Clarion University of Pennsylvania is located within the borough. It also has several buildings located on the National Register of Historic Places, including the county courthouse. The area includes 1.5 square miles of land. The borough's main portion sits at about 1,400-1,500 feet above sea level, overlooking the valley of the Clarion River, which connects to the Allegheny River.
When should you visit Clarion, PA?
Since Clarion is home to a major university with more than 5,000 students, certain times of year draw visitors to the borough. Commencement and graduation ceremonies often bring a number of supporters of the graduates, so you'll often see hotel price increases in the spring and winter months. Events on the university campus can also impact rates. Clarion also hosts the annual Autumn Leaf Festival, which draws more than 500,000 visitors each year. It occurs over nine days in late September through early October. Events and entertainment include rides and games, a craft show, a parade, and much more.
The weather in Clarion includes quite a bit of rainfall, spread out over all 12 months. Most months receive precipitation on at least nine days. The average low temperatures during the winter months are well below freezing, so you may see more affordable hotel prices during this season as fewer people travel to the borough. The summers are more moderate, with average highs rarely going over 80 degrees.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Clarion, PA:
Clarion by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Clarion, PA. You can use these line graphs to calculate the cheapest dates to stay in Clarion for your upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels near Clarion, PA?
If you're willing to travel outside of Clarion to Pittsburgh, you can find four-star hotel options that provide appealing amenities. One of these is the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, which is within a few steps of Heinz Hall. Upscale amenities include a fitness center, concierge services, complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility, and limousine/town car service for an additional fee. Each room has a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, a 37-inch LCD TV with premium programming, designer toiletries, and an iPod docking station. Dining options include room service during limited hours, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.
Ace Hotel Pittsburgh is another high-end place to stay. This East Liberty hotel is within a few miles of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Relax in your guest room, which will feature a minibar, a flat-screen TV, free wireless internet access, a bathrobe, a private bathroom with designer toiletries, a separate workspace, and a private safe. You can also take advantage of options like 24-hour room service, concierge services, a library, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel restaurant serves American cuisine and cocktails, while cooked-to-order breakfasts are available each day for an additional fee.
What are the affordable hotel options near Clarion, PA?
3 Star Average Prices: $87.33
Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at Ramada by Wyndham Clarion, a property that offers easy access to the nearby university and a golf course. Amenities for guests include a fitness center, a fireplace in the lobby, a nightclub, a restaurant serving American fare and cocktails, and a 24-hour business center. Within each guest room, you'll find an LCD TV with cable programming, free wireless internet access, a refrigerator, a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, free daily newspapers, and a phone with free local calls. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available each morning for an additional fee.
Another affordable place to stay is Motel 6 Clarion PA. The guest rooms feature free wireless internet access, TVs with cable channels, phones with free local calls, and blackout drapes. You can also take advantage of the hotel's picnic area, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, laundry facilities, and 24-hour front desk. Guests are welcome to dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves tasty Mexican fare. Fresh tea and coffee are available in the lobby of this hotel as well.
Super 8 by Wyndham Brookville is a nearby hotel option that's within about 15 miles of Clarion. During your stay, you can enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast, available each morning. Free self-parking is also available to guests. Each of the guest rooms at this cozy property features a microwave, a refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, a TV with cable programming, complimentary toiletries, a separate workspace, and a phone with free local calls. If you're planning to spend some time on the water, this hotel is about 16 miles from Lake Erie.
2 Star Average Prices: $105.56
What are the best hotel discounts in Clarion, PA?
For AAA members, discounted rates are available at Quality Inn, which is on Dolby Street. This comfortable property offers a fitness center, a picnic area, a computer station, and daily newspapers in the lobby. You can also enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast each morning before you head out sightseeing. The guest rooms come with phones with free local calls, desks, TVs with cable channels, refrigerators, microwaves, complimentary toiletries, and phones with free local calls. Free parking is available throughout your stay.
Government employees and military personnel can save when booking rooms at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clarion. This appealing hotel is close to Clarion University. Amenities include a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning and laundry services, free parking, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and an indoor swimming pool. Each room boasts a microwave, a refrigerator, a TV with satellite programming, a private bathroom with free toiletries, a tea and coffee maker, and a separate workspace. Enjoy the daily buffet breakfast served each morning for guests.
Seniors are eligible for discounts at Quality Inn Royle, which is about 29 miles from Clarion. Here you can enjoy free daily breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, access to the business center, complimentary Wi-Fi in the guest rooms and common areas, and free newspapers on weekdays. The rooms come equipped with coffee makers, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and microwaves for your convenience.
What are the best value hotel options in Clarion, PA?
At Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clarion, you'll have access to reasonable room rates and appealing amenities. Past guests have given this property high ratings for its cleanliness and comfort features. You'll be able to use the 24-hour fitness center during your stay, as well as the on-property barbecue grills. A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning, while the business center is open 24 hours a day. The rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs with cable channels, refrigerators, pillowtop beds with premium bedding, free wireless and wired internet access, and complimentary toiletries. The front desk staff can also assist you with local tours and attraction tickets.
