Waltham has a population of over 60,000 people and is home to two universities: Brandeis University and Bentley University. It got the nickname "Watch City" because of the Waltham Watch Company, which started producing timepieces in 1850. The company stopped producing watches in 1957, and in 1959 they became part of the Hallmark Watch Company. The city's nickname, however, has stuck since then.
Popular tourist activities in Waltham include the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, Gore Place, Prospect Hill Park, and Stonehurst, the Robert Treat Paine estate.
When to Visit Waltham, MA
Waltham is about 11 miles from central Boston, which means that hotel rates in Waltham will go up and down when tourist season in Boston swells. Keep in mind, too, that Waltham is home to two universities, which means that seasonal college events like graduation and move-in day will cause hotels to book up well in advance and room rates to increase.
Waltham's warmest months are July and August, when temperatures during the day average in the low 80s. Though the weather is good, people converge on the Boston area in the summer, which means you'll find room rates spiking when you try to visit Waltham. October is the peak month for fall foliage in Massachusetts, so if you want a gorgeous visit full of vibrant leaf colors, choose October. Although the fall foliage will draw some other visitors, room rates drop as tourist season tapers off. Winter and early spring boast the cheapest hotel rates, but the weather is extremely cold.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Waltham, MA:
Waltham, MA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Waltham, MA. Browse these charts to calculate the best months to stay in Waltham for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Waltham, MA
4 Star Average Prices: $181.05
The Westin Waltham-Boston is a lovely four-star hotel with understated interior design and fascinating mirrored architecture. You'll love sleeping on the pillow-top beds and using the designer toiletries in your comfortable room. Keep up with your exercise routine by visiting the health club or enjoy a cocktail at the hotel bar. The restaurant provides delicious meals, or you can call for 24-hour room service. A terrace and an indoor pool are among the other great amenities you'll find at this property.
The 3 1/2-star Embassy Suites Boston Waltham features high-ceilings and modern decor in its common areas. Rooms are extremely comfortable, and you can peruse the positive guest reviews to see that former guests loved the beds and the amount of space available. This Embassy Suites location offers great complimentary amenities, including Wi-Fi, an area shuttle, breakfast, and parking. The property has a convenience store on-site, a restaurant, a sauna, a spa tub, an indoor pool, and laundry facilities.
If you're looking for five-star luxury, a stay in nearby Boston at the Boston Harbor Hotel will provide you with every upscale comfort and amenity you crave. The Boston Harbor Hotel features all the best resort hotel amenities, like a full-service spa, a hair salon, a steam room, a bellhop, a limo service, and valet parking. This property offers gorgeous harbor views and features an on-site marina. Free Wi-Fi, a health club, a 24-hour front desk, and 24-hour room service are a few more perks that will make your stay perfect.
Affordable Options in Waltham, MA
3 Star Average Prices: $149.08
The most affordable options in the Waltham area are actually outside of Waltham itself. Most of Waltham's hotels don't offer room rates below $100 a night, so if you're looking for a low cost deal, expand your search outside of the city to find a room rate that suits your budget.
Your most inexpensive option near Waltham is the Motel 6 Westborough in Northborough, Massachusetts. It's about 22 miles from the center of Waltham, and nightly rates start under $70. When you stay at this Motel 6 location, you'll get amenities like a 24-hour front desk, Wi-Fi, fitness facility access, laundry facility access, free parking, and a policy that welcomes pets.
To get a little closer to Waltham, check out the Red Roof Inn Boston Southborough/Worcester. Room rates start just over $71 a night, and it's about 17 miles from central Waltham. When you stay at this location, you can bring kids 17 and younger to stay for free in the same room as a parent or guardian as long as they use existing bedding. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, a pet policy, and free parking.
The Bedford Motel is less than nine miles from Waltham and offers room rates as low as $85 a night. If you need a roll-away bed when you stay at the Bedford Motel, you can ask for one for just $10 extra per night. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking at this location. Sattelite programming is available in your room to keep you current on all your favorite TV shows.
