Some popular tourist activities in Lawrence include visiting the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, and checking out the Spencer Museum of Art. The Watkins Museum of History, the Prairie Park Nature Center, and Clinton State Park are also worth a visit.
When to Visit Lawrence, Kansas
Because Lawrence is a college town, be aware that college events may cause hotels to fill up quickly and rates to rise. Move-in day and graduation day are the two that will cause the biggest stir, but large sporting events and celebration weekends will also draw college crowds to Lawrence.
Kansas has rather extreme temperatures. In summer the daily highs easily break the 90 degree mark. In winter, temperatures may fall well below freezing. Kansas is in Tornado Alley, which means it gets more thunderstorms and higher winds than other parts of the U.S. That being said, fall is a gorgeous time to visit Kansas because the weather is cool but not cold, and the rain falls off quite a bit. This is high season, though; visit in winter for the best hotel rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lawrence, KS:
Lawrence by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Lawrence, KS. You can use these line graphs to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Lawrence for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Lawrence, Kansas
4 Star Average Prices: $174.03
When you're looking for upscale hotel options, you may have to look a little farther outside Lawrence, Kansas, city limits than you would like. The most upscale 3 1/2-star options are between 25 and 30 miles away from Lawrence's center.
In Olathe Kansas, which is about 25 miles from Lawrence, you'll find the 3 1/2 star Embassy Suites Kansas City/Olathe. With its blue, gray, and beige color scheme and understated furniture, the Embassy Suites is a stylish hotel that will please many guests. It was built in 2015, which means you'll be getting new facilities with little wear and tear. A rooftop terrace, a restaurant, a grocery store, and a bar are all there to cater to your needs. An indoor pool, free breakfast, and fitness facilities are other amenities that you'll love.
The Marriott Overland Park is a little over 30 miles from Lawrence. It's a 3 1/2-star property that combines homey and chic. You'll find a Starbucks in the lobby, a hotel bar, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Hand off the kids to someone else for a while when you take advantage of the hotel's supervised childcare. Head to the fitness facilities to sweat out some toxins, or go to one of two restaurants for a fantastic date night with your significant other. The hotel offers accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, and in-room accessibility, too.
Remain in Lawrence in style when you choose the Towneplace Suites Lawrence Downtown. This three-star property offers extremely chic, understated accommodations that look more like loft rentals than they do like hotel rooms. On-site you'll find tennis courts, a convenience store, an outdoor pool, a health club, a spa tub, and a picnic area with barbecue grills. Take advantage of the dry cleaning and laundry services, or of the supervised childcare activities. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are great for the whole family.
Affordable Options in Lawrence, Kansas
3 Star Average Prices: $135.74
Many hotels in Lawrence offer budget rates. Check out the Days Inn KU Lawrence for room rates that start under $50 per night depending on when and how you book. It offers an affordable pet fee of just $10 per night, per pet, and a rollaway bed fee of $10 per night. At the Days Inn KU Lawrence, you'll find amenities like free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and an outdoor seasonal pool.
When you book at the Motel 6 Lawrence KS, you'll find room rates that start just below $50, depending on when you make your reservation. The hotel welcomes pets, offers unlimited Wi-Fi for $4.95, and has kitchens in each room. The Motel 6 has a 24-hour front desk, free parking, an elevator, and coffee in the lobby.
The Best Western Lawrence is a 2 1/2-star hotel with room rates beginning under $70. If you have kids that are 14 or younger, they can stay for free with you as long as they use existing bedding. Pets are $7.50 per day, per pet. Free amenities include breakfast, newspapers in the lobby, and parking. The property offers 24-hour fitness facilities, a business center, express check-out, an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a restaurant.
