Located in the northern part of the state of New York, Potsdam is part of St. Lawrence County and a regional educational and cultural hub. The first settlers arrived here in 1803 and the town was established three years later, being one of the ten original towns of St. Lawrence County. Nowadays the town of Potsdam is home to around 17,000 people and is structured into two separate villages: the Village of Potsdam and the Village of Norwood.
The main feature that sets Potsdam apart from other similarly-sized towns is the two universities, which enrich the area not only from an educational and cultural standpoint but also by significantly increasing the population numbers. When the State University of New York at Potsdam and Clarkson University are both in session, the town's population increases by about 8,000 students, adding youth and energy to the local community and making it a fantastic place to visit.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Potsdam, New York?
The best time of year to travel to Potsdam greatly depends on what your favorite vacation activities are, as the local temperate climate means that the area enjoys all four seasons. The most popular months for travelers are the summer months, as the warm temperatures and sunny days create the perfect setting for long walks through the town's historic neighborhoods, exploring the breathtaking local natural landscapes, or enjoying a round of fishing on any of the two local rivers, Grasse River and Raquette River.
Because most visitors choose to come here during the summer months, it will naturally be more difficult to find a good deal on a hotel room during that time, as most local hotels are in high demand. A great way to find good hotel rates is to book your room in advance, as this greatly increases your odds of getting the best possible deal. Another great way to fully enjoy what the area has to offer, without overpaying on hotel rates, is to visit Potsdam in either late spring or early fall.
Just because most visitors prefer the warm weather of summer months doesn't mean winter is less fun in Potsdam. St. Lawrence County is an amazing destination for winter enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, indoor and outdoor ice skating, and taking kids on sledding rides. Exploring the area can be incredibly fun if you choose a snowmobile tour or a classic dog sledding trip through the local woods.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Potsdam, NY:
Potsdam, NY: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. rate patterns by star rating class in Potsdam, NY. Browse these charts to calculate the least expensive time period to make a reservation in Potsdam throughout the year.
What Are the Top Hotels in Potsdam, NY?
If you are visiting Potsdam and want to enjoy everything a luxury hotel has to offer, there are many great options nearby that will suit all your needs. The Clarkson Inn is located right in town, near the State University of New York at Potsdam, and welcomes its guests with beautiful and well-equipped rooms, as well as friendly and knowledgeable staff. Aside from the usual amenities, such as air conditioning, refrigerators, and microwaves, the rooms also contain special features, large flat-screen televisions, quality designer toiletries, and exquisite Egyptian cotton sheets.
If you'd like to visit Potsdam and the area around it, but also want to experience a little bit of Canada, Mcintosh Country Inn & Conference Centre in Canada can provide both. Located on the Canadian side of Lake St. Lawrence, this facility is an ideal local destination for both tourists and business travelers. Those who are here for fun and pleasure can enjoy the hotel's luxury amenities, like its outdoor pool, fitness center, and the two on-site restaurants, Mac's Tavern and the Orchard Restaurant. Business travelers can use the hotel's 24-hour business center and the 800 square-foot conference hall.
What Are The Best Budget Hotels in Potsdam, NY?
3 Star Average Prices: $135.83
Finding an affordable hotel in or near Potsdam is easier than you might think. The Econo Lodge Massena Hwy 37 is located only 16 miles from downtown Potsdam and provides easy access to all urban and natural attractions that the northern part of the state of New York has to offer. The rooms have everything you need for a pleasant stay, such as air conditioning, cable TV, refrigerators, and microwaves. Visitors can also stretch their budget even further by benefitting from the free Wi-Fi and the delicious complimentary continental breakfast.
Super 8 by Wyndham Massena NY is also a great local budget option. Located only a half-hour drive north of Potsdam, it's also located near some of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, such as the Harte Haven Shopping Center, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, and the Massena Museum. The rooms feature cable programming, air conditioning, complimentary wireless internet access, and other conveniences, such as coffee and tea makers, and they are cleaned daily by the hotel's professional staff. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily until 10 a.m. and the 24-hour front desk is always at the guests' disposal.
2 Star Average Prices: $110.05
Where Can You Find the Best Discounts on Hotels in Potsdam, New York?
There are many opportunities for significant discounts that you can take advantage of during your trip to Potsdam with some research and planning. The Best Western University Inn is located only 10 miles from downtown Potsdam and offers a discount of up to 15% for AAA members. It's also beautiful and well-equipped, with a location that grants easy access to local attractions, such as the two local universities and the Frederic Remington Art Museum. The rooms are good looking and feature all the amenities you'll need, while any question or issue will be swiftly dealt with by their staff.
The Hampton Inn Potsdam NY is located right in town and offers discounts of up to 10% for visiting senior citizens. With both the town and its two universities only 10 minutes away, it's a great location for those who want to explore Potsdam and its two nearby campuses. All rooms feature air conditioning, refrigerators, and LCD televisions with premium TV channels and every morning starts with a complimentary buffet breakfast. Business travelers can benefit from the free high-speed internet and the 635 square-foot event facilities, which include a meeting room.
What Are the Best Value Options in Potsdam, New York?
The town of Potsdam and the area around it have many mid-range hotels that offer plenty of value for your money. Holiday Inn Express Canton has all the features you'd expect from a high-end hotel, such as large and well-equipped rooms, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and plenty of on-site amenities, so visitors will definitely get their money's worth. Visitors are also treated to complimentary Wi-Fi, bathroom toiletries, cable TV, and a delicious continental breakfast, adding even more value to the hotel room fare.
Another great way of getting maximum value for your money is to check into a nearby Canadian hotel, such as the Canada Continental Hotel. Located just north of Lake St. Lawrence, it gives visitors the opportunity to explore two countries in one trip, while also featuring great room prices. This pet-friendly facility is great for those who enjoy the outdoors, with breathtaking views from its terrace and gardens, plus a picnic area and available barbecue grills. A restaurant and lounge area, 24-hour front desk, and very competent multilingual staff manage to add more to this hotel's value.
What's The Story Behind Potsdam's Two Universities?
Aside from the beautiful streets and lovely buildings, Potsdam also stands out with its two major universities. The oldest one, The State University of New York at Potsdam, is a public college that was founded in 1816, making it one of the oldest in the entire country. It features a College of Arts & Sciences, a School of Business, School of Education and Professional Studies, and the Crane School of Music. Its campus covers 240 acres and consists of 44 buildings, making it an ideal environment for students to learn and have fun.
The town's other university is Clarkson University, a private entity that was founded near the end of the 19th century. It currently has over 4,300 students enrolled in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The university is comprised of multiple institutes and schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the Institute for a Sustainable Environment, the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering, and the David D. Reh School of Business.
Potsdam, New York, is definitely a great place to live in and to visit. Being one of the oldest towns in the state of New York means there are many historical sites to visit, while the 8,000 students who live here for the duration of the academic year give the place a new dimension and creates a fascinating blend between youth and tradition.
FAQs about hotels in Potsdam
How much does a cheap hotel in Potsdam cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Potsdam can be as cheap as $110.05 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Potsdam cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Potsdam has been $135.83 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of Potsdam
Below are reviews of the city of Potsdam, NY from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice Hotel Convenient to SUNY Campus "
Score
5.0 / 5
I am in Potsdam regularly - SUNY alum. Rooms are nice and large. Convenient to the campus and town.
Rita S., from 05-Nov-2023
"Clarkson University"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were there to pick up our daughter from Clarkson University.
Erica C., from 12-May-2023
"Food Options Nearby"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lot of food options nearby.
Madison D., from 29-Aug-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Potsdam, NY shown above is
4.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews