• Contractors with weeks- or months-long projects

What to expect from these hotels

Extended-stay brands along Bragg Boulevard, Skibo, and adjacent roads commonly offer:

• Kitchenettes with a small stove, microwave, and full-size fridge
• Coin or app-based laundry on site
• Weekly housekeeping rather than daily service
• Tiered pricing that rewards longer stays

This area is highly practical and commute-focused. It is not designed as a vacation district, but it delivers exactly what long-stay guests need: a kitchen, parking, and a short drive to the gates.

Crown Complex, US-301, and the I-95 corridor

South of downtown, the Crown Complex hosts hockey games, concerts, expos, and touring shows. Around it—and along US-301/I-95 Business—you will find hotels that thrive on event nights and road traffic.

Who this area is best for

• Guests attending a specific event at the Crown Complex
• I-95 travelers who need an overnight stop near the interstate

Pros and trade-offs

Pros:

• Walkable or short-drive access to Crown Complex events
• Some renovated rooms and recognizable brands
• Quick access to I-95 via I-295 or US-301

Trade-offs:

• Limited walkable dining and entertainment
• Environment is more highway-oriented than neighborhood-focused

Book here if the event venue or the interstate is your top priority.

Neighborhood stays: Haymount, Westover, Hope Mills, Ramsey Street

Short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods offer a different experience than hotels. They are especially valuable for families considering a move to Fayetteville.

Haymount

Haymount sits on a hill just west of downtown with tree-lined streets and a mix of early 20th-century homes.

Best for:

• Visitors who want historic character and porch culture
• Military officers and professionals testing the neighborhood before buying

What stays look like:

• Restored bungalows and Colonial Revival homes
• Walkable access to local cafes and the Cape Fear Regional Theatre

Westover and western suburbs

Westover and nearby subdivisions offer classic suburban layouts with larger lots and quick access to Skibo Road.

Best for:

• Families who want yards, garages, and quiet streets
• Guests who plan to spend time shopping and dining along Skibo

Hope Mills

Technically a separate town, Hope Mills functions as a major bedroom community for Fayetteville.

Best for:

• Families evaluating schools such as the Jack Britt High School district
• Visitors who prefer newer construction and a small-town feel

Ramsey Street and north Fayetteville

The Ramsey Street corridor serves Methodist University, the VA Medical Center, and access to the Cape Fear River Trail.

Best for:

• University visits and VA appointments
• Outdoor-focused stays near the river and trail network

If you are relocating, a neighborhood rental can double as both lodging and a live test drive of the area before you buy.

Camping, RV parks, and cabins

Not every visitor wants a traditional hotel. Fayetteville's position in the Sandhills and along I-95 makes it a useful base for camping and RV travel.

RV parks and campgrounds

RV-friendly parks near Fayetteville typically offer:

• Full hook-up sites (water, sewer, electric)
• Wi-Fi and on-site laundry
• Small playgrounds or pools
• Easy access to I-95 and major highways

These spots appeal to snowbirds, long-haul travelers, and families who prefer their own rigs.

Raven Rock State Park and regional camping

Within roughly an hour's drive, Raven Rock State Park and other regional parks offer:

• Tent sites and camper cabins
• Miles of hiking trails along the Cape Fear River
• A quieter, more wilderness-focused stay

Staying just outside the city lets you balance Fayetteville's museums and restaurants with day hikes, paddling, and stargazing.

Safety, "Fayettenam," and choosing a location

Fayetteville's old "Fayettenam" nickname reflects the city's Vietnam-era reputation as a hard-edged base town. Today, the reality is more nuanced.

What visitors should know

• Like most midsize cities, Fayetteville has areas with higher property crime and others that are very stable and family-oriented.
• Downtown, Haymount, Hope Mills, and the Skibo/Mall corridor are generally considered reliable choices for visitors who take normal urban precautions.
• Staying in well-reviewed national-brand hotels or highly rated short-term rentals is the easiest way to stack the odds in your favor.

Practical safety tips

• Park in well-lit areas and lock your vehicle
• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods
• Use official hotel entrances rather than side doors after hours
• Read recent reviews before booking budget motels along older corridors

If you focus on the core visitor districts described in this guide, you can enjoy Fayetteville's culture and amenities while minimizing avoidable risks.

How to choose the right area for your trip

Use these quick rules of thumb:

• Weekend getaway or first visit? Pick downtown for walkability and atmosphere.
• PCS move, TDY, or long-term work? Choose extended-stay hotels near Fort Liberty or Skibo Road.
• Shopping, sports tournaments, or youth events? Book around Skibo Road/Cross Creek Mall.
• Big concert or hockey game? Look near the Crown Complex or along I-95/US-301.
• Relocation or school scouting trip? Stay in Haymount, Westover, Hope Mills, or Ramsey Street via a short-term rental.

Matching your lodging zone to your purpose will make Fayetteville feel more intuitive and help you get the most out of your time in "The 2-6."