Located on a bluff between the banks of the Mississippi River and the Rock River, Moline has been the home of both indigenous people and settlers moving west. In the mid-1800s, John Deere moved his tractor and plow company to the area, as the rivers gave him an excellent shipping point to send his product south. Because of his success, Moline grew from a few hundred residents to over 40,000 today.
Despite a population stagnation due to suburban settling in the 1960s and 1970s, Moline underwent massive efforts to revitalize its downtown area. Today, it serves as the major recreational, civic, and commercial hub of the Quad Cities. Whether you're coming to Moline for work or leisure, it's important to find the perfect hotel for an enjoyable stay and to experience everything "The Plow Capital of the World" has to offer.
When to Visit Moline, IL
The best time to visit Moline is during the summer between May and August, when the city comes alive with activities and offers warm temperatures and little rain. During this season, head down to the waterfront, which has fountains to keep the kids cool on the hottest days and riverboat rides to explore the area and see the city in a picturesque setting. However, hotels tend to fill up quickly during this time because of the many events and festivals, so booking ahead is strongly encouraged.
If you're looking to shake off the doldrums of winter, spring is an excellent time to visit Moline. The city is well-known for some of the most beautiful gardens on the banks of the Mississippi, as well as a world-class botanical garden. Temperatures are cool, yet comfortable, but with everything in bloom, there's no chance that you'll miss the opportunity to get out and explore. Demand for hotels slips during this time, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding a room.
From September through November, Moline enjoys brisk, cool weather, but with a sweater, it's easy to handle, even for its northern geographic location. At this point in the year, the trees start to change to beautiful orange, yellow, red, and auburn hues, providing an excellent spot for leaf peeping. It's also the height of the food festival scene, with vendors from around the region hocking their produce, culinary delights, and microbrewed beers. Hotel rooms are in high demand on certain weekends, so check to see what's happening before you book.
Winter can get downright chilly in Moline, with temperatures staying below freezing from December through February. However, there's still plenty to do. Head to the bluffs to do some skiing or snowboarding, walk through town to enjoy Christmas lights, or check out the famous Festival of Trees. In addition, you can go down to the river for some of the best bald eagle watching in the country. Even with all these great activities, the demand for hotels drops during winter, leaving you with plenty of choices at prices you'll love.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Moline, IL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Moline, IL. Analyze these charts to evaluate the cheapest time to stay in Moline during the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Moline, IL
4 Star Average Prices: $137.75
When you're searching for a luxury hotel for a weekend getaway or a romantic occasion, Moline has a nice selection of choices. The Radisson on John Deere Commons is a popular choice for lavish accommodation, boasting amenities such as an indoor pool, restaurant, bar, a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, and fitness facilities. You can walk to some of the top attractions in the city including the iWireless Center and the Isle of Capri Casino, or just walk across the street to the John Deere Pavilion. Top floors will also enjoy a panoramic view of either the Mississippi River or downtown Moline.
Situated on the waterfront, Stoney Creek Hotel is another luxurious accommodation option. It's just down the street from the Radisson, giving it easy access to the most popular attractions. The 24-hour fitness facilities and both indoor and outdoor pools keep you in shape on your visit, while the restaurant and bar provide food and drink without leaving the grounds. Each room has free Wi-Fi, cable programming, and daily housekeeping services. A buffet with hot and cold foods is complimentary.
Affordable Hotel Options in Moline, IL
3 Star Average Prices: $104.47
If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Moline, it's not too difficult to find. The Motel 6 offers convenient access to both downtown, the airport, and John Deere Planetarium. You'll enjoy plenty of amenities as well including fitness facilities, free Wi-Fi, a full kitchen with refrigerator and stove, free local calls, cable television, and complimentary coffee.
QC Stay Inn is another option that's perfect if you need accommodation close to all the action. It's just a short drive from the Black Hawk State Historic Site or one of many concerts that come to the iWireless Center throughout the year. Each room is a comfortable refuge after a long day of exploring Moline, offering pillow-top mattresses, free Wi-Fi, cable programming, complimentary daily newspapers, and coffee or tea in the lobby. When you need to catch a flight, the QC Stay Inn offers a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport, making your trip quick and convenient.