Bristol itself is a little taste of the South at its finest. Home to the Bristol Motor Speedway and known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” there's no other place like it. Some of the earliest country recordings came out of the city, with Hall of Famers such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family cutting records here in the late 1920s. Also known as a famous venue for NASCAR races, hundreds of thousands of visitors make their way to the town for the Food City 500, as well as smaller circuit races.
Regardless of your interests or why you choose to visit Bristol, you'll have accommodation options ranging from luxurious to budget and everything in between.
When to Visit Bristol, TN
Spring is the optimal time to visit Bristol, as the winter temperatures wear off and the city begins to blossom — both with tourists and the surrounding foliage. Most of the day, you'll enjoy 60- to 70-degree weather, although it does cool off at night. If you're planning on booking a room, be aware that there won't be any vacancies the weekend of the Food City 500. To attend this event and stay in a hotel in the city, book several months in advance.
From May through August, the city hosts many visitors from around the country. Many of these tourists enjoy the 80-degree weather that graces the area, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Rain is almost always in the forecast at least once a week during this time, so make sure to pack your raincoat. Book hotel accommodation early to get the hotel of your choice at a price that fits your budget.
If you can brave colder temperatures, winter is a perfect time to set off into the city. Temperatures rarely go below freezing and hover between 35 and 55 degrees. With a warm coat, you won't have to shiver as you wander through the streets and parks of Bristol. Booking a hotel room is straightforward during this season, and if you're a bargain hunter, you'll feel right at home from December through February.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Bristol, when the foliage starts to change colors, providing a picturesque backdrop to this quaint Tennessee town. September generally has temperatures around 80 degrees, but the highs usually fall to about 55 or 60 during November. Demand for hotel rooms goes down following the burst of tourism in the summer, so you can often find a room at your choice hotel at an amazing price.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bristol, TN:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Bristol, TN. Analyze these illustrations to determine the best dates to book a room in Bristol throughout the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Bristol, TN
4 Star Average Prices: $154.24
If you're looking for four-star accommodation, you'll have to travel about 10 miles outside of Bristol, but with top-notch amenities and one of the most beautiful grounds you've ever seen, the Martha Washington Hotel & Spa is worth the venture.
At this hotel, you'll have access to a number of features, including a free, full hot breakfast each morning, free valet parking, a complimentary glass of “goodnight” port wine each evening, a heated saltwater pool, a round-table library with over 1,000 volumes of American favorites, a glass atrium fitness center, and an 18-hole miniature golf course.
If you want to get the little ones off your hands for a few hours, the hotel also offers a Kids' Movie Night on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. In addition, you can hit the spa for soothing massages and refreshing facials. This resort also has charging stations for electric cars, as well as hardcourt tennis courts to match your game against your friends, family, or other guests.
When it's finally time to call it a night, you can retire to a luxury room, deluxe room, family-friendly suite, or specialty suite. Each of these suites features historic furniture mixed with modern amenities such as cable television, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Budget Hotel Options in Bristol, TN
3 Star Average Prices: $118.70
For budget-friendly accommodation, you'd be hard pressed to find a place as warm and inviting as the Days Inn. Offering two double beds, a king bed, or a suite, this low-cost hotel has just what you need for a comfortable stay, with essentials such as free wireless internet, cable programming, a hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. Other on-site amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, free newspapers, coffee and tea in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk for convenient check-in and check-out.
Another low-cost option for your stay in Bristol is the Econo Lodge. Conveniently located off Highway 81, this hotel provides an easy way to explore both sides of the city. With a stay here, you're close to destinations such as East Tennessee State University, Bristol Mall, and Bristol Motor Speedway.
Sit back and relax here while you enjoy amenities such as a free Easy Starts continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi in common areas, coffee and tea in the lobby, and a fax machine for your business needs. Retire to your room each evening to take advantage of a comfy bed, work desk, microwave, refrigerator, and hair dryer.