Founded over 150 years ago, the town became Lafayette, Indiana, in 1871. Since then, West Lafayette separated itself as its own town and became the official home of Purdue University in 2013.
Nestled in northwestern Indiana along the Wabash River, it's the most densely populated town in the state. According to 2016 census estimates, the population comes in at just under 46,000. The town is 65 miles from Indianapolis and 100 miles from Chicago.
When to Visit West Lafayette, IN
The weather of this college town has four defined seasons. The winters are chilly, and the summers are steamy. Temperatures from April through May and September through November are mild in the afternoons but cool in the mornings. Summer months are warm with some record-breaking days with highs near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter days are cold with highs averaging in the 30s from December through February. The rainiest months in West Lafayette are May, June, and July with an average of 10 wet days each month. Snowfall peaks in December and January.
Travel to West Lafayette is consistent year round. Early in the year, hotels fill with sports teams competing with Purdue athletes. Families with seniors in high school fill rooms in the spring while visiting the university for tours and again right before the fall semester begins. Fall is a busy time with harvest festivals and fall sports. Summer is the slower time of year, but it's still bustling with sports and visiting families.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in West Lafayette, IN:
West Lafayette by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in West Lafayette, IN. You can use these charts to determine the best months to stay in West Lafayette for any future trips.
Higher-End Hotels in West Lafayette, IN
More opulent hotel options abound in the city. The Hilton Garden Inn at Wabash Landing lies in downtown and is walking distance to the historic district, Purdue, and area hospitals. Business travelers will love the 24-hour business center's convenient services and spacious meeting areas with catering available. Guests can wind down in the hotel's spa or while soaking in the Jacuzzi. Kids will love the indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and in-room video games.
At Holiday Inn Lafayette-City Center, guests will revel in the hotel's prime location. It's surrounded by quaint shops and local eateries and is a short walk to the university, Amtrak station, and Long Theater. Visitors enjoy free local calls and Wi-Fi. Business travelers can wind down at the end of the day with a delicious meal and cocktail at Toscana Italian Grill and Bar. Families will delight in the indoor pool and fitness center.
The Hampton Inn Lafayette is highly rated by fellow travelers. Remarks include that “rooms are clean and spacious, the staff is helpful, and the location is great.” Visitors enjoy free Wi-Fi and cable programming, making downtime more fun. Kids under age 17 stay free and will delight in the indoor pool. Travelers can stay in shape in the fitness center before indulging in a free breakfast.
Affordable Hotel Options in West Lafayette, IN
3 Star Average Prices: $126.91
There are several options for less costly lodging in the city. The Days Inn & Suites lies just off the interstate and is around 5 miles from Purdue. It's within 10 miles of most of the area's most popular attractions. Guests at Days Inn & Suites enjoy refrigerators, microwaves, and radios in their rooms. Visitors have access to free Wi-Fi and free cable TV. There's car rental, ironing, and laundry facilities on site. Pets are welcome for an extra fee. Travelers wrap up their stay with a free continental breakfast after a morning workout in the fitness center.
Another budget hotel option is Motel 6, which also rests along the interstate. It's about the same distance to the university and local attractions. Three shuttle companies ferry visitors to and from the hotel where they can delight in an afternoon swim in the indoor pool. Every room features a kitchenette, saving guests' money on food costs. A TV and DVD player in the rooms keeps travelers entertained. Concierge staff serves guest needs with services like clothes drying and grocery service. Mornings are easier with express check-out.
For inexpensive lodging within blocks of Purdue, Campus Inn is a nice option. It's less than 1 mile from university grounds and within 2 miles of the stadium and arena. Rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, and radios. Guests may ask for roll away beds and cribs for family travel. Business travelers can work well into the night at the in-room desk with the reading light and coffee from the coffee maker.
2 Star Average Prices: $84.66
Hotels with Discounts in West Lafayette, IN
Many hotels in the city offer discounts to AAA members, seniors, and groups. At Hampton Inn Lafayette, AAA members save around 20 percent on room rates. From express check-in to express check-out, guests will enjoy the creature comforts of this hotel. Tourists can rest their weary feet in the spa tub, indoor pool, or while reading a complimentary newspaper next to the fireplace in the lobby. Business travelers enjoy convenient business services, laundry, and dry cleaning services. Travelers finish their visit with a complimentary breakfast.
