<p>We had hoped to stay at Washington Duke Inn but it's impossible. They already have 350 on wait list for rooms that week, and get this: you have to stay at least three nights but Friday and Saturday don't count. So it's five nights starting at 525 a night. YIKES.</p>
<p>My apologies–I made an error–it’s a 3 night minimum including Friday and Saturday. That makes a lot more sense. sorry for the misinformation.</p>
<p>Try the R. David Thomas Center. It’s part of Fuqua and located on their campus, nice, even closer to Wade, Cameron, the Chapel, etc. than the Wash Duke, has free on-campus parking, and wonderful breakfasts.</p>
<p>I hope you find something. My older dd is graduating from MIT this year, and I booked rooms last July! Hopefully 3 years from now, I’ll be booked at hotel at Duke for younger dd’s graduation!</p>
<p>I stayed at the Washington Duke when I visited this summer. We got rooms very cheaply because of some sale. Other than being beautiful and having bellhops, the Washington Duke is not worth the price in my opinion. The stay itself felt like a typical 3 star hotel. Definitely nowhere near worth $525/night. If you can’t stay there, you’re not missing out on anything.</p>
<p>Hotel availability is likely to be tight all over the Triangle for commencement, particularly since it appears that UNC and State also graduate that same weekend. Prices are going to reflect that. FWIW, I’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Express off Guess Road (north of East Campus) and found it comfortable and pleasant). There are also a lot of mid-range hotels near RDU, although many of those may have been snapped up by State parents.</p>
<p>There’s also a decent Courtyard at I-85 and Hallandale Road. It’s close to West Campus, but parking is likely to be an issue. Similarly, there’s a decent Hilton on Hillsborough Road.</p>
<p>In 2012 when my daughter graduated, Duke offered a shuttle service between West and several of hotels that were close by. The Hilton on Hillsborough and the Holiday Inn on Guess were some of the ones included. As I recall, the shuttles started quite early Sunday morning.</p>
<p>Also, it depends on the hotel/chain as to how far out you can book a room. Most chains will allow booking up to 51 weeks, however others only allow up to 6 months. For May 2012, I booked our rooms in June 2011. Do constantly check your desired hotel for cancellations.</p>