The city was founded in 1845 and called New Market, but by 1863 its name had changed to Tumwater — the Chinook jargon word for waterfall. Known as Washington's first community, Tumwater was the starting point for further settlements at Seattle, Whidbey Island, Olympia, and other points on Puget Sound. The early development and growth of the city were greatly influenced by the nearby saltwater access for communication and transportation, the abundant timber, and the power generating falls of the Deschutes River.
Whether you are visiting Tumwater for business or pleasure, you are sure to find a hotel to suit your needs.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tumwater, WA?
You can find Tumwater in Thurston County, Washington. The city is nestled near the Deschutes River, right where the river empties into Budd Inlet, the southernmost point of Puget Sound.
Tumwater, Washington, is a safe place to visit thanks to the strategies of the policing program that help keep neighborhoods secure. The city is also known for its award-winning clean water and brewing traditions, which have been celebrated in the community for decades.
If you want to enjoy warm-weather activities in Tumwater, the best time to visit the area is from mid-July to late August. The summers in this city are short and warm but dry, so you should make the most of your vacation. On the other hand, the winters in Tumwater are very wet and cold.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Tumwater, WA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Tumwater, WA. Analyze these charts to calculate the least expensive time to book a room in Tumwater for any future trips.
Which Are the Luxury Hotels in Tumwater, WA?
4 Star Average Prices: $159.00
Located 44 miles from Tumwater, Washington, Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma Airport is a luxury hotel ready to provide you with upscale accommodation. In addition to being near the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, this hotel is also a five-minute drive from the Boeing Company and Westfield Southcenter Mall. Also, both Emerald Downs and T-Mobile Park are less than 12 miles from this deluxe hotel.
All the rooms at Homewood Suites have air conditioning, and they come with kitchens featuring refrigerators and stovetops. Get a good night's sleep while you are here, thanks to the hotel's premium bedding. There are even sofa beds in each of the rooms here. You can swim a lap or two in the outdoor pool at this hotel. On top of that, this hotel also has a lounge where you can unwind and gift shops for any last-minute presents.
Another luxury hotel to consider is Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound, which is 15.5 miles from Tumwater, Washington. This exclusive property is a 10-minute drive from NW Sports Hub and Ed Wheeler Field & Stadium. From here, Little Creek Casino is 31 miles away, while Centralia college is six miles away. Pamper yourself at the hotel's spa, or relax in one of the three indoor swimming pools on-site.
Great Wolf Lodge even has a complimentary water park for the kids and a 24-hour fitness center for you. When you feel like dining in, the hotel offers you four different eatery options — two restaurants and two cafes — as well as a lounge bar and a poolside bar.
This list of luxury hotels would be incomplete without the plush Edgewater, a Noble House Hotel. Centrally located in Seattle and 49 miles northeast of Tumwater, this hotel is a stone throw away from Seattle Waterfront and a 10-minute walk from Seattle Aquarium. Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel are 0.6 miles away. The rooms at Edgewater are warm and cozy, thanks to a fireplace in each of them. On the property, you will find a fitness center, gift shops, an in-house restaurant, a café, and a bar.
Which Are the Affordable Hotel Options Near Tumwater, WA?
3 Star Average Prices: $124.54
Hotel Olympia Tumwater is a great option when you are looking for an affordable stay. This property is three minutes from the Olympic Flight Museum and five minutes from Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Less than 6 miles from here is the family-friendly Hands On Children's Museum, while Washington State Capitol is 5.8 miles away.
All the rooms at Hotel Olympia come with air conditioning. You will also find a microwave in your room, as well as a minibar. Private bathrooms come with jetted bathtubs and free toiletries.
Another wallet-friendly alternative is Hotel Chehalis I-5 South. The rooms here are all air-conditioned, with complimentary Wi-Fi and cable programming in each. Located 25 miles from Tumwater, this lodge is a five-minute drive from Riverside Golf Course and eight minutes from Newaukum Valley Golf Course. Just 6.4 miles from Hotel Chehalis is Centralia College, while Seminary Hill Natural Area is 7 miles from this property.
Mother 6 Cenrtailia is an excellent budget hotel. Despite offering relatively lower rates, this hotel provides guests with fantastic amenities, including an outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a discount when using the nearby fitness area. There is even an in-house restaurant on this property when you feel like staying in. With its convenient location — 19 miles south of Tumwater — you will be within touching distance of important institutions: Centralia College is 1.5 miles away, and Seminary Hill Natural Area is only 2 miles from here.
