The town dates back to settlers in the colonial period, who named the town after the wife of one of New Jersey's founders. Originally, the settlement was known as Elizabethtown, but that had shortened to Elizabeth by the 1690's. During the Revolutionary War, the British attacked the settlement repeatedly, trying to establish a foothold in New Jersey and a corridor to attack further south; local patriot forces were able to decisively repel the Redcoats at the Battle of Springfield. The town incorporated after the founding of the United States in 1855 and became the county seat.
Nowadays, Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in New Jersey and a destination for transportation, shipping, and refining. It is the birthplace of noted author Judy Blume, and it's the setting for several novels. With the largest mall on the east coast and many other modern facilities, not to mention a location convenient to the Newark International Airport and the Jersey Turnpike, Elizabeth is a town on the way up and a perfect destination for a low-key vacation.
Elizabeth, NJ and the Seasons
The climate in Elizabeth is typical of an east coast metropolis, with hot summers and cool winters. The summers are somewhat hot, with average highs sitting in the upper 80s, though individual days can get hotter. The winters see average January temperatures below 40 degrees and an annual average snowfall of 28 inches. As a coastal city, the temperature is regulated by the water, though this can also lead to higher rainfall at times.
Prices for accommodations don't vary a huge amount in Elizabeth by season, but what variation there is leads to slight spikes in the summer, as vacationers from the outlying communities come into town to spend the warm months in the city. Costs drop in the winter, so if you don't mind a white Christmas, you can find some great bargains. This makes Elizabeth a great holiday destination if you are looking for somewhere new to experience the Christmas season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Elizabeth, NJ:
Elizabeth by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Elizabeth, NJ. You can use these illustrations to determine the least expensive dates to book in Elizabeth throughout the year.
Elizabeth, NJ Luxurious Accommodations
4 Star Average Prices: $149.92
The Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel is a four-star hotel in the middle of Elizabeth, with easy access to The Mills at Jersey Gardens and Kean University. The facilities are luxurious and offer an on-site restaurant and bar. There is also a lounge for a more casual time, as well as a fitness center and pool. Rooms feature flat-screen televisions with cable and wired and wireless internet access, though there is a charge for connecting to the web. There are several business-specific amenities, including limo and town car service for those looking to travel in style. An airport shuttle is available 24 hours, along with service to nearby transit stations.
The Hilton name is among the top in the hotel business, and the Hilton Newark Airport is a fine example of the chain's well-earned reputation for excellence. It sits in the central district of Elizabeth, convenient to all of the sites in the town, including The Mills at Jersey Gardens and the Alumni Stadium. There is a round-trip airport shuttle during certain hours, both a restaurant and a casual café, as well as a lounge and bar. Internet access is available, but there is a surcharge for using it, so be aware. The hotel has 11,000 square feet of business-use space available, including a conference room and meeting room, so if you are looking for a location to set a company event, the Hilton has you covered.
Elizabeth, NJ Affordable Lodgings
3 Star Average Prices: $122.62
One of the best things about Elizabeth is the proximity of the town to both local attractions and New York, just a short distance away. Visitors can decide if they want to spend their time in the less crowded environs of Elizabeth or cross the water into America's cultural center. Most hotels in Elizabeth sit in proximity to the Newark Liberty International Airport, and luckily, lodgings in all price ranges are close by.
The Crowne Plaza Newark Airport is a good, functional accommodation for people visiting the area. It is a half mile down the turnpike from the Newark Airport, with shuttle services carrying guests to and from their flights. The facilities include a large health center and pool, so that visitors in any season need not neglect their fitness routines. There is also a 24-hour café to provide hotel guests tasty and filling meals at all hours. There is even a New Jersey transit train connection nearby that can take riders directly to Penn Station, in case they feel like checking out New York.
The Airport Hotel Inn & Suites offers possibly the most reasonable rates of any hotel in the area. Part of the Econo Lodge chain, the Airport Hotel Inn & Suites is within a mile of the Newark International Airport, making for a short drive in for weary travelers. The hotel features a Perkins restaurant on site, offering a complimentary breakfast every morning to start the day right. Beyond that, facilities are a bit Spartan, with free wireless internet in the rooms and complimentary newspapers so you can see what there is to do in town. The Airport Hotel is perfect for travelers looking to spend time on the town and not wanting to spend a lot on lodgings.
