Situated along the Illinois River, Peoria's downtown RiverFront district is an exciting place to stay. Stay downtown and you can enjoy the city's many restaurants, museums, historic sites, and entertainment venues. In Peoria, Caterpillar (the iconic yellow construction equipment manufacturer) has a highly rated visitor's center, where guests can get hands on, and even climb in, the heavy equipment. Make sure to save time for this impressive attraction.
Budget minded travelers will be happy to know that Peoria's lively downtown is easily accessible from both the north and the east. To save on accommodations, look outside downtown for nearby quality hotels that provide easy downtown access, at a fraction of the price. Then you can use the money you save to experience the great attractions Peoria has to offer.
When to Visit Peoria, Illinois
The best time to visit Peoria is during the summer (June, July, or August). This is when the weather is warmest and the rain not so frequent. The heart of Peoria is the riverside, and the city schedules many of its events and festivals in this area to coincide with warm summer weather. Expect temperature highs of around 80 degrees.
If you prefer cooler (but still warm) temperatures, consider visiting Peoria during the shoulder season in September and October, when the high is around 70 degrees. There are still plenty of outdoor events, or you can enjoy Peoria's inside attractions, like art exhibits or the Caterpillar Visitor Center.
In March, basketball fans descend on Peoria to enjoy March Madness and to experience the town's interactive (and huge) March Madness Experience event held at the Exhibition Hall in the Civic Center. Hotel rates in Peoria may go up during this popular event. Remember to shop around when looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Peoria during March.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Peoria, IL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average rate trends by star rating class in Peoria, IL. Analyze these charts to evaluate the best time to book a room in Peoria for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Peoria, Illinois
4 Star Average Prices: £99.99
If you're in the mood to splurge on a hotel room during your visit to Peoria, look no further than the downtown RiverFront. At Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center, guests can enjoy the hotel's indoor pool with spa tub and a 24-hour fitness center.
All rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. The conference facilities at Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center, can easily accommodate business gatherings, since there are multiple meetings rooms and a conference room available. There's no need to rent a vehicle in Peoria with the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle, and the convenient "attractions shuttle."
In downtown Peoria you'll find Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette, a historic luxury hotel in the heart of the city. The hotel boasts modern amenities and décor. Guest rooms have beds with pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, designer toiletries, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel's restaurant, Table 19, offers an upscale dining experience, while the lounge bar is a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Additional features and amenities are a fitness center, indoor pool, spa tub, complimentary airport shuttle, and free shuttle to area attractions.
Affordable Hotel Options in Peoria, Illinois
3 Star Average Prices: £88.58
Unlike its more crowded neighboring cities, finding an affordable hotel in Peoria, IL isn't difficult at all. You'll find options to fit any budget near most of Peoria's major attractions.
Perfectly located for travelers who like to stay close to the action, Motel 6 Peoria - East is ideal for budget conscious visitors. The property is outside the crowds and noise of downtown, but less than 2 miles from Peoria's RiverFront Visitors Center and Peoria Civic Center. This lower-cost accommodation in Peoria has easy access to both downtown and highways. Rooms are air-conditioned and the hotel has free parking for guests.
If you are visiting north Peoria and looking for a budget accommodation, try the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites at the northwest side of the city. Rooms at the Econo Lodge in Peoria come with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, and a microwave. If you're staying for a week and not a weekend, you'll be happy to know that the hotel also has laundry service available. Nearby points of interest include Northwood Mall, Bradley University, and Children's Hospital.
2 Star Average Prices: £67.63
Best Discounts in Peoria, Illinois
When you're packing for your trip to Peoria, don't forget your AAA card so you can take advantage of accommodation discounts. Try Super 8 Peoria East in East Peoria, which offers a 10 percent discount for AAA members. The hotel is near the freeway, south of Peoria Lake. Enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi in this modern hotel. The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, Illinois Central College, and Courthouse Square are nearby.
Another hotel offering a AAA discount is Residence Inn Peoria, near the Lakeview Museum and Peoria Zoo. Enjoy a 15 percent discount on weekend room rates. Guest rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, bed with pillow-top mattress, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center.
