Dothan began its life as Poplar Head, but shortly after its incorporation in 1885, residents decided to change its name to the Biblical village referenced in Genesis. An agricultural industry flourished, and Dothan quickly established itself as the Peanut Capital of the World. Even today, a quarter of all American-grown peanuts come from Dothan and its surrounding area. The annual National Peanut Festival celebrates the city's peanut-growing prowess.
When to Visit Dothan, AL
The best time to visit Dothan probably depends on what motivates your visit. The National Peanut Festival is Dothan's biggest event, so if you want to see it, there's no question you need to visit during November. Don't worry about the chill, because it won't be as cold as in some cities. Even when winter comes, Dothan enjoys average temperatures around 60 degrees. But it will get busy, so book your accommodations early and expect to pay a little more for them.
If you're more flexible with your itinerary, you'll probably enjoy Dothan in spring or fall. The weather is mostly pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the 60s during spring and 70s during fall. March is Dothan's wettest month, so make sure to pack your umbrella. Hurricanes can also disrupt travel plans from May to October.
Hurricanes aren't the only thing to worry about in the middle of the year. Unless you've spent a summer in Alabama, you probably can't fathom how hot and humid it will be. Temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. Add high humidity, and the days can be really unpleasant. Unless you need to be in Dothan during summer, delay your travel plans. If you must travel then, stay well hydrated and avoid being outdoors for too long.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Dothan, AL:
Dothan, AL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Dothan, AL. Browse these line graphs to determine the least expensive dates to book a room in Dothan for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Dothan, AL
Dothan doesn't have luxury hotels on the grand scale of large cities. However, the following hotels are known for offering some of Dothan's best accommodations.
Hampton Inn & Suites Dothan is a modern, sophisticated hotel that will help you feel at home. The rooms are contemporary without being too bold, with earthy neutral toned decor designed to help you relax. Each room features a king-sized bed or two queens, a tea and coffee making facility, and a flat-screen TV with cable and premium movie channels. Free hot breakfasts served every morning help you start the day right. If you don't have time for the buffet, reach for an On the Run Breakfast Bag, available Monday to Thursday, as you head out the door.
Courtyard by Marriott Dothan is another hotel that lives up to the reputation of its brand. Guest rooms and suites are modern, yet tastefully decorated. Each features a flat-screen high-definition TV set and complimentary high-speed internet, perfect for unwinding after a busy day in Dothan. There are several local restaurants within a 1-mile radius, but if you'd prefer to eat at the hotel, you won't be disappointed by American classics served by The Bistro each night. An indoor pool is ideal for swimming laps, but if you'd rather up your workout regime, head to the fitness center.
Affordable Hotel Options in Dothan, AL
3 Star Average Prices: $92.04
Travelers on a budget are spoiled for choice in Dothan, with several basic hotels offering low room rates. You'll save money when you stay at one of these popular local chain hotels.
After a long day of driving, the Econo Lodge of Dothan just off Highway 231 is the perfect place to lay your head. Guest rooms are spacious, with king-sized beds and vibrant color schemes. TVs and coffee makers in each room help guests feel at home. Free Easy Starts continental breakfast, Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and the seasonal outdoor pool add value to your stay. Can't bear to leave Fido behind? Don't worry! The whole family is welcome at this pet-friendly Dothan hotel.
Motel 6 Dothan is a simple hotel that gets the basics right. While the rooms could do with a refresh, their beds are comfortable and clean. In-room kitchenettes are perfect for people who'd rather eat in than spend money on restaurants. The outdoor pool area is small but pristine and can be a welcome respite from the heat on steamy summer days. Motel 6 Dothan's friendly employees will help make your stay one to remember.
2 Star Average Prices: $83.16
Best Discounts in Dothan, AL
Why spend more than you have to on your accommodations? Several Dothan hotels have discount programs that help certain travelers save on their vacations.
Several groups enjoy discount rates at Sleep Inn & Suites Dothan, including seniors and AARP members, AAA and CAA auto club members, military personnel, and federal and state government employees. It's one of Dothan's freshest looking hotels following recent renovations. The rooms are specially designed to help guests catch up on their sleep with calming earth-toned decor and plush bedding. When they awake, guests enjoy a free hot and cold breakfast buffet and freshly-baked cookies. An outdoor pool and fitness center can help you work off the calories if you overindulge.
AAA and CAA car club members, seniors 62 and older, and government and military personnel all enjoy discounts at Residence Inn by Marriott Dothan. This welcoming hotel encourages guests to enjoy a leisurely stay with suites designed to feel like a home away from home. Studio rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites cater to a variety of travelers. The guest rooms are tastefully decorated in neutrals with vibrant pops of color for a contemporary feel. They've all got king-sized beds and cable TVs showing premium channels like ESPN and HBO.
Best Value Options in Dothan, AL
Your dollar will go further at the following Dothan hotels. These accommodations achieve the perfect balance between comfort and competitive prices.
Best Western Dothan Inn & Suites has several room configurations, including rooms with single queens and kings for couples and rooms with pairs of double and queen beds for friends and family groups. Each room is elegantly decorated with creature comforts you love, like TV sets, microwaves, and hairdryers. Swimming a few laps or simply enjoying a soak in the outdoor pool is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. Room prices also include unlimited Wi-Fi access and full buffet breakfasts each morning.
