Gilroy is located 33 miles south of San Jose in Santa Clara County. What is now the city of Gilroy began in 1809, when early settler Ygnacio Ortega received a concession to a 13,066-acre plot of land called Rancho San Ysidro. When Ortega passed away in 1833, ownership of the rancho was split among his three children, one of whom was Maria Clara. More than three decades later, the property was patented to Maria Clara's husband, John Gilroy. The current village of Old Gilroy grew up around Rancho San Ysidro.
When gold was discovered in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada in 1848, the area around Rancho San Ysidro was flooded with immigrants from other states and abroad. Later on, after many landowners sold off their lands or were dispossessed through title hearings, it became known as Pleasant Valley. It was incorporated as the town of Gilroy in 1870, a year after the death of John Gilroy.
Agriculture had been the most important economic activity in Gilroy from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. While farming is still significant, the city has been evolving into a bedroom community for nearby Silicon Valley since the 1970s. Today, Gilroy has a total area of 16.15 square miles and a population of about 55,000.
When is the best time to visit Gilroy, CA?
Gilroy experiences cold weather for about six months during the year and pleasant weather for the remaining months. The chance of precipitation is very low throughout the year. If you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors during your vacation, the best time to visit Gilroy is from mid-May to late October. The hottest time of the year is usually late August to early September, when highs are frequently around 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gilroy receives a large number of tourists in May, July, and August. If you're vacationing there during these times of the year, you'll have to pay higher hotel rates and deal with heavy crowds. However, you can get a better deal if you book at least a few weeks in advance. Alternatively, you can visit Gilroy in June, September, or October, when hotel prices are closer to normal and the weather is also better for sightseeing.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Gilroy, CA:
Gilroy, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Gilroy, CA. Browse these line graphs to calculate the least expensive months to stay in Gilroy for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels in Gilroy, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $119.00
If you really want to be pampered, book a room at Rosewood Cordevalle. This 5-star hotel is located about 5.5 miles from Gilroy in San Martin, 3.6 miles from Wings of History Air Museum, 3.7 miles from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, and 5.3 miles from Creekview Vineyards. Its beautiful rooms are generously equipped with complimentary wired and wireless internet, LED TV, digital programming, furnished patio, fireplace, and jetted bathtub. In addition, it has recreational amenities such as a golf course, spa, outdoor pool, and spa tub, as well as three on-site restaurants and a business center.
Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy is another hotel that attracts many high-end travelers. About 1.2 miles south of Gilroy, it's within a 15-minute drive of attractions such as Gilroy Premium Outlets, Rapazzini Winery, and Las Animas Veterans Park. All of its 137 rooms come with free wired and wireless internet, cable programming, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. You can enjoy a relaxing dip in the outdoor pool and spa tub, work up a sweat in the fitness center, dine at the on-site restaurant, and get some work done in the 24-hour business center.
What are the budget hotels near Gilroy, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $176.98
King's Rest Motel is a popular option among budget travelers. This motel is 0.8 miles from downtown Gilroy, 0.7 miles from Gilroy Premium Outlets, and 2.8 miles from Gilroy Golf Course. It offers a comfortable stay with clean rooms that feature complimentary wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, microwave, and refrigerator.
Days Inn by Wyndham Gilroy is another budget hotel worth checking out. Situated about 1 mile north of Gilroy, it's within a short drive of attractions such as Gilroy Museum, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, and Eagle Ridge Golf Club. It has 64 air-conditioned rooms that come with complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite programming, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and hair dryer. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, business center, event facilities, and travel assistance.
2 Star Average Prices: $134.60
What are the best discounts in Gilroy, CA?
If you're an AAA member, senior citizen, member of the military, or government employee, you can get discounted rates at Super 8 by Wyndham Gilroy. Located about 1.2 miles north of Gilroy, this hotel is close to popular attractions such as Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy Golf Course, and Dennis Debell Uvas Creek Preserve. It offers 44 rooms with free Wi-Fi, satellite programming, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and hair dryer. It also has an outdoor pool, business center, and laundry facilities.
Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn offers special rates to AAA members and seniors. It's situated about 1.1 miles north of Gilroy, 3.2 miles from Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, and 3.7 miles from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. Each room in this hotel has Wi-Fi, satellite programming, and hair dryer. As a guest, you can take advantage of amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa tub, steam room, on-site restaurant, and business center.
What are the best value options in Gilroy, CA?
If you're looking for a good-value hotel, consider staying at Econo Lodge in Gilroy. This hotel is situated about 1 mile north of downtown Gilroy, less than a mile from Gilroy Premium Outlets, 1.9 miles from Christmas Hill Park, and 3.9 miles from Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. It features in-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, satellite programming, refrigerator, microwave, and hair dryer, as well as an outdoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, business center, and laundry facilities.
Comfort Inn Morgan Hill is another hotel that offers great bang for your buck. Located about 8.6 miles north of Gilroy in Morgan Hill, it provides easy access to attractions like Villa Mira Monte, Anderson Lake County Park, and Henry W. Coe State Park. Its rooms have free wired and wireless internet connection, satellite programming, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and hair dryer. During your stay, you can relax in the spa tub and sauna or work out in the fitness center. Complimentary buffet breakfast is available on weekdays.
What are the top attractions in Gilroy, CA?
Gilroy is a preferred destination for history and culture buffs because it's home to many historic sites. Make sure you check out the Christian Church of Gilroy, the oldest continuously used wood-framed church in Santa Clara County. Constructed in 1857, this rectangular, one-and-a-half-story building features Greek Revival architecture and a bell tower with a projecting cornice and louvered openings. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Other notable historic sites in Gilroy include Old City Hall, Edgar Holloway House, Wheeler Hospital, Live Oak Cemetery, and Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs.
If you're interested in learning more about the rich history of Gilroy, pay a visit to Gilroy Museum. Housed in the historic Gilroy Free Library building, this museum features a collection of more than 25,000 items that provide a glimpse into the city's storied past. The exhibits cover everything from the Ohlone people and Spanish-Mexican era to the “Garlic Renaissance” to modern times. Gilroy Museum also conducts walking tours of the city's historic districts.
Gilroy also offers virtually endless outdoor opportunities. Just 7 miles northeast of the city, you'll find Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. This 6,695-acre park has a 449-acre lake, boat launch and camping facilities, and over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that run through oak-studded canyons. The lake offers activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, use of personal watercraft, water-skiing, and power-boating. Situated on grassy ridge lines, this park provides stunning views of Santa Clara Valley.
If you want to see spectacular geological formations, spend a day or two at Pinnacles National Park. Located about 43 miles south of Gilroy, this park features spectacular remnants of an ancient volcano, such as spires, monoliths, talus passages, and sheer-walled canyons. Besides viewing interesting rock formations, you can also hike on more than 30 miles of trails, go rock-climbing, and explore caves. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of the endangered California condor.
There are many accommodation options to choose from in the Gilroy area. If you're planning a trip to Gilroy, look for a hotel that offers adequate amenities and convenient access to the attractions you're most interested in seeing. Not only will you find plenty to do in and around this interesting central California town, but you'll also have no trouble finding the perfect place to stay during your trip.
FAQs about hotels in Gilroy