The Chickasaw and Choctaw people were the area's first residents. The land where Clarksdale now sits was the juncture of two major Native American trading routes. Europeans moved the native tribes out in the 1830s, trading the land in Mississippi for plots in Indian Territory, where Oklahoma now sits.
European settlers moved in and were delighted to find the fertile soil perfect for growing cotton. Cotton plantations developed along the river's edge, with the waterway providing easy transportation for the fledgling industry. John Clark, who developed a timber business in 1848, is considered the city's founder. The new community was named Clarksdale in his honor. Its booming economy gave it the nickname, "The Golden Buckle on the Cotton Belt." In 1882, Clarksdale was incorporated.
Today Clarksdale is a very multicultural city. It's always attracted large numbers of white residents and African American people, since the first settlers employed slaves for their cotton plantations. Around the 1920s, Clarksdale welcomed many immigrant merchants of Lebanese, Chinese, Italian, and Jewish descent. Just as Clarksdale welcomes all these people, they'll welcome you on your next vacation.
When is the best time to visit Clarksdale, MS?
Temperatures in the Mississippi Delta vary dramatically from season to season, so you should time your trip to Clarksville carefully. Summers are very hot and winters very cold, so most visitors prefer the moderate temperatures of spring and fall.
During spring, expect average daily highs in the low 60s to low 80s, with temperatures warming as summer approaches. The heat tends to linger, with daily temps in the high 80s and low 90s common in early fall. As the season progresses, expect those daily temps to drop to the low 60s.
Clarksdale is relatively dry, so rainfall shouldn't spoil your vacation plans, no matter when you visit. However, March is usually Clarksdale's wettest month, so you might want to delay travel if showers bother you.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Clarksdale, MS:
Clarksdale, MS: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Clarksdale, MS. Browse these illustrations to determine the most cost effective months to book a room in Clarksdale throughout the year.
What are some of the best hotels in Clarksdale, MS?
While Clarksdale doesn't have the ultra-luxurious hotels of larger cities, a few local accommodation providers go the extra mile. Beautiful rooms and convenient facilities make these some of the best hotels in the Clarksdale area.
Hampton Inn Clarksdale is a modern hotel with standard and accessible guestrooms featuring crisp white linens on their premium Hampton beds, LCD flat-screen TVs with a free in-room movie channels, and coffee makers. If you don't want to brew your own free coffee, tea is always available at the 24-hour reception desk. The generous free breakfast buffet, featuring fresh waffles and hardwood smoked bacon, is the ideal way to start each day. Breakfast bags are also available on weekdays. They'll provide the energy you need for sightseeing or swimming laps in the outdoor saltwater pool.
Holiday Inn Batesville is a superb option, especially for families. Kids always stay free when sharing their parents' room. Up to four children 11 and under always enjoy free meals at Kem's Restaurant and Lounge, a friendly eatery on the hotel's ground floor. While the standard rooms are lovely, suites make the most sense for family groups. Two bedrooms give parents and kids their privacy. The suites also feature private balconies, separate living areas, and full kitchenettes for preparing meals and snacks. An outdoor pool and hot tub, full-featured fitness center, and business center round out the Holiday Inn's offerings.
Where can you find budget hotels in Clarksdale, MS?
3 Star Average Prices: $112.50
Frugal travelers will find several hotels in and around Clarksdale that suit their budgets. You can always rely on the following hotels for low prices.
America's Best Value Inn & Suites Clarksdale is pet-friendly and is conveniently located in the heart of Clarksdale's downtown district. Its rooms are a little dated, but they're very spacious and spotlessly clean. They also have the modern features that really count, like 40-inch flat-screen TVs showing premium cable channels like ESPN and HBO, microwave ovens, mini fridges, and complementary Wi-Fi. A simple but satisfying continental breakfast buffet is also free each morning. For extended getaways, ask about the hotel's special weekly and monthly rates.
For a few more features, you might prefer Days Inn Batesville. This affordable hotel helps your dollar go further, with an outdoor pool, open seasonally, and a coin laundry onsite. There's also meeting space for business travelers and an onsite ATM for cash in a hurry. The rooms are also inviting, with air-conditioners and ceiling fans to keep you comfortable while you rest. After a peaceful sleep, enjoy the tasty breakfast options on the free continental buffet, including toast, cereal, and fresh fruit.
2 Star Average Prices: $99.62
Which hotels in Clarksdale offer the best discounts?
