Roanoke Rapids is located about 37 miles from Rocky Mount. The earliest settlers arrived in the area in the early 1700s and were mostly English colonists moving south from Virginia. Settlers were attracted to the Roanoke Valley for its fertile bottomlands, which were ideal for farming. The area quickly became known as one of the best fishing spots and was named for its location along the Roanoke River.
Today, Roanoke Rapids is home to several historical sites, including the Roanoke Rapids High School building, which was constructed in 1921 and represents both Tudor Revival and Elizabethan Gothic architecture. Locals and visitors alike flock to Roanoke Rapids Lake Park, a 12-acre recreational area with facilities for picnicking, swimming, and fitness activities. One of the city's most famous residents is musician Chris Daughtry, who was born there.
No matter your reasons for visiting Roanoke Rapids, it's important to find a convenient hotel that enables you to enjoy everything this quaint city has to offer.
When should you visit Roanoke Rapids, NC?
Since Roanoke Rapids doesn't have a large tourist draw, it's easy to visit and enjoy the city any time of year. As far as weather, though, the best time to visit Roanoke Rapids is in the spring and fall. Both seasons offer comfortable temperatures and lovely foliage.
High temperatures range from 60 to 78 degrees from March through May, with lows dipping into the high 30s. If you're interested in the local history, check out the annual Halifax Resolves Day in early- to mid-April. This popular event celebrates the colony's first official action for independence against Great Britain. The event includes guest speakers, a reception, costumed re-enactors, and other fun activities.
Summers in Roanoke Rapids can easily hit 90 degrees, especially in July. If you're visiting on the Fourth of July, head to Historic Halifax for the annual Independence Day celebration. The event includes musket firing demonstrations, a special Declaration of Independence reading, an outdoor drama, and fireworks.
Temperatures start to cool down in Roanoke Rapids around September, making fall a great time to visit. Fall is also the best season to hike the Roanoke Canal Trail. In fact, organized hikes take place usually on the second Saturday of the month during the fall, which includes free admission to the Roanoke Canal Museum afterward.
Winters in North Carolina can be bitterly cold, so expect low temperatures dipping into the 20s around January. If you don't mind the frigid temperatures, however, you can save quite a bit of money on your accommodations. Hotel rates are at their yearly low, but you should remember that some area attractions might be closed for the season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Roanoke Rapids, NC:
Roanoke Rapids, NC: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Browse these charts to determine the most cost effective time to stay in Roanoke Rapids for any future trips.
Where are the top hotels for luxury in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
If you're looking for more luxurious accommodations in Roanoke Rapids, consider booking a stay at Hampton Inn – Roanoke Rapids. This lovely hotel offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a seasonal outdoor pool, an on-site business center with meeting rooms and fax service, baggage storage, a safety deposit box, and a coin laundry facility. Guest rooms and suites are bright and inviting, boasting two queen beds or one king bed, strong Wi-Fi, sofa beds, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, oversized work desks, curved shower rods, mini-fridges, ironing facilities, hairdryers, coffeemakers, and clock radios with easy-to-set alarms.
Another great option is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids SE. Boasting a seasonal outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and a full buffet breakfast with pancakes, omelets, scrambled eggs, signature cinnamon rolls, and biscuits and gravy, this Holiday Inn Express provides everything your family needs to feel at home. Additional amenities include off-site restaurant delivery, free coffee in the lobby, ample parking, free high-speed internet in all rooms, and an on-site business center. Guest rooms feature workspaces, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and separate sitting areas.
What are the best affordable hotels in Roanoke Rapids for budget-travelers?
3 Star Average Prices: $107.52
Finding an affordable roadside hotel in Roanoke Rapids is easier than you might think.
Conveniently located off Interstate 95, Super 8 Garysburg / Roanoke Rapids invites you to take a break from your road trip with comfortable, affordable accommodations. This pet-friendly hotel provides guests with a free morning breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, ample on-site parking, concierge services, and a fitness center. The hotel lobby is bright and modern, with cozy seating that gives you the perfect chance to socialize. Guest rooms are clean and tidy with thoughtful touches of color, oversized wall art, work desks, flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, and microwaves.
