In the last decade, the city earned the No. 1 spot on the list of places to live in North America from "Cities Ranked and Rated." It also ranked as one of the "Best Places to Live and Play" in National Geographic Adventure. The climate is humid subtropical with heavy thunderstorms and high humidity during the spring and the summer. Gainesville has its own unique winter climate that is different from the rest of the state, with several weeks of freezing temperatures every few years, although snow is rare.
What Are the Best Times to Score a Great Hotel Deal in Gainesville, FL?
Football season is big in Gator country, so avoid weekends with home games between late August and early December. Hotel prices skyrocket during these weekends as alumni and Gator fans travel in to catch the games, as well as those coming to cheer on the opposing team. You can score a better price on a hotel room during the late fall and winter, as long as you don't pick a weekend with a home football game. The colder weather detracts visitors who are looking for sunshine.
During the spring and the summer, the hotel room prices start to creep back up. You'll also see higher-than-average rates during the Gatornationals, an annual drag racing event held at the Gainesville Raceway in mid-March. The National Hot Rod Association sponsors this event and draws enthusiasts from around the country.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Gainesville, FL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Gainesville, FL. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the most cost effective time period to book in Gainesville for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Gainesville, FL
4 Star Average Prices: $115.67
Gainesville doesn't have any four- or five-star properties, but there are plenty of upscale three-star hotels for a more luxurious stay. Homewood Suites by Hilton Gainesville offers the comforts of home in spacious suites, which include full-size refrigerators and microwaves, along with free Wi-Fi, separate workspaces, and MP3 docking stations. The outdoor pool and spa are open seasonally, and the lobby includes a snack bar/deli. Complimentary breakfast with hot and cold items is available every day. You can also meet fellow guests at the complimentary receptions, held on select days of the week. On-site parking is free for guests.
Courtyard by Marriott Gainesville is another option, boasting a beautiful outdoor pool with plenty of poolside seating and an outdoor fire pit. The hotel also has a fitness center, a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, a coffee shop, a market in the lobby with snacks and drinks that is open 24/7, and a lounge. Spacious guest rooms include free wired and wireless internet access, complimentary brand name toiletries, and flat-screen TVs. You can also park for free at the property.
Another three-star hotel in the area is the Holiday Inn Gainesville- University Center. It's close to the University of Florida and Hippodrome State Theatre. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle, offering service to nearby destinations, along with the seasonal outdoor pool. The property includes a restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner daily along with room service during limited hours, and a lounge. A complimentary round-trip airport shuttle is available at scheduled times. Each room includes a video game console, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and both wired and wireless internet access.
Affordable Hotel Options in Gainesville, FL
3 Star Average Prices: $120.35
Although the physical size of Gainesville isn't huge, the city knows how to accommodate a large number of visitors. You have plenty of options for budget-friendly hotels throughout the area. Many of the hotels sit close to the University of Florida, although as you get further away from the center of town, the areas will feel more rural and wooded.
One of the most economical lodging options is Extended Stay American Gainesville FL. The rooms at this hotel make you feel more at home, especially if you're traveling for a few days or more. Guests have kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers grab-and-go breakfast options and coffee in the lobby all day. Another reasonable option is Quality Inn-Gainesville, a pet-friendly hotel located about 3 miles from the University of Florida. Amenities include an outdoor pool, an on-site gas station and drugstore open 24 hours a day, and free daily deluxe continental breakfast. The rooms recently underwent remodeling.
Days Inn University is a two-star hotel located within walking distance of the campus. All rooms include comfortable accommodations, tea and coffee makers, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and complimentary daily breakfast with nutritious options. Some of the rooms also include microwaves and refrigerators for convenience. The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally. Another budget-friendly location is America's Best Value Inn University of Florida/Shands, which is less than a mile from the campus. Guest rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, free wireless internet access, and full cable with two HBO channels. The hotel also boasts a courtyard with an outdoor pool and a Chinese buffet on site.
Rodeway Inn offers the basic amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The property is within a few miles of the campus, along with the Florida Museum of Natural History and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Amenities for guests include a seasonal outdoor pool, free coffee, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Your furry friend can also stay in this hotel for a small additional fee.
