Sturbridge lies 16 miles southwest of Worcester, 29 miles east of Springfield, and 55 miles west of Boston. Sturbridge's first residents arrived from Medfield in 1729, nine years before the town was officially incorporated. They considered called their new home Dummer, after Governor William Dummer, or New Medfield before choosing Sturbridge, inspired by the English city of Stourbridge.
Today Sturbridge boasts all the modern conveniences you'd expect of a contemporary town, including retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, and more without losing its small town appeal. Enjoy a vacation without the hustle and bustle in this historic New England town.
When to Visit Sturbridge, MA
New England weather is notoriously changeable, and the conditions in Sturbridge are no different. However, some parts of the year are more likely to deliver good weather than others.
You can count on icy cold winters and hot, humid summers. These seasons also tend to attract a lot of tourists wanting to get away over the festive season or long summer break and these crowds drive up the prices of flights and hotels.
If you're more flexible with your dates, choose fall. Fall weather is typically cool and crisp, perfect for walking around and discovering all Sturbridge has to offer. It's also the most stable season in Sturbridge. Spring can bring the pleasant weather the season is known for throughout the rest of the country, but it's also prone to heatwaves and cold snaps. Spring also gets more rain than any other season, so a midyear vacation in Sturbridge can easily be rained out.
Not that showers aren't common through the rest of the year. You should always bring an umbrella and raincoat to Sturbridge, just in case the clouds roll in. The weather can also change on a dime, so it's smart to bring a variety of clothes you can layer up, no matter what time of year you're visiting.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sturbridge, MA:
Sturbridge by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Sturbridge, MA. You can use these illustrations to determine the best seasons to make a reservation in Sturbridge for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Sturbridge, MA
4 Star Average Prices: $162.00
You'll feel pampered at Sturbridge's boutique hotels. The attention to detail you'll find at these hotels make them a cut above local chain accommodation options.
Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center is a striking hotel on the banks of Cedar Lake. Guests can enjoy all its waterfront location provides, including access to paddleboats, swimming in the ocean, or just relaxing on the private beach. Other onsite recreational activities include horseshoes, beach volleyball, mini golf, and swimming laps in the heated indoor pool, perfect for holiday makers visiting during one of Sturbridge's notorious cold snaps. After all that activity, enjoy a traditional Massachusetts meal of scrod at the onsite Oxhead Tavern, sip a cocktail at the VIP Lounge, or retire to your opulently appointed guestroom.
The Publick House Historic Inn & Country Lodge is a famous local wedding venue and dining destination, but you might not realize there's also accommodation onsite. It's actually three hotels in one: the Historic Inn, Country Lodge, and Chamberlain House. Each one has been lovingly decorated in classic New England style, although they also have modern facilities like cable TV and air-conditioning. Free coffee and pastries in each room will help you feel at home. Generations of guests stay here year after year, praising the Publick House Historic Inn & Country Lodge for its high-quality rooms and warm customer service.
Affordable Hotel Options in Sturbridge, MA
3 Star Average Prices: $131.10
It doesn't need to cost a lot of money to stay in Sturbridge when you choose some of the city's most affordable hotels. Look to popular budget chains for some of the city's lowest room rates.
Days Inn Sturbridge is always a popular choice with frugal travelers. Its rooms aren't the most modern, but light-colored palettes make them feel inviting and spacious. The whole family is welcome, including pets. For more room, book a business suite. These generous guestrooms feature fridges and microwaves. Unlike many two-star hotels, you get more than a bed to sleep in when you stay at Days Inn. There's an outdoor pool, heated for family fun all year round, and a fitness center for intense workouts. Complimentary Wi-Fi and continental Daybreak breakfasts every morning help guests see more value for their dollar.
Econo Lodge Sturbridge is another pet-friendly gem that's easy on the wallet. You'll feel at home in the brightly colored rooms featuring flat-screen television sets, coffee makers, fridges, microwaves, and work desks for catching up on paperwork. Ask at reception if you need an iron, ironing board, or hair dryer. The friendly employees will happily oblige these and most other requests during your stay. The onsite playground is great fun for little guests. Let them burn off energy there after enjoying the free Easy Starts continental breakfast while you use the complimentary Wi-Fi to connect with loved ones back home.
