Located across the Leon River from the county seat of Belton, Temple enjoys proximity to many of Texas' major cities including Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. This makes it an excellent spot to start your exploration throughout Texas. Formed in the early 1880s, Temple was originally built as a stop on the Gulf, Colorado, and Sante Fe Railroad. Just one year later, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad built through the town, causing rapid population growth and expansion.
During this time, Temple was often called Tanglefoot, as many citizens and visitors found that the mix of muddy, unpaved streets and the number of saloons impaired people's ability to walk throughout the town. Today, Temple features a strong economic core based on the manufacturing, healthcare, and military industries, as well as plenty of options for visitors. Whether you're here on business, stopping through town, or planning a vacation to Temple, there's a hotel option that's sure to suit your desires.
When to Visit Temple, TX
The best time to head over to Temple is in the spring. During this part of the year, temperatures are still tolerable, with an average high of about 77 degrees from March through May with a low around 54 degrees in the evening. However, the most intriguing aspect of spring is that the wildflowers that give the city its nickname start to bloom, creating a blanket of color in and around the city. With several hundred wildflowers native to the area, the color schemes and views are seemingly endless. The city also celebrates this time of year in style with the Bloomin' Temple Festival, which features rides, food vendors, kids' activities, and live country and Tejano music. This time of year is the most popular for tourists, so it's important to book a hotel room in advance to make sure you get your top choice.
The fall is also another superb time to visit Temple. Temperatures during this time drop considerably with an average high of 79 between September and November. However, rain falls with much more frequency, especially in September and October. With the start of football and basketball season at nearby Baylor University, Temple also sees an influx of supporters of Baylor athletics. When there's a big game, you may want to book a hotel room early. Plus, with Temple's location about a half hour away from Baylor, it's the perfect way to score an awesome deal, especially if you don't mind a short drive.
In the summer, Temple gets oppressively hot, topping out in the high 90s almost every single day. To beat the heat, the city has several free splash pads, which are free and fun for people of all ages, as well as a few water parks. Once you've cooled down or before it heats up, you can also explore one of Temple's 26 parks, which encompass nearly 400 acres of outdoor fun. During the summer, you have a stellar chance to find the hotel room of your dreams, as demand falls sharply.
The winter in Temple gets far colder than most people would think for a town in Texas. Temperatures only reach a high of about 60 with an average low under 40 degrees. Because of this significant drop in temperature, the best thing to do in Temple in the winter is visit one of the city's numerous museums, which explore the history and culture of this former railroad town. Winter is non-peak season in Temple, meaning you're destined to find a hotel room at a discounted rate if you search a bit in advance.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Temple, TX:
Temple, TX: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Temple, TX. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the best time to book a room in Temple for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Temple, TX
4 Star Average Prices: $149.00
If luxury is what you desire on your visit to Temple, you're in luck. For the swankiest place in town, try the Hilton Garden Inn. Here, you're just a couple of minutes from downtown, but also right in the middle of Temple's top dining and shopping district. Each room at the Hilton Garden Inn features a 42-inch LCD HDTV with cable programming and premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, and the NFL Network. Other in-room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs, a refrigerator, and a microwave. You can also choose between several room layouts, including both guest rooms and suites.
Guests can relax in the hotel's heated indoor pool and whirlpool, as well as work up a sweat in their fitness room. Once you're done with a soak or a workout, you can walk over to the Temple Colonial Mall for dinner, or if you don't feel like making the trek, give the on-site Pavilion Pantry or Garden Grille and Bar a go.
Budget Hotel Options in Temple, Texas
3 Star Average Prices: $99.65
Finding an affordable hotel option in Temple, Texas is no problem at all. If you're looking for a low-cost option only minutes from downtown, check out the Motel 6 Temple - South. At this motel, you're only a short distance from attractions such as the Stillhouse Park, the Bell County Expo Center, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. In room-amenities here include a television with cable programming, a queen or two full beds, free local calls, and free coffee and tea in the lobby. Plus, it's pet-friendly, kids 17 and under stay at no additional charge, and there's an outdoor pool that's open from April to November.
If the Motel 6 has no vacancies or you want to take a look at another option, the Days Inn is right next door. As soon as you walk out of the lobby, you're just two miles from downtown, as well as other points of interest. On-site attributes of the Days Inn include an outdoor pool, a complimentary continental breakfast, free self parking, free high-speed wireless internet, and a full business center with computer terminals, a copier, and fax machine. Whether you decide on a king bed or two double beds, each room has a refrigerator, a microwave, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a television with cable programming.
