The Champaign center is around 1 mile south of Dodds Park Fields and 1 mile southeast of Parkland College.
The climate in Champaign includes cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. During the warmer months, the average high temperatures are in the 80s, while the average low during the winter season is between 18 and 25 degrees. The area receives about 23 inches of snowfall per year, on average. If you don't mind the cold, visiting during the winter may save you some money on hotel prices, although you won't be able to explore some of the outdoor attractions. Spring and fall are more ideal seasons to visit Champaign, both in terms of climate and hotel prices.
Since Champaign has two college campuses within its limits, commencement and graduation ceremonies can impact hotel prices. These typically take place in May and December. If you're not coming to the city for one of these events, you may want to time your visit so it doesn't overlap with a ceremony.
AAA discounts are available to travelers at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Champaign North IL. The property features a 24-hour fitness center, a welcoming fireplace in the lobby, an indoor swimming pool, a complimentary shuttle providing service within 5 miles of the hotel, a business center, and a round-trip airport shuttle. Each guest room comes equipped with an LCD TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator, free wired and wireless internet access, a private bathroom with a bathtub and designer toiletries, and complimentary daily newspapers. A free continental breakfast is included with your stay.
Military and government employees are eligible for discounts at Candlewood Suites Champaign Urbana University Area. Each individually furnished guest room features a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a pillowtop bed, free wired and wireless internet access, a 42-inch LCD TV with cable programming, a desk, and free weekday newspapers. The hotel has barbecue grills, a fitness center, a picnic area, and free on-site self-parking for guests.
Seniors can save when staying at Home2 Suites by Hilton Champaign / Urbana. This all-suite property has a 24-hour fitness center, barbecue grills for guest use, an indoor pool, and dry cleaning and laundry services. Each suite has a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, a 42-inch LCD TV with premium programming, a phone, a private laptop-compatible safe, and complimentary wired and wireless internet access. Breakfast is served each morning and includes cereal, yogurt, eggs, bread, pastries, waffles, juice, and coffee.
Courtyard Champaign delivers excellent value for guests, featuring a recently refurbished lobby and guest rooms. Within the rooms, you'll find LCD TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, phones with free local calls, separate workspaces, and daily newspapers on weekdays. Recreational opportunities on the property include an indoor swimming pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. You'll also have access to dry cleaning and laundry services, concierge services, and several dining options within the hotel.
At Drury Inn & Suites Champaign, you can enjoy high-quality amenities at reasonable rates. This hotel has high guest ratings and offers easy access to shopping and family-friendly attractions. Each clean, spacious guest room has a flat-screen LCD TV, free Wi-Fi, a microwave, a refrigerator, a plush bed, and a coffee maker. You can also enjoy a free hot breakfast each morning and attend the evening Kickback reception, which includes complimentary menu options and cold beverages. The hot breakfast includes Belgian waffles, eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, coffee, and juice. Free fountain drinks and popcorn are also available between 3 and 10 p.m. daily in the lobby.
One of the most popular attractions in Champaign is the Virginia Theatre, a performing arts center that hosts plays, live music performances, classic film showings, and other local events. The historic theatre has an original pipe organ dating back to 1921, and both the theatre and organ have undergone major renovations. The State Farm Center is a sports venue, hosting collegiate sporting events including basketball games and gymnastic meets, although it's often used for entertainment as well.
For a cultural experience, spend some time at the Krannert Art Museum. Located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, this museum showcases a variety of art pieces. Past and current exhibits include ceramics displays, highlights from the American and European art collection, and Painting and the Animation of History in Northern India. Another spot to view local art is the Larry Kanfer Gallery, which features original framed and unframed pieces from Kanfer, a talented photographer.
With unique attractions and a growing economy, Champaign is an interesting place to visit. You can choose from a number of hotels in the area for your stay that offer comfortable accommodations and appealing amenities in a range of prices.
Below are reviews of the city of Champaign, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
My experience was at the conference I attended on the campus of the University of Illinois. Easy access to Campus Town and other sites in the area.
Nice mall and a lot of nice restaurants.
Perfect stopping point on our road trip.
Nice restaurants and small businesses! The Literary bookstore and the Black Dog Tavern were 10/10 stops.
Gracious hosts to Penn State alums.
Close to airport.
Quiet and quaint hotel. Really great restaurant only a few miles away with fabulous food (Sweet Basil)! The staff is super friendly and they loved our service dog.
Most everything is in walking distance.
The food truck near the hotel!
IHSA Tournament
IHSA Tournament
Good location and cleanliness of hotel.
Parking for the RV.
The Drury Inn location is on a main street full of shops and restaurants.
I enjoyed visiting the college campus and Japan House (it's near an awesome walking trail.)The shopping areas were pretty good.
Great college town, lots of choices!
The parks were numerous and lovely. We went to several with our granddaughter. The use of green space was excellent.
I was working in the archives at the University of Illinois and found the campus to be beautiful. The people I met were very helpful and kind.
More restaurants and bars than when we were students. Close walking distance from hotel to stadium.
All was clean, calm, and peaceful.
Champaign is a very nice town with lots of things to do.
Beautiful trees and greenery in the cities; Champaign and Urbana
The Rantoul Sports Complex is impressive.
Was there to have surgery at hospital next day. Was close to hospital.
Fun geocaching area!
The staff at the hotel were excellent and kind.
Passing through only. The staff at the hotel were excellent and kind.
Variety of stores and eateries nearby.
I love the city of Champaign. I was born and raised here. I like the laid back atmosphere, after living in California for 40 years. I really appreciated the hot tub at the Drury Inn.
Really fun little town!
The city brought back a lot of nostalgia. Green street Street. Assembled Hall, Football stadium, marching band all fun to see again!!
Enjoyed Memphis on Main, and 51 Main. Both great places to have fun in downtown Champaign IL.
Very nice property, would stay again.
Did not see the city enjoyed the stay very much.
Campus. Was there for a clinic and that was excellent.
The hotel was clean and comfortable. Staff went above and beyond for our group. I would definitely recommend this establishment.