Lafayette was founded by Mary E. Miller, one of the area's first residents. She maintained a farm there for more than 20 years before her husband died suddenly, leaving her with six children. Deciding the land was too big for her to manage alone, she designated 37 acres of her property for a new town. She named it Lafayette, after her late husband. Along with other neighboring cities, Lafayette became a profitable coal mining area until its last mine closed in 1957. Hotels, banks, and other essential services helped cement Lafayette's economy.
Despite its early growth, Lafayette never became a buzzing metropolis, which is just how the people who live there or pass through like it. While it has a few chain stores and restaurants, Lafayette is also home to many family-owned and independent retail outlets and eateries in its historic Old Town area. Art galleries, parks, and other attractions help make Lafayette the perfect destination for a relaxed vacation.
When is the best time to visit Lafayette, CO?
Lafayette is best experienced during the spring when the weather isn't too hot or too cold for sightseeing. Tourist numbers also fall in these shoulder seasons, bringing hotel prices down with them.
Summer isn't as hot or humid as it is in many parts of the country, with temperatures rarely reaching 90 in July. Summer is also festival time, so you'll never be bored if your heart is set on a midyear break. Just remember to book early to avoid missing out on accommodation.
Winter in Lafayette holds little appeal, though. The city gets 53 inches of snow in a typical year, 28 inches more than the national average. However, Lafayette doesn't have the ski resorts of many Boulder County locations to make use of them. If you don't mind the cold, your Lafayette hotel is bound to be a bargain.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lafayette, CO:
Lafayette, CO: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Lafayette, CO. Browse these charts to calculate the best months to make a reservation in Lafayette during the year.
Where are the luxury hotel options in Lafayette, CO?
4 Star Average Prices: $139.95
Lafayette doesn't have the high-end hotels of larger cities, but there are still several accommodation offerings that should make you feel like a VIP nearby. Enjoy the perks at these luxury local hotels.
It's a short drive from Lafayette, but staying at the Boulder Marriott is worth the journey for luxury lovers. Its 157 spacious guestrooms have a boutique charm, with comfy couches, combination shower-baths, satellite TVs showing premium channels such as ESPN and HBO, and more. The Boulder Marriott is close to many local eateries, but the on-site Canyons Restaurant & Lounge rivals them with its fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and ranches. The hotel's fitness center and indoor pool make sticking to your workout routine easier. For true luxury, book the presidential suite!
Colorado Chautauqua Lodging Cottages, in nearby Boulder, is ideal for travelers wanting to connect with nature. As part of the Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark, the cottages are ideally situated for hiking the Flatirons. No two are the same, but you'll find fully equipped kitchens, premium bedding, and porch areas in all. Unlike most luxury lodging, there are no TVs or phones here. Without these modern fixtures, you'll find yourself better able to disconnect from the stresses of contemporary life. The on-site Dining Hall serves some of the area's best food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What are options in Lafayette, Colorado for affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $131.39
Travelers on a budget will appreciate the affordable hotel options around Lafayette. While they don't contain a lot of bells and whistles, they're perfect for people wanting to save on their accommodation. No member of your family needs to stay behind when you choose Quality Inn Louisville – Boulder, a dog-friendly hotel just a couple of miles from Lafayette. Its guestrooms are clean and spacious, with quality wooden furnishings, flat-screen TV sets, and comfortable beds with premium linens and a generous array of fluffy pillows. Selected rooms even feature hot tubs and sofa sleepers. Guests are made to feel at home with a free hot breakfast served every morning and free newspapers on weekdays. Free coffee and Wi-Fi internet is also available to guests any time of the day or night.
Enjoy more space for less at Cottonwood Suites Westminster. All its studio suites feature full-sized fridges, microwaves, satellite TVs, and coffee makers. Connect to free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including the newly renovated breakfast area, which serves a free hot buffet every morning from 6 a.m. Overindulging on the breakfast tortillas and bacon is easy, but you can work off the calories at any time in the hotel's fitness center.
2 Star Average Prices: $105.43
Where can you find the best discounts in Lafayette, CO?
If you satisfy certain criteria, you could save money every time you stay in Lafayette. The following local hotels all have fantastic discount programs.
