The city of Scottsbluff gets its name from a bluff that was named for Hiram Scott, a fur trader who traveled through the area in the early 1800s. Today, that bluff is a United States National Park named Scotts Bluff National Monument.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Scottsbluff, NE?
The best time of year to visit Scottsbluff is mid-summer through early autumn. The weather in Scottsbluff does vary throughout the year. The summer months are the hottest time of year, with temperatures in the 80s, surpassing 90 degrees in July. The temperatures are cool in spring and fall and cold in winter, with an average high of 40 degrees in December. Hotel rates will be at their highest in summer and at their lowest in winter. You can save on rates and enjoy fairly comfortable temperatures if you travel in spring or fall.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Scottsbluff, NE:
Scottsbluff, NE: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Scottsbluff, NE. Browse these charts to evaluate the best seasons to book a room in Scottsbluff for any future trips.
What Are the Best Luxury Hotel Options?
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Scottsbluff offers rooms with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and a complimentary breakfast bar with 100% Arabica smart-roast coffee, omelets, sausage, bacon, and the hotel's signature cinnamon rolls. Each room has free high-speed Wi-Fi. Business travelers will appreciate 24/7 photocopying and fax services.
Families on vacation love the Holiday Inn Express eHost Online Concierge Service. The service provides access to hotel amenities, up-to-date local weather updates, major nearby airports, and car rental services.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff features a convenient location and comfortable rooms, and it makes a great base for exploring the western Nebraska area. Spacious rooms feature amenities such as pillowtop beds, mini fridges, microwaves, flat-panel TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, ergonomic work stations, and comfortable luxury bedding. You can also plug your MP3 player into the digital alarm clock.
Fairfield Inn & Suites is a five-minute drive from Central Park in Scottsbluff and less than 5 miles from Scotts Bluff National Monument. Families will enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool and a spa tub, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. The convenience store is on hand to serve the hotel guests. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet each day from 7-9 a.m. Amenities also include express check-in and check-out, a 24-hour business center, and a conference space and meeting room.
What Are Affordable Hotel Options in Scottsbluff, NE?
3 Star Average Prices: $99.00
Whether you're stopping in Nebraska as part of a longer road trip or visiting as part of your family vacation, there are plenty of affordable hotel options in and around Scottsbluff.
The Circle S Lodge in Scottsbluff's sibling city of Gering is located just five minutes from Scotts Bluff National Monument and is a great place to stay when you're exploring the national park. Each room includes a microwave, refrigerator, a flat-screen TV with cable programming, complimentary bottled water, phones with free local calls, and free Wi-Fi access to stay connected during your visit.
The Circle S Lodge provides assistance with tickets and tours at the front desk, and there is a picnic area with barbecue grills to relax and enjoy the outdoors after a long day or sightseeing.
Arcadia Hotel is another great budget-friendly option. The hotel is in the center of Scottsbluff and within walking distance of two grocery stores and six restaurants. Each room includes a coffeemaker, free hi-speed internet, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player to keep everyone in the family entertained.
For even more savings, Arcadia Hotel has partnered with Taco John's, a restaurant across the street, to offer a $2 meal voucher for any medium-sized combo meal item on the menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
2 Star Average Prices: $88.37
What Are the Best Discounts in Scottsbluff?
Take advantage of the discounts offered at Scottsbluff hotels to save even more on your travels.
The Super 8 by Wyndham Scottsbluff offers discounts for seniors and AAA members. It's a great budget-friendly option within minutes of Western Nebraska Regional Airport. The hotel is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along with you. The Super 8 provides a free SuperStart Breakfast Bonanza, as well as a luxurious indoor pool. Each room has a refrigerator and a microwave, and handicapped-accessible rooms are available upon request.
The hotel is just a block away from the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse and close by to the Ole' Mexican Restaurant, which specializes in south-of-the-border food, and Emporium Coffeehouse & Cafe, which serves up desserts and a full menu of main courses. The Super 8 also offers free shuttle service to and from Western Nebraska Regional Airport.
Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center offers senior and government/military discounts. Rooms feature kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators, as well as flat-screen TVs and free wired and wireless internet. The Hampton provides a free hot breakfast each day featuring fresh-baked waffles and oatmeal with toppings, as well as free coffee and tea in the lobby and free newspapers to savor along with your coffee. You'll also enjoy the indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center.
What Are the Best Hotels in Scottsbluff, NE?
A number of great hotel options in the area provide excellent value for your money. The Comfort Inn Scottsbluff is a pet-friendly hotel that offers complimentary amenities such as a hot breakfast, Wi-Fi access, free weekday newspapers, and free coffee, as well as a heated indoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, and a meeting room that accommodates 30 people. Each room also features a flat-panel TV, a hair dryer, a coffee maker, and an iron with an ironing board.
