Chillicothe's name is an adaptation of the Shawnee word Chalakatha, one of the tribe's five major divisions. For thousands of years before European settlers arrived, the Shawnee and their ancestors lived where Chillicothe now stands. They built trade routes through to the Rocky Mountains and earthen mounds for ceremonial and burial rituals through the Scioto and Ohio River Valleys.
European settlers, mostly from Virginia and Kentucky, traveled along the Ohio River in search of land after the American Revolution. So many of them made Chillicothe their home that the new city was named the state's capital in 1803. It lost the title to Zanesville in 1810 but regained it in 1812, until the legislature moved the capital once again in 1816 to the more centrally located Columbus.
Chillicothe may no longer be the capital, but don't let that dissuade you from visiting. It's a city steeped in history, with beautiful parklands, vibrant culture, and an exciting festival calendar. Discover the state's first capital on your next Ohio adventure.
When would be the best time to visit Chillicothe, Ohio?
Late spring to early summer is peak tourist season for Chillicothe. Visitors love the warm days, which hover around the upper 60s to mid-70s. However, with the crowds come high prices. You'll need to book your hotel room early and be prepared to pay a little more for it.
You can save a bit of money if you visit Chillicothe during April, before the wave of tourists arrives. Daily temperatures in the high 50s are still comfortable for sightseeing. Rain is also far less common than in May.
Winters can be bitterly cold with snow. However, you can find some real bargains if you're brave enough to travel after the holidays.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Chillicothe, OH:
Chillicothe by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Chillicothe, OH. You can use these line graphs to calculate the best seasons to make a reservation in Chillicothe for your upcoming travels.
What are the best hotels in the Chillicothe area?
Chillicothe also has several high-end hotels catering to travelers who enjoy the finer things in life. These full-featured hotels have all the extras you'd expect for your money.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chillicothe is consistently rated the best hotel in Chillicothe. When only the best will do, book a suite. These spacious multiroom accommodation options have exclusive features like bathtubs, fireplaces, and full kitchens. You needn't make breakfast for yourself, though, because the Hampton Inn serves a tasty hot breakfast buffet each morning. If you're short on time, reach for an On the Run breakfast bag, available weekdays, as you head out the door. Both breakfast options are complimentary for guests. An indoor pool, fitness center, playground, and business center are all on-site.
Christopher Inn & Suites Chillicothe is a smaller hotel, which gives it a boutique feel guests love. There are just 56 rooms here, including the spacious honeymoon and executive suites. The honeymoon suite is the only one with a private Jacuzzi, so newlyweds aren't the only ones who want it! There's also a hot tub downstairs near the beautiful indoor pool. The free hot breakfast is a cut above standard hotel fare. With eggs, biscuits served with hot sausage gravy, a make-your-own waffle station, and so much more, you won't leave hungry.
Where are affordable hotels near Chillicothe, Ohio?
3 Star Average Prices: $120.47
Chillicothe and its neighbors are home to some of America's most well-known, budget-friendly accommodation providers. Travelers can always rely on low rates from these popular hotels.
America's Best Value Inn in Chillicothe is a great choice for anyone who wants little more than a comfortable room for the night. Relax in the recliner while you watch the premium cable channels on your TV, or catch up on paperwork at the writing desk. Staff will happily provide microwaves, mini-fridges, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers if you need them. After a good night's sleep, enjoy complimentary continental breakfast options like toast and cereal before setting off for sightseeing.
Rodeway Inn — Circleville might be 19 miles north of Chillicothe, but it's worth the drive for animal lovers. It's one of the area's few pet-friendly, two-star hotels. Recent room renovations have breathed new life into this Rodeway Inn. Their polished wood-look floors, 32-inch TVs with premium cable channels, and dramatic color scheme make a big difference. Some rooms even have microwaves and refrigerators. Rodeway Inn doesn't charge extra for Wi-Fi, the coffee in the lobby, or its continental breakfast. While there's no on-site restaurant, its picnic area is the perfect lunch spot during warm weather.
2 Star Average Prices: $84.19
Where are the best discount hotels in Chillicothe, Ohio?
Preferential rates help selected travelers save on their Chillicothe accommodations. The following hotels offer some of the best discounts in the city.
Quality Inn Chillicothe has special rates for AAA and auto club members, seniors and AARP members, military and government personnel, and large groups requiring 10 or more rooms. It's a lively hotel, with an outdoor heated pool, a social mixer every Tuesday, and popular bar Patrick's Pub near the lobby. Live bands play every weekend for hotel guests and local residents. After all the excitement, you'll appreciate your comfortable room, which features a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and Quality Inn's famous Q Bed. Suites with private Jacuzzis and full kitchens are also available. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are all free.
AAA and CAA auto club members, Entertainment Card holders, government and military employees, and seniors enjoy discounts at Holiday Inn Express Chillicothe East. Its comfortable rooms are well-appointed, with 42-inch flat-panel TVs, Kohler showerheads, and free high-speed internet. Blackout shades and triple-sheeted beds with a selection of pillows ensure you'll always sleep well. The heated pool opens early and closes late and the fitness center operates 24/7, so it's always a good time for a workout — just what you need after visiting the free breakfast buffet!