Busy AAA members save around 10 percent at Homewood Suites by Hilton. With suites featuring all the comforts of home, including fireplaces, kitchens, and meals, this hotel makes guests feel at home. Located right off Interstate 65, the hotel is just minutes from area attractions including area hospitals, Purdue sporting venues, and downtown dining and nightlife. Visitor save even more with free parking, shuttles, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
Senior travelers can save up to 20 percent at Courtyard by Marriott Lafayette that rests conveniently at where Interstate 65 and Highway 26 meet. It's a short drive to Purdue and downtown eateries and shopping. Guests can socialize comfortably year-round in the outdoor lounge area with its fire pit and cushy seats. Visitors rack up the savings with free newspapers, parking, and Wi-Fi. Families can spend downtime in the indoor pool or relax in the spa tub.
Best Value Hotels in West Lafayette, IN
For the best in comfort and amenities at a fair price, the city offers loads of choices. The Four Points by Sheraton rests north of the downtown area, but it's still near the university's sports venues. Visitors enjoy free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Business travelers work in comfort with in-room desks and stay up-to-date with free newspapers. Guests can relax on the outdoor terrace or in the spa tub after an energetic swim in the indoor pool. A picnic area allows for outdoor meals if the desire strikes.
At Fairfield Inn & Suites, getting around town is simple because of the hotel's location near area highways and attractions. Families will breathe easier in the spacious suites with separate sleeping, living, and working areas. Kids will delight in the indoor pool while mom and dad lounge in the spa tub nearby. Free amenities include parking, coffee and tea, newspapers, and Wi-Fi. Travelers top off their stay with a free hot breakfast that includes sausage and eggs.
At Quality Inn & Suites, tourists will love the convenient highway access that makes getting in and out of the hotel a breeze. Guests can wind down with free cable programming on a 32-inch TV in every room. Free Wi-Fi and newspapers keep business travelers connected before they take a dip in the outdoor pool. Large groups or families will enjoy RV and bus parking.
Things to Do Around West Lafayette, IN
Outside of athletics, Purdue University offers visitors cultural centers, performing arts, gardens, and educational opportunities. Tourists can head to O'Bryan's Nine Irish Brothers, a one-of-a-kind Irish pub, and revel in samples of 26 Irish whiskeys and Irish and international beer. Music lovers will enjoy live bands six nights a week at Indiana's oldest pub — Knickerbocker Saloon — or dance the night away at Neon Cactus where an in-house DJ keeps the beats flowing.
Another popular attraction, Wolf Park, brings visitors up close with wild animals like wolves, bison, foxes, and coyotes. Guests will delight in watching the wolves interact with the park's staff during Howl Night.
At Columbian Park, families can spend days traversing 40 acres of entertainment including an aquatic center, an amusement park, a zoo, and acres of trails and lakes. The Zoo boasts over 200 animals with many in detailed, immersion exhibits that take learning to the next level. Small kids can burn off some energy riding the kiddie rides at Wild Tykes Play Zone or the water slide at Tropicanoe Cove. Parents can lounge in the lazy river.
Explore the winding Wabash Heritage Trail beginning at Tippecanoe Battlefield for a day filled with scenic sights. Embark on an educational adventure through Clegg Gardens where native plants and wildlife thrive along the banks of Wildcat Creek.
Whether you're visiting West Lafayette ,Indiana, to see a family member turned college student or to cheer your team on to glory, there's no shortage of great things to do. If you're looking for a budget hotel or a more luxurious room, there's no shortage of options.
FAQs about hotels in West Lafayette
How much does a cheap hotel in West Lafayette cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in West Lafayette can be as cheap as $84.66 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in West Lafayette cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in West Lafayette has been $126.91 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: West Lafayette, IN
Below are reviews of the city of West Lafayette, IN from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice location"
Score
5.0 / 5
The food and happy hollow park was a great place to take the dog !
Mike L., from 25-Nov-2024
"Food & Shopping"
Score
5.0 / 5
Food and shopping.
Michael K., from 09-Aug-2024
"Great location accessible to Purdue Univ. & local restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Great location with access to Purdue University and local restaurants.
Michael K., from 09-Aug-2024
"Purdue University"
Score
5.0 / 5
Purdue University
Tiffany S., from 16-Jun-2024
"Great Location Near Shopping & Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
A lot of places to eat in the area of our hotel and a mall not far away.
Kris G., from 13-Feb-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of West Lafayette, IN shown above is
4.8 out of 5 based on 5 reviews