You know that feeling when you're staring at twenty different hotel tabs on your laptop at 11:00 PM? Honestly, Winston-Salem has a weirdly high number of hotels concentrated around the mall area. It gets overwhelming. But if you’ve landed on the Residence Inn Hanes Mall, you’re likely looking for something specific. You aren't just looking for a place to crash for six hours; you're looking for a place that doesn't feel like a sterile, cramped box.
Most people choose this spot because they're tired of eating takeout on a bed. They want a kitchen. They want to feel like a human being who can scramble an egg or sit on a couch that isn't covered in a questionable floral print from 1994.
The Reality of the Location (It’s Not Just the Mall)
Let’s be real: "Hanes Mall" is the landmark, but nobody stays here just to walk the food court. The Residence Inn Hanes Mall is positioned in a way that serves a few different masters. You have the medical crowd heading to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the corporate travelers hitting up the Hanesbrands HQ, and the parents visiting kids at Wake Forest University or Salem College.
The hotel sits right off I-40 and Silas Creek Parkway. It’s convenient. It’s also in that classic suburban sprawl where you need a car to do basically anything, though there are about fifteen restaurants within a three-minute drive. If you've ever stayed at a Marriott property, you know the vibe, but this one feels a bit more "neighborhood-ish" because of the layout.
What’s Actually Inside the Rooms?
This is where the Residence Inn brand either wins you over or loses you. These are suites. Every single one. If you’re expecting a tiny room with just a desk and a Bible in the drawer, you’re in the wrong place.
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The Kitchen Situation: You get a full-sized fridge. Not a "mini-bar" that charges you $9 for a Snickers, but an actual refrigerator. There’s a stovetop, a microwave, and a dishwasher. They even provide the dish soap. It’s great for longer stays, but even for a weekend, having cold drinks and a place to heat up leftovers from the nearby Village Tavern is a game changer.
The Workspace: The desks are usually decent. If you’re a remote worker, you’ve probably dealt with those "circular decorative tables" that are impossible to work on. Here, you get a legitimate surface. The Wi-Fi is generally stable enough for Zoom, though like any hotel, it can get a bit sluggish during the 7:00 PM "everyone is streaming Netflix" rush.
The Sleeping Area: The beds are typical Marriott—firm but with that heavy white duvet. It’s predictable. Predictable is good when it comes to sleep.
The "Free" Stuff: Breakfast and Socials
Breakfast is included. Is it a five-star brunch? No. It’s eggs, some form of breakfast meat, oatmeal, and those DIY waffle makers that everyone seems to love. It’s fuel. It saves you $20 at a diner.
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One thing that often surprises people—though it varies by season and current management—is the "Residence Inn Mix." On certain weeknights, they do these little social hours with light food and drinks. It’s kinda "corporate mixer" vibes, but hey, free snacks are free snacks.
The Upside and the Downside (The Honest Truth)
Let's talk about the grit. This isn't a brand-new "designed for Instagram" boutique hotel. It's a workhorse.
The Pros:
- Space. You can actually pace around while on a phone call.
- Pet friendly. Bring the dog, though expect a pet fee that can be a bit steep if you're only staying one night.
- The staff. Most reviews and local word-of-mouth point to a front desk team that actually knows the area. They can tell you which Starbucks has the shortest line or where to find the best BBQ (go to Real Q, by the way).
The Cons:
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- Age. Depending on when the last "refresh" happened, you might see some wear and tear on the carpets or the bathroom fixtures.
- Traffic. Getting out of the parking lot during holiday shopping season or Saturday afternoon can be a nightmare because of the proximity to Hanes Mall Boulevard.
- The "Quiet" Factor. It’s near a highway. Usually, the insulation is fine, but if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing away from the main road.
Exploring Winston-Salem From Here
If you stay at the Residence Inn Hanes Mall, don't just sit in the room. You’re about 10-15 minutes from Downtown Winston-Salem. Go to Fourth Street. Visit Old Salem—it’s a living history museum that is actually cool, even if you aren't a history buff. The Winkler Bakery there has Moravian sugar cake that will change your life.
If you need a green space, Reynolda Gardens is nearby. It’s the old RJ Reynolds estate, and the walking trails are top-tier. It’s a nice break from the asphalt jungle around the mall.
Making the Most of Your Stay
To really get the value out of this place, you have to use the amenities. Don't just ignore the kitchen. Hit the Harris Teeter down the street, grab some groceries, and save yourself the hassle of eating out for every meal. Use the fitness center—it’s basic, but it does the job.
Check the "Market" in the lobby for those late-night cravings, but honestly? Walk across the street or drive a block for better prices. The lobby market is for emergencies only unless you like paying $4 for a bag of chips.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Request a high floor: It usually helps with the noise from the parking lot and the nearby roads.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you hate loyalty programs, it gets you the best rate and sometimes a later checkout. Just do it.
- Check the kitchen inventory: When you check in, make sure you actually have the forks and pans you need before you start cooking. Sometimes the previous guest "borrows" things.
- Plan your exit: If you have an early flight out of GSO (Piedmont Triad International), give yourself an extra 10 minutes. I-40 construction is a perpetual state of being in North Carolina.
- Bring your own coffee: They provide coffee, but if you're a snob about it, the in-room pots are basic. Bring your favorite grounds and use their brewer.
The Residence Inn Hanes Mall isn't trying to be the fanciest hotel in the South. It's trying to be a reliable home base. It’s for the person who wants a separate place to sit and a place to sleep without paying $400 a night at a luxury resort. It’s functional, it’s spacious, and it’s right where most people need to be in the "Twin City."