Essex Junction was originally part of a township decreed by the British Crown in the 18th century. The modern village dates to a period shortly after the American Revolution when Ira Allen, brother of Ethan Allen, built a dam in the Winooski River and paved the way for a sawmill. Hubbells Falls became a beacon for early industry and economic growth, spurring the village's development. By the 1850s, the village featured a rail station and a junction that connected six different lines, making Essex Junction the place where many passengers alighted to change trains.
In modern history, Essex Junction has been greatly affected by the presence of IBM. The company selected Essex Junction as a facility site for its Data Processing Division in 1958. Today, the company is known as GlobalFoundries and employs about 3,000 workers in the village. At one time, the IBM plant's value totaled $147.5 million, making it the largest assessment in Essex Junction.
Whatever your reason for visiting Essex Junction, it's important to consider all your hotel options. Finding the right accommodation will allow you to explore the village and better appreciate everything the community has to offer.
When would be the best time to visit Essex Junction, VT?
The best time to visit Essex Junction is during Burlington's festival season, which takes place from May to September. Granted, summer is the metro area's peak tourist season so you may need to reserve your hotel several weeks in advance. Must-see events include the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the Vermont Brewers Festival, and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to plan your trip in late spring or early fall.
Winter is also a great time to visit Essex Junction. Northern Vermont boasts some of the country's best ski slopes, and Essex Junction serves as the perfect home base for enjoying wintertime recreation. Keep in mind, however, that temperatures range from the single digits to the low 30s. Some attractions will even close or shorten their hours during inclement weather. As long as you're willing to remain flexible, you can enjoy lively events like First Night in Burlington, Winter Carnival, and Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party.
October and November can seem quite barren in Vermont because it's too early for skiing but too late for leaf-peeping. Given the low season, many hotels and restaurants temporarily close. If you do find open attractions, however, they're much less crowded than any other time of year. You'll also enjoy rock-bottom hotel rates that will help make your trip to Essex Junction more affordable.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Essex Junction, VT:
Essex Junction by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Essex Junction, VT. You can use these illustrations to determine the least expensive dates to book a room in Essex Junction throughout the year.
Where are the luxury hotels near Essex Junction, Vermont?
4 Star Average Prices: $222.71
If you're looking for more luxurious hotels near Essex Junction, you won't have to look far.
The Essex Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa boasts an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness facilities, a full-service spa, complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor tennis courts, concierge services, child care services, and an area shuttle service. Dine in one of the hotel's two restaurants or take advantage of room service. You'll also love the on-site cafe and bar. Guest rooms feature pillow-top beds with premium bedding, cable TVs, iPod docking stations, hair dryers, and free toiletries.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Burlington Williston is a highly rated hotel in the business district that offers a surprising number of upscale amenities. The property features an outdoor seasonal pool, 24-hour fitness facilities, a television in the common area, a picnic area, and a snack bar. A complimentary breakfast buffet is also included, and business guests can utilize the hotel's 24-hour business center and free newspapers. You can even request a complimentary round-trip airport shuttle service. Guest rooms include LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwave, mini fridges, toiletries, hair dryers, and work desks.
Located in Colchester, Hampton Inn Burlington is a solid choice featuring a stylish lobby, fitness facilities, an indoor pool, a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms, and a free breakfast buffet. Relax in a well-appointed guest room featuring an LCD TV, cable programming, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a comfortable workspace.
What options are around Essex Junction, VT for affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $177.95
Finding an affordable hotel in Essex Junction is easy if you know where to look, but you may need to look in nearby communities for the best deals.
Motel 6 Burlington - Colchester is located in nearby Essex, placing you close to the University of Vermont and Champlain Mill. The budget-friendly accommodation offers guest laundry facilities, oversized vehicle parking, a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, an outdoor pool, and coffee in the common area. Guests can enjoy high-speed wireless internet access for an additional surcharge. Guest rooms are standard but well-equipped with microwaves, mini refrigerators, expanded cable TV, and a contemporary workspace.
Another affordable hotel is Anchorage Inn in South Burlington. Located less than 4 miles from Essex Junction, Anchorage Inn offers on-site fitness facilities, an indoor pool, spa tub, lobby fireplace, picnic area, free parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast. The guest rooms are a bit dated, but feature pillow-top beds, satellite TV, hair dryers, free toiletries, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Unlike many other properties in the area, this one provides designated smoking areas.
Travelodge by Wyndham South Burlington is known for its year-round affordable rates. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, outdoor seasonal pool, free Wi-Fi, guest laundry facilities, oversized vehicle parking, free newspapers, and pet-friendly accommodations. The guest rooms are bright and spacious, offering flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, toiletries, coffee makers, work desks, and phones with free local calls.