2 Star Average Prices: $96.03
Elizabeth, NJ for Bargain Hunters
People looking to use discounts like their AAA card or military discount have several options in the Elizabeth area. The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Newark Airport is one example. The hotel sits near St. Patrick's Church and The Mills at Jersey Gardens, not to mention the airport. Facilities are quite nice, with a spa and fitness center in the hotel, along with a deli offering quick meals. Internet access is both wireless and complimentary. They offer a 24-hour business center, free newspapers, and an airport shuttle available at any time of day. The hotel offers discounts for AAA members, military members, and senior citizens, so if you fit into one of those categories, be sure to let them know.
Elizabeth, NJ Values
The Hampton Inn Newark-Airport is a great example of a mid-range hotel in the area that caters to travelers on a budget. The Hampton Inn sits in the middle of Elizabeth, offering easy access to the local sights. There is a hot/cold breakfast buffet available, letting you start the day out with a good meal, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The fitness center is open 24 hours, so you can get your workout on anytime without worry. Rooms feature 25-inch televisions, refrigerators, and microwaves. An airport shuttle is available, as are limo and towncar services, and a business center. The combination of amenities and great price adds up to one of the best bargains available in town.
If you are going to be in the area for a longer stay, consider the Extended Stay America – Elizabeth – Newark Airport. The Extended Stay America brand prides itself on its service to business travelers who need hotel rooms for longer spans of time, and the Elizabeth facility is no exception. Longer term guests get personalized voicemail and access to laundry facilities on site, making it ideal as a base of operations. The rooms feature full-sized refrigerators and stoves for food preparation to supplement the grab-and-go breakfast offered in the lobby. Wi-Fi service is available in every room, and the hotel is close to the Newark Airport, The Mills at Jersey Gardens, and many other local attractions.
Elizabeth, NJ and Tourism
Many visitors to the area will want to take a trip into New York City during at least one day. With famous attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a vibrant nightlife in districts like Brooklyn, and shops of all sizes and descriptions, New York is a metropolis with something for everyone. However, the high property costs in the city make hotels very expensive; staying in a nearby community like Elizabeth is a great way to save money on your trip.
Of course, Elizabeth has several things for visitors to do without needing to cross state lines. The Mills at Jersey Gardens outlet mall is the largest of its type on the east coast, with more than 200 stores throughout two stories. Bargain lovers will enjoy picking over the massive choices at the different stores. There is also the natural beauty of the Warinanco Park, the historical Boxwood Hall building, and the fun rides at Bowcraft Amusement Park in nearby Scotch Plains. Whatever kind of vacation you've got planned, Elizabeth has something for you to enjoy.
'It's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers., Said the famous Author “ Judy Blume
One of the Greenest Cities in America
The county seat of the Union County in New Jersey, Elizabeth is the largest city in its region. One of the most scenically beautiful places in Elizabeth for our stay is the Elmora region, which is a working class neighborhood which boasts some of the best bars, clubs, boutiques, shops and restaurants in the city. Elizabeth hotels are loaded with amenities that make your holiday so much special, with the best part being the fact that there are a lot of diverse hotels in Elizabeth to choose from.
Elizabeth is an urban haven, where you can find great shops and outlets to curb your thirst for shopping and all things new. There are many tourist attractions in the city as well, and you can easily spend a very enjoyable day here, exploring the place on foot or in a vehicle.
Being Smart About Your Traveling Budget
Often it can get very unnerving to realize during your vacation that your budget may be running out soon, but there are some great cheap hotels in Elizabeth where you don't have to spend a lot to have a great time. Elizabeth hotels are exceptional in terms of services, and even cheap hotels have a standard they do not stoop below. Some of the best cheap hotels in Elizabeth include the Crowne Plaza Newark Airport, Extended Stay America, Airport Hotel Inn & Suites and the Knights Inn Newark Airport.
Spend Some Extra Cash for a Splendid Stay
If you would rather enjoy your stay at one of the best hotels in Elizabeth, you can find the hotel you are looking for very easily. For a hospitable facility and the best services money can buy, choose places like the Hilton Newark Airport, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel, or the Courtyard Newark Elizabeth.
Find an Independent Hotel that Fits Your Needs
Elizabeth is a place full of a large number of places that cater to tourist; hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, you name it! In cities such as Elizabeth, you will often find many independent or boutique hotels offering highly comfortable rooms for travelers all through the season. Names like the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, The Residence Inn, the Courtyard or Embassy Suites are all available for booking, and have large and spacious rooms which are loaded with anything you'll need. When you decide to travel to Elizabeth for your next vacation, make sure you research about all the attractions beforehand so that you don't have to waste your valuable time when you finally arrive here. Another good idea is to find the best locations and a facility for your holiday is to talk to people who have visited this place before, to get an idea of how things will work.
FAQs about hotels in Elizabeth