Nicknamed the Queen City, Burlington is arguably the state's crown jewel. Although it's the largest city in Vermont, Burlington boasts a rather small population, which lends it a highly desirable small-town feel. Settlement in what would become Burlington began in 1775 when settlers cleared land and built a few log huts, but permanent settlement was delayed due to the Revolution. The town was eventually organized in 1785, and its location on Lake Champlain helped it develop into a center of trade.
Today, Burlington is known as the place where Ben & Jerry's ice cream was founded. It's also been consistently ranked as one of America's prettiest towns. Whatever your reason for visiting Burlington, find a hotel within your budget — one that allows you to enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Burlington, VT
Festivals abound in Burlington from May through October, making these months the best time to visit. Temperatures tend to stay in the high 70s to low 80s from May through the summer, while September brings cooler temperatures. Due to the abundance of activity, however, the city sees an influx of crowds who come to Vermont for the greenery and culture, so plan your visit early.
Opting to visit in the shoulder months of April and November translates to reduced hotel rates and fewer crowds, but the weather isn't as ideal. In fact, April can get quite muddy as the city thaws out from winter, and November is too late for leaf-peeping.
As a skier's paradise, Vermont sees a spike in tourism during the winter months, unlike many U.S. cities. This means that hotel rates tend to spike from December to March as snowboarders and skiers crowd into Burlington to enjoy the nearby slopes. If you're not a winter sports enthusiasts, it's best advised to wait until spring for your visit.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Burlington, VT:
Burlington, VT: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Burlington, VT. Browse these illustrations to determine the most cost effective dates to stay in Burlington for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Burlington, VT
4 Star Average Prices: $187.88
If you're looking for more upscale accommodations in Burlington, you're in luck. The city offers a few unique options that give you the best guest amenities so you can fall asleep in luxury.
You'll find the Stowe Mountain Lodge just outside Burlington. Located in the mountains, it's situated next to Spruce Peak. The refined Alpine-style ski resort boasts guest rooms, suites, and condos with marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, private terraces, separate living areas, fireplaces, full kitchens, and even available garages. The property offers two on-site restaurants, a performing arts center, a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, and an 18-hole golf course.
The DreamHouse Country Inn in nearby Bristol is a hospitable five-star inn originally built in 1852, which qualifies it for the Historic Register for the State of Vermont. Known as one of the area's finest examples of Gothic Revival cottage architecture, this venue is everything you'd expect from an upscale bed and breakfast. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with luxury bedding, and housekeeping uses only natural cleaning products to keep the rooms fresh and clean. Guests can also enjoy a full-course gourmet breakfast made from local products from nearby farmers and vendors.
Housed in a 19th-century farmhouse, The Inn At Round Barn Farm is the perfect destination for experiencing Vermont. This bed-and-breakfast serves as an exceptional event space for weddings, rehearsal dinners, art exhibits, and cultural events thanks to its sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Guest rooms are uniquely decorated with down comforters and Tempur-Pedic beds, offering amenities such as lighted makeup mirrors, comfortable robes, hair dryers, high-end toiletries, whirlpool tubs, steam showers, and gas fireplaces.
Located in downtown Burlington, the stylish four-star Hotel Vermont is a modern accommodation within walking distance of the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. The chic property boasts rooms with stone-tiled bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions. Upgraded guest suites feature fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, pullout sofas, wet bars, kitchenettes, and sound systems. You can also enjoy the on-site cocktail bar and restaurants.
Affordable Hotel Options in Burlington, VT
3 Star Average Prices: $139.59
Finding an affordable hotel in Burlington is easier than you might think. The G.G.T. Tibet Inn in South Burlington offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, all at budget-friendly prices. Rooms are simple and homey with wireless internet access, cable television, microwaves, and mini fridges. The Tibetan-owned property also features Tibetan gifts and crafts on-site, as well as a small guest library for anyone who's interested in learning about Tibet and its people.
The Days Inn Shelburne/Burlington in Shelburne is a straightforward, two-star hotel low-rise located mere minutes from Shelburne Vineyard and Shelburne Farms. Guest rooms feature en suite bathrooms with tubs and showers and include free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, TVs, and mini fridges. The hotel offers kitchenettes in its upgraded rooms. The property also boasts an outdoor pool, free parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast buffet.
Anchorage Inn in South Burlington is located next to the University Mall and offers unfussy accommodations close to the Burlington International Airport. Guest amenities include cable television, free local calling, microwaves, coffeemakers, mini fridges, free breakfast, a garden with a seating area, and an indoor heated pool.
Located off I-89, Motel 6 offers easy access to the airport and downtown Burlington, all at budget-friendly prices. Guests can enjoy colorful, modern rooms with wood floors, free Wi-Fi, expanded cable channels, coin laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool.
