When to Visit Salem, VA
The Salem area experiences four different seasons each year, and chances are you'll find something to appreciate no matter when you visit. In July and August, highs usually reach the upper 80s or low 90s, while winter temperatures usually top out in the upper 40s.
Salem experiences about 210 sunny days each year, and rainfall is relatively constant throughout the year. May and July tend to be the rainiest months, however, with about 4 inches of precipitation each.
Plan your visit around some of Salem's popular annual events, and you're sure to have a great time. The Salem Fair is Virginia's largest fair, and it attracts crowds from late June through early July. Have a blast on the carnival rides, tour the agricultural and livestock competitions, check out the live music and magic shows, and sample the fair food.
In September, Olde Salem Days welcomes hundreds of artists and crafters to downtown Salem for a big, old-fashioned street fair. In October, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is a must for music lovers, history buffs, and families looking to take a step back in time.
Need an excuse to get out and explore the great outdoors? Stop by the GO Outside Festival, which includes a weekend of outdoor recreation, gear demo stations, craft beer samples, and tons more family friendly fun. If craft beer is up your alley, don't miss Microfestivus, which welcomes almost 60 brewers to the Roanoke area for beer tastings and local food.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Salem, VA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average rate patterns by star rating class in Salem, VA. Analyze these charts to determine the best time to make a reservation in Salem for any future trips.
Luxury Hotels in Salem, VA
4 Star Average Prices: $141.05
Treat yourself to an upscale stay at one of Salem's high-end hotels, or live it up at a true luxury hotel in Roanoke.
When only a spacious suite will do, plan your stay at the Comfort Suites Salem. Previous guests have appreciated this hotel's convenient location near the Salem Civic Center, as well as its long list of amenities. All guest rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, and workspaces. Go for a swim in the year-round indoor pool, have a soak in the spa tub, or relax in the sauna. In the morning, enjoy waffles, eggs, coffee, and more at the complimentary breakfast buffet.
In nearby Roanoke, the Cambria Hotel and Suites offers modern rooms with plenty of space for the whole family. Relax on the sofa bed, catch a movie on the LCD TV, and plan your weekend using the hotel's free Wi-Fi. Get a great night's sleep on the pillowtop bed, and wake up refreshed. Clean up with the hotel's designer toiletries, and have breakfast at the hotel restaurant before heading out for a day of sightseeing.
Located in the heart of Roanoke, The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, Curio Collection is one of the city's most upscale hotels. Book your stay here, and you'll be steps from the Center in the Square, the Art Museum of Western Virginia, and the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture. Along with well-appointed rooms, the hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool, on-site spa services, two restaurants, and a complimentary area shuttle. With 63,000 square feet of event space, the Hotel Roanoke can host functions of all sizes.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Salem, VA
3 Star Average Prices: $104.57
Save big by booking the top-rated budget accommodations in the Salem area.
If you're looking for an affordable spot to stretch out in the suburbs, set your sights on the Howard Johnson Inn and Conference Center Salem. Located on the west side of town, this hotel is convenient to Interstate 81 and Roanoke College. Rooms have all the basics you expect, like minifridges, microwaves, cable TV, and free wireless internet access. Squeeze in a workout at the hotel gym, and go for a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool. Dig into the complimentary Rise and Dine breakfast, which includes coffee, juice, and pastries.
Book your stay at the Days Inn Salem, and you'll be minutes from the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium and the Salem Civic Center. All 70 guest rooms include essentials like minifridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, so you'll always have your go-to snacks and beverages at your fingertips. In the morning, hit the gym before indulging in the free continental breakfast. Business travelers will appreciate the Days Inn's business center, and the hotel's free on-site parking offers added convenience for travelers of all kinds.
Looking for a quiet suburban hotel in the Salem area? Book a double or king room at the Stay at Inn, located on the southwest side of town. All rooms include free Wi-Fi connections, cable programming, minifridges, and microwaves. Rollaway beds are available for a $10 surcharge, and pets are allowed for a fee of $10 per pet per night. Be sure to call ahead to reserve a pet-friendly room if you plan to bring your furry friends along.
2 Star Average Prices: $75.29
Best Hotel Discounts in Salem, VA
When you apply standard hotel discounts to your rate, you'll save even more on your stay in the Salem area. For example, AAA members save at the Super 8 Salem VA and the Days Inn Salem.
