The Manhattan center is about the area of Manhattan Christian College and 1 mile southeast of Kansas State University.
If you want clear skies, decent hotel rates, and comfortable weather, consider visiting Manhattan during the late summer or early autumn. Precipitation rates decline sharply during this period, so you won't risk having your plans rained out at the last minute. The temperatures will have started to drop, so you'll feel comfortable spending most of the day outdoors if you prefer, and hotel prices begin to decline as summer fades into autumn. Plus, you'll see the glorious fall colors emerge.
Winter has even less precipitation, but you'll face frigid temperatures that can prove unbearable if you're not used to cold weather. Plus, many outdoor activities take a hiatus over the winter, and icy roads can make driving hazardous. However, if you're on a budget, you'll appreciate the low hotel rates between November and February.
When you want to get the most bang for your hard-earned buck, look for Manhattan hotels that offer discounts for various groups of people. For instance, the Candlewood Suites offers AAA and senior citizen discounts of up to 10 percent. You can also shave a few dollars off your bill at this establishment if you're a current or former member of the armed forces.
Meanwhile, you can get excellent rates at the Holiday Inn when you book your room early. This hotel offers discounts for military service members, government workers, and senior citizens, as well. You'll find similar savings at the Hilton Garden Inn and the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
When you're after quality and affordability, the Quality Inn & Suites delivers. It's a completely smoke-free venue, which should please travelers with allergies and asthma. You'll enjoy a free deluxe continental breakfast each morning to fuel up for your daily activities, and you can get free coffee in the lobby all day. There's free wireless internet access throughout the hotel, and the indoor heated pool and spa will allow you to swim a few laps no matter what time of year you visit. Plus, you'll love the on-site health center and the free daily newspapers.
You can't go wrong with the Candlewood Suites Manhattan, either. This modern hotel is an all-suite venue, which means you get more space without having to pay a premium. Wall-mounted flat-screen televisions allow you to enjoy your favorite programming from anywhere in the room, and the U-shaped desk and dining table proves convenient for any activity. The beds feature premium pillowtop mattresses and luxurious linens, and there's an easy chair if you need a spot to relax. Outside your suite, you'll find a pool, spa, fitness center, fitness center, and laundry facilities.
Plenty of entertainment venues exist in Manhattan, but the Sunset Zoo might be the most popular — and the most exciting. This impressive facility houses a variety of animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and invertebrates. It's known for its commitment to protecting cheetahs in the wild and in captivity as well as restoring their dwindling numbers.
If you visit the Sunset Zoo, plan to arrive early because the park gets crowded quickly. Be sure to visit the several gorgeous gardens scattered throughout, including a butterfly garden and a sensory garden. You can grab a bite to eat at the Expedition Cafe, and the kids can entertain themselves on the playground equipment installed near many of the exhibits. Plus, the zoo offers educational programs for kids and adults if you want a behind-the-scenes experience or if you're interested in learning about specific animals.
The Sunset Zoo is open every day of the week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the spring, summer, and fall. It opens at noon during the winter. Admission is just $5 per person for adults and $2 per child between the ages of 3 and 12.
Manhattan might not seem as exciting as its New York namesake, but it's a wonderful place to spend a few days by yourself, with friends, or with family. Choose one of the hotels above, and start planning all the venues you want to visit while you're there.
Below are reviews of the city of Manhattan, KS from an actual visitor's perspective.
Friendly, welcoming, quiet for its size.
Awesome restaurants in Baan Thai Restaurant and Early Edition Restaurant.
Nice place with lots to do!
Great restaurant for barbecue!
Visited shopping and eating places, plus I am a Big Wildcat fan.
Aggieville before dark is a great place for parents and families to eat, shop and socialize. After dark is typical student nightlife.
Neat college town!
Walking distance to most anything, small town atmosphere, amazing people, loved seeing the town. Perfect layout and access.
I am an alumni of Kansas State; work takes me there five to ten nights a year.
Nice zoo. Good food. Friendly people. I know why my daughter loves going to school in Manhattan.
All of the shopping!!!
Convenient location.
Hotel personnel was very nice and accommodating. As for the City of Manhattan, we enjoyed the time there for the K-State graduation of our granddaughter. Most time was spent with family celebrating in a home, so all can be said for city, driving experience was fine on the good streets.
Shopping!
Shopping
KSU
Fun town. Good food. Lots of activities.
We love Manhattan. Football has spearheaded many improvements in dining, shopping an the development of Kansas State University beginning in late 90's and continuing.
Location was great.
Surprisingly for the location in the center of Kansas, Manhattan has some of the best local restaurants to be found.
It has changed a lot in the last 30 years. But the folks around here are great.
I truly like the city. Lots of purple, but it worked. If I could do it over again, I probably would choose K-State over my own alma mater.
Great city