Hotels in Champaign

Champaign: Where Nature Meets Innovation in a Vibrant Tapestry

Discover the charm of Champaign, Illinois, a vibrant city that beautifully blends culture, history, and family-friendly fun. Home to the renowned University of Illinois, explore its picturesque campus, filled with stunning architecture and lively events. Stroll down University Avenue for eclectic dining and shopping, or visit the interactive Orpheum Children's Science Museum for an educational adventure. Enjoy outdoor activities in scenic parks like Hessel Park and the Boneyard Creek, perfect for picnics and play. With its welcoming atmosphere and rich Midwestern spirit, Champaign offers a delightful escape for families and culture seekers alike. For the best hotel rates in Champaign and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Champaign

Some of the best places to stay in Champaign are Urbana, Tuscola and Savoy. Urbana, Tuscola, and Savoy each offer unique experiences for travelers. Urbana is vibrant, with a rich cultural scene and proximity to the University of Illinois. Tuscola is perfect for shopping and outdoor activities, while Savoy boasts a family-friendly atmosphere. Accommodations in these areas range from budget-friendly motels to comfortable suites, ensuring a pleasant stay. For first-time visitors, Urbana is the best choice, providing a blend of attractions and amenities, including various hotels that cater to different needs. Here are some of the best hotels in Champaign that our travelers love:

1. UrbanaOpens in a new window: Urbana is known for its rich cultural scene and is home to the prestigious University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This lively area features attractions like the State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium, making it perfect for sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For your stay, consider I Hotel And Illinois Conference CenterOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel ideal for adventure and family vacations, offering business amenities and child-friendly services. Hyatt Place Champaign-UrbanaOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel, welcomes pets and provides extensive business facilities, while Wyndham Garden Conference Center Champaign/UrbanaOpens in a new window, a comfortable 3.0-star option, caters to business travelers seeking convenient amenities.
2. TuscolaOpens in a new window: Tuscola is a charming destination that blends culture with outdoor activities, featuring attractions like the Hippie Memorial and Ironhorse Golf Club. For accommodations, Baymont by Wyndham TuscolaOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star motel, is pet-friendly and offers essential business services, making it suitable for both leisure and work travelers. Another option is Holiday Inn Express Tuscola, an IHG HotelOpens in a new window, a similarly rated hotel that welcomes pets and provides business-oriented amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay.
3. SavoyOpens in a new window: Savoy is a vibrant area adjacent to Urbana, featuring attractions like the University of Illinois and State Farm Center. It’s perfect for families and sports fans. For lodging, Best Western Paradise InnOpens in a new window is a 2.5-star hotel that welcomes pets and provides business facilities, making it a practical choice for travelers. Another option is Hampton Inn Champaign SouthwestOpens in a new window, also a 2.5-star pet-friendly hotel that emphasizes comfort and convenience, catering to both solo and family travelers.

What to do in Champaign

Three days in Champaign offers the perfect opportunity to explore vibrant theaters, enjoy live music, and partake in various sports activities. Stroll through scenic parks, indulge in shopping, and experience the lively atmosphere of the local entertainment scene, making it a worthwhile destination for any traveler. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Champaign:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene through a performance or art exhibit. After soaking in the creativity, take a stroll to the nearby Cinema Gallery to explore the fascinating world of independent films and visual arts. As the day winds down, head over to the Champaign County Fairgrounds, where you may find local events or fairs happening, offering a taste of the local community spirit.
• Day 2: Kick off your day at the iconic Alma Mater statue on the University of Illinois campus, a perfect photo op and a symbol of school pride. Next, meander through the University of Illinois Arboretum, where you can enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens and natural surroundings. Conclude your day at the Spurlock Museum, where you can delve into diverse cultures through intriguing exhibits and artifacts, enriching your understanding of the world.
• Day 3: Your day starts at the Altgeld Hall Tower, a stunning architectural landmark that offers a glimpse into the university's history. Following this, visit the Mahomet P.L.D. Central Library to relax with a good book or explore local history through its collections. Finally, unwind at the picturesque Lake of the Woods, where you can enjoy nature trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views, perfect for a peaceful end to your Champaign experience.

5 tips to find a great Champaign hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly times to visit Champaign are January, July, and December, when hotel rates are more affordable. International travelers should aim to book their flights at least three months in advance to secure the best prices. A stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended to fully experience the city's key attractions, which include a major sports facility and scenic parks. This way, visitors can enjoy great value for money while exploring all that Champaign has to offer.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking to snag last-minute deals to Champaign, explore the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com. Here, you could find discounted rates on hotels as your travel date approaches. To maximize your chances of finding great offers, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you'll be informed about flash sales and special promotions, allowing you to take advantage of opportunities to save while enjoying good availability on accommodations.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the season. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Champaign.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Champaign is usually more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further from the city center, you can take advantage of transportation options like buses or cars to explore the area, which is more likely to be affordable.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your hotel in Champaign and join Hotels.com's free One Key rewards program, enabling members to earn and enjoy reward points for hotel reservations. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and access perks such as room upgrades when available, exclusive discounts, and unique member offers. Join today.

What to eat in Champaign

Here are a few top restaurants to try in Champaign, Illinois, United States of America:

• Texas Roadhouse: A beloved chain known for its hand-cut steaks and freshly baked bread, Texas Roadhouse brings a taste of Texas to Champaign with its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients. Their menu features a range of classic American dishes, all made from scratch, allowing diners to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Southern cuisine.
• Culver's: Famous for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard, Culver's offers a unique twist on fast food by emphasizing high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu reflects a dedication to Midwestern hospitality and comfort food, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike.
• Olive Garden: While known as a national chain, Olive Garden's menu incorporates regional Italian flavors and offers an extensive selection of pasta, soups, and salads, providing a familiar yet comforting dining experience that invites guests to indulge in the warmth of Italian culinary traditions.

Best time to go to Champaign

Champaign experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 27.1°F (-2.7°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 74.1°F (23.4°C). April is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in Champaign, April, May, and August are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, January, September, and December are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.