The largest city on the Grand River watershed, Kitchener is a picturesque urban center steeped in history. Following European settlement, the land upon Kitchener would be built was given to the Six Nations as a gift for their loyalty during the American Revolution, but tribal members sold much of the land to a Loyalist named Colonel Richard Beasley between 1796 and 1798. Beasley was interested in the remote property for German Mennonite families, who were fleeing persecution in Pennsylvania.
Immigration to Kitchener continued to grow through the late 1800s, particularly after the Grand Trunk Railway was established, extending rail lines from Toronto to Sarnia. After much debate, the town was named Kitchener after the late British Marshal The First Earl of Kitchener, and the town's Pennsylvania Dutch roots were emphasized.
Today, Kitchener retains its heritage in the forms of museums, art galleries, festivals, and other cultural attractions, but it's also a great place for recreation and shopping. Whatever your reasons for visiting Kitchener, it's important to locate the right hotel that allows you to enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Kitchener, ON
The best time to visit Kitchener is from September through November when the summer crowds have died down and the fall festival season is starting up. Hotel rates tend to be reasonable during this time, but keep in mind that popular festivals and other events can result in rate increases. For instance, Kitchener-Waterloo's Oktoberfest is a must-see celebration. The nine-day event started in 1969 and is considered Canada's Greatest Bavarian Festival. In fact, it's the largest Bavarian festival anywhere in the world outside of Germany, so if you love Bavarian culture and beer, plan your trip for October before Canadian Thanksgiving.
Winters in Ontario are cold and snowy, but if you don't mind the chill, you can save a lot of money on hotel rates during this time. Spring is another great time to visit Kitchener because the crowds have yet to descend on the city and the temperatures are just right for outdoor excursions. Keep in mind, though, that nighttime temperatures can still be chilly, so dress in layers.
While summer comes with increased hotel rates and a mass influx of tourists, Kitchener has a lot to offer during the warm season. Summer is the best time to take advantage of the city's extensive hiking trail system, which consists of hundreds of kilometers of community trails. Mountain biking is also a popular pastime in Kitchener, so be sure to visit one of the city's bike parks for physical activity. If you're here in August, you may also catch the Kitchener Blues Festival in downtown.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Kitchener, ON:
Kitchener, ON: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Kitchener, ON. Browse these illustrations to determine the most cost effective time to stay in Kitchener for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Kitchener, ON
If you're looking for upscale accommodations in the Kitchener area, you're in luck. Les Diplomates B&B Executive Guest House is a four-star bed and breakfast in an elegant, Victorian-style building. Upscale guest rooms boast cable television, fireplaces, DVD players, and free internet access. Upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs, and bathrooms are either private or en suite. Common social areas include a lovely parlor and formal dining room. Each guest receives a five-course breakfast served on fine china, and afternoon tea is available for an extra charge.
Crowne Plaza Kitchener – Waterloo is an elegant three-star accommodation within walking distance of THEMUSEUM. Rooms are tastefully decorated but subdued with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, paid Wi-Fi access, work desks, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Suites add separate living areas, free Wi-Fi and whirlpool tubs. There's a contemporary seafood restaurant on-site, which offers a breakfast buffet in addition to lunch and dinner. The property also boasts a whirlpool, indoor pool, fitness center, business center, meeting rooms, and a ballroom.
For something unique, book a room at Green Gables Executive Guest House. This elegant, three-story Tudor-style guesthouse is situated close to Woodside National Historic Site and the Centre In The Square. Elegant rooms are tastefully decorated with antiques, and all feature private bathrooms, 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and Wi-Fi access. Some even have marble fireplaces. The guesthouse also offers a sunroom, garden, and a library for guest enjoyment.
Affordable Hotel Options in Kitchener, ON
3 Star Average Prices: $105.11
Finding an affordable hotel in Kitchener is easy if you plan ahead and know where to look. With a convenient location off Highway 8, Knights Inn Kitchener provides easy access to the Centre In The Square theater and THEMUSEUM. The basic guest rooms feature TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, while upgraded rooms and suites add kitchenettes, separate living areas, whirlpool tubs, and fireplaces. Free continental breakfast and parking are included, and kids under 17 stay free with an adult.
Kitchener Motel is a family-owned budget motel less than 12 kilometers from the University of Waterloo. Rooms are simple, but offer private bathrooms, mini-fridges, cable TV, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi internet access. You can also opt for a room with a kitchenette and Jacuzzi tub.
Located 3.3 km from the Woodside National Historic Site, Canadas Best Value Inn is a straightforward lodging with basic guest rooms. Guest amenities include in-room microwaves, mini-fridges, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a kitchenette option. Free parking and a continental breakfast are also included.
A seasonal property located on the Conestoga College campus, Residence & Conference Centre – Kitchener Waterloo is an all-suite accommodation offering 2,000 square feet of meeting space, guest laundry facilities, off-street parking, continental breakfast, and an outdoor patio with grill. Guest rooms feature kitchenettes, air conditioning, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi access.
