The area that became Albemarle was originally inhabited by mound builders whose artifacts date back 10,000 years. European settlements entered the picture in the mid-18th century with the influx of Dutch, Scots-Irish, and German immigrants moving away from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Albemarle's first post office, then known as Smith's Store, opened in 1826. The city's name derives from the English surname Albemarle, which was named for the first Duke of Albemarle and original town proprietor, General George Monk.
In 1993, Albemarle was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and dubbed a National Main Street City. Downtown consists of a number of historic buildings and sites, including the oldest known surviving house in town, the Freeman-Marks House. In addition to ongoing revitalization efforts, Albemarle also boasts a number of nearby wineries, art galleries, and small museums that make it a wonderful place to live and visit.
Whatever your reason for coming to Albemarle, it's important to find the perfect hotel that allows you to explore everything this wonderful region has to offer.
When should you visit Albemarle, NC?
The best time to visit Albemarle is during the shoulder seasons from March through May and September through November. While the city doesn't see an influx of tourists like nearby Charlotte, hotel rates tend to climb during the summer season thanks to families traveling. Springtime weather averages 79 degrees in May, but pack a light jacket and a few layers so you can stay prepared for chilly evenings. Fall temperatures remain warm until November when average lows dip below 40 degrees.
Summers in Albemarle are hot and humid. Despite the city's year-round, partly cloudy weather, the excessive humidity makes even pleasant temperatures feel muggy. Be sure to book a hotel with a pool or plan a trip to one of the nearby lakes to cool off when humidity levels rise.
Albemarle experiences cold, wet winters with average lows dropping to around 30 degrees in January. Fortunately, snow is rarely an issue in this part of North Carolina, so you don't have to worry about canceled flights or poor traffic conditions. If you want to save money on your trip and don't plan to explore the outdoors, planning a vacation to Albemarle in the winter season will get you rock-bottom hotel prices. Just plan carefully around holiday weeks as rates tend to increase around Christmas.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Albemarle, NC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Albemarle, NC. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best time to make a reservation in Albemarle for your upcoming travels.
Which Albemarle, NC hotels are the best for travelers who like luxury?
If you prefer a more upscale accommodation near Albemarle with all the trimmings, you can have your pick of hotels.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albemarle boasts a fitness facility, an outdoor seasonal pool, and a complimentary breakfast buffet with the brand's famous cinnamon rolls and coffee. Guest rooms feature triple-sheeted beds, work desks with speakerphones, microwaves, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi access, extended cable TV, ironing facilities, blackout shades, hair dryers, and bathroom amenities. Extra bedding, cribs, rollaway beds, and connecting rooms are also available.
Best Western Albemarle Inn places you in the historic district near Stanly County Historic Preservation. The newly renovated property offers an outdoor pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, a fitness facility, and a complimentary breakfast served in a modern dining space. Guest rooms feature 32-inch LCD TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, high-speed internet access, and well-lit work areas. Upgrade to a room with a sofa bed if you need additional space for the family to spread out.
If you don't mind staying closer to Charlotte, book a room at Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. Located in Concord's shopping district, this hotel boasts a beautiful indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a bar area, free breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, an on-site spa, a restaurant, and a complimentary evening reception with snacks and beverages. Every room at the Embassy Suites is a two-room suite, giving you a separate living area and a private bathroom that's perfect for the whole family. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, armchairs, wet bars, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, well-lit work areas, and sofa beds. Upgrade to a premium suite to add in-room refreshments, a premium coffee brewer, and an iPod docking station with Bluetooth.
What affordable hotels are the best near Albemarle, North Carolina?
3 Star Average Prices: $93.31
Finding an affordable accommodation in Albemarle is easy if you're willing to look outside of town in surrounding areas like Concord, Kannapolis, or Salisbury.
Located near the North Carolina Transportation Museum, Super 8 by Wyndham Salisbury offers comfortable accommodations on any budget. Amenities include an indoor pool, oversized vehicle parking, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi internet access. Guest rooms are bright and airy with wall-mounted, flat-screen TVs, alarm clock radios, well-lit work areas, and optional microwaves, mini refrigerators, and sofa beds. Book one of the Jacuzzi suites for the ultimate relaxation.
Need a pet-friendly hotel? Book a room at Rodeway Inn – Concord. Situated near the Charlotte Motor Speedway, this Choice Hotel provides free internet access, complimentary coffee in the lobby, oversized vehicle parking for buses, trucks, and RVs, and copy, print, and fax services. Guest rooms include free premium movie channels, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Select rooms feature hot tubs.
If you prefer a more central location, consider a stay at Quality Inn Albemarle in the heart of the city. Make yourself at home in one of the cozy guestrooms featuring pillow-top mattresses, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and balconies. Upgrade to a suite with a microwave and refrigerator if you need additional amenities. This property also features free coffee in the lobby, a complimentary weekday newspaper, and a free hot breakfast.