2 Star Average Prices: $129.77
Best Discounts in Sturbridge, MA
While Sturbridge hotels always offer competitive rates, some extend further discounts to special groups. You could save a little more when you choose one of the following chain hotels.
Hampton Inn Sturbridge has special rates for AAA, AARP, and CARP members. Government and military personnel also enjoy discounts. Travelers who book and pay for their room in advance also enjoy discounts up to 15 percent. Choose rooms with either a king-sized bed or pair of queens, each with premium bedding and an MP3 alarm clock to ensure you don't oversleep. Wi-Fi is also complimentary throughout the hotel. Start each day with a leisurely free breakfast buffet or grab an On the Run breakfast bag, available with compliments on weekday mornings, to make it through a day sightseeing in Sturbridge.
Super 8 Sturbridge extends its special discount rates to AAA and AARP members, seniors, and federal and state government employees. Its rooms are contemporary, with polished wooden floors and vibrant décor. Work desks, flat screen TV sets, and plush bedding help make the Super 8 Sturbridge feel like a home away from home. If you're lucky, your room might even have lake views. The Wi-Fi is free, as is the SuperStart breakfast, a super start to any day in Sturbridge. The reception area never closes, so you can get assistance any time you need it.
Best Value Options in Sturbridge, MA
Many visitors find Sturbridge's mid-priced hotels offer the best value, giving them everything they really need without the extras that aren't important to them. Previous visitors to Sturbridge highly recommend the following hotels.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Sturbridge's modern guestrooms feature your choice of a pillow-top king-sized bed or pair of queens. There's also a flat screen TV with premium cable channels, a coffee maker, and ironing equipment so you can always look your best. Staying in touch with people back home is made easy with free local calls, free Wi-Fi, and an onsite business center. The spacious onsite fitness center features a treadmill, cross-trainer, and free weights to really challenge you. The Bright Side Breakfast buffet, available free each morning, offers waffles, pastries, bagels, and unlimited juice and coffee.
Past guests agree Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge is exceptional. Its charming rooms feature coffee makers, refrigerators, flat screen TVs, and superior bedding, to make sure you'll feel rested about long days spent traveling or seeing the sights. While the hotel is in a safe neighborhood near Old Sturbridge Village, each room has a safe for your peace of mind. Onsite facilities including a cocktail lounge, indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and fitness center help guests see value. The free breakfast is also a cut above the average, with waffles, meats, and fresh fruit among the buffet offerings.
Explore the History of Sturbridge, MA
While it's got contemporary features, most people visit Sturbridge to connect to the past.
Old Sturbridge Village is the city's most popular and most enduring attractions. This living history museum helps guests experience what life was like in New England in the early 1800s through its immersive and entertaining activities. Historic reenactments and displays help guests imagine what it would feel like to step back in time. Seasonal programs encourage repeat visits.
At 57 acres, you can spend a lot of time exploring Tantiusques. This reservation's name comes from an ancient Nipmuc word meaning “the place between two low hills.” These people used graphite to make their ceremonial paints. The site's graphite mines haven't been operational since 1910, but they remain one of Tantiusques's top attractions. Tantiusques is also home to what's left of a historic 19th century house which once belonged to Robert Crowd, a local miner of mixed African American and Native American heritage. A 1.5-mile loop trail takes visitors through Tantiusques's oak forests to the former mine. A spur trail will take you to the Robert Crowd Site and the Leadmine Wildlife Management Area, a popular birdwatching spot.
Soak up the history, but don't forget to experience all of the modern amenities Sturbridge offers. Take your time to explore this New England town and you're sure to be rewarded.
FAQs about hotels in Sturbridge
How much does a cheap hotel in Sturbridge cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Sturbridge can be as cheap as $129.77 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Sturbridge cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Sturbridge has been $131.10 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Sturbridge cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Sturbridge has been $162.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Sturbridge, MA
Below are reviews of the city of Sturbridge, MA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Good location"
Score
4.0 / 5
nice place
Jean R., from 18-Nov-2024
"New England Town With Great Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice New England town. Great restaurants!
Ladd L., from 17-Nov-2024
"Beautiful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful!
Robin M., from 08-Oct-2024
"Beautiful place especially in the Fall!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sturbridge is a beautiful place especially in the Fall. There are orchards, and markets. History and beauty of all the right kind!
