Snowden and his family built comfortable plantation homes and planted crops on the land. Settlers also came to the area, but the Snowdens remained the most prominent farmers.
Agriculture is a huge part of Beltsville's rich history. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began buying land in little-known Beltsville in 1910 for the Agricultural Research Service, which is the research agency for the USDA. The USDA's first land purchase in Beltsville was 375 acres, which came from the Walnut Grange Plantation.
Over the years, the research center has grown. Now, the Henry A Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center sits on the land. The center covers 14,600 acres and is the largest in the world.
The town's rich agricultural history is evident, and there are many other historic buildings in Beltsville, the oldest of which was built in 1773. Unfortunately in 1998, one of the largest historic buildings in the area, the large three-story Ammenable Normal Institute, which dated back to 1880, was destroyed in a fire. Luckily, several amazing samples of the pre-20th century buildings that once occupied the property still exists.
When should you visit Beltsville, MD?
The weather in Beltsville is considered mild. However, it is a humid subtropical climate, and summers are usually hot and humid. Winters in Beltsville are considered cool, but they fluctuate from year to year, and the high humidity rate makes it feel much cooler than the real temperature. Likewise, summer temperatures feel more extreme, especially to visitors who reside in dry climates.
Therefore, plan your trip around the activities you plan to do in Beltsville when you visit. If you want to explore the city's rich history, visit during spring between April and May or fall between August and September. This is also a great time to play golf at the Cross Creek Golf Club.
You can also take a short 35-minute trip to National Harbor, where you can view of the skyline of the nation's capital while enjoying a ride on the Capital Wheel 180 feet above the Potomac River. If you enjoy water sports and want to spend more time on the harbor kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating, the summer is a great time to do this.
Of course, rates on hotel rooms vary significantly depending on when you visit. During the summer and winter breaks when schools are not in session, rates are higher than they are during the non-peak season. If you are conscious of your budget at this time, you might need a little more planning to get the rate you want. Keep reading for some tips on getting the room you want at a price you are happy paying.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Beltsville, MD:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Beltsville, MD. Analyze these illustrations to evaluate the best seasons to book a room in Beltsville throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotel options in Beltsville, MD?
4 Star Average Prices: $124.90
In Beltsville, there are not many options when it comes to luxury hotels. In fact, the Sheraton in Beltsville receives the highest rating of any Maryland hotel at 3.5 stars. If you want to stay at a 4- or 5-star hotel, you must drive a bit, but not too far. To indulge in a luxury room, Washington, D.C. has plenty of excellent choices, and it is a short 25-minute drive via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
As far as luxury hotels are concerned, the J.W. Marriott offers fabulous updated rooms and with modern bathroom and inspirational views of the Capital. Room service, concierge service, and restaurants are available. There are also plenty of things to do around the hotel.
If you want the best room available, you want to check in at the Sofitel. It is a world-class hotel that competes with the very best hotels in the world and has won many prestigious awards of excellence. Indulge your senses by surrounding yourself with the best views, high-end fixtures, and luxurious furnishings.
Each room features Sofitel's luxe feather top and duvet sleep system. The result is sound rejuvenating sleep, so you wake up well-rested in your super plush room ready to seize the day. If you want to enjoy the unusually comfortable bed, that is an option as well with the noon check-out time.
What are the affordable hotel options in Beltsville, MD?
3 Star Average Prices: $117.16
Beltsville is not a large city, so there are not a ton of options when it comes to staying in Beltsville. Luckily, none of the hotels in Beltsville are very expensive, which is one of the perks when visiting a small town. Instead, the prices are competitive. The Sheraton and Comfort Inn are both about 2.5 miles from the city's center. The White House is another option, which is two miles closer and only slightly more per night.
The White House offers the feeling of home with 3-bedroom units that sleep four people. They are furnished comfortably, and each has a private balcony, kitchen, and bath. The property also has barbeque pits, picnic areas, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
The Comfort Inn College Park North is another option in town. At the Comfort Inn, the rooms are a decent size. There is laundry service, ATM/banking services, and a front desk safe. Premium channels, roll-away beds, and connecting rooms are also available. Plus, there are different floor plans to accommodate guests' specific needs, which include rooms with separate living and sleeping areas.
Of the Beltsville options, the Comfort Inn probably has the best rooms. The common areas are well-kept and updated. However, the choice is really a matter of personal preference.