For a relaxing stay, book a room at Hampton Inn Clarion. This appealing property has a number of amenities, along with high ratings from previous guests for the delicious food options, friendly service, and cleanliness. Within your room, you'll find a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, free wired and wireless internet access, a tea and coffee maker, a workspace, and a phone with free local calls. Each morning, the hotel serves a full breakfast buffet with hot and cold options. The property also has an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and a fitness center for guests.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Franklin Oil City also provides good value to guests. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a friendly member of the reception staff. Throughout your stay, you can use the indoor swimming pool, business center, and fitness center. A complimentary breakfast buffet is also included with your stay. Dry cleaning and laundry services are available, while parking is free for guests. The rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free newspapers, desks, phones with free local calls, refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
What should you see and do near Clarion, PA?
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, be sure to visit Cook Forest State Park, which is located in nearby Farmington Township. This state park includes a number of hemlock and pine trees, which are visible from the 29 miles of hiking trails that span throughout the outdoor space. The Forest Cathedral within the park is a National Natural Landmark, while the 13-mile stretch of the Clarion River is open for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.
You can learn more about the borough by visiting the Clarion County Historical Society Museum and Library, which is housed in a red brick home that dates back to 1909. This museum has rotating exhibits and period furniture that helps you feel like you've stepped back in time. Clarion River Brewing Company is a popular spot to enjoy a craft beer. Here you can sample unique ales that feature local flavors and names that incorporate some of the area's unique history.
No matter what brings you to this charming borough in Pennsylvania, Clarion has something you can enjoy during your visit. Choose a hotel that provides the amenities you want to take advantage of for a more comfortable stay.
FAQs about hotels in Clarion
Recent traveler guest reviews of Clarion, PA
Below are reviews of the city of Clarion, PA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Clarion has a cute downtown with lots of charm"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clarion has a cute downtown with lots of charm. The university is the center of the town, so there's lots to do. Also Cook's Forest is close for the campers. Clarion River Brewing Company has great food and a nice variety of drinks. Beer cheese is amazing!
Tracie W., from 24-Aug-2026
"Easy access"
Score
4.0 / 5
Vincent W., from 16-Aug-2026
"Restaurants are near"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants are near. As was Walmart center. Clarion appears to be a clean organized City.
Michael H., from 06-Jun-2026
"Family"
Score
5.0 / 5
Rilda H., from 30-May-2026
"My children live there"
Score
5.0 / 5
Gary H., from 26-Dec-2025
"Friendly people"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dale B., from 20-Nov-2025
" Clarion citizens are very friendly and helpful"
Score
4.0 / 5
The tourist information rest area was inviting and gave us lots of tips on where to go for fun and what restaurants were the best. Clarion citizens are very friendly and helpful.
Loretta R., from 27-Oct-2025
"Our grandson goes to college there and plays football."
Score
4.0 / 5
Denise F., from 30-Aug-2025
"Golf!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We play golf there every Father's Day weekend.
Mark T., from 24-Jun-2025
"love the best cafe's "
Score
5.0 / 5
Cook forest, Michelle's cafe
James S., from 18-Jun-2025
"Pet Friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
I was just passing thru and I had my pet with me.
Deborah B., from 03-Feb-2025
"The room was clean and comfortable. "
Score
4.0 / 5
The room was clean and comfortable. The people were friendly, the town was clean, the restaurant your staff referred me to was great.
Marc T., from 23-Jan-2025
"The room was clean and comfortable. "
Score
4.0 / 5
The room was clean and comfortable. The people were friendly, the town was clean, the restaurant your staff referred me to was great.
Marc T., from 23-Jan-2025
"Autumn Leaf Festival!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It was Autumn Leaf Festival week. Many activities. Very nice to be able to park the car in town and walk to restaurants and enjoy the small town atmosphere!
Kandia S., from 10-Oct-2024
"Red River Road House and The Salt Room were great!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Red River Road House restaurant was great! The Salt Room was also great!
Frank M., from 20-Jul-2024
"Conveniently Located"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy off highway.
Katherine L., from 17-Jun-2024
"Great place near Clarion campus."
Score
5.0 / 5
I graduated from Clarion 50 years ago. This weekend my grandson was being recruited. The town and campus have grown and in a very nice way. Lots of new buildings on campus and Main Street looked inviting, clean, safe and a great place to walk down.
Josiah D., from 01-May-2024
"Nice Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clarion is a nice town.
Kerry S., from 05-Feb-2024
"Safe & Quiet"
Score
5.0 / 5
Safe and quiet.
Steven D., from 15-Aug-2023
"Nice Hometown Feel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clarion has a nice hometown feel. But, it will be even better when Bob's Sub opens in their new location!
Christina H., from 13-Jun-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Clarion, PA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 20 reviews