Days Inn by Wyndham Scottsbluff, a five-minute drive from the West Nebraska Arts Center, provides upscale amenities such as an indoor pool while still keeping rates comparatively low. Rooms come with mini fridges, microwaves, coffee and tea makers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Free breakfast is served each morning. The hotel is conveniently just a mile and a half from the airport.
What Is There to Do and See at Scotts Bluff National Monument?
Whether you're in Scottsbluff on vacation or for business, Scotts Bluff National Monument is a must-see. Looming 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has been a local landmark for everyone in this area of Nebraska, from Native Americans to immigrants traveling along the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. The area features incredible paleontological and geological history here and so much to explore. To take in the Scotts Bluff National Monument, you can drive to the 800-foot summit and take in the sight of the valley and unusual rock formations.
Chimney Rock is one of the most famous sights in the area. You can also visit the Agate Fossil Beds, featuring 19-million-year-old remains, the Riverside Zoo, and the world's largest collection of Oregon Trail memorabilia at the North Platte Valley Museum.
Explore the Oregon Trail Pathway, where more than 350,000 people pioneer travelers passed through between 1841 and 1869. Prior to 1851, Oregon Trail pioneers used the Robidoux Pass 9 miles south of Scotts Bluff, but in 1851, Mitchell Pass opened to accommodate travelers. The passage is about 50 feet wide, with rocks on either side reaching heights of 300 to 400 feet. Mitchell Pass came to be known as Devil's Gap.
When you visit the Scotts Bluff National Monument administrative building, you'll see Murphy and Studebaker wagons that were the primary mode of transportation for families on the Oregon Trail. In the summer months, you can take in live demonstrations of the Murphy wagon and get immersed in history.
You can also reach the top of the bluff by taking a short hike that starts at the visitors center. Self-guiding paved trails called Summit Road and Saddle Rock Trail are each about a mile and a half each way. Hike the North Overlook trail to get an incredible view of the badlands, the North Platte River valley, and the twin cities of Scottsbluff and Gering.
When you visit Scotts Bluff National Monument, be prepared to stay for at least two hours to get the best experience. Make sure to bring water with you, and stay on the trails if you're hiking. RVs and trailers are prohibited from traveling over Summit Road, but there's a shuttle service available upon request in the summer months. Dogs are permitted in the Scotts Bluff National Monument, but they must be leashed.
Visit the Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center, built between 1935 and 1949. The Visitor Center has a history room, a display of artist William Henry Jackson's paintings and drawings, and a Landmark Room with displays outlining the paleontological and geological history of this area of Nebraska. Enjoy a short movie on the history of the Oregon Trail.
There's plenty to do and see in western Nebraska. Whether you're looking to take in the history of the Oregon Trail or explore the ancient history of the unique geography of this area, there's something that you'll love in Scottsbluff.
FAQs about hotels in Scottsbluff
How much does a cheap hotel in Scottsbluff cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Scottsbluff can be as cheap as $88.37 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Scottsbluff cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Scottsbluff has been $99.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What are the best Choice Hotels branded hotels in Scottsbluff?
Quality Inn, Econo Lodge and Quality Inn are the best rated Choice Hotels branded hotels (based on HotelPlanner reviews score).
Recent traveler reviews of Scottsbluff, NE
Below are reviews of the city of Scottsbluff, NE from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Softball!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Went to play softball and had a blast!
Nicholas P., from 24-Sep-2024
"Nice Little City"
Score
4.0 / 5
Scotsbluff is a nice little city. Has all the amenities.
Linda R., from 03-Sep-2023
"Dining downtown and TDA's Dance Recital!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dining downtown and TDA's Dance Recital!
Deola T., from 03-Jun-2023
"Veteran’s Home"
Score
5.0 / 5
I came just to visit my brother who is in the Veteran's Home.
Evelith K., from 08-May-2023
"Wonderful House Sushi"
Score
5.0 / 5
Sushi at Wonderful House was very good.
John D., from 18-Apr-2023
"Scott’s Bluff Monument"
Score
4.0 / 5
I visited Scott's Bluff Monument.
Justin J., from 10-Mar-2023
"Good Customer Service"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good service, the head person was kind to change our room.
Dora J., from 28-Dec-2022
"The Food!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The food!
Michael R., from 19-Sep-2022
"The Food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The food!
Michael R., from 16-Sep-2022
"AMAZING Views!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The views were amazing!
Katrina G., from 22-Aug-2022
"Scottsbluff Monument"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Scottsbluff Monument is awesome and the area around it!
Linda H., from 05-Aug-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Scottsbluff, NE shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 11 reviews