Whether you're visiting for pleasure or on business, you'll find an array of comfortable hotels to create a home base. You can take advantage of public transportation or rent a car so you don't miss a single Salem attraction. From the historic Deepwood Estate to the quaint Riverfront Carousel, Salem offers a plethora of vintage charm, and it goes by the nickname "Tree City, USA" for good reason.
Follow these tips to make your trip to Salem, Oregon, as special as possible and to take advantage of the lovely hotels within the city limits.
When to Visit Salem, Oregon
If you want to experience Salem in all its glory, consider planning your visit for September or April. The spring and fall seasons bring lots of color to the city as well as crisp weather that strikes the perfect Goldilocks balance. In spring, you'll see the flowers bloom and the grass turn a vibrant green after its dormancy throughout winter. Autumn, meanwhile, introduces fall color to the trees and shrubbery, and you'll enjoy the nip in the air that suggests the approach of the holiday season.
If you're hoping to enjoy a warmer vacation, you can plan a visit during the summer. Tourist rates increase between May and August, which means more crowds. You'll also have to pay higher rates for hotel rooms because of the influx of travelers, but you might enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities more thoroughly if you can count on sunshine.
Winters in Salem get extremely cold, so only visit between November and March if you're determined to see snow. Hoodoo is the closest ski resort to Salem, and if you enjoy hitting the slopes, consider buying tickets in advance. The holiday season often experiences a spike in tourism and visiting family members, so expect more crowds from late November through the New Year.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Salem, OR:
Salem by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Salem, OR. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the least expensive seasons to book a room in Salem for upcoming travels.
Best Luxury Hotels in Salem, Oregon
4 Star Average Prices: $176.20
If you're hoping to enjoy more amenities in your Salem hotel, consider booking a room at one of the city's luxury hotels. You'll have access to better linens, improved technology, and more upscale furnishings and decor, which can help your vacation or business trip become more relaxing.
One prime example is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salem, Oregon. Rates at this venue start at around $135 per night, which won't strain your budget too far. The large, red-brick building houses more than 100 guest rooms and suites, each of which is decorated in a contemporary style. It's close to Silver Falls State Park as well as the Willamette Valley Vineyards, which makes it a convenient choice if you're interested in sightseeing.
In-room amenities include cable television on flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. If you choose a suite, you'll also have access to a refrigerator and a separate living and dining area. You can reserve a playpen or high chair free of charge if you're traveling with little ones, and the bathrooms come equipped with high-end surfaces, spacious tubs, and luxury toiletries. Step outside your room or suite to take a dip in the pool, work out in the gym, or feed your cravings at the snack shop.
There's also a Residence Inn by Marriott in Salem. You'll pay around $189 per night for a room or suite at this upscale hotel, which features amenities like an indoor heated pool, free hot breakfast, and a fully equipped fitness center with complimentary towels and bottled water. There's also a SportCourt if you're interested in practicing your tennis swing.
If you're willing to splurge even more for a luxury stay, book a room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Salem. You'll pay anywhere from $161 to $259 per night, depending on the season and the type of room you select, but you'll gain fantastic amenities and a room with extravagant decor. Stand-out perks include complimentary beverages all day long, access to a safe deposit box, lap desks for working in bed, and iPod charging stations. Premium bedding and toiletries add to the elegance.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Salem, Oregon
3 Star Average Prices: $128.68
You don't have to blow your entire vacation or business-trip budget on lodging. In fact, Salem offers some of the least expensive hotels in the state, so you can rest assured that you'll have money left over for a nice night on the town or a few tourist attractions.
Start with the Howard Johnson Inn - Salem, which offers rooms starting at $55 per night. It's just one mile from the picturesque downtown Salem, which makes it convenient if you enjoy hitting bars, clubs, and restaurants after dark, or if you're interested in touring the district to admire the architecture. The venue features a gym, business center, and seasonal pool, so you'll have plenty to do before you leave for the day's adventure.
Rooms at the Howard Johnson Inn - Salem come with high-speed internet access, free parking, comfortable mattresses, and coffee makers. If you choose a suite, you'll also have access to a refrigerator and microwave. Flat-screen televisions and cozy linens help you get comfortable during your stay, and you're welcome to bring your pet for a small non-refundable fee each night.
Another budget-friendly option is the Phoenix Inn Suites Salem. Room rates at this all-suite establishment start between $69 and $95 per night, depending on the season, and the cozy, welcoming decor will help you feel right at home. It's simple, but clean, guest suites feature flat-screen televisions, modern headboards, thick mattresses, and convenient work stations. You can choose from king, double-queen, king/queen, and family suite arrangements depending on your needs and preferences.
Among the Phoenix Inn Suites Salem's common areas, you'll find a dining room for your complimentary hot breakfast, as well as a pool, spa, gym, and courtesy desk. Additionally, you can bring your furry companion for a $22-per-day fee, and check-out is at noon, which gives you a little extra time to sleep in before you start your itinerary.
