Dunn was originally called Lucknow and was a sleepy hamlet compared to nearby Averasborough, which was much larger during the mid-1800s. After 1865's Battle of Averasborough, however, many residents left Averasborough and settled in Lucknow. In 1873, they renamed the town Dunn after Bennett Dunn, who supervised the local railway line. The city of Dunn was incorporated in 1887 when it featured a turpentine distilling center and thriving logging industry.
Today, several sites around Dunn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Dunn Commercial Historic District, John A. McKay House and Manufacturing Company, Kenneth L. Howard House, and John E. Wilson House. The city features two excellent hospitals and North Carolina's second-largest private university, Campbell University.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Dunn, it's essential to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything the city has to offer.
What time of year is best to visit Dunn, NC?
Dunn's peak tourist season is in the summer when the city's golf courses and historic downtown come alive with visitors. Two Civil War battlefields, located close to Dunn, attract many families and history buffs during the summer months. If you're hoping to score a good deal on a hotel, try to book your room a few weeks in advance.
Spring and fall in Dunn offer pleasant weather that's perfect for exploring the outdoors. If you can visit during these shoulder seasons, you can avoid crowds at many area attractions. Dunn's downtown shops and restaurants are always bustling, but that's part of the city's charm. Expect temperatures to hit 80 degrees in May and late September, but come prepared with some light layers in case evening temperatures drop.
Winters in Dunn are mild compared to other parts of the country, averaging only 2 inches of snow per year. As a result, Dunn offers a comfortable year-round climate that makes it a great destination for a wintertime getaway. Average lows rarely dip below freezing and highs tend to hover in the mid-50s from December through February. As long as you dress accordingly, you can enjoy rock-bottom hotel rates all season long.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Dunn, NC:
Dunn by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Dunn, NC. You can use these line graphs to determine the best months to book in Dunn for your upcoming travels.
What are the best luxury hotels around Dunn, North Carolina?
If you prefer more upscale accommodations near Dunn, you don't have to look far.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Dunn is a highly rated hotel offering a 24-hour business center, event facilities, a fitness center, outdoor pool, and a common area with a TV. You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet daily. Guest rooms at this Hampton Inn include flat-screen LCD TVs, wired and wireless internet connections, hairdryers, safes, work desks, and free toiletries.
Comfort Inn Dunn is another highly rated option. Guests can enjoy ample self-parking, a safe deposit box at the front desk, an outdoor seasonal pool, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms feature microwaves, mini fridges, cable TV, and coffee and tea makers. You can also request a complimentary weekday newspaper.
Located about 20 miles from Dunn, Holiday Inn Express Clayton is a bit of a drive, but it offers convenient access to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens and Adam's Vineyards. Amenities include a business center, laundry services, event space, fitness center, outdoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The spacious guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, free Wi-Fi, and well-lit work desks.
Where are the Dunn, NC budget-friendly hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $110.23
Finding an affordable hotel near Dunn is easy if you know where to look.
Situated near a golf course, Super 8 by Wyndham Dunn is a pet-friendly property offering a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, event space, ample parking, a seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi internet access, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include work desks, hairdryers, mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs.
Baymont by Wyndham Dunn is another affordable option with convenient access to Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park. Enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, barbecue grills, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour business center, ample parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms are small but bright, offering flat-panel TVs, irons, ironing boards, pillowtop beds, and phones with free local calls.
If you don't mind staying a few miles from Dunn, consider checking into Days Inn by Wyndham Benson. This budget-friendly property offers an outdoor seasonal pool, complimentary Wi-Fi access, ample self-parking, and a free continental breakfast. The guest rooms are a bit dated, but feature standard amenities like mini fridges, microwaves, and cable TV.
2 Star Average Prices: $95.99
What hotels in Dunn, NC have the best discounts?
If you're a senior, military service member, AAA member, or government employee, you might be able to save even more on your trip to Dunn by booking a special rate.
AAA members can save at Super 8 by Wyndham Garner/Clayton/Raleigh about 20 miles from Dunn. Standard amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor seasonal pool, barbecue grills, free Wi-Fi, and ample parking. Guest rooms are straightforward but feature comfortable pillowtop beds, cable TVs, work desks, and coffee and tea makers.
Another great option is Super 8 by Wyndham Smithfield, which offers special rates to government and military personnel. Enjoy a 24-hour business center, free newspapers, ample parking, an indoor pool, picnic area, wireless internet, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Each guest room features an LED TV with cable programming, a deep soaking tub, work desk, toiletries, and daily housekeeping.
If you plan on visiting Carolina Premium Outlets, consider a stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Smithfield NC. This highly rated property boasts a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, a business center, a convenience store, and an indoor pool with plenty of natural light. Enjoy a complimentary hot-and-cold breakfast buffet each morning while taking advantage of the property-wide free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, work desks, microwaves, free toiletries, and phones with free local calls.
If you do qualify for a discount, be sure to book the appropriate rate and present proof of eligibility, such as an ID or membership card, at check-in.
Where are the best budget hotels around Dunn, NC?
The Dunn area offers a variety of midrange hotels designed to give you extra value for your money.
Days Inn by Wyndham Dunn is centrally located and serves a complimentary breakfast buffet that includes bacon, eggs, fresh cinnamon rolls, and biscuits and gravy. Enjoy the on-site fitness center, free Wi-Fi access, business center, and free newspapers in the lobby. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with digital programming, work desks, hairdryers, toiletries, and phones with free local calls.
Bringing the fur babies along? Quality Inn Dunn is a pet-friendly option near Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a safe deposit box at the front desk, free newspapers, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Guest rooms are small but not outdated, and each one offers a well-lit work desk, microwave, and flat-screen TV.
Situated a bit further out, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lillington Near Campbell U is a solid choice offering a nice range of amenities. Enjoy an on-site business center, elevator, laundry facilities, fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, and ample self-parking. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Guest rooms feature work desks, flat-screen TVs, and irons and ironing boards for your convenience.
What are the best activities to do in and around Dunn?
Although Dunn isn't necessarily a tourist destination, it does offer a few points of interest worth checking out while you're in town.
If you're traveling with small children, stop by Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park to spend some time on the playground. This popular park features seven ball fields, a one-mile walking track, and a picnic shelter that make it the perfect spot for a family outing.
General William C. Lee Airborne Museum is a must-see attraction staffed by friendly, knowledgeable employees. Learn about General Lee, “Father of the Airborne,” through an informative and interesting museum tour. Even if you're not familiar with the American hero, this museum boasts three stories of artifacts, including weapons, a historic bicycle, uniforms, and antique furnishings.
Don't forget to visit the Averasboro Battlefield & Museum, which played a major role in Dunn becoming the community it is today. This museum preserves and presents the story of the Battle of Averasboro. Aside from the museum, the site features a visitor's center, a gift shop, and a restored Civil War cemetery. Check out the upcoming events occurring during your stay, as the facility hosts living history events that are well worth attending.
Exploring Dunn may not take as long as Raleigh or even Fayetteville, but the small city has charms no metropolis can match. No matter what your itinerary includes, you'll find a warm, friendly city offering a variety of hotel options to serve as the perfect home base. Whether you need a roadside accommodation or hotel with extra amenities, you can find the perfect lodging to meet your needs.
FAQs about hotels in Dunn