Brandy L., from 01-Oct-2024
"The Village and the Publick House!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The village and the Publick House!
Peter R., from 24-Sep-2024
"Dinner at the Public House and local shop Sadie Green’s!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dinner at the Public House and local shop Sadie Green's!
Donald N., from 08-Sep-2024
"Great Restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It has great restaurants!!!
Thomas M., from 21-Aug-2024
"Brimfield Flea Market"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were here for the Brimfield Flea Market. Great time.
Gerald C., from 11-Jul-2024
"Old Time New England"
Score
5.0 / 5
Old timey New England feel. Plenty of services, good food options, large liquor store, etc.
Diana L., from 03-Jul-2024
"Nice Shops & Restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sturbridge is great! Old Sturbridge Village has nice shops and restaurants!
Richard C., from 30-Jun-2024
"Sturbridge is a great place!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Sturbridge is a great place!
Samuel P., from 15-Jun-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly."
Score
5.0 / 5
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Sturbridge is a great area, we stayed there because our granddaughter was in a play at her school in Hardwick.
Rodney W., from 07-May-2024
"Friendly Staff"
Score
5.0 / 5
The front desk was friendly.
Curtis A., from 30-Jan-2024
"Friendly Staff"
Score
5.0 / 5
The front desk was friendly.
Curtis A., from 29-Jan-2024
"Dining & Shopping"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of places to eat, places to visit and shop. I like Starbridge.
Rosetta G., from 07-Jan-2024
"A variety of things to do and places to eat."
Score
4.0 / 5
A variety of things to do and places to eat.
Rosetta G., from 07-Jan-2024
"Old Sturbridge Village was sooo fun!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Old Sturbridge Village was sooo fun!
Ann D., from 11-Sep-2023
"Great!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great!
Jean S., from 09-Sep-2023
"Shopping in Brimfield!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I was here to shop in Brimfield and it was a straight shot to Brimfield!
Nancy S., from 07-Sep-2023
"Love Old Sturbridge Village"
Score
5.0 / 5
My husband and I have always loved going to Old Sturbridge Village over the years that we have been engaged and married. Since Treehouse Brewery is close by, we like to visit there as well.
Holly S., from 14-Aug-2023
"Sturbridge is a beautiful place!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Sturbridge is a beautiful place!
Richard F., from 31-Jul-2023
"Historical, friendly, clean little town."
Score
4.0 / 5
Historical, friendly, clean little town. Would highly recommend!
Ellice M., from 12-Jul-2023
"Room was very clean and comfortable."
Score
5.0 / 5
Cedar Street Bar and Grille twice for tapas dinner, Saw Dust for breakfast twice and Churchill's twice, Kaizen was great too for dinner. Sturbridge pottery and Fine Lines Wood shop were gracious and kind. Zukas Barn for the wedding was priceless in Spencer. Wonderful Fall colors and a sweet week.
Lewis K., from 29-Oct-2022
"Quaint"
Score
5.0 / 5
Quaint
Maura B., from 02-Sep-2022
"The Restaurants in Southbridge!"
Score
4.0 / 5
On this trip, we stayed entirely in Southbridge and explored the restaurants and running courses there, particularly Fin and Tail for seafood and the Elm Center Cafe for abundant and delicious breakfast and welcoming atmosphere.
Cynthia H., from 29-Jun-2022
"Sturbridge Village was nice."
Score
5.0 / 5
Sturbridge Village was nice and everything was easy to find.
Sarah W., from 18-Jun-2022
"Old Sturbridge Village is a gem!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The access to Panera right across the parking lot was handy. There are many and varied restaurants nearby. Old Sturbridge Village is a gem. Easy access to the highways
Anne C., from 31-Mar-2022
"Everything you need!"
Score
4.0 / 5
They have everything you need.
John K., from 28-Feb-2022
"Great Location & Dining"
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy access to the Pike and great restaurants.
Sean R., from 06-Nov-2021
"Food"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great Sushi at Baba's
Tammy M., from 02-Dec-2019
"A Welcoming City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good restaurants and close to the major interstate.
Ignatius L., from 14-Apr-2015
"Historical Attraction Must See"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sturbridge Village.
Dwight H., from 17-Mar-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Sturbridge, MA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 32 reviews