Gardner was founded as a Free-Stater settlement, or a community without slaves, in 1857. Its location at the point where the Santa Fe and Oregon/California Trails meant it experienced a lot of foot traffic. Most of its early settlers came from Massachusetts.
Gardner might be a small town of roughly 19,000, but it's also one of the fastest-growing towns in the state of Kansas. Doubling its size in the last 10 years, Gardner is Kansas' third-fastest growing city. New residents and tourists alike love its low cost of living, low crime rate, and friendly community feel.
When should you visit Gardner, KS?
Gardner has a humid, subtropical climate that can be unpredictable. Its summers are usually hot and steamy, while its winters are mild to cool. However, sometimes it snows in April or the temperature climbs to 80 degrees in January. When visiting Gardner, you should always be prepared for the unexpected!
While you should keep an eye on the forecasts for heatwaves and cold snaps, consider the typical weather conditions when planning your journey. Summer daytime temperatures usually hover around the mid- to high 80s, although the sticky humidity can make it feel much warmer. You'll usually find more pleasant conditions, and less competition, in spring and fall.
Early to mid-fall is arguably the best time for a Gardner vacation. Temperatures usually sit in the 70s or low 80s. While these temperatures are comparable to mid- to late spring, fall is typically drier. If you don't want showers spoiling your vacation, fall is a safer bet.
Winters are chilly, especially at night when temperatures can fall from around 40 degrees to 20. However, Gardner hotels often substantially cut their rates to attract tourists after the New Year. If you have a thick skin, you can find some great bargains during the cold weather.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Gardner, KS:
Gardner by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean rate patterns by star rating class in Gardner, KS. You can use these line graphs to calculate the most cost effective dates to make a reservation in Gardner for upcoming travels.
Where are the best luxury hotels in Gardner, KS?
4 Star Average Prices: $108.67
If you'd prefer to treat yourself when you travel, consider the following hotels. These high-quality providers in the Gardner area pride themselves on their superior rooms and facilities.
Residence Inn Kansas City Olathe is an elegant all-suites hotel close to the AMC movie theater and local restaurants. If you'd prefer to cook for yourself, let the hotel's staff collect your groceries; your suite's kitchen will everything you need to prepare a Michelin-star meal, or you could make a meal outdoors on the grills. Premium cable and free high-speed Wi-Fi make sure you're never bored. With an indoor pool, fitness center, and volleyball court on-site, you can mix up your exercise regime. The Residence Inn treats guests to a full buffet breakfast each morning and drinks and snacks Monday to Wednesday evenings.
Embassy Suites Kansas City/Olathe is a high-end all-suites hotel conveniently located in Olathe's retail and business precinct. Relaxing is so easy here, with complimentary evening receptions and the on-site J BAR, which features a rooftop terrace and outdoor patio and specializes in cocktails and craft beers. The indoor pool is perfect for cooling off, and the hotel has a high-tech fitness center if you want to really get your blood pumping. Breakfast is free and made-to-order each morning. With a conference center attached, Embassy Suites is the natural choice for business groups and celebrations.
What are the top affordable hotels in Gardner, Kansas?
3 Star Average Prices: $124.03
Some of America's most well-known budget accommodation providers have hotels around the Gardner area. For low rates without the frills, consider the following local hotels.
Rodeway Inn & Suites in Olathe is both budget- and pet-friendly. Its rooms are a little dated, with floral duvets and quaint landscapes on the walls, but Rodeway Inn gets the basics right. Fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers are standard, so you can really make yourself at home here. Some rooms even have sofa beds and seating areas for unwinding in front of the cable TV sets. Cereals and pastries are among the breakfast treats available for free each morning. With a basic business room, meeting space, and guest laundry, the Rodeway Inn suits professionals visiting Gardner on business.
For a bit more space, consider Crossland Economy Studios Kansas City Lenexa, an all-suites hotel just off I-35. Pets are welcome here too, making it another frugal choice for animal lovers. The TVs, fridges, and microwaves in each suite are far from the most modern, but they get the job done. You'll also find a work desk for writing postcards back home and catching up on paperwork. If you need little more than a place to crash at the end of a busy day, Crossland Economy Suites Kansas City Lenexa is a sensible option.
2 Star Average Prices: $92.32
What are the best discounts in Gardner, Kansas?
Selected travelers can save every time they stay at the following hotels around Gardner. Remember to present your valid identification at the check-out desk to lock in your discounted room rate.