What value hotels are in the Chillicothe, Ohio area?
Complimentary services and staff who go the extra mile can elevate any travel experience, helping you feel like you're getting real value for your money. The following hotels pride themselves on getting the little things right for their guests.
Guests praise the spotless rooms and friendly service at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chillicothe. No wonder so many guests return year after year. They love relaxing by the indoor pool and the patio area with a fire pit. The free breakfast buffet features a variety of healthy and indulgent options, like omelets, yogurt, and fresh fruit. While there's no on-site restaurant, you'll find plenty close by. The hotel also has a 24-hour Market for curbing your late-night cravings. The business center also doesn't close, making the hotel a smart choice for business travelers and leisure-seekers alike.
Best Western Adena Inn feels like a home away from home, with clean, comfortable rooms, including some with hot tubs. Visit during warm weather to enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool area. It's surrounded by deck chairs for reading a juicy novel or watching your kids at play. Your room rate includes high-speed Wi-Fi access, parking, and a generous all-you-can-eat breakfast each morning. There's no restaurant on-site, but there are plenty of tempting eateries within walking distance.
What essential experiences for history buffs are in Chillicothe, Ohio?
Chillicothe has an exciting history stretching back thousands of years. If you're fascinated by the past, don't miss the following attractions while you're in Chillicothe.
Adena Mansion and Gardens — the former home of Ohio's sixth governor, Thomas Worthington — is one of Chillicothe's most popular tourist attractions. The luxurious early 19th-century mansion, one of just three remaining Benjamin Henry Latrobe-designed homes, has been lovingly restored with historical accuracy. Guests can admire the home and its original Worthington family furniture and stroll around the gardens. The adjoining Museum and Visitor Center offers interactive exhibitions that highlight the stories of other people connected to Adena.
Learn more about Chillicothe and the rest of Ross County at the Ross County Heritage Center. The center includes the Ross County Museum, Knoles Log House, Franklin House, and McKell Library. Exhibitions display artifacts from the earliest Native American settlements, Ohio's statehood, the Civil War, and World War I, including toys, textiles, art, and clothing. Explore by yourself or join a guided tour.
Two old cabooses have been transformed into Chillicothe Railroad Museum. With fewer people traveling on trains these days, it's exciting to look back at a time when they were America's most trusted form of transportation. A 1900 B&O railroad map, B&O engine bell, model train set, and Morse code equipment are among the exciting pieces in the museum's collection.
After you've had your fill of museums, make sure you see "Tecumseh!" This historical production, staged in the outdoor Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, brings the story of Tecumseh and his efforts to preserve the homes of the Shawnee people to life. Backstage tours teach you more about the history behind the play and what it takes to put it on stage.
Chillicothe is a historic city that remembers its past fondly while looking ahead to a bright future. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or longer vacation, consider Chillicothe.
FAQs about hotels in Chillicothe
How much does a cheap hotel in Chillicothe cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Chillicothe can be as cheap as $84.19 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Chillicothe cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Chillicothe has been $120.47 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Chillicothe, OH
Below are reviews of the city of Chillicothe, OH from an actual visitor's perspective.
"White Castle!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Closest White Castle to where we currently live.
Chuck P., from 11-Feb-2024
"Excellent Location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Bridge Street, where the hotel is located, is populated with just about everything you could need. Walmart, Kroger, Ulta, tons of restaurants. Easy to get to where you need to go.
Debra G., from 19-Dec-2023
"Tecumseh Outdoor Drama"
Score
4.0 / 5
Tecumseh Outdoor Drama and Golden Corral.
William T., from 07-Jul-2023
"The fireworks were visible from our room!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there during 4th of July. The fireworks were visible right from our room!
Brown R., from 06-Jul-2023
"Clean, comfortable and friendly staff."
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean, comfortable and friendly staff. Care about your customers there is many more hotels in the area.
John G., from 03-Mar-2023
"Interesting Sites"
Score
5.0 / 5
I loved the park with the ducks and swans. Paint Street had some interesting shops.
Sybil H., from 16-Nov-2021
" Quaint town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of different kind of little shops. Close to the Hotel.. Nice people.
Gwendelyn A., from 29-Oct-2019
"Great Food Area "
Score
5.0 / 5
Plenty of restaurants in the immediate area.
Angela M., from 14-Jul-2019
"My daughter will never forget her 11th birthday!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I visit Chillicothe regularly for shopping and entertainment. It's a small, big city! Chillicothe has all the advantages of a large city, without the disadvantages. I brought my daughter and her friends to spend the day at Triple Crown Family Fun Center and spend the night in a hotel.
Jamie D., from 10-Mar-2019
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
From what I could see Chillicothe is a nice City. I didn't stay long enough to form an opinion.
Ramona R., from 25-Jun-2018
"Unique Attraction"
Score
5.0 / 5
Came to see Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama. It was a unique and entertaining outdoor experience that everyone should go see.
Joyce M., from 25-Jun-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Chillicothe, OH shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews