I've got a friend that's an infrequent and nervous traveler flying into Raleigh one afternoon and back out the next morning. Any recommendations for hotels nearby with shuttle service appreciated.

I cannot speak for any of these, but I did a quick look on Expedia as you have the option to click a box that says "Airport Shuttle Included". Most of these look decent, usually I just look at reviews and then book elsewhere. I would not do the Quality Inn.

I'm a Marriott person so I would probably go with one of their properties (they have a TownePlace and Springhill).

I go to RDU fairly often for work and my office isn't far from RDU (near 540/40 intersection). I've stayed at both the Hyatt's in that screenshot and I'd lean towards Brier Creek. The other one is in the flight path, so plane noise overhead is very noticeable.

I'm a Marriott guy now, so I typically stay at the Aloft or Fairfield Brier Creek. I don't think either of them offers a hotel shuttle, though.

I'm also a Marriott person and have done the shuttle a few times from a new-ish Westin not too far from RDU. Very nice hotel. Only issue I recall is the shuttle runs only once each hour (maybe each half hour) and if you have an early morning flight, timing has little flexibility. Bonus -airport is small so never a problem with the flight.