Super 8 by Wyndham Gardner, one of the few pet-friendly hotels in downtown Gardner, always has affordable rooms, but you'll save more if you're a AAA auto club member, government employee, veteran or current military member, senior citizen, AARP member, or part of a large traveling group. The rooms here are simple but surprisingly spacious, with microwaves, fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi will help you stay in touch with loved ones back home, and an outdoor pool is available when you want to unplug. The SuperStart breakfast buffet is small, but with cereals, toast, and fruit you won't go hungry.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Olathe South is a more upmarket pet-friendly alternative for discount lovers. Preferential rates apply to AAA and CAA auto club members, Entertainment Card members, seniors, U.S. and Canadian government employees, and military personnel. Its chic rooms have modern amenities like flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, desk-level electrical outlets for easy device charging, and iPod docking stations. The heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi are always popular with guests. The fitness center was recently renovated, making it even more appealing to regular gym-goers. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and piping hot breakfasts each morning.
Where are the best value options in Gardner, KS?
All-suites hotels in the Gardner area are always great value. You'll enjoy large rooms with self-catering facilities, along with some great amenities, at the following local hotels.
Candlewood Suites Olathe – Kansas City Area is the ideal choice for a family getaway. Kids love borrowing board games from the Lending Locker and movies for the in-room DVD player. Eating meals fresh from the grill in the outdoor picnic area is also a real treat. If the weather cools, your suite's kitchen has everything you need to whip up a tasty meal. You'll also find basic meals in the Candlewood cupboard. If you'd rather someone else do the hard work, you'll find 12 local restaurants within easy walking distance.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Olathe is perfect for travelers who love retail therapy, as it's adjacent to the Great Plains Mall, the state's largest outlet mall with more than 80 stores and restaurants. After shopping up a storm, you'll love returning to the hotel for a swim in the indoor pool or time in front of your 32-inch cable TV. The Tempur-Pedic bed helps you rest and recharge, ready to do it all again tomorrow! Before you go, eat your fill at the Bright Side Breakfast bar. With waffles, pastries, and bagels, it's always free for guests.
Why do you need to visit the parks on your trip to Gardner, KS?
As a relatively small town, Gardner isn't as built-up as many of America's urban areas. Residents and travelers both love Gardner's parks, which provide space for active play and relaxing.
Spanning 83 acres, Celebration Park is Gardner's largest park. It gets its name because it's the site of so many of Gardner's celebrations, including Fourth of July festivities, the Grand Slam Beer, Wine, and Spirits Fest, and the spooky Boo Bash. You needn't wait for an event to enjoy Celebration Park, though. A kid's playground, covered picnic tables, barbecue grills, walking tracks, baseball and soccer fields, and a picturesque 10-acre lake make it a top destination any time of the year.
Cornerstone Park is nowhere near as large, at just over 4 acres, but it also hosts community events, including Christmas in the Park, live concerts, and outdoor movies. A new handicap-accessible playground is always popular with young visitors. Stretch your legs on the looped walking trail and enjoy lunch outdoors at one of the three picnic shelters.
Brookside Park has a small handicap-accessible playground and picnic table, so it's ideal for a day out with the whole family. Bring some sandwiches or some meat for the park's barbecue grill. With bellies full, walk off your meal on the walking trail. It connects to the Gardner Greenway System, so you can walk well beyond the park if you're feeling energetic.
Gardner Junction Park, Gardner Lake Park, Gardner Municipal Airport Park, Meadowbrook Park, Stone Creek Park, Westside Park, and Winwood Park are also within the city limits.
As Gardner grows, it's becoming even more appealing to tourists. Discover why so many people are making this Kansas town their home on your next vacation.
FAQs about hotels in Gardner
Recent traveler guest reviews of Gardner, KS
Below are reviews of the city of Gardner, KS from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Shopping were a walking distance from the hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
Abebe T., from 28-Jul-2026
"Area is clean and quiet!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Area is clean and quiet!
Elroy D., from 11-Aug-2023
"Heart Sisters Scrapbook Event"
Score
4.0 / 5
Heart Sisters Scrapbook Event
Carolyn L., from 16-Jul-2023
"Great Time"
Score
5.0 / 5
Stopped at Tumbleweed Bar & Grill. Hometown bar and very friendly. Good food.
John C., from 25-Sep-2019
The average traveler rating of the city of Gardner, KS shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews