The Jefferson City region was originally home to the native Mound Builders. The native Osage tribe was present during the first European settlement, and the Missouri Territory was established soon after in 1812. Jefferson City was chosen as its capital in 1821. It was also chosen as the site of the state's first prison, the Missouri State Penitentiary, which opened in 1836. As the community continued to draw in new residents in the mid-1800s, German immigrants started to create vineyards along the Missouri River just outside the city, boosting the area's prominence in the agricultural and tourist economies.
Today, Jefferson City is a thriving capital that's been hailed as one of the country's most beautiful small towns. Whatever your reason for visiting Jefferson City, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this wonderful region has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Jefferson City, MO
Although Jefferson City doesn't receive the same influx of visitors as other major destinations, it can still get pretty crowded during the summer months. From June through September, the capital experiences high temperatures in the 80s, which are perfect for outdoor exploration, and many residents head to the local parks. During the summer school break, you'll also encounter more families at local attractions. If you don't mind the crowds and increased hotel rates, however, summer is a beautiful time to visit.
Temperatures drop in October and November, with highs hovering between 50 and 60 degrees. Although the nights can get chilly, fall is the perfect season for outdoor recreation like hiking and jogging. With school back in session, you'll also enjoy fewer wait times at restaurants and attractions. Best of all, fall comes with reduced hotel rates, leaving more money in your pocket.
Winters in Jefferson City are cold with the occasional snowfall, so be sure to pack warm clothing if visiting between November and March. Hotel rates are generally low in the winter, but steer clear of holiday weeks as properties tend to raise their prices.
Spring is another great month to visit Missouri. Temperatures gradually warm up beginning in late March and top out at around 75 degrees in May, making it one of the most pleasant seasons for outdoor excursions. You'll also find fewer locals out enjoying the museums, not to mention the incredible deals on hotel rooms.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Jefferson City, MO:
Jefferson City by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Jefferson City, MO. You can use these line graphs to calculate the least expensive time to make a reservation in Jefferson City for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Jefferson City, MO
4 Star Average Prices: $107.78
While Jefferson City is limited on its luxury hotel selection, there are a couple of options that are sure to satisfy.
Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center is the city's premier Mobil 3-Star and AAA 3-Diamond-rated hotel. Situated within easy reach of the Missouri State Capitol Building, the Capital Mall, the Governor's Mansion, and shops, this downtown property offers the region's largest convention center. Amenities include an on-site fitness center, an indoor pool, complimentary internet access in all guest rooms, and an on-site restaurant. Rooms offer premium cable TV, microwaves, mini-fridges, sleeper sofas, work desks, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, and comfortable bedding.
For another great downtown hotel experience, book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City. This classic property is set in a stunning tower within walking distance of the State Capitol and Amtrak station. Guest rooms are simple, but they offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Some even boast views of the State Capitol, while two-room suites add whirlpool tubs. Enjoy the amazing restaurant on the penthouse floor, an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, a business center, and 8,000-square-feet of meeting space.
Affordable Hotel Options in Jefferson City, MO
3 Star Average Prices: $95.81
Finding an affordable accommodation in Jefferson City is easy. Oak Tree Inn is a casual property off Route 54 just 2 miles from the State Capitol. The pet-friendly hotel offers guest rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access, microwaves, mini-fridges, work desks, blackout drapes, and recliners. There's also an on-site fitness room and a classic '50s-style diner adjacent to the property.
Econo Lodge is also located off Route 54 just 2.6 miles from Lincoln University and the Jefferson City Amtrak station. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi access, premium cable television, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and microwaves. Additional guest amenities include free large-vehicle parking, available laundry facilities, a computer for guest use, free continental breakfast, free coffee in the lobby, and an outdoor pool.
Americas Best Value Inn — Holts Summit — Jefferson City is an affordable roadside hotel located 7.7 miles from downtown Jefferson City. Guest rooms come with coffee makers, free Wi-Fi access, and cable TV, while upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, free large-vehicle parking, and guest laundry facilities.
2 Star Average Prices: $97.61
Best Discounts in Jefferson City, MO
If you know where to look, you can save even more money during you trip to Missouri's capital by taking advantage of discounts. Some area hotels, including Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, offer special discounts and packages throughout the year. For example, booking a biker's trail package not only gets you accommodations and free breakfast, but it also adds complimentary bike storage and bottled water. A bed & breakfast package means enjoying a full breakfast for two, complete with room service, while a special attraction package gives you tours or tickets to some of Jefferson City's premier attractions.
Other area hotels, including Comfort Suites Jefferson City, offer special rates to AAA members, AARP members, seniors, military personnel, government employees, and rewards members. All you have to do is book your room at the appropriate rate and provide proof of your eligibility at check-in.
Best Value Options in Jefferson City, MO
Jefferson City offers many mid-range hotels that give travelers plenty of value for the money.