2 Star Average Prices: $82.83
Which Hotels Offer Best Discounts in Tumwater, WA?
Located 50 miles from Tumwater, Washington, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Downtown offers both senior and AAA discounts. This hotel is situated in the heart of Seattle, just a 10-minute walk from Seattle Paramount Theater and Westlake Centre. Less than a mile away, you will find the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
All the rooms in La Quinta Inn are air-conditioned, and each comes with complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Private bathrooms here feature shower/tub combinations, and there is cable programming available in every room. Other amenities you'll enjoy during your stay here include a fitness area and a gift shop.
Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle by The Space Needle offers senior and AAA discounts, too. This hotel is located about 50 miles from Tumwater and offers rooms with air conditioning and refrigerators. The Space Needle is a five-minute walk from this hotel, as is the Museum of Pop Culture. Only 0.8 miles away, you will find Nordstrom, while Pike Place Market is roughly a mile from this lodge. Lounge by the outdoor pool, or you can relax in the spa tub or workout at the fitness center.
Comfort Suites Airport offers senior and AAA discounts, as well. Located 44 miles from Tumwater, Washington, the hotel is a 10-minute drive from Westfield Southcenter Mall and the Museum of Flight, and it'll place you 3.1 miles from the Boeing Company and 7.3 miles from Lake Washington. All the rooms at this hotel have refrigerators and flat-screen televisions, while extra essentials here include a spa tub and a nice view of the garden.
Super 8 by Wyndham Seatac Airport is an affordable hotel that offers military rates. This property is conveniently close to the Seattle Tacoma Airport, and it's also a five-minute drive from Westfield Southcenter Mall and the Boeing Company. T-Mobile Park is 10 miles away, and CenturyLink Field is 11 miles away. All the rooms at this hotel have refrigerators and microwaves, as well as flat-screen televisions with cable programming. Private bathrooms come with shower/tub combinations.
Despite being a luxury accommodation, Holiday Inn Express Chehalis Centralia also offers military discounts. Located 24 miles from Tumwater, Washington, the hotel is a three-minute drive from the Riverside Golf Course and eight minutes from Centralia College. Seminary Hill Natural Area is 5.5 miles away, and NW Sports Hub is 5.6 miles away. Recreational amenities you'll enjoy on this property include an indoor swimming pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center.
Which Hotels Have the Best Star Ratings in Tumwater, WA?
Located 50 miles northeast of Tumwater, Inn at the Market is a hotel that guests have lauded for its excellence. Centrally located in Seattle, this hotel is a short walk from Pike Place Market and the Original Starbucks. Market Theater Gum Wall is 0.2 miles away, as is Moor Theater. All the guestrooms on this property have refrigerators and minibars. Chill at the rooftop terrace and enjoy the view while you are here, or dine at the superb in-house restaurant.
Another hotel that has really made an impression on its guests is Homewood Suites Seattle Convention Center/Pike Street. This hotel is a five-minute walk from Seattle Paramount Theater and Washington State Convention Center. From here, Seattle University is 0.6 miles away, as is Pike Place Market. Amenities at Homewood Suites include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
What to Do in Tumwater, WA?
Tumwater, Washington, is a fantastic place if you love biking, hiking, and doing other fun outdoor activities in the warmer months. Some of the things you can do while staying in Tumwater, Washington, include visiting Priest Point Park: a stunning waterfront area with a playground and lots of trails.
There is Capitol Lake to help you relax and Rutledge Corn Maze for hours of fun. Washington State Capitol Building is an amazing spot for a dose of history, as are Washington State Parks Headquarters. When you want to drown out all the noise, visit the stunning Tumwater Falls Park.
So what are you waiting for? Tumwater, Washington, is ready to be explored. Book your room today.
FAQs about hotels in Tumwater
What did travelers think of the city of Tumwater?
Below are reviews of the city of Tumwater, WA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Lovely City"
Score
5.0 / 5
My son goes to South Peugeot Sound Community College and it was only minutes away from the hotel in Tumwater. Lovely city with friendly residents. Lots of shops and restaurants. Minutes to capital, mall, movies and food. Really enjoyed our stay in Tumwater
Verity A., from 16-Oct-2025
The average traveler rating of the city of Tumwater, WA shown above is
5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews