A city by any name would still be this enchanting. Orange is the Lone Star State's easternmost town, nestled along the Sabine River. It shares a border with the great state of Louisiana, making it the perfect spot to enjoy Texas hospitality with a bit of bayou flavoring, just for the spice. Due to its position as a deepwater port leading to the Gulf of Mexico, Orange is not just an important gateway, but it's also an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a whole week away.
Don't make any assumptions about this east Texas oasis, either. It's a diverse area that celebrates an array of cultures, with special attention paid to indigenous and native art and history, as well as U.S. Naval history. That's thanks to the Port of Orange, which played an important role in shipbuilding during World Wars I and II. It's now a Reserve base, a position for which it's particularly well-suited because the fresh water of the Sabine River provides protections against saltwater corrosion.
Orange is almost a well-kept secret. It's only 113 miles away from Houston, or you can drive right into Louisiana, although it's unlikely that you'll want to venture beyond its borders. With loads to do and an abundance of places to stay, the Gulf at your feet and the river at your fingertips, you have the opportunity to turn your trip to Orange into a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
What time of year is best to visit Orange, TX?
Because Orange's climate is humid and subtropical, the weather is warm nearly all year long. In the winter, it tends to rain, but it's a steamy rain that makes the town feel that much closer to Louisiana. The earth opens up with every shower, creating a humid wonderland that, if nothing else, will work magic on your skin. The summers tend to be wet, as well, but it's always welcome because the weather is also hot and the humidity is high. You'll want to take advantage of your proximity to both the Gulf and Sabine Lake.
The weather won't affect any of the activities that are likely to pique your interest in Orange. The locals usually find the water a little chilly in winter, but if you come from a place with colder climates, then wintertime in southeast Texas is sure to feel like summer back home. It's not peak season, however, so hotel rates are generally lower between November and March or April.
Summertime is another manner. With temperatures soaring toward 100 degrees on any given day between May and September, visitors are more apt to throng toward hotels with indoor or outdoor pools — or both. Travelers are also eager to find a place to stay that's near the water. Rates for those accommodations may surge, particularly in the middle of the season.
If you want to enjoy the best of the weather while snagging a rate that's kind to your budget, spring and fall are the ideal seasons to pay a visit. The temperatures are more moderate, as are nightly prices. This part of Texas doesn't fall prey to Spring Break fever, either, in spite of how close it is to Houston. Then again, fall in Texas is something you need to see at least once.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Orange, TX:
Orange by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Orange, TX. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective time to stay in Orange during the year.
What are the Orange, TX luxury hotels?
4 Star Average Prices: $112.10
Travelers who want to sate their wanderlust without sacrificing luxury are in luck. Swanky accommodations abound in Orange and the neighboring towns. You might need to look for hotels that are several miles from the city center. The driving is easy thanks to the proximity of the highway, however, and you won't complain about coming back "home" to a well-appointed hotel.
Woodspring Suites in nearby Beaumont is probably one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. Though it's about 25 miles away, it's located in the business district and offers modern, spacious rooms, laundry facilities, and kitchenettes for travelers who are in town for an extended period. For a resort experience, book the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. You can stay on the Louisiana side of the border, but you're only 30 miles from Orange. From private balconies and poolside bars to a lazy river and breakfast onsite, you can spoil yourself between jaunts over to Orange.
Lake Charles is also home to L'auberge Casino Resort and is right on the waterfront, near Lafleur Beach and Prien Lake Park. It's a fabulous four-star resort, so if you want to indulge yourself during your vacation, jump the border and book a room in Louisiana. Closer to Orange, the MCM Eleganté Hotel and Conference Center is less than 25 miles away in Beaumont, Texas. It's the height of elegance, especially if your idea of a fun holiday includes a spa.
What options are in Orange, TX for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $110.54
Your budget won't impede your trip to the Gateway City. Orange has an abundance of affordable hotels that are able to accommodate any budget, including a shoestring. The Motel 6 Orange is less than three miles away from the center of town, which makes it close to several top-notch attractions. You get a free place to park, along with internet access at no cost.
Studio 6 Port Arthur is about 18 miles away from the city center of Orange, but it's also close to the airport. It's an ideal location for business travelers, although proximity to the airport benefits anyone. To enjoy the same low rates at a spot that's closer to downtown, you can book a room at Studio 6 Orange, instead. The Executive Inn & Suites, which offers top-notch rates and free Wi-Fi, is also located right in Orange.