Winston Salem, NC: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Winston-Salem, NC

The best time to visit Winston-Salem is between March and May, when average temperatures hover around 70 degrees making it perfect for visiting outdoor sites like Bethabara Park and nearby wine vineyards. For sports enthusiasts, the spring is also a great time to catch a Nascar Whelen All-American race or minor league baseball game. Although you may have to deal with crowds, you'll still benefit from affordable hotel prices thanks to shoulder season deals.

Between June and August, tourists swarm Winston-Salem for its many great attractions and festivals, like Heavy Rebel Weekender and the National Black Theatre Festival. Temperatures will be high — reaching the upper 80s many days — and hotel rates will be expensive, so book your room in advance and pack plenty of sunscreen. If you don't mind crowds, the summer is the perfect time to experience Winston-Salem at its busiest and liveliest.

Plan a fall trip between September and November to take advantage of pleasant 70 and 80 degree temperatures. Between Winston-Salem's beautiful recreational parks and ample college sports schedule, there will be plenty to do. Plus, by this time the crowds have thinned out, and hotel prices have dropped to more affordable levels, making your visit ideal.

Between December and February, temperatures fall below 50 degrees. You will need to invest in a coat if you don't already have one, but it'll be worth it. After all, you'll be saving a good amount of money on hotel rates and airfare, which will be at their cheapest. Although these months are considered off-season, you can still enjoy many of Winston-Salem's most popular indoor attractions, like Reynolda House Museum of American Art, The Tavern in Old Salem, and any of its 450 dining establishments — many of which are historic.

Best Discounts in Winston-Salem, NC

For great discounts, Winston-Salem's hotels will not disappoint. The Historic Brookstown Inn offers AAA and AARP/Senior discounts to members on many of its rooms. The hotel, which was established in 1837, is located in Old Salem — the heart of the historic district. It's also minutes away from Winston-Salem State University, BB&T Field, and Benton Convention Center. You'll enjoy one of 70 comfortable rooms furnished with a plush bed, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The rooms also include complimentary wireless internet access, cable TV programming, work desks, and private bathrooms with marble surround showers, granite countertops, and premium bath products.

Once you step outside of your room, you can take advantage of a fitness center, dining room, wine and cheese reception, and complimentary breakfast served each morning.

Another option: Courtyard by Marriott Winston-Salem University is situated a few minutes north of downtown near Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Reynolda Gardens. It offers excellent discounts to both AAA members and AARP/seniors. All of its spacious rooms feature luxurious bedding, complimentary wired and wireless internet access, cable TV programming, work desks, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations.

Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, on-site shopping, a restaurant, lounge, and a cozy lobby fireplace.

Best Value in Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem has many hotels that will get you major bang for your buck. Embassy Suites Winston-Salem is conveniently located downtown near shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and major attractions like Benton Convention Center and Old Salem. The hotel invites you to make yourself at home in one of its spacious suites. Each room includes a private bedroom, separate living area, private balcony, refrigerator, and microwave. Additional amenities include wireless internet access, MP3 docking stations, and cable TV.

The hotel proudly features an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, hair salon, on-site shopping, and — for the coffee lovers — a Starbucks coffee shop. The hotel also has a restaurant that provides free breakfast each morning and a bar.

Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center is another great value hotel a short distance from Old Salem, BB&T Field, and Benton Convention Center. The hotel offers 145 deluxe guestrooms and 13 spacious suites with complimentary wireless internet, flat-screen TVs, cable programming, refrigerators, and microwaves. Bathrooms are outfitted with shower/tub combinations and hair dryers.

Within the hotel you'll enjoy a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar, large-vehicle parking, and free breakfast. The hotel even offers special package deals on everything from wine tasting to Segway touring. You can also bring your pet along for the fun.

Top Attractions in Winston-Salem, NC

No matter where you want to stay in Winston-Salem, you'll have the benefit of being near many of the city's top attractions. If you choose a hotel in Old Salem, take some time to visit The Old Salem Museums and Gardens. This restored settlement lets visitors explore original Moravian structures and gardens. You can view craftsmen recreating Moravian items, townspeople playing 18th-century games, and joiners constructing wooden objects. You can also take a group tour, go shopping, or participate in hands-on activities with locals.

If you choose a hotel downtown (and happen to love beer), Winston-Salem has over 20 local breweries to explore. Foothills Brewing, one of the most popular, offers tours of its 48,000-square-foot main facility and free entry into Beer School for those who'd like to learn more about the process. Foothills Brewing also has a pub in downtown Winston-Salem that's known for its great food and live music.

Even if you're not interested in restored towns or beer brewing, you'll find many top attractions in Winston-Salem that will expose you to the history, culture, and excitement of the city. Whether you're searching for an affordable hotel downtown with great discounts or a luxury one in Old Salem with tons of amenities, you can find exactly what you're looking for in Winston-Salem.