Normal Illinois Accommodations

When to Visit Normal, IL

The best time to visit Normal is in the spring, when the local foliage springs to life and temperatures are mild. During this time, you can explore one of the city's 24 parks or hit one of its three golf courses. These courses are held in such high regard that Golf Digest named Normal the fifth-best American City for Golf. During this time of the year, hotels are harder to come by, though you should be able to find suitable accommodation if you book a few weeks in advance.

During the fall, the university springs into life with students excited for the new semester. There are also basketball and football games that attract tens of thousands of spectators. In addition, the fall foliage turns a variety of colors and provides an excellent backdrop to the city. Another great way to explore the city is through the Constitutional Trail, which offers over 37 miles of trails to hike. At this time of year, it's important to book ahead, especially if there's a sporting event.

The winter still features collegiate sports, although attendance may be down if the team isn't performing at a high level. When college is out of session in the summer, the amount of tourists and college students diminishes and Normal becomes