Located at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Yakima River, Richland is part of the Tri-Cities area along with Pasco and Kennewick. The beginning of Richland starts with three Native American tribes that established a small village at the mouth of the Yakima River to fish salmon. It wasn't until 1904 that Richland started to receive an influx of settlers from the east.
During World War II, a parcel of land just north of the city was purchased by the U.S. government as part of the Manhattan Project, and soon afterwards, the city produced all the world's plutonium. After the war ended, the city continued to produce plutonium until the Cold War ended. Many of the residents of the town now participate in the cleanup of the former plutonium manufacturing site.
Today, Richland is famous for its water sports as well as its proximity to over 200 local wineries. It's a popular attraction for tourists wanting to get away from the hustle of urban life. Whatever your reason for coming to Richland, it's important to find the right hotel to enjoy everything that Richland and the surrounding area has to offer.
When to Visit Richland, WA
Surprisingly, Richland is in a semi-arid desert climate, resulting in warm summers and cold winters. However, this lends itself to ideal outdoor conditions with limited rainfall or snow in comparison to the rest of the state. That being said, the best time to visit is in the summer when temperatures range from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. During this time, the rivers provide a playground for sports fanatics. This includes activities such as waterskiing, boating, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, and tubing. At this time of the year, hotels tend to fill up faster than any other season, resulting in low supply and higher prices.
The spring and fall are the least popular months in the Richland area as temperatures plummet. In addition, the surrounding vegetation is basically shrubs and steppe, so there isn't much change in the scenery during those seasons. However, this does give you the unique opportunity to get a hotel room for a fraction of the price.
Richland and the Tri-Cities may not have their own mountain ranges, but there are several within close proximity that make the winter an ideal time to visit. Bluewood Ski Resort and White Pass Ski Area both offer world-class skiing, as well as areas for intermediate and novice skiers and snowboarders. Prices in Richland don't tend to fluctuate too much during this time as locals usually take day trips and tourists use the hotels closer to the ski areas.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Richland, WA:
Richland by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Richland, WA. You can use these charts to determine the cheapest dates to stay in Richland for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Richland, WA
4 Star Average Prices: $109.40
While there aren't any luxury hotels in the middle of Richland, there are several within a 10-mile drive. One of those places is the Best Western Pasco Inn & Suites. Located in neighboring Pasco, this hotel is just a short distance from the airport, which is made even easier thanks to the hotel's complimentary shuttle. Each morning from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., this hotel offers the best breakfast in the city, featuring fluffy and fully stuffed omelets made in front of your eyes. In addition they also have a make-your-own Belgian waffle bar, fresh fruit, homemade scones and muffins, fresh coffee, and tons of other delicious foods. The rooms are decorated in a Tuscany style and feature high-speed wireless internet, a workstation, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffeemaker.
Another opulent selection is the Red Lion. This luxury hotel is also located in Pasco, but it's only a 15-minute drive from Richland. If you stay here, you're only a short distance from downtown Pasco, downtown Kennewick, the East Benton County History Museum, and the visually stunning Cable Bridge of Pasco. Other amenities at the Red Lion include a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, two restaurants, two bars and lounges, and a complimentary hot and cold breakfast.
Affordable Hotel Choices in Richland, WA
3 Star Average Prices: $122.80
If you're looking for budget accommodation options close to the Richland city center, you're in luck with several options to choose from. The M Hotel and Conference Center is located right in the heart of downtown Richland, providing a low-cost alternative for tourists and business travelers alike. When you stay here, you'll find that the Barnard Griffin Winery, Tagaris Winery, and Bookwalter Winery are all within a short distance, letting you soak up some terrific scenery while sipping on a glass of premium Chardonnay. At the hotel, there are a range of amenities including an indoor pool, a giant water slide, and a spa tub. There are also many in-room features such as complimentary wireless internet, cable programming, a refrigerator, and a microwave. If you're looking to indulge yourself, the M Hotel has 24-hour room service to suit your needs.
Another solid budget option in Richland is the Days Inn. Situated right by the Columbia Point Golf Course, this hotel is the ideal spot to wind down after a long day on the tee. Choose from rooms with a king bed, a queen bed, one double bed, or two double beds. In each of these rooms you'll have amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable television, and free coffee and tea. An outdoor pool and a complimentary continental breakfast are two other benefits of your time at the Days Inn.
2 Star Average Prices: $98.46
Great Discounts in Richland, WA
If you're looking to save some money to spend on souvenirs, dining experiences, or just put in the bank, it's to your advantage to look at some of the discounts offered by many of the hotels around Richland.
The Fairfield Inn by Marriott is just five miles from the business district of Richland, and it offers AAA members, AARP members, and senior citizen discounts throughout the year. Not only will you put money in your pocket, but you'll also enjoy some great features of the hotel including an indoor pool, a fitness facility, complimentary breakfast, a fireplace in the lobby, and a spa tub. Rooms come with options for a king bed, two queen beds, or one queen bed.
The Quality Inn is another superb hotel that offers stellar discounts for members of AAA, AARP, and military personnel. Once you've checked in, go ahead and check out the Toyota Center for sporting events or concerts, the Badger Mountain Vineyard, the Columbia Center Mall, and the Three Rivers Convention Center. On-site, guests will find concierge services, complimentary internet access, an indoor pool, a spa tub, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and a cozy fireplace.
Best Value Options in Richland, WA
Aside from luxury and budget options, Richland also offers several mid-range value options that provide a perfect balance of features and proximity to local landmarks. The first mid-range choice is the Hampton Inn at Southridge. Located just 8.5 miles out of the town, the Hampton Inn is located next to the Toyota Center where you can see hockey, arena football, and concerts. Amenities within the hotel include complimentary internet access, a 42-inch flat screen television, refrigerators, microwaves, and a roundtrip shuttle to the airport.