Seniors can enjoy discounted accommodations at Red Roof Inn Peoria, convenient to both Northwoods Mall and Lakeview Museum. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and include complimentary Wi-Fi. There is complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby. Quality Inn Peoria also offers discounts for seniors, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the hotel's indoor pool, spa tub, or fitness center after a day on the greens at Weaver Ridge Golf Course or visiting at Peoria Zoo. Be sure to present your identification when you check in to receive your accommodation discount.
Best Value Options in Peoria, Illinois
Each room at the high-value Comfort Suites comes with a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center. Breakfast is complimentary. The property is pet friendly, so all family members can come along on your visit to Peoria. Conveniently located near Northwoods Mall and Lakeview Museum, Comfort Suites is only 15 minutes from Greater Peoria Airport.
Another great value option in Peoria is Springhill Suites Peoria Westlake, an all-suite hotel. Guest room amenities include a pantry, mini-fridge, and microwave. Guests can relax in the hotel's indoor pool or whirlpool after a day of shopping or sightseeing. Complimentary breakfast is served daily, and the free airport shuttle makes traveling between that airport and the property a breeze. Enjoy convenient shopping and dining, with both Westlake Shopping Center and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Top Attractions in Peoria, Illinois
There's plenty to see during a stay in Peoria, including museums, art, heavy equipment, and sporting events. Lakeview Museum features both art and science exhibits, with rotating monthly galleries. Another notable museum is the Wheels O' Time, a quirky collection of devices with wheels and gears. Mostly antiques, the museum displays all kinds of interesting exhibits including cars, clocks, old washing machines, farm machinery, and even a mechanical barbershop quartet.
Peoria Sculpture Walk leads through Peoria's Warehouse District, giving visitors a chance to enjoy viewing creative public sculptures while enjoying through Peoria.
For basketball fans, Peoria gets especially crowded during March Madness. The boy's state basketball finals are held at Carver Arena in Peoria, amidst crowds of fans. Across the street at Peoria Civic Center you'll find the March Madness Experience, an interactive, family oriented exhibition. If you're visiting Peoria during March Madness, be sure to make your reservation well in advance.
Caterpillar Visitors Center offers visitors a self-guided tour through the history of heavy equipment up to the present, with a focus on (what else?) Caterpillar's contribution to the industry. Try a simulator and test your skills operating a backhoe or a bulldozer, or climb into one of the many heavy machines on display. An exhibit featuring the Cat basketball team made up of Caterpillar employees who became 1952 Olympic gold medal champions emphasizes the company's focus on its employees.
Not as busy as nearby Chicago, Peoria is great for experiencing the Illinois River without fighting the crowds. Riverfront dining is top-end, with fresh markets and dueling pianos to entertain visitors. March Madness grips the city's basketball fans every year, so plan to book early if you come for the action. You'll find many luxury accommodations in Peoria near the riverside, and reasonably priced, quality hotels only a few miles from city center.
FAQs about hotels in Peoria
What did travelers think of the city of Peoria?
Below are reviews of the city of Peoria, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice city
Sheila G., from 20-Oct-2024
"Dog Haus has an amazing bratwurst and beer joint!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Dog Haus has an amazing bratwurst and beer joint!
Christina G., from 15-Oct-2024
"Enjoyed the Waterfront"
Score
4.0 / 5
It was clean and we enjoyed the waterfront.
Darrell S., from 29-Jul-2024
"Lots of things to do and explore. Tons of great restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of things to do and explore. Tons of great restaurants.
Alice D., from 30-Jun-2024
"Hiking Trails"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hiking trails!
Teresa B., from 12-Mar-2024
"Near the Mall"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurant and in the area of the MALL.
Yolanda G., from 10-Mar-2024
"Near OSF St. Francis Hospital"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there for my wife's medical procedure at OSF St. Francis. The hospital as great as was the Perkins where we ate when she was done. Those are the only places we visited.