Hampton Inn & Suites Lafayette, one of the few hotels in Lafayette, has more than a convenient location on its side. The hotel offers special rate discounts to AAA auto club members, AARP and CARP members, government and military personnel, and large traveling groups. These discounts can help you save on the hotel's standard guestrooms, suites, and accessible rooms. All rooms feature signature Hampton beds, coffee makers, and LCD TVs showing a range of channels, including a free movie channel. Start your day right with a free hot breakfast, and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee anytime in the lobby.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denver Northwest – Broomfield also has special rates for groups, AAA members, and government personnel working at the state level or for the American or Canadian governments. The Holiday Inn Express also extends discounts to seniors, whether they have AARP or CARP membership or not. CAA and Entertainment Card members also enjoy generous discounts on the hotel's modern rooms. With high-quality beds and block-out blinds, it's always easy to get a good night's sleep, if you can resist the free Wi-Fi and satellite TV! Holiday Inn serves a free breakfast buffet each morning.
What are the best value options in Lafayette, Colorado?
When you really want to see value, try the following Lafayette hotels. All these accommodation options will help your money go further.
Hyatt House Boulder/Broomfield truly feels like a home away from home, with spacious open-plan suites, a seasonal outdoor pool and patio area with grills, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The complimentary grocery shopping service can bring you steaks for the grill or other ingredients to help you make use of the fully equipped guest kitchen. One meal you won't need to worry about is breakfast. The free morning buffet features exciting, chef-inspired options and an omelet bar. After a busy day in Lafayette, retire to the hotel's H BAR for cocktails.
Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Louisville also helps guests see value by providing so much free of charge. There are no sneaky fees for the upgraded Wi-Fi, or for using the pool or the firepits or grills on the patio. The generous breakfast of American favorites is also free every morning. There's also no charge for the drinks and snacks you'll enjoy at the Residence Inn Mix nights held every Monday to Wednesday. With so many social opportunities, don't expect to spend a lot of time in your modern studio room or suite!
What are the top festivals around Lafayette, CO?
It might be a small municipality, but Lafayette knows how to throw a party. It hosts several festivals every year, which bring hundreds to the area.
Some may say the humble cereal doesn't deserve a celebration, but try telling that to the faithful who attend the Lafayette Oatmeal Festival every January. Sponsored by Quaker Oats, the event focuses on heart health. Start the day with a community hot oatmeal breakfast; then take part in the 5K walk or run. If you're still feeling energetic, take on one of the Ninja Warrior courses.
The Lafayette Peach Festival, held every August in Old Town, pays homage to one of America's favorite fruits. Eat your fill with peach pies, peach cobblers, peach smoothies, and even peach pizzas available from local vendors. You can also buy fresh peaches from nearby Morton's Orchards, Red Fox Run Orchards, and Tate Orchards from several sites along Public Road. While the fruit takes center stage, vendors sell Philly cheesesteaks, turkey legs, burgers, and much more to guests with savory tastes. Face painting, children's activities, and live music throughout the day make the Lafayette Peach Festival fun for the whole family.
On the third weekend of September, the region celebrates the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival. Stroll through the arts and crafts stalls, sample foods from local restaurants, and of course, take time to enjoy the quality drops from the state's best wineries and microbreweries. While little ones aren't interested in the booze, don't leave them behind. There's plenty of children's entertainment at this family-friendly Lafayette event.
Escape from the fast pace of your everyday with a trip to Lafayette, Colorado. As a small town, accommodation options are limited, so book your hotel in advance to get the best deal.
FAQs about hotels in Lafayette
How much does a cheap hotel in Lafayette cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Lafayette can be as cheap as $105.43 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Lafayette cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Lafayette has been $131.39 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Lafayette cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Lafayette has been $139.95 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler guest reviews of Lafayette, CO
Below are reviews of the city of Lafayette, CO from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Great"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Tangerine restaurant was awesome; had a great grilled chicken salad and house chardonnay was excellent. Very cute in old downtown and the wait staff was great!
Tim S., from 21-Mar-2019
The average traveler rating of the city of Lafayette, CO shown above is
4.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews