The area upon which Olympia was built was once home to the Lushootseed-speaking people. Europeans first visited the area in 1792 during a charting expedition, and settlers began claiming land as early as 1846. By 1850, the residents decided on the name Olympia for the town due to the community's view of the Olympic Mountains. Over the years, Olympia has become a hub for musicians and artists and has been named one of the best college towns in the U.S. thanks to its abundance of outdoor activities and vibrant downtown.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Olympia, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this wonderful capital city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Olympia, WA
The Pacific Northwest might be known for gray, rainy skies, but the weather fluctuates throughout the year. July and August bring sunny skies and glorious weather, making the summer months an ideal time for outdoor recreation. There's still a slight chance of rain, of course, so be sure to bring your umbrella regardless of the time of year you come to Olympia. Keep in mind, though, that hotel rates tend to go up in the summer as an influx of travelers visit the area. You can reduce some of these costs by booking your trip well in advance.
September is generally considered the area's shoulder season because the summer tourist crowds have tapered off, but the skies are often still cloudless. If you plan on exploring any of the nearby Olympic Mountains, you can still find flowers in bloom, making September the perfect month for a hike. You can also enjoy reduced hotel rates.
Washington State's infamous rainy season is primarily between October and early July, but don't let that deter you from visiting. Olympia has many indoor attractions that are worth seeing as you seek a reprieve from the rain. During the winter, ski season kicks into high gear, but rain can still be heavy during the winter months, so pack appropriately.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Olympia, WA:
Olympia by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Olympia, WA. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the least expensive time to make a reservation in Olympia for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Olympia, WA
4 Star Average Prices: $185.65
If you prefer more upscale lodgings in Olympia, you have a few options. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Olympia is located in the heart of downtown, placing you in a convenient central location. Guest suites feature fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Additional amenities include a lovely outdoor BBQ area, daily housekeeping, an on-site fitness center, and guest laundry. Business travelers can also take advantage of the free high-speed internet, well-lit work desks, and a piping hot breakfast.
Located within walking distance of the Hands On Children's Museum, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Olympia is a contemporary hotel featuring contemporary guest rooms with custom-designed beds. Guest amenities include free Wi-Fi, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Suites add pull-out sofas in separate living areas. Enjoy an available cooked-to-order breakfast, an on-site bistro, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, and freshly baked cookies.
Candlewood Suites Olympia/Lacey is a laid-back property four miles from the Hands On Children's Museum and the Yashiro Japanese Garden. The hotel's studios offer flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi internet access, and kitchenettes with dishwashers. Suites add separate living rooms with sofa beds. Enjoy the on-site gym, DVD library, gazebo with BBQ grill, free parking, and laundry facilities.
Affordable Hotel Options in Olympia, WA
3 Star Average Prices: $126.06
Finding an affordable hotel in Olympia is easier than you might think. Quality Inn & Suites just off I-5 places you within walking distance of Saint Martin's University. This basic accommodation features guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers; suites add whirlpool tubs. Enjoy all-day coffee in the lobby, a free hot breakfast, an on-site fitness room, guest laundry facilities, a business center, and free large-vehicle parking.
Super 8 Lacey Olympia Area is a contemporary budget accommodation off I-5 less than five miles from downtown Olympia. All guest rooms feature cable TV, work desks, microwaves, coffee makers, and mini-fridges, and suites offer extra space. Guest amenities include a continental breakfast, large-vehicle parking, a hot tub, a heated indoor pool, a business center, and an on-site laundromat.
Olympia Inn has been a time-honored property in Washington's capital city for many years, placing travelers within walking distance of Olympia's downtown shops, the Puget Sound, and the Capitol campus. Its straightforward guest rooms feature air conditioning, microwaves, mini-fridges, cable TV, free local phone calls, and free Wi-Fi internet access. Guests can also enjoy free parking.
Motel 6 is a basic budget property four miles from downtown. Guest rooms are bright and colorful with flat-screen TVs, expanded cable, paid Wi-Fi, granite countertops, and wood floors. Mini-fridges are available upon request for an extra fee. Free morning coffee is provided, as is truck parking, and there's an on-site coin laundry and seasonal outdoor pool.