GuestHouse Inn Dothan is usually a little more affordable, but recent renovations mean it doesn't look as tired as many hotels in this price range. It's a charming hotel that has comfortable beds with pillowtop mattresses and cable TV sets with movie channels in all rooms. Linger over your complimentary continental breakfast while thumbing through your free daily newspaper. There's also an outdoor pool, perfect for cooling down during warm weather. It's the little things that make a stay at GuestHouse Inn Dothan so enjoyable.
Top Dothan, AL Destinations
You might be surprised how much there is to do in Dothan.
The National Peanut Festival is the city's biggest draw. The 10-day festival attracts thousands from all over southern Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and beyond each November. There are plenty of peanuts, of course, as well as fair rides and live music to keep crowds entertained.
The National Peanut Festival might be Dothan's biggest celebration, but it's far from the only event in the city. The Screen on the Green festival brings classic movies to an outdoor screen near the Wiregrass Museum of Art. Dothan embraces the Scots in March when it hosts the Southeast Alabama Highland Games. Events like the caber toss, sheaf toss, and hammer throw test the mettle of competitors.
Adventureland Theme Park is a small-scale theme park the whole family will love. The two 18-hole mini-golf courses pose a real challenge, with waterfalls and lagoons to keep you on your toes. There's also a go-kart track, bumper boats, batting cages, a roller coaster simulator, and heaps more to amuse the young and young at heart. Water World offers more theme park fun. Perfect for the summer months, this Alabama waterpark features several pools, including a wave pool with giant waves, and hair-raising waterslides.
You needn't visit a gallery to see art in Dothan. The city is famous for its murals. You'll find them on some of Dothan's most historic buildings, like the Wiregrass Museum of Art, the Dothan Opera House, and Liddon Furniture. These murals tell the story of Dothan's history, including its agricultural roots, its connection to the Creek Indian tribe, and Spanish exploration. Take the time to observe the details and learn a little about where Dothan came from.
When you need a little quiet time, try Eastgate Park. With lakes for fishing, a 2-mile walking trail, picnic area, and beach volleyball court, it's the ideal place to get back to nature and enjoy some fun in the Alabama sun.
Whether you're visiting for the National Peanut Festival or just keen to explore an American city off the well-worn tourist track, you're bound to have a ball in Dothan. Book early to enjoy a competitive rate at some of this Alabama city's most popular hotels.
FAQs about hotels in Dothan
How much does a cheap hotel in Dothan cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Dothan can be as cheap as $83.16 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Dothan cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Dothan has been $92.04 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler guest reviews of Dothan, AL
Below are reviews of the city of Dothan, AL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Delicious Diner!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Blue Plate Diner is delicious!
Cindy S., from 23-Mar-2024
"Perfect Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
The location of this Marriott was perfect
Lauren D., from 15-Jan-2024
"Nice!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice!
Edward F., from 01-Jan-2024
"Fort Rucker"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very familiar with the city as my son was stationed at Fort Rucker and we visited often. Love the city and people.
Randell C., from 12-Nov-2023
"Great Restaurants Near Hotel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great Japanese restaurant next door to the hotel and a wonderful Thai place down the street!
Amos W., from 02-Nov-2023
"Brewery!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Brewery!
Ann S., from 30-Oct-2023
"Love it!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love it!
Janie C., from 14-Sep-2023
"Chow King Restaurant"
Score
4.0 / 5
Chow King Restaurant.
Jack S., from 18-Jun-2023
"Nice Stay"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice stay!
Gregory S., from 16-May-2023
"Dothan is Easy to Navigate"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dothan is where our son and family live so we don't visit as a tourist thus don't see too many things in the city. It's an easy place to navigate once you've been there.
Mark M., from 10-Apr-2023
"Great Food"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great food!
Robert P., from 09-Mar-2023
"Clean, quiet, helpful and friendly staff."
Score
5.0 / 5
For a larger town - very quiet and friendly. Clean, quiet, helpful and friendly staff.
Terry B., from 11-Dec-2022
"Good food and location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good food and location!
Partick F., from 08-Oct-2022
"Pig Out is the BEST restaurant in the area!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Pig Out is the best restaurant in the area!
Patricia T., from 25-Sep-2022
"Good Food!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food was good 👍
Michael D., from 16-Sep-2022
"Proximity to Southeast Medical"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were having a medical procedure and were pleased with Southeast Medical and the care we received.
Bonnie S., from 08-Jul-2022
"Convenient Place to Stay"
Score
4.0 / 5
Convenient stopover on our way to Matlacha.
Kevin G., from 28-Feb-2022
"Great Restaurants "
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean with wide variety of restaurants.
Louise Z., from 26-Jul-2019
"Enjoyed our Stay"
Score
5.0 / 5
We went to water world and enjoyed the park the kids really enjoyed themselves
Zandra M., from 20-Jul-2016
"Nice Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
We enjoyed going to Water World and being together having fun.
Renee H., from 18-Jul-2015
"Nice City To Relax In"
Score
4.0 / 5
Enjoyed the botanical gardens. Great stop for the whole family.
Trent C., from 04-May-2015
"Great Sights at a Great Price"
Score
5.0 / 5
Had a nice mall and a lot of nice restaurants.
Tiffany B J., from 11-Mar-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Dothan, AL shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 22 reviews