Each season offers its own reward in the Laurel area. Springtime ushers in baseball season with the Baltimore Orioles, along with topiary gardens, blueberry picking, and blossoming cherry trees beckoning from Baltimore to D.C. The Boardwalk in nearby Ocean City is the perfect place to see the ocean, the National Aquarium is open in Baltimore, and the National Harbor's Capital Wheel provides fantastic views of the Potomac river. Hagerstown offers more than outlet malls, and the Antietam National Battlefield is right around the corner. What you see might surprise you, though. More than 77 bird species visit the area in the spring.
After a day nurturing nature in the wildlife reserve or stepping back in time at the Montpelier Mansion, treat yourself to fresh seafood or fries from the boardwalk. Try the yummy ice cream at the Dutch Country Farmers Market or enjoy a drink at the Jailbreak Brewery. If you've been in meetings all day in the nation's capital, Laurel provides a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Any way you look at it, Laurel offers rooms at great prices, amenities for every need and lots to talk about once you head home.
There are several airports in Maryland, but the Baltimore-Washington International Airport is the most convenient to Laurel, as it's only a half an hour drive from town. Consider renting a car during your stay or book an area shuttle for $22.
If you'd rather not drive, take one of the area's many forms of public transit available. The Metrobus is part of The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and operates several bus routes that pass through Laurel. The MARC Train System is a commuter rail system that also travels to D.C. and Baltimore as well as many other sites in Maryland. The RTA Bus Transit travels throughout several counties in Maryland. If anyone in your group has special transit or disability requirements, MetroAccess is available to meet those needs.
Laurel, Maryland: The Weather Is Just Right!
Laurel's weather almost mirrors national averages for sun, snow, and rain, so all you have to do to dress for your trip is reach in your closet and grab something you would typically wear at home. If you live in a less moderate climate, don't forget to check the forecast in Laurel. The average summer highs reach 88 degrees, but with warm breezes, the weather is perfect for enjoying the sights in and around Laurel.
With a wide variety of historical attractions to see, you will definitely want the right shoes for the weather. During seasonal changes, an umbrella will also come in handy, especially if you're visiting the Duvall Bridge near the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. In the winter, the average low is about 26 degrees, so grab your hat and gloves if you're planning on walking. The average year-round temperature is in the mid to high 50s, though, so weather issues shouldn't dampen whatever adventure you have planned for the day.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Laurel, MD:
Laurel, MD: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Laurel, MD. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the best seasons to book a room in Laurel for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Laurel, Maryland
4 Star Average Prices: $121.88
Laurel, Maryland boasts several nice options for luxury hotels. There are two Hampton Inn & Suites about five miles from Laurel, Columbia South, and Fort Meade. Rooms and suites range in price from $169 to $179 a night and $144 to $189 a night, respectively. Both Hampton Inns offer many amenities including free breakfast, a fitness center, a pool, and meeting event space.
There are two Hilton family hotels in the Laurel area, too. The Homewood Suites by Hilton, Columbia begins at $169 a night and the DoubleTree by Hilton ranges from $144 to $174 a night. If you brought man's best friend with you on your trip to Laurel, the DoubleTree is the perfect spot for you, as the hotel doesn't charge a pet fee.
The Sheraton College Park North Hotel ranges from $189 to $289 a night and is less than six miles from Laurel and minutes from Washington D.C. on the beltway. It's also very close to historic Annapolis and everything D.C. has to offer. The hotel has a 24-hour business center, a seasonal outdoor pool, a complimentary shuttle, and a fitness center in its lineup of amenities.
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia ranges from $169 to $189 a night and is only five miles from Laurel. It's located in the heart of downtown Columbia and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi. This upscale hotel is convenient to the Snowden Square Shopping Center, Fort Meade, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Historic Savage Mill, Robinson Nature Center, and African Art Museum of Maryland.
Affordable Hotels in Laurel, Maryland
3 Star Average Prices: $116.43
There are a handful of very affordable hotels to choose from in the Laurel area. These include the Knights Inn and Super 8 motels beginning at $77 a night and The Red Roof Inn, with prices typically ranging from $76 to $95 a night. The Quality Inn & Suites Laurel begins at $95 a night and the Fairfield Inn is priced at $129. The Knights Inn does not offer a breakfast buffet, but most of the other budget-friendly hotels in the area provide a continental breakfast each morning.
All of these hotels are conveniently located in the Laurel area, so don't worry if your trip coincides with a convention or other special event. You'll find plenty of rooms to fit every budget in Laurel.
