The Edwardsville center is around 5 miles north of Anderson Hospital and 7 miles southeast of St. Louis Regional Airport.
Since Edwardsville is a small city, you can visit any time of year and avoid large crowds while you explore the local museums and attractions. If you want to venture out and see nearby St. Louis, however, you'll have to be mindful of peak travel times and local festivals that may affect traffic and your itinerary.
June, July, and August are the hottest months in this region, with temperatures exceeding 85 degrees. This is a bit warm, which is partly why late April through early July are considered the best months to visit. If you book a room and flight early enough, you can take advantage of low prices during this time.
Though the summer months can get really hot, this is also a peak time for festivals in nearby St. Louis. Saint Louis Brewers Guild festival is in June and is a fantastic event to attend if you're interested in the local beer industry and its history. Back in Edwardsville, you can take a dip in the Edwardsville Glen Carbon Community Pool or visit Tower Lake to cool off.
April and May are excellent months to plan a visit if you want to spend some time outdoors. Edwardsville is nearby the Mississippi River and horseshoe lake, and if you make the drive to St. Louis, you can attend Spring Art Fair at Queeny Park, St. Louis Storytelling Festival, and Spring to Dance Festival. You'll also avoid the peak tourist influx, which is from late May through Early August.
Look for discounts on hotel rates in Edwardsville to either drive down your travel expenses or to put higher quality lodging into your price range. Comfort Inn Edwardsville is one of a few area businesses that offers a senior discount. This four-story hotel has conference facilities and is within walking distance of Sunset Hill Memorial Estates. Amenities include an indoor pool, business and gym facilities, kitchens in every room, and free Wi-Fi. If you upgrade to a suite, your room comes with a two-person whirlpool tub.
If you're an AAA member, you can take advantage of discounts at Hampton Inn Suites St. Louis-Edwardsville. This is a 2-star hotel near Interstate 270. The rooms are close to Southern Illinois University, and you'll find gas stations and spots for shopping right off Glenwest Drive. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, minifridges, microwaves, desks, TVs, and coffeemakers. The hotel also prepares free complimentary breakfasts, including to-go bags. Other amenities include an indoor pool, laundry service, a hot tub, and a gym and fitness center.
Many of the hotels in Edwardsville mix affordability with luxury, providing a great range of amenities and services without travelers having to worry about busting their vacation budgets. Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach is one option that meets this definition. Though the perks are pretty basic, such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast and flat-screen TVs, you can take advantage of all-inclusive offers if you want to splurge a bit.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Pontoon Beach is also a wonderful value. This 3-star hotel has an indoor pool and fitness facilities, and it's one of the top accommodations in the area that welcomes you to book a room with your pet. Upgrade your stay to enjoy a living area and pullout sofas in your room. Closer to St. Louis, you'll find La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville - St. Louis. As a member of the La Quinta chain, you can count on the same amenities and quality service but enjoy easier access to the big city.
If you want to stay closer to Edwardsville and don't mind a short drive to reach its many landmarks and attractions, book a room at Innkeeper Motel. This is about a 10-minute drive from the city, but the hotel offers excellent rates on rooms. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. You can use the barbecue facilities for free if you feel like cooking your own food.
History is a big part of the culture in Edwardsville, but so is the food! If you're visiting and are curious about the local fare, you can look forward to plenty of comforting dishes from one of the area restaurants.
Travelers staying near Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are also close to Doc's Smokehouse & Catering. This is a family-owned barbecue joint dishing out counter-serve sandwiches and burgers as well as specials like the signature slow-smoked sliced brisket sandwich. You can also try some ribs prepared in the style that St. Louis is famous for.
Those interested in a meal and some entertainment should go to Edison's Entertainment Complex. The menu includes simple but filling and tasty burgers, tacos, pizzas, and more. You can also split a plate of chicken wings or some nachos with your party. After eating, play some frames of bowling or go a few rounds in the laser tag arena. Edison's Entertainment Complex also has an arcade and hosts fun events, such as trivia nights.
From its interesting museums to its proximity to St. Louis and spots for food and fun, Edwardsville is an exciting city to visit. You'll find plenty of hotels to meet your vacation needs, whether you want something affordable, something luxurious, or something in between.
Below are reviews of the city of Edwardsville, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Downtown is beautiful! Chophouse 1818 was amazing!
We were there for a wedding, so didn't do much exploring. But we did go to Kyoto Hibachi Grill for the rehearsal dinner and it was fabulous!!