AARP members and senior travelers get an average of 10 percent off standard room rates at the Quality Inn Salem and the Baymont Inn & Suites Salem Roanoke Area. Government employees and members of the military get guaranteed low rates at the Comfort Suites Salem and the Howard Johnson Inn and Conference Center Salem.
Best Value Options in Salem, VA
You'll find the ideal balance of amenities, size, and price at these best-value options in Salem.
Stay at the Super 8 Salem VA, and you'll be on the city's west side near the Moyers Sports Complex and the Salem Civic Center. Choose from double, queen, or king standard rooms, and enjoy basics like flat-screen TVs with cable programming, free wireless internet access, and coffee makers. Start your day right with a complimentary continental breakfast, and take advantage of the free on-site parking to get even more value from your stay in Salem.
With its location right off Interstate 81, the Quality Inn Salem offers convenient accommodations for guests looking to explore the Blue Ridge area. All 50 guest rooms at the Quality Inn include minifridges, coffee makers, and microwaves for your convenience. Wireless internet access is free in all rooms, and with the hotel's cable programming, you won't miss a minute of your favorite shows. Indulge in a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning, and take a dip in the outdoor pool on a hot summer afternoon. You'll always find free coffee in the lobby area, and the hotel offers free parking for all types of vehicles.
If you need a little extra space, you can't go wrong at the Baymont Inn & Suites Salem Roanoke Area, located on Salem's northeast side. Choose from standard rooms or suites, and look forward to amenities like private balconies, microwaves, and minifridges. Use the free Wi-Fi to plan your day in Salem, and hit the gym or the seasonal outdoor pool to stay in shape. Fuel up at the complimentary breakfast buffet before starting your day. Book the Baymont Inn & Suites' 3,500 square feet of event space for a small- or medium-sized function.
Just east of Salem, the Sleep Inn Tanglewood is convenient to Tanglewood Mall, Virginia Western Community College, and Roanoke City Hall. This midrange hotel has 70 well-appointed rooms with essentials like workspaces, microwaves, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi. Head over to the nearby gym to fit in a workout, or stop by the hotel's business center to catch up on work. Don't miss the Sleep Inn's complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning.
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Salem, VA
For a cool spot along the Roanoke River, make your way to Salem's Riverside Park. Bring your gear and take advantage of the park's fishing access, or get grilling and enjoy a meal al fresco. Not far away, Longwood Park is another family friendly spot and is ideal for outdoor gatherings. Spend the morning swinging, sliding, and climbing, and then sit down to lunch under one of the picnic shelters.
Music fans, animal lovers, sports buffs, and car enthusiasts are bound to find a full calendar of events at Salem's major event spaces. The Salem Civic Center hosts concerts, car shows, and dog shows, while the Salem Stadium and the LewisGale Field hold sporting events and large musical performances.
When you're ready to get out and explore, there's no better destination than the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just a short drive west of Salem, this range is home to the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway, part of the Appalachian Trail, and plenty of hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or a relaxing place to get away from it all, make Salem's Blue Ridge Country your destination.
FAQs about hotels in Salem
How much does a cheap hotel in Salem cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Salem can be as cheap as $75.29 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Salem cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Salem has been $104.57 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Salem cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Salem has been $141.05 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Salem?
Below are reviews of the city of Salem, VA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Sam’s hotdogs on Main Street are the absolute BEST."
Score
5.0 / 5
Sam's hotdogs on Main Street are the absolute BEST.
Marsha S., from 20-Oct-2024
"Great eateries and breweries!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Frank's Pizza and Parkway Brewing Company!
Megan A., from 24-Jul-2024
"Shopping Malls & Mountain Views!!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The shopping mall, the view of mountains, friendliness of the people.
Edward D., from 28-Jun-2024
"Convenient Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Did not go into Salem. Games were in Troutville, so we were off #581 mall area for meals.
Lacy L., from 22-Jun-2024
"The shopping mall, the view of mountains, friendliness of the people!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The shopping mall, the view of mountains, friendliness of the people!
Edward D., from 20-Jun-2024
"Nice College Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice college town!
