The Madera center is about the area of Downtown Madera and 2 miles west of Madera Amtrak Station.
Whether you're in town on business or to explore the vineyards and wineries and the parks and nature, you'll want to plan your trip with weather and tourist trends in mind. June, July, and August mark the busiest months for tourism in the area, and they're also the warmest months. You'll likely find the highest prices for flights and hotels during this period.
A fall trip can save you big on hotel prices. Temperatures start falling from September through November, though the climate stays comfortable. You'll miss the peak of tourist season while still getting to experience relatively warm weather.
Though colder, winter is the second-busiest tourist season in the area. After all, travelers want to escape the frigid temperatures from December through February elsewhere! Still, average highs generally fall between the mid-50s and mid-60s, so if you're looking for very warm weather, consider booking later in the year.
March through May brings moderate temperatures, with the heat rising as you get closer to summer. Rain is rare in the spring, and it's slower than summer when it comes to tourism, so you can get lucky with some good deals for your trip.
Summer brings the biggest tourist crowds, certainly in large part due to the gorgeous weather. You'll get warm temperatures with very little rain, though you'll have competition for accommodations, as many other travelers will visit Madera then.
If you know where to look, you can take advantage of great discounts to save even more during your stay in Madera. America's Best Value Inn & Suites Madera offers AAA discount rates as well as senior rates for qualifying guests. With a stay here, you'll enjoy the rural location in close proximity to San Joaquin Wine Company and Cru Wine Company. The rooms feature coffee/tea makers as well as microwaves, which can help you stick to your budget. The rooms have satellite television, while the hotel offers guests a sauna, spa tub, and indoor pool.
Knights Inn Madera is another Madera spot where AAA members can enjoy discounts on their rooms. This hotel is close to Madera District Fair and Madera Speedway. You'll enjoy an on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool, and the rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable programming, as well as complimentary wireless internet. The rooms here also have microwaves.
Yet another Madera spot offering AAA discounts, the Holiday Inn Express Madera Yosemite Park Area also features discounts for members of the military and government. It's not far from Madera District Fair and Madera Speedway, and amenities like a fitness center and outdoor pool ensure that you'll stay relaxed and entertained during your stay as well. Complimentary wireless and wired internet access options let you stay connected while you're away. The rooms here boast flat-screen TVs, cable programming, and refrigerators. You'll also start each day well when you visit the complimentary breakfast buffet.
Madera has many mid-range hotels that offer great value for your money. Right in Madera, Hampton Inn & Suites Madera offers an Art Deco vibe in a rural location close to Madera Speedway and Madera District Fair. Pillow-top beds provide added comfort, while perks like LCD TVs, complimentary internet access, and iPod docking stations ensure that you'll stay entertained. A complimentary buffet serves up hot and cold options each morning for breakfast, getting you ready for a full day. When you're not out exploring, unwind at the outdoor pool, open seasonally, or the fitness center.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fresno Northwest Herndon is another area hotel, close to Island Waterpark and Riverside Golf Course, that gets you good value for your money. Utilize the in-room microwaves and refrigerators to save even more, and treat yourself to some relaxation at the hotel's spa tub and outdoor pool. You can also stick to your workout routine at the fitness center. With complimentary wired and wireless internet and flat-screen TVs with cable programming, you'll also feel connected and entertained. Before a busy day, start with the complimentary breakfast, and then get out and see the local attractions.
Hotel Piccadilly, also in Fresno, is yet another mid-range area option. You'll be right in the business district, but whether you're visiting the Madera area for work or for fun, you'll appreciate amenities in the rooms like coffee/tea makers and refrigerators. When you're not out and about, watch the digital programming in your room, or take advantage of the complimentary wireless internet. There's also a fitness center, spa tub, and outdoor pool at this hotel, so you'll never run out of things to do.
No trip to the Madera area is complete without stops at the wineries. You're in California, after all! Cru Winery introduces you to handcrafted artisanal wines, with varieties created using grapes from vineyards from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley. If you're a fan of pinot noir or chardonnay, pay a visit to this winery to sample its specialties.
Family-owned Birdstone Winery sits on Madera County's eastern edge. Taste some wine on Birdstone's patio for a relaxing introduction to the California vibe. Then there's Quady Winery, a must-stop for enjoying rare muscat flavors. You'll find rich and full-bodied, balanced wines at Quady Winery, which brings out the character of the San Joaquin Valley.
If ports are more what you crave, check out Ficklin Vineyards. Founded in 1946, it's the oldest port winery in America. It also won California State Fair's Wine Lifetime Achievement Award, so you know you're in for an experience.
Whether you're tasting the region's wines, exploring nature, or simply visiting Madera on business, you need to find a place to stay that makes your trip something special. Fortunately, Madera has a range of hotels that work with any budget. Whatever your travel needs, you can find a hotel that fits your style and budget, so get ready to book that perfect trip to Madera.
Below are reviews of the city of Madera, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
We attended a beautiful family wedding. This is always where we stay.
Nice community in central California
Toca Madera Winery.