Bowling Green's main claim to fame is that it serves as the home of Bowling Green State University. The school gives the town a fun, vibrant feel. Whether you're a college student, a businessperson, or a tourist, you can enjoy Bowling Green's prime location. Bowling Green is officially part of the Toledo metropolitan area, and the city is less than a 40-minute drive from Bowling Green. Two hours in a car will get you to Cleveland or Columbus, larger cities that offer all the amenities you expect from a metropolis. Detroit, Michigan is only 85 miles away.
The Bowling Green area welcomed its first settlers in the 1830s, and it officially became a town in 1855. In 1901, it was first recognized as a city. Bowling Green has experienced modest population growth in recent years.
Do you want to experience Bowling Green for yourself? Use this guide to find the ideal hotel for your stay in this attractive Midwestern city.
Choose the Right Time to Visit Bowling Green, Ohio
The right time to visit Bowling Green depends on the reason for your visit and your personal preferences. If you or a family member is considering attending school at Bowling Green State University, the best time to go is during the week when classes are in session so you can really get to know the school. Because fewer students reside in the city during the summer, the warmest season of the year is not the best time to visit.
Are outdoor activities your main objective? Fall, spring, and summer are the best times to visit. The weather can get hot during the summer, though, so wait until later in the season if you want to avoid the worst of the heat. These seasons provide ample opportunities for recreation on nearby Lake Erie.
For the most convenient travel, avoid visiting Bowling Green in January, December, or February. Although the nearby lake tempers the severe weather, snow and ice storms can still occur during the winter. However, you may be able to find cheaper hotel prices during winter season.
For the best hotel rates outside of winter, check Bowling Green State University's event calendar so you can avoid booking a room when the college is hosting an event that may inflate accommodation prices. Fortunately, this shouldn't be a major concern, since the university is relatively small.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bowling Green, OH:
Bowling Green, OH: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Bowling Green, OH. Browse these illustrations to determine the most cost effective dates to stay in Bowling Green throughout the year.
Indulge Yourself in Bowling Green, Ohio
4 Star Average Prices: $127.90
While there are no over-the-top luxury hotel options in Bowling Green, there are a few hotels that go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable.
The three-and-a-half-star Radisson Hotel at the University of Toledo is in nearby Toledo. You'll feel spoiled by the range of amenities, which includes complimentary internet access, desks and separate sitting areas in the rooms, and a 24-hour business center. For a surcharge, you can hop on the hotel's shuttle and go anywhere within five miles. A full hot breakfast is available every day for an extra fee. An indoor pool and a spa tub add to the Radisson's appeal. Past guests have praised the hotel's cleanliness and quiet setting.
Another top-of-the-line option in the Bowling Green vicinity is the Courtyard by Marriott Maumee, which is about 14 miles from the Bowling Green city center. Amenities at this pleasant property include a 24-hour fitness center, full hot breakfast, and an indoor pool. Relax in the welcoming lobby as you enjoy a drink or a snack from the hotel's bistro. Alternatively, leave the hotel to visit one of the nearby restaurants or bars. You'll love the friendly service, clean rooms, comfortable beds, and modern styling. The location puts you near the Toledo Airport, the Toledo Zoo, and the Toledo Museum of Art.
In addition to the Courtyard by Marriott Maumee, there are a few other Courtyard hotels in the area, including the Courtyard by Marriott Toledo Airport Holland and the Courtyard by Marriott Toledo Rossford/Perrysburg. Both of these other hotels are highly rated by guests and fall into the same price range as the Courtyard in Maumee.
The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Bowling Green, Ohio
3 Star Average Prices: $114.32
For the best deal on a hotel, you may want to stay outside of the city itself. The cheapest hotel in the area is the Motel 6 Findlay, which is about 25 miles from the Bowling Green city center. This property is a solid choice if you plan on being out and about most of the time. The hotel offers minimal amenities, but wireless internet is available for a surcharge.
Another budget-friendly option in the area is Travel Inn Perrysburg. For only a tad more money than what you would pay at the Motel 6 Findlay, you can enjoy being only 14 miles from the Bowling Green city center. The Travel Inn's 50 guest rooms include refrigerators so you can save money on eating out during your stay. You can also take advantage of the 24-hour room service to satisfy your appetite. The rooms have cable television to keep you entertained.
If you want to stay within Bowling Green's city limits, book a room at Days Inn Bowling Green, which is less than two miles from the city center. This property has an outdoor pool to help you stay cool if you visit during summer. Other amenities include air conditioning, complimentary internet access, and free weekday newspapers.