Peter I., from 12-Jun-2024
"Convenient to Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants are convenient to hotel. Easy to get around in town.
Virginia J., from 09-Jun-2024
"Everything We Needed!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Small with everything we needed!
Sarah C., from 14-Mar-2024
"Cute Town & Park"
Score
4.0 / 5
Cute town, enjoyed the park.
Timothy W., from 12-Mar-2024
"Beautiful Area of Virginia!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful area of VA.
Sherred W., from 27-Dec-2023
"Near Vistar Eye Surgery Center"
Score
5.0 / 5
It was easy to find Kroger and Walmart and most importantly, the Vistar eye surgery center.
Kathleen H., from 21-Nov-2023
"Nice Town & Shopping"
Score
5.0 / 5
Salem is a very quiet and out of the way town. There are a lot of retail stores/ fast food stores and strip malls in the area.
Maria G., from 25-Oct-2023
"Our room was comfortable, clean and the staff was very professional, friendly and polite!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Our room was comfortable, clean and the staff was very professional, friendly and polite! I came for a wedding, that is all.
Lauren I., from 14-Jul-2023
"Very good selection of restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very good selection of restaurants!
Michael A., from 06-Jul-2023
"Lovely City"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love Salem. Lovely city.
Sandy S., from 15-Jun-2023
"Good & Convenient Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
We like the location and it is convenient to our favorite stores and restaurants.
Gay B., from 03-Jun-2023
"Salem was fantastic!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Salem was fantastic!
Melissa K., from 24-May-2023
"Convenient Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Convenient location.
Alan F., from 03-Apr-2023
"Great Place!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great place to stay!
Dawn S., from 02-Apr-2023
"The room was neat and clean, the staff are very friendly and courteous, the bed is very comfortable,"
Score
4.0 / 5
The room was neat and clean, the staff are very friendly and courteous, the bed is very comfortable, and breakfast was delicious. Antique store, Mexican restaurant was delicious.
Suzanne S., from 31-Mar-2023
"Great Shopping"
Score
4.0 / 5
Salem is a very nice place with great businesses to visit and shop.
Jessica C., from 28-Feb-2023
"Very clean, comfortable and excellent service."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean, comfortable and excellent service. Didn't do much in town, had too much fun at hotel.
Sheila L., from 05-Feb-2023
"Mountain Views"
Score
5.0 / 5
The mountain views were nice.
Bonita S., from 12-Nov-2022
"Roanoke College"
Score
5.0 / 5
Roanoke College. Our grandson is attending Roanoke College and it was his 21st birthday.
Darrell F., from 05-Oct-2022
"Roanoke College"
Score
4.0 / 5
Roanoke College
Donald L., from 27-Sep-2022
"The Mountains!!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The mountains!!!
Patricia K., from 18-Sep-2022
"Very friendly staff."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very friendly staff.
Julie G., from 18-Jun-2022
"Clean and nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean and nice
Dinoraa B., from 13-Jun-2022
"Salem is clean and pretty."
Score
5.0 / 5
Salem is clean and pretty.
Wayne D., from 04-Jun-2022
"Cute City With Many Good Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Cute city with many good restaurants & grocery store
Monique R., from 31-May-2022
"Jersey Lilies"
Score
4.0 / 5
Jersey Lilies
Richard S., from 31-May-2022
"Excellent location off I-81"
Score
4.0 / 5
Excellent location. . . . off I-81
Tom S., from 03-Apr-2022
"Salem is a very nice area."
Score
4.0 / 5
I love Salem. Very nice area.
Daye C., from 26-Dec-2021
"Excellent"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wedding in Catawba - beautiful area!
Frank B., from 29-Oct-2019
"Historic and Quaint "
Score
4.0 / 5
Salem is a city of about 25,000 located in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. It has many historical homes, quaint shops, good restaurants and is home for one of the finest schools in the country, Roanoke College. The Roanoke River flows through the city and the rest of the valley with a greenway for walking, biking and access to fishing and canoeing. There are many any other attractions, events, restaurants, colleges and universities, parks, etc. in the Roanoke Valley.
Michael S., from 27-Aug-2018
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean, quiet, and that small town feeling.
Kelvin C A., from 26-Feb-2018
The average traveler rating of the city of Salem, VA shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 36 reviews