Athens Georgia Accommodations

When to Visit Athens, Georgia

Football fans visit Athens in fall and winter for University of Georgia Bulldogs games. The best time to visit for everyone else is in summer, when the weather is nice and kids are out of school. You can also attend AthFest, a music and arts festival that starts June 22nd, 2016. It showcases over 100 bands on three free outdoor stages. Arrested Development will headline on Saturday night. There's also a Club Crawl on Friday and Saturday that spans 14 Athens music venues. The annual festival supports AthFest Educates, a group that teaches kids about music and art.

Hotel rates are more expensive in summer, so you may want to visit in spring or fall if you don't plan to go to AthFest. That way, you can save money and still enjoy outdoor fun.

The Best Discounts on Hotels in Athens, Georgia

Many hotels offer discounts to help you save. The Hampton Inn near the Georgia Museum of Art and the University of Georgia offers up to 10 percent off for AAA or AARP members. Guests over 65 can also save up to 10 percent. Government employees and active members of the military can get up to 30 percent off. American and Canadian military veterans and their families can get up to 10 percent off. The hotel has a bar, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, free WiFi, a free breakfast buffet, and more.

The Best Western near Classic Center also gives AAA members, AARP members, and guests 55 and older up to 10 percent off. Business owners and their employees who enroll in the Best Western Business Advantage program get a 10 percent discount and 10 percent more bonus points from travelers' stays. Military, government, hospital, and university employees get up to 35 percent off. Racing fans who are Best Western Rewards members can get at least 10 percent off. Motorcycle riders can save 10 percent with the Best Western Ride Rewards program. Groups can also get discounts of up to 35 percent.

Rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, and coffee makers. Breakfast is free, you can bring your pets, and there's a fitness center and a business center.

The Best Value Options in Athens, Georgia

Athens has plenty of reasonably priced hotels that will give you lots of value for your money. Quality Inn & Suites near Georgia Square Mall has a free full breakfast, fitness facilities, a spa tub, free WiFi, meeting spaces, free newspapers in the lobby, and attractive, modern decor. The rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, desks, coffee makers, hair dryers, satellite TVs, and comfortable beds with soft pillows. Kids 18 and younger can stay with parents or guardians for free.

The Foundry Park Inn & Spa is within walking distance of Classic Center and the University of Georgia. The hotel combines sophisticated and rustic styles for a unique look. It has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, a restaurant, a pub, and The Melting Point, a popular music venue. The conference center has an open air pavilion and nine conference rooms, and The Foundry offers full-service event planning with catering and flowers. There's even a day spa that has massage therapy, facials, nail care, aromatherapy, and more.

The rooms at The Foundry have pillow top mattresses with down comforters, flat-screen TVs, and free internet access. A full breakfast with room service is available.

Courtyard by Marriott is near the University of Georgia and many popular music venues. It has a Starbucks that's open 24 hours, an upscale bistro and lounge, and a market that's always open. The lobby has touchscreens and complimentary newspapers for information anytime, and there's a business center, two conference rooms, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and laundry facilities. The rooms have hair dryers, Paul Mitchell products, free cable, free WiFi, DVD players, and terraces.

What to Do in Athens, Georgia

There are fun things to do all over Athens, so you'll always be close to entertaining activities no matter what hotel you choose. You can take a relaxing walk and explore Athens' scenic streets or enjoy classic and contemporary art at the Georgia Museum of Art. The museum has over 10,000 permanent works of art and 20 to 25 temporary exhibits every year. The Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden hosts rotating exhibits by female sculptors. Admission is free, and guided tours are available.

You can also check out Aurum Studios for custom-made jewelry and monthly exhibits. Create your own work of art and enjoy wine and beer at ARTini. Cine is an art house cinema that screens the latest independent and international films, as well as documentaries and classic movies. It also has a gallery with work from local artists.

You can take the Athens Heritage Tour on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at 2:00 pm. This 90-minute guided tour starts in the oldest house in Athens and goes through the historic downtown district. You'll also get to see many sites on the University of Georgia campus and the world's only double-barreled cannon.

Sports fans should see the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum on the UGA campus. It houses the Georgia Bulldog Hall of Fame, with exhibits and memorabilia for all of UGA's athletic programs. Touchscreen displays even have video highlights of the best Bulldog football moments. The Dooley Sculpture Garden is right next to the building, and it has 11 separate garden areas.

You can also tour some of Athens' many craft breweries. Terrapin Beer Company offers beer tastings and live music. Southern Brewing Company welcomes kids and pets, and you can enjoy fun games along with your beer.

In Athens, Georgia, you can truly experience Southern hospitality. The friendly people in Athens will help you have an amazing time at a comfortable hotel that fits your budget. You can experience great music, inspiring art, an exciting football game, a tour of the historic district, and more.