Cranston has come a long way since its early days, when its land area was purchased from the Narragansett Indians in 1638. It was connected to other settlements when a gristmill was developed on the Pawtuxet Falls and eventually became known as the Town of Cranston in 1754. The town had a strong Patriot movement during the Revolutionary War and remains proud of its history and conduct through the present day. However, it wasn't until 1910 that Cranston was officially designated as the city and began to resemble its modern incarnation.
Today, the city of Cranston is regarded as one of the safest and most enjoyable destinations in the state. There are world-class shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation opportunities just a stone's throw from downtown. But whatever has drawn you to the city, you'll need a place to stay. Make sure you find the right hotel by considering when and where you'd like to visit.
What time of year is best to visit Cranston, RI?
The best months to visit Cranston, Rhode Island, are May through October. During these summer months, you can expect temperatures to range from a pleasant 60 degrees Fahrenheit to a sweltering 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation like hiking, swimming, and horseback riding, this is the best time of year to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Of course, there is an increase in tourism during this part of the year. It's best to plan ahead and book your hotel early if you intend to visit Cranston during the summer.
Although the summer is the best time to visit, the months from October through April are still a good time to travel to Cranston. You'll be able to get better deals on hotels and flights during the off season, and, with a little bit of preparation, the colder weather won't be an obstacle to having a great time. You can find top-tier ski parks and ice skating areas within half an hour of town, and some of the local hiking trails are at their most beautiful when the trees are covered in a blanket of snow.
One great thing about Cranston is you don't have to worry too much about bad weather. While late summer can be humid and the winter naturally brings snow accumulation, there's rarely more than a 25 percent chance of precipitation in any given month. You should always be prepared for inclement weather, but chances are that a holiday in Cranston will reward you with clear skies and the chance to get outside.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Cranston, RI:
Cranston, RI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Cranston, RI. Browse these illustrations to calculate the best time period to stay in Cranston throughout the year.
What are the Cranston, RI luxury hotels?
4 Star Average Prices: $153.81
Enjoy luxury accommodations in the Cranston area by selecting a more upmarket hotel. The Dean is one such option. Located about 10 minutes from Cranston, this is a luxury boutique hotel with artistic decor and stylized, minimalist rooms. The hotel also has a bicycle program that allows you to rent a bicycle for free to explore the city at your leisure. Despite its great location and unique accommodations, it's also pretty affordable for a luxury hotel.
The Hotel Dolce Villa is also about 10 minutes from Cranston, and it's known for its charming Italian Old World aesthetic. Guests here will enjoy memory-foam beds, flat-screen televisions, fully equipped kitchens with cutlery included, free Wi-Fi, and a great location next door to Caffe Dolce Vita. Prices are bit higher here than at The Dean, but it's hard to argue with the Hotel Dolce Villa's authentic Italian atmosphere and undeniably luxurious accommodations.
The Omni Providence Hotel offers easy access to the Rhode Island Convention Center and Providence Place Mall. Despite the fact that it's actually located in Providence, you'll still be within minutes of Cranston. Guests are always delighted with the hotel's attentive staff, expansive lobby, and decadently-appointed rooms. After a day on the town, consider relaxing in Omni's pool or hot tub.
What options are in Cranston, RI for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $143.28
For travelers looking for a reasonably priced hotel that still offers the comfortable amenities they need, La Quinta Inn & Suites is hard to beat. The hotel has a convenient location near the airport with complimentary shuttles, making it perfect for travelers arriving by plane. Rates are affordable even in the high season, there is a fully-equipped exercise room and pool area, and the rooms are clean, spacious, and well-appointed. Guests here are sure to enjoy the continental breakfast in the morning before embarking on a day's activities around the city.
Another great choice is the Extended Stay America hotel in Providence, about 10 minutes from Cranston. This hotel is especially suited to travelers on a budget who might prefer to cook their own meals rather than dine out every day. Each hotel room is a suite with a fully equipped kitchen. You'll have access to a stove, refrigerator, microwave, cooking utensils and dishes, and more. Its location gives you easy access both to Cranston and Providence, expanding your vacation options.
2 Star Average Prices: $111.79
What are the best hotels in Cranston, RI that offer discounts?
Plan your visit to Cranston in advance to take advantage of the discounts offered by some hotels. For example, the Hilton Garden Inn Providence offers AAA members a 10 percent discount. This can be especially helpful if you're traveling in the summer months when rates are higher. The Hilton Garden Inn features rooms that overlook a harbor-side park. Open your room's doors and luxuriate in a cool breeze from the water, or visit the hotel's game room to watch a movie or play a board game or video game.
Members of AAA can also enjoy a 5 percent discount when booking rooms at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel. As its name suggests, this hotel is located in downtown Providence. You'll have access to both that city and Cranston while staying here, and you're sure to enjoy the hotel's unique design. Here, a modern aesthetic is paired with neoclassical architecture like big marble pillars and lavish bath amenities.
The Courtyard Providence Downtown hotel is operated by Marriott, and it's here that military members will get the best deal. Make sure to specify your military or government association when making a booking. The hotel itself features a beautiful exterior, clean and spacious rooms, and a fully equipped fitness center with a variety of exercise machines. The hotel is located near a number of good restaurants, so you can spend the money you saved with your discount by treating yourself to something extra at dinner.
Where are the best budget hotels around Cranston, RI?
If you're looking to strike a balance between luxury and budget hotels, consider the Newhall House for some of the best value in the area. This delightful bed and breakfast is one of the few hotels actually located in Cranston itself, and it consists of two different houses: Newhall House and Edgewood Manor. Edgewood Manor features more luxurious appointments; Newhall House is equally comfortable but slightly less formal. Whichever option you choose, you'll have access to a home-cooked breakfast every day. The B&B is located near the Roger Williams Park and Zoo.
Another good value option is a colonial-style bed and breakfast called The Albert House. This is another option right in the heart of Cranston, surrounded by Victorian-era homes and situated just a few minutes from the airport and historic Pawtuxet Village. The Albert House features rooms with queen-size beds, private baths, and fireplaces. You can also choose to relax in the B&B's private garden, designed in an English style to evoke the colonial atmosphere for which The Albert House is known.
What fun activities are there in Cranston, RI?
After you've picked out a hotel, you still need to decide what activities you're going to do in the Cranston area. Luckily, there are plenty of options. Visit the Neutaconkanut Park if you're looking to get outside and do some hiking. The park comprises 88 acres of forests, fields, and meadows full of wildflowers. If you're lucky, you might even spot some deer, fox, or wild turkeys while hiking along one of the park's many trails. The park is managed by the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, and there are some fun events scheduled periodically throughout the year.
Any hotel in the Cranston area should also give you easy access to the Roger Williams Park and Zoo. The park is a 427-acre public area with seven lakes, a botanical center, Japanese gardens, Victorian rose gardens, and more. The zoo will you give you a chance to see popular exotic animals like anteaters, bears, cheetah, elephants, snow leopards, red pandas, and more. The zoo is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending upon the season.
Wherever you've chosen to stay in Cranston, you'll have a lively historic community at your fingertips. With plenty of outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping available, a good hotel in Cranston is the basis for an excellent vacation or business trip.
FAQs about hotels in Cranston
How much does a cheap hotel in Cranston cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Cranston can be as cheap as $111.79 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Cranston cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Cranston has been $143.28 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Cranston cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Cranston has been $153.81 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of Cranston
Below are reviews of the city of Cranston, RI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Close to Hospital"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close by the hospital to get the things I needed to recover.
Paul F., from 12-Sep-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Cranston, RI shown above is
4.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews