Summit was founded on March 23, 1869, and was incorporated on April 11, 1899. Before then, Native Americans lived in the area, and they sold it to the colonists on Oct. 28, 1664. The first European settlers came to the region in 1710, most of whom were Puritans fleeing religious persecution in England. Many Puritan settlers from Long Island, New England, and Connecticut also moved to this city. The dense woods, teeming with turkeys, rabbits, and other wild creatures, were excellent for logging and hunting, and the fertile valley was suitable for corn and wheat cultivation. The Passaic River also offered good fishing and water transportation.
Summit's early settlers named their community Turkey Hill. During the American Revolution, the area became known as Beacon Hill as the local militias lit bonfires there to warn others of approaching British troops. In the 18th century, the community was renamed Heights over Springfield. The name Summit came after the first railroad climbed the hill in 1837.
Until then, Summit was mainly an agricultural community. However, the railroad sped up Summit's development and increased its appeal as a resort town. After the American Civil War, many wealthy Americans bought land in Summit and built huge summer estates. The hospitality industry sprang up in Summit to cater to weekend visitors and summer vacationers. The city continues to remain popular with tourists.
What Is the Seasonality of Summit, NJ?
From April to September, the weather ranges from pleasantly warm to hot in Summit. If you enjoy being outdoors, you should consider visiting the city during this time frame. You can take in the beauty of the First and Second Watchung mountains from the Watchung Reservation, visit the Passaic River Parkway, or head for the Hidden Valley Park. You can picnic in Briant Park, and learn about the local environment at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
July, August, and September are the busiest tourist months in Summit. As hotels generally raise their rates during this period, it won't be easy to find a good deal of a hotel room. Given the tourist rush, you may also need to book a room in advance. However, tourism tends to slow down from October to March, so you'll be able to find a more affordable hotel room option then.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Summit, NJ:
Summit, NJ: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Summit, NJ. Browse these charts to determine the most cost effective time to book in Summit for any future trips.
What Are Some of the Top Hotels in Summit, NJ?
4 Star Average Prices: $151.48
If you want to stay at one of the top hotels in Summit, head for the Grand Summit Hotel on Springfield Avenue. In business since 1868 and about 30 minutes from Manhattan, this four-story hotel has 150 spacious, elegantly furnished, and air-conditioned rooms. These come with refrigerators, tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs, Bose radios, and king, queen, and full-size beds with comfortable pillowtop mattresses. You can also choose to stay in one of the hotel's Presidential, Junior, or Executive suites. If you prefer a historic setting, ask for one of their Summit Club rooms.
Additionally, The Grand Summit Hotel has a 9,000-square-foot meeting hall, a 3,354-square-foot grand ballroom, and a business center. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and you can get a delicious seasonal menu at its Hunt Club Steak & Seafood Grill restaurant. There is also an outdoor pool and an on-site fitness center. You can get paid shuttles to and from Newark Liberty International Airport and the Mall at Short Hills. Depending on availability, the shuttle to the train station and to the downtown area is free.
The Debary Inn, which is also on the historic Springfield Avenue, is a short walk away from Summit's downtown and train station. The hotel has three floors, 16 rooms, and four meeting rooms. The rooms come with full-size, king, and queen beds. The hotel serves a free continental breakfast consisting of yogurt, fruit, and baked products, and also offers guests free newspaper, free Wi-Fi, and free local calls.
You can sit outside in the hotel's private garden or work out in the fitness center. If you want to go to the airport, the hotel has a shuttle service.
What Are Some of the Budget Hotels in Summit, NJ?
3 Star Average Prices: $139.38
There are many budget hotel options in Summit. The Best Western Plus Murray Hill Hotel & Suites is around 4 miles to the southwest of Summit. The three-story hotel has 76 spacious rooms with king, queen, and double beds. Each of these rooms has a range of appliances like flat-screen TVs and refrigerators. There are also five conference rooms and an on-site fitness center.
This hotel offers complimentary cold and hot breakfasts and has a complimentary Manager's Wine Reception on Tuesday evenings. You can enjoy Mediterranean and Californian cuisine at Moea's Bistro while listening to live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi and a complimentary local shuttle Monday through Friday to destinations within a 5-mile radius.
The Red Carpet Inn Newark Airport is around 7 miles from Summit and is a three-story property with 78 spacious rooms. In-room amenities include cable TV, phone, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, and racks for clothes and luggage. You can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has vending machines, ATM, a tourist information center, and a business center. There is a shuttle service to and from the airport and the local bus station.