Americas Best Value Inn on Jefferson Street is a pared-down budget hotel offering straightforward guest rooms. While the rooms can feel a bit dated, the property offers an exceptional value for business and leisure travelers, especially when you consider it has an on-site business center with copy and fax services, a fitness center, and complimentary continental breakfast, all at budget-friendly rates. Guest rooms feature mini-fridges, microwaves, and premium cable TV with HBO. Special weekly and monthly rates are also available.
Comfort Suites Jefferson City is an all-suite option close to the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. Its traditional guest rooms feature separate living areas, free Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Additional amenities include a hot breakfast buffet, large-vehicle parking, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a coin-operated laundry facility, and a fitness center.
Candlewood Suites Jefferson City is a great extended-stay option perfect for those weeklong getaways. Newly renovated, this property boasts a convenient location off Route 50 close to shopping, restaurants, and downtown. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a DVD lending library, free guest laundry facilities, free parking, and a 24-hour business center. Suites feature full kitchens with all the amenities of home, plus plenty of extra space for relaxing and entertaining.
Baymont Inn & Suites Jefferson City is a traditional 3-star brick hotel close to both the Capitol and the Truman Building. The pet-friendly accommodation offers spacious guest rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi in addition to the free hot breakfast, an on-site lounge, an exercise room, business center, laundry facilities, and meeting spaces. Kids 17 and under also stay free with a paying adult relative.
Top Attractions in Jefferson City, MO
Being a capital city, it should come as no surprise that Jefferson City offers plenty of historic attractions, shopping destinations, and entertainment venues. Aside from the State Capitol itself, the city's most popular attraction is the Missouri State Museum located inside the capitol building on the ground floor. Founded in 1919, this museum conveys the diverse culture of Missouri throughout its history with exhibits ranging from ancient tools to Civil War battle flags. Before leaving the capitol building, be sure to take one of the free guided tours to learn more about the site.
Missouri State Penitentiary is creepy, scary, and unsettling, which is precisely what makes it so appealing to visitors. The historic prison once housed 5,200 inmates at its peak, making it the country's largest prison during its heyday. It's also considered one of the most haunted sites in America, and has been featured on productions of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. In addition to the facility's history tours, guests can also take a guided ghost tour or ghost hunt.
Exploring Jefferson City is a thrilling prospect. Whether you're looking for upscale accommodations or a budget-friendly option near major attractions, you'll find the perfect hotel in Missouri's capital city that meets your needs and budget.
'In Missouri, where I came from, we don't talk about what we do “ we just do it. If we talk about it, it's seen as bragging. These playful words were said by an American actor and producer William Bradley Pitt, better known as Brad Pitt, Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award winner.
The Metropolitan of Missouri
Jefferson is the biggest city in the state of Missouri and together “ the capital of this state. Named after the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, the town remains as a historical and worth visiting place of interest. Popular for its picturesque views and extraordinary wine, Jefferson was nominated as America's 'Most Beautiful Small Town by Rand McNally in 2013 and it seems that the hotels in Jefferson started to count numerous visitors who wants to feel the real American spirit of this city.
The city also has the main river, popular educational institutions like the Lincoln University and a bunch of Jefferson hotels with wonderful staff, quaint restaurants and lovely rooms to make your vacation even more relaxing and pleasant.
Getting Yourself a Cheap Get-Away in Jefferson
In average metropolitan cities like Jefferson, normally there are some really great cheap hotels offering some great affordable accommodation. If you are on a budget vacation and want to spend your money on something more valuable like visiting the museums, historic places or simply enjoying the local cuisine, you should definitely go and check some cheap hotels that are displaying their facilities on their websites. But if you are willing to leave this task for someone else, just check out these places that we have chosen for you: Americas Best Value Inn, Econo Lodge, Quality Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites or Jefferson City Days Inn.
When in Search for Something Fancy
However if you are ready to pay some extra money for a high quality and get the finest of the Jefferson hotels, we are offering you to go and check out these hotels in Jefferson that, according to the previous visitors, made their stay absolutely fabulous. You can choose from some well-known names like the Double Tree by Hilton Jefferson City, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Cadlewood Suites or Truman Hotel and Conference Center, which are all very classy and comfortable accommodations to stay.
Famous American City and People
Despite the fact that the city itself got the name after one famous American, Jefferson is a birthplace to a number of other people, well known not only in the United States, but the whole world: William Rose, Justin Smith, Sarah Steelman, Justin Gage and many others. Even if there is a little chance of meeting those famous people on the streets of Jefferson, there are so many other interesting people to meet, places to visit, dishes and wine to taste that you will probably won't regret of visiting this gorgeous city: magnificent Missouri State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, Cole County Historical Museum or Missouri State Penitentiary. Just don't miss the chance to see what makes this city the capital of the state.
FAQs about hotels in Jefferson City
How much does a cheap hotel in Jefferson City cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Jefferson City can be as cheap as $97.61 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Jefferson City cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Jefferson City has been $95.81 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Jefferson City cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Jefferson City has been $107.78 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)