Wayne M., from 06-Mar-2024
"Convenient to The Center"
Score
5.0 / 5
Was attending a performance at The Center which was conveniently located.
Barbara C., from 12-Dec-2023
"Beautiful Cathedral & Performance Center "
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful cathedral and Performance Center.
Barbara C., from 10-Dec-2023
"Enjoyable Stay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Enjoyable stay!
David T., from 01-Oct-2023
"Quiet and easy to get around."
Score
4.0 / 5
Quiet and easy to get around.
Eugene J., from 17-Sep-2023
"Lots of shopping and eating opportunities!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of shopping and eating opportunities!
Barbara C., from 17-Sep-2023
"The 33 Room! Sullivan's!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The 33 Room! Sullivan's!
Marcus C., from 13-Sep-2023
"Nice Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice restaurants!
Christopher B., from 06-Sep-2023
"Dozer Park & Unique Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there for baseball and Dozer Park was neat. Many small unique restaurants in the area.
Julia C., from 20-Jun-2023
"Great Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
Places to eat were great; a lot of variety.
Clark M., from 05-Jun-2023
"Softball Tournament"
Score
5.0 / 5
I had a softball tournament
Patricia N., from 04-Jun-2023
"OSF St. Francis"
Score
4.0 / 5
I visited OSF St. Francis.
Karen T., from 09-May-2023
"Love the View!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love the view, the lights and the buildings make it better at night! It's just really fun to look at!
Coco T., from 15-Feb-2023
"Kelleher Pub"
Score
5.0 / 5
I like Kelleher Pub. The food is always good. My waiter last night took the time to chat about the menu.
Dan R., from 30-Sep-2022
"The Riverfront!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The riverfront and Obed & Isaac's!
Steve M., from 19-Sep-2022
"Good Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
We had no trouble finding food, the restaurants are plenty and easy to locate. We found everything easily.
Deborah S., from 09-Aug-2022
"Very Interesting City"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city was very nice with a lot of things to see.
Amy M., from 29-Jul-2022
"Very Nice Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
It is very nice. Convenient for restaurants and shopping in the area.
Thomas O., from 14-Jul-2022
"Nice Hotel Conveniently Located"
Score
5.0 / 5
Hotel is very nice. Convenient for restaurants and shopping in the area.
Thomas O., from 12-Jul-2022
"Good Hotel & Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good hotel, good restaurants, good places to visit.
Carolina A., from 28-Mar-2022
"Quaint"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quaint
Natalie B., from 06-Mar-2022
"Clean Hotel"
Score
5.0 / 5
Hotel is clean.
Timothy W., from 27-Feb-2022
"Convenient location near amenities."
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything was close by
Paytra B., from 22-Nov-2021
"Fun time"
Score
4.0 / 5
Shopping centers, haunted houses for Halloween, had a lot of choices of restaurants. I'm not really a city person.
Debbie L., from 22-Oct-2019
"Great hotel and location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Our location made it easy to get around town, and the venue we were using for the wedding.
Julie B., from 01-Jul-2017
"Highly Recommend"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fun golf courses. Would highly recommend golfing at Weaver Ridge. Also, full menu in the dining room. Excellent food there and Mr Weaver treated us like royalty. We will be back!
Mike J., from 02-Aug-2016
"Family Centered"
Score
5.0 / 5
I have relatives that live in the city which was my reason for staying in Peoria. Good theatre scene, hiking trails, and day tours.
Unknown U., from 09-Oct-2015
"Pleasant Group Visit"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were in town for a soccer tournament and we also enjoyed the large shopping outlet, Bass Pro, and a lot of different restaurants.
Carmen B., from 28-Sep-2015
"Great All Around"
Score
5.0 / 5
All the local shopping, food and fun were great. Even the soccer field were easy to get to.
Carmen B., from 28-Sep-2015
"Happy Visit"
Score
5.0 / 5
Really nice riverfront area. Enjoyed sightseeing too.
Melissa A., from 24-Jul-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Peoria, IL shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 37 reviews