Another mid-range option is the Towneplace Suites. Here, you'll have a short journey to the Columbia Point Golf Course, the Tagaris Winery, and the Barnard Griffin Winery. With these places nearby, you'll have the opportunity to get out into the great outdoors and enjoy some of the finer things in life. Some of the things you'll enjoy at the Towneplace Suites include free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and a picnic area. Choose from room arrangements such as one king bed, one queen bed, two queen beds, or two king beds with a sofa bed.
Top Things to Do in Richland, WA
With so many things to do in the Richland area, your hardest decision will be deciding which activities to put at the top of your list. If you head on down to the Toyota Center, you can check out the Tri-City Americans, which is one of the top teams in the U.S. junior hockey circuit. In addition, the venue has hosted many famous musical acts such as Shinedown, KISS, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie.
If you love wine, the 200 local wineries are a testament to the fact that Richland has been called "The Heart of Washington Wine Country." These wineries create internationally recognized blends, whether they produce it in a basement like the Klona Vineyards, or are a major producer such as the Hogue Winery, which ships over 460,000 cases of wine worldwide each year.
For the educational experience, Richland has some great museums such as the Columbia River Exhibition of History and the Science and Technology Museum.
Regardless of what you love to do when you're on vacation or just unwinding after a long day of meetings, Richland has everything you need to have a super time. The only thing that adds to it is finding the best hotel to fit your needs.
FAQs about hotels in Richland
How much does a cheap hotel in Richland cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Richland can be as cheap as $98.46 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Richland cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Richland has been $122.80 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Richland cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Richland has been $109.40 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler guest reviews of Richland, WA
Below are reviews of the city of Richland, WA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Riverwalk and Marina!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Riverwalk and Marina!
George J., from 26-Sep-2024
"The Ironman Was Awesome!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Ironman was awesome! So many citizens came out to cheer us on. The parks are amazing. How do you keep the grass so green? The roads are easy to follow.
Bobbie B., from 25-Sep-2024
"Walking/Biking Trails"
Score
4.0 / 5
The walking and biking trails!
Rachel S., from 20-Aug-2024
"Great Location Near Columbia Trail"
Score
5.0 / 5
It's close to restaurants and you can walk or ride the Columbia trail.
Marsela L., from 12-Aug-2024
"Everything is available!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything is available!
Dennis U., from 12-Aug-2024
"Wine!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wine!!🤩🍷
Monica E., from 14-Jul-2024
"Keep up the good work!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Keep up the good work!
Ted H., from 01-Jul-2024
"Near Restaurants and the River"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants and the river.
Dan B., from 29-Jun-2024
"Decent Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
The room was acceptable.
Rudolph D., from 11-Jun-2024
"Sports Tourney"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were there for a sports tournament.
Darlene A., from 11-Jun-2024
"Restaurant Choices!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurant choices and friendly people!
Brent L., from 06-May-2024
"Great!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great!
David H., from 25-Mar-2024
"Affordable Hotel Conveniently Located by Freeway"
Score
5.0 / 5
Affordable hotel right next to freeway.
Norma C., from 18-Mar-2024
"Nice Area With a Beautiful River"
Score
4.0 / 5
It is a nice area. Beautiful river too!
Ginger J., from 17-Dec-2023
"Very Peaceful Place on the River"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very pretty city. The area around The Lodge on the river was very peaceful.
Ryan A., from 05-Sep-2023
"Lots of Sushi Options"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of sushi options for dinner. I was surprised!
Reena C., from 22-Aug-2023
"Centrally Located Hotel"
Score
5.0 / 5
Central location.
Ryan K., from 04-Mar-2023
"Very clean, comfortable room and bed. Friendly staff."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean, comfortable room and bed. Friendly staff. Very nice people.
Susan H., from 24-Feb-2023
"Great Location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
A lot to do and everything is close.
Jack C., from 13-Feb-2023
"Located near LIGO and many interesting attractions."
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel is located in proximity to LIGO and it's interpretive center. The birding in the parks along the river is great and they are so scenic. Looks like there are many interesting other attractions according to the visitors book, like the antique bookstore, many Latino oriented festivals, apparently even food truck hubs. The college has an observatory and planetarium!
Bobby P., from 19-Dec-2022
"Clean rooms and great front desk concierge."
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean room and great front desk concierge.
Steven J., from 19-Dec-2022
"Relaxing Pace"
Score
5.0 / 5
People were very friendly and the pace of the city is more relaxing and not so fast paced.
Joan V., from 09-Dec-2022
"Amazing Location on the Columbia River!!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The morning mist on the Columbia River with geese calling is just so amazing!
Richard G., from 22-Nov-2022
"Beautiful wedding venue!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful wedding venue!
Mel W., from 20-Jul-2022
"Beautiful and easy to navigate city!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful and easy to navigate city!
Virginia S., from 13-Jul-2022
"Everything is within walking distance!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything is within walking distance!
Rhoda W., from 04-Jul-2022
"Comfortable and clean great hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love how some of the stores look like they are from the 60's. Love the bookstore!
Sherryl M., from 03-Jun-2022
"Comfortable"
Score
5.0 / 5
Heart of the Red Mountain wine country.
Kathleen P., from 30-May-2022
"Very nice!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very nice.
Ezra C., from 08-May-2022
"Hotel was nice!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel was nice and cozy.The hotel was near the river front is beautiful and Anthony's restaurant was a great venue to hold our session at during our stay/meeting.
Dawn B., from 30-Jul-2019
"Beautiful"
Score
5.0 / 5
Cool desert nights and beauty of the Columbia River
Jenay H., from 26-Jun-2016
The average traveler rating of the city of Richland, WA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews