The East Lansing center point is approximately the area of Michigan State University and the area of Spartan Stadium.
Since East Lansing is a college town with a major university, certain events can drastically impact hotel rates. Michigan State University has a prominent presence in NCAA athletics, so basketball and football games can draw large crowds, especially those against big-name opponents. The games against the University of Michigan, the school's rival, will generally sell out, so hotel prices will be higher around these events. Graduation ceremonies will also bring a higher number of visitors as friends and family of the coeds come to celebrate. Major events in Lansing can also impact hotel rates in East Lansing due to the close proximity of the two cities.
The climate in East Lansing can also impact travel. Its proximity to the Great Lakes influences the overall climate conditions, which can be extreme. During the summer months, the temperatures reach the 90-degree range about nine days per year on average. The winter brings frosty temperatures, dropping below zero degrees Fahrenheit on 10-11 nights each year. It snows between November and early April, receiving an annual average of 51.1 inches. If you want to spend time outdoors, you may want to plan a trip to East Lansing in the late spring or early fall to avoid extreme temperatures.
Senior travelers are eligible to save when staying at Hyatt Place Lansing/Eastwood Towne Center. This modern hotel is located in a quiet suburban area, offering easy access to many restaurants and shopping areas. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a coffee shop, an indoor pool, a lounge, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. The rooms come equipped with MP3 docking stations, refrigerators, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels, complimentary designer toiletries, tea and coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is also available each day for a small fee.
AAA members can score discounted rates at Courtyard by Marriott Lansing. This spot is within a few miles of Impression 5 Science Center and Spartan Stadium. Enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, a bistro serving American fare and cocktails, a 24-hour business center, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool. Room service is also available during limited hours. The guest rooms are modern, featuring partially open floor plans, smart TVs with cable programming, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee makers, and refrigerators.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Lansing Eastwood offers excellent value for guests. This property is close to a local golf course and the Potter Park Zoo. Appealing amenities include barbecue grills for guest use, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also hosts a complimentary reception on select days and serves a free full breakfast every morning. Free parking is available during your stay. Your room will come with a kitchen that has an oven and refrigerator, beds with premium bedding, a double sofa bed, a 50-inch flat-screen TV with premium programming, and a laptop-compatible private safe.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott East Lansing University Area is another property with reasonable rates and high-end amenities. This newer hotel has a picnic area, an indoor pool, a fitness center, complimentary wireless internet access, a store with grocery items and snacks, and free daily breakfast. Within each of the 88 suites, amenities include complimentary toiletries, an LCD TV with premium channels, a refrigerator, and a separate workspace.
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center is a popular place to stay, especially if you want to be centrally located in East Lansing. This hotel recently underwent a major renovation and is located on the university campus. Within the rooms, amenities include beds with plush bedding, wireless internet access, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee makers with a selection of local coffee and herbal tea options. The State Room Restaurant and Lounge serves seasonal entrees and offers an extensive wine list.
East Lansing has a number of interesting landmarks and attractions to see, including several located on the Michigan State University Campus. The W.J. Beal Botanical Garden is the nation's oldest botanical garden, housing more than 1,800 plants that are on display throughout the year. Admission is free and it's open during daylight hours. Other on-campus attractions include Beaumont Tower, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Spartan Stadium, and “Sparty,” a statue of the school's mascot, a Spartan warrior.
Away from the campus, you can enjoy a visit to Saper Galleries, an award-winning gallery that has been open in East Lansing since 1978. The Hannah Community Center, which was originally built as a high school and used as a middle school, houses the Albert A. White Performing Arts Theatre, where you can catch a show. In nearby Lansing, you can also explore the state capitol, learn more about the history of the area at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, and root for the Lansing Lugnuts, a minor league baseball team.
East Lansing is a popular spot to visit, whether you're going to a sporting event on the campus or enjoying a fascinating trip to the nearby capital city of Michigan. With a number of hotel options to choose from, you can easily find a place that offers the amenities you want at a reasonable price.
Below are reviews of the city of East Lansing, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
MY DAUGHTER GOES TO MSU
A very nice city.
Campus energy and local museums.
It's a great town!
It's a great town!
Enjoyed great restaurant choices, great walking and cycling paths and open spaces for my dog to chase a ball around!
Good places to eat.
The hotel is at the center of East Lansing so we could walk wherever we needed to.
Delphi Glass, the reason I went.
Nice area.
Great golf courses and restaurants!
Always great to be back on Campus!
Very warm and friendly!
Beautifully decorated for the holidays!
In proximity to restaurants.
Nice food!
The city and staff was great.
Didn't see much, taking students on college tour. Maybe next time.
Great food at Finley's BBQ and easy access to Kroger's grocery.