The first settlers arrived in the Wayne area in the late 17th century, making it one of the oldest cities in the state. Originally home to French fur trappers and Native Americans, the area eventually became home to an agricultural community. At the start of the American Revolutionary War, Wayne was the location of several altercations between the colonists and the British, and several of the homes from that era are still standing. In the early 20th century, Wayne became a resort town for New Yorkers thanks to the calm, scenic Passaic River. Today, Wayne is home to numerous businesses and features an array of architecture that provides a glimpse into its historic past.
Whether you want to stay in a hotel in the charming city center or you need a more urban setting, Wayne has hotel options to fit your taste, budget, and lifestyle.
When to Visit Wayne, NJ
Although temperatures can get into the 90s during the summer, this is still the best time to visit Wayne because the town is close to so many annual events. Perhaps none is more impressive than the QuickCheck New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. This event is the largest balloon festival in the country, full of hot air balloons, inflatables, and other air-filled delights. Food vendors, arts and crafts dealers, and live entertainment round out the festival. During this time, hotels fill up quickly, so make sure that you book your hotel room well in advance.
In the fall, the 11,500 students who attend William Paterson University move back into the city, creating a buzz and adding vibrancy to the nightlife scene. Temperatures start to fall during this time, yet they still remain somewhat comfortable, ranging from the upper 60s to the mid-40s. A perfect place to visit during this time is the High Mountain Park Preserve, which offers over 1,100 acres of unspoiled foliage, along with many places to view wildlife. Hotels don't always fill up during this time, making it an ideal season to snatch a good deal on a room.
The winter can get bitterly cold in Wayne, but there's still plenty to see and do. Campgaw Mountain and Mountain Creek provide two great venues for skiing and snowboarding of all skill levels. If you don't want to brave the snow and wintry weather, you can head indoors. One of the most entertaining events is seeing a professional or collegiate hockey game at the Ice Vault; you could also Olympic hopefuls practice their figure skating routines. Hotel demand varies during this season, so you may find a last-minute deal, but it's best not to leave it totally to chance.
The spring ushers in wonderful weather in Wayne, which is ideal for sauntering about the town. You can visit the historic Wayne Town Center, or you can go on a tour of homes that includes the Dey Mansion, which is a Georgian style home built between 1740 and 1750. Hotels may offer stellar deals during this time, unless there's a huge concert or sporting event in New York City. Make sure to check out what's happening in the area to get a better idea of when to book your accommodation.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Wayne, NJ:
Wayne, NJ: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. rate patterns by star rating class in Wayne, NJ. Browse these charts to determine the least expensive seasons to make a reservation in Wayne for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Wayne, NJ
4 Star Average Prices: $165.24
If you want luxurious accommodation, but you still want to be near Wayne, your best bet is in nearby Manhattan. Wayne is only a short distance away by car or public transportation. For the total experience in opulence, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is one of the top options. This hotel offers stunning views of Manhattan and Central Park, as well as access to attractions such as the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, Columbus Circle, and the Museum of Biblical Art. When you check in, you'll notice the stunning architecture and decor that you only find in five-star hotels. Guests enjoy other amenities, such as a full-service spa and wellness center, a health club, an indoor pool, sauna, restaurant, concierge service, shuttle service, and babysitting and wireless internet for a fee. All rooms come with elegant styling, a remarkably comfortable bed, 24-hour room service, a minibar, a 55-inch flat screen television with cable programming, deep soaking bathtubs, and a rainfall shower.
Another awesome luxury hotel option is the Trump International Hotel & Tower. When you stay here, you're within walking distance of the Metropolitan Opera House, Carnegie Hall, the Ed Sullivan Theater, and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This majestic building also has some great optional in-room features, like fully equipped kitchenettes, a 55-inch LCD television with DVD player, jetted bathtubs, designer toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an in-suite personal chef. Amenities for all guests include a health club, indoor pool, a full-service spa, two restaurants, two bars and lounges, and a concierge service.
Budget Hotel Options in Wayne, New Jersey
3 Star Average Prices: $127.61
Even though it's close to Manhattan, Wayne still offers some superb hotels without the Big Apple prices. The La Quinta Inn & Suites in Wayne offers proximity to several points of interest, including the Pompton River, the 77-foot falls on the Passaic River, the Wayne business district, and the Dey Mansion. In-room features include self-controlled air conditioning, a 32-inch flat screen television, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a desk, a pillow-top mattress, coffeemaker, hair dryer, and an iron with an ironing board. On-site, you'll also have access to a free Bright Side continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
The Ramada in Wayne is another budget option that provides you with stellar amenities at a quality price. At this hotel, you're close to the Willowbrook Mall, the Willowbrook Golf Center Driving Range, Lambert Castle, and the Garrett Mountain Reservation. Once you're done exploring for the day, you can hunker down in one of the hotel's comfortable pillow-top king, queen, or double beds for a good night's rest. If you want to lounge around the room, the hotel offers flat screen television, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, and a hair dryer. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, free access to the nearby Bally's Total Fitness, and a complimentary shuttle that can help you get around within a 5-mile radius of the hotel.