Selected travelers enjoy hefty discounts at the following hotels around Clarksdale. Present your valid identification when you check in to secure your preferential rates.
Rodeway Inn Cleveland's already low rates are made more affordable for AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, government and military personnel, and travelers in large groups needing at least 10 rooms. The hotel isn't flashy but it is functional and pet-friendly, a real perk at its price point. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, writing desks, fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers for curbing morning caffeine cravings. There's also more coffee downstairs at the continental breakfast, available free for guests each morning. Visit during summer to enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool and sundeck.
Comfort Inn Delta State University, located a short walk from the Cleveland campus, is another excellent option for travelers who love a bargain. As another Choice Hotels, it extends the same discounts to selected travelers as the Rodeway Inn. The hotel is a little more upmarket though, with rooms that feel a little more modern and more options on the free breakfast bar. The guest laundry is another real perk for extended getaways. In addition, Comfort Inn also has many of your favorite features from the Rodeway Inn, like a sparkling outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi access, and pet-friendly rooms.
What hotels in Clarksdale, MS have the best value?
Your dollar always goes further at the following Clarksdale hotels. When value matters, you'll appreciate the complimentary features and friendly service these hotels always provide.
Comfort Inn Clarksdale has elegant smoke-free rooms with all the modern touches of home, like flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and plush beds for your best night's sleep. If you're traveling with your family, ask for a sofa bed room. The complimentary perks like fast Wi-Fi, outdoor parking, and hot breakfasts each morning help you see value. The hotel also has its own fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool, so you needn't let your workout routine slide. There's a business center too, just in case you can't leave your professional responsibilities behind.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland has the features business travelers and tourists need. With a business center and two meeting rooms onsite, it's a popular choice for visiting professionals. The outdoor pool opens seasonally and the fitness center never closes, so you can always find time for exercise. That's a real blessing, for travelers who can't resist the indulgent options like bacon, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls on the free Express Start Breakfast Bar! After a busy day in Clarksdale, you'll appreciate the black-out blinds, premium beds, and pillow menus, which all help you get the best night's sleep.
Where can you go to see live music in Clarksdale, MS?
Ever since blues guitarist Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil in Clarksdale, the Mississippi city has celebrated music. Whether you love blues or any other genre, you'll find exceptional live music venues all around Clarksdale.
Actor Morgan Freeman keeps the blues legacy of Clarksdale alive with his Ground Zero Blues Club. Live bands play here every Wednesday to Saturday night. Enjoy the sounds with Southern food classics like fried green tomato sandwiches, fried Mississippi Delta catfish, and the club's signature BBQ plate.
Red's Blues Club is another genuine juke joint that's a local legend. There's no sign on the door, so it's easy to miss, but that keeps the atmosphere intimate. There's no phone number either, so don't worry about making a reservation. Simply turn up and prepare to hear great music while gorging yourself on home-smoked BBQ dishes. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays to Sundays, with music kicking off around 8 p.m. A small cover charge applies, but anyone who's been insists the fee is worth paying.
If you want to make an early start to the week, head to Hambone Gallery, an art gallery that hosts live music on Tuesday nights. Local and touring acts play blues, roots, jazz, folk, and Americana tunes in this unique live-music venue.
Music lovers should also consider visiting in April, for the Juke Join Festival, or in August, when Clarksdale hosts the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival. These live-music festivals attract crowds and performers from all over the country.
For sweet tunes and a taste of old-fashioned hospitality, you can't beat Clarksdale. Book your room early, especially if you're visiting during a major event, to secure the best rates.
FAQs about hotels in Clarksdale
How much does a cheap hotel in Clarksdale cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Clarksdale can be as cheap as $99.62 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Clarksdale cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Clarksdale has been $112.50 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What are the most popular Choice Hotels branded hotels in Clarksdale?
Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn and Quality Inn are the best rated Choice Hotels branded hotels (based on HotelPlanner reviews score).
Verified reviews of the city: Clarksdale, MS
Below are reviews of the city of Clarksdale, MS from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Good Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close proximity to many establishments.
Manuel M., from 08-Sep-2023
"Convenient Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close proximity to many establishments.
Manuel M., from 07-Sep-2023
"Friendly Staff"
Score
5.0 / 5
Friendly staff.
Phyllis J., from 23-Jul-2022
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clarksdale is my home town so I can see a big change maybe if we had a few more newer hotel it would be better.
Linda S., from 09-Jul-2018
The average traveler rating of the city of Clarksdale, MS shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews