Incorporated in 1835, Aiken was named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Railroad. That fact should come as no surprise, as the community sprang up around the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company terminus. Among the community's first commissioners were three African-American legislatures, including the first black man admitted to the South Carolina Bar. As a planned town, Aiken features many historic streets named for other counties and cities in South Carolina.
Today, Aiken is known for its polo matches. Founded in 1930, the Aiken Steeplechase Association hosts the annual Imperial Cup and the Holiday Cup, drawing more than 30,000 spectators. Other notable events include the Bluegrass Festival, The Whiskey Road Race, The Lobster Races, and the Battle of Aiken Reenactment.
Whatever your reason for visiting Aiken, you'll want to find the perfect hotel that allows you to explore everything this vibrant Southern city has to offer.
What Aiken, SC season is most appealing?
Summers in Aiken are hot and muggy with high temperatures averaging 93 degrees in July. To beat the heat, book a hotel with a swimming pool and stick to the indoor, air-conditioned attractions. Just keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season throughout the South, so don't be surprised if you end up paying a little more for your hotel reservation.
Visit in the spring or fall to enjoy more competitive rates and pleasant temperatures. Highs settle around 86 degrees in both May and September, making the shoulder seasons a little more bearable for those intolerant to heat. Visitors who love soaking up the sun will find that spring and fall provide ideal weather for exploring the area's many outdoor attractions, including the downtown historic district.
Winters in Aiken are mild with average highs settling around 58 degrees in January. Evenings can feel quite chilly, however, so pack accordingly. Dressing in layers is a must when visiting South Carolina from November through March. On the bright side, hotel rates hit rock-bottom prices during the winter months. If you're trying to visit Aiken on a tight budget, you can't beat a trip during the off-season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Aiken, SC:
Aiken, SC: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Aiken, SC. Browse these line graphs to determine the best dates to book a room in Aiken for your upcoming travels.
Is there a luxury hotel in the Aiken area?
4 Star Average Prices: £80.10
When you want to splurge on extra amenities, you won't have to look far to find an upscale accommodation in Aiken.
Nestled in the heart of Aiken, Carriage House Inn is a stunning historic inn close to fine dining, shopping, and cultural opportunities. The property features 37 uniquely appointed guest rooms ranging from deluxe queen rooms to king whirlpool suites. All guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, wired and wireless internet access, rainfall showerheads, designer toiletries, and private balconies or patios. Featured amenities include a rooftop terrace, a fireplace in the lobby, a safe deposit box at the front desk, free parking, and a complimentary full breakfast.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Aiken is another upscale option with great guest reviews. The hotel features a 24-hour health club, an indoor pool, a business center, express check-out, free Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, well-lit work desks, deep soaking tubs, and complimentary toiletries. Certain rooms feature sofa beds.
Business travelers will love Hilton Garden Inn Aiken, which features event facilities, a business center, and dry cleaning and laundry services. All guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, the on-site fitness center, and the hotel's Great American Grill restaurant with limited room service. Guest rooms include LCD TVs, MP3 docking stations, designer toiletries, hair dryers, work desks, and both wired and wireless internet.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Aiken, SC?
3 Star Average Prices: £64.02
Finding an affordable hotel in Aiken is easier than you might think.
Knights Inn Aiken is one of the city's most affordable hotels, offering free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Other guest amenities include a computer station, free newspapers, an outdoor pool, and free wireless internet access. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable programming, mini refrigerators, microwaves, work desks, coffee makers, hair dryers, toiletries, and phones with free local calls.
Located near the Aiken Center for the Arts, Hotel Aiken is a historic accommodation that's a bit more dated than other options, but it's hard to beat the room rates. The site features the main historic building, which was built in 1898 and is undergoing renovation, and an exterior corridor motel that offers some of the best rates in town. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, laundry services, free newspapers, a nightclub, concierge services, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include cable TV, Wi-Fi, coffee makers, hair dryers, and free toiletries.
Days Inn by Wyndham Aiken Interstate Hwy 20 places you just 15 minutes from DuPont Planetarium. Guest rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, cable TV, coffee makers, hair dryers, and work desks. Take advantage of the seasonal outdoor pool, free newspapers in the lobby, a business center, ample self-parking, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