If you need to save money and don't mind staying a little farther out, check out the Motel 6 Emporia VA. This straightforward budget hotel isn't as updated as others, but it boasts good accessibility by car, friendly service, a coin laundry facility, and an outdoor seasonal pool that makes it a perfect choice for families on a budget. Enjoy free morning coffee, expanded cable TV, free local calls, pet-friendly guest rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi in every room.
Centrally located in Weldon and close to Roanoke Rapids, Econo Lodge – Weldon places you near the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail. Updated guest rooms feature work spaces, microwaves, mini-fridges, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and hairdryers. Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property, free morning coffee and a weekday newspaper in the lobby, and a complimentary continental breakfast to get your day started right.
2 Star Average Prices: $95.92
What hotels in Roanoke Rapids offer the best discounts?
If you're trying to save money on your trip to Roanoke Rapids and you qualify for a special rate, take advantage of it!
AAA members can save an average of 10 percent off area hotels, such as Red Roof Inn Roanoke Rapids. This conveniently located hotel features 96 air-conditioned guest rooms with free wireless internet access. All rooms have been recently updated with modern, natural wood furnishings, comfortable beds, mini-fridges, microwaves, hairdryers, clock radios with alarms, work desks, ironing facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea in the hotel lobby, play in the seasonal outdoor pool, or catch up on work in the business center. Best of all, pets stay free.
Military families and government employees can save up to 15 percent off hotels like Baymont Inn & Suites – Roanoke Rapids. Easily accessible from I-95, this pet-friendly hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool, well-equipped fitness center, ample parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a free continental breakfast. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and homey interiors.
Seniors can also save money on regular room rates throughout Roanoke Rapids. Whatever special rate you qualify for, simply present proof of eligibility, such as an ID or membership card, at check-in.
Where are the hotels with the best value near Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina?
Roanoke Rapids has many mid-range hotels priced to give you extra value for your dollar.
Situated off I-95, Quality Inn Roanoke Rapids provides guests with a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. Other amenities include a free weekday newspaper, an on-site business center, a seasonal outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guest rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, hairdryers, coffeemakers, ironing facilities, and beds with premium mattresses and fresh linens. Choose a room with a sofa sleeper if you need extra room for the family.
Another great option is Sleep inn Roanoke Rapids. This pet-friendly accommodation boasts an indoor heated pool, free Wi-Fi, and even a secretarial service for business travelers. The cozy guest rooms feature mini-fridges, microwaves, ironing facilities, flat-screen TVs, ample storage space for clothes, oversized walk-in showers, and thoughtful decor.
What are the top attractions in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
When visiting the area, you'll want to stop by the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail. The Roanoke Canal itself is nearly 200 years old and served as a major trade and transportation route for the founding fathers. Museum exhibits showcase the canal's development and its later conversion from navigation to power generation. Admission to the museum is just $4 per person, and children 8 years old and younger get in free. Be sure to pick up a brochure with a map of the hiking trails and points of interest.
Check out the Roanoke Rapids Theatre for any events playing during your stay. The 1,500-seat facility is a premier tourist attraction in the region, housing major performances from nationally known R&B, rock, and country musicians, as well as other theatrical performances. You might even catch a production of a Broadway show!
History buffs should tour the Allen Grove Rosenwald School in Halifax. Located at the 4-H Rural Life Center, this well-preserved schoolhouse was used between the 1920s and 1950s to educate African-American students. Tours of the schoolhouse are available for free upon request.
Whether you're visiting Roanoke Rapids to see friends or family, you're passing through the area, or you're checking out the local history, this area offers plenty of Southern hospitality and noteworthy sites. From upscale accommodations to budget-friendly roadside hotels, Roanoke Rapids offers something for everyone. Book now to start planning your getaway.
FAQs about hotels in Roanoke Rapids
How much does a cheap hotel in Roanoke Rapids cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Roanoke Rapids can be as cheap as $95.92 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Roanoke Rapids cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Roanoke Rapids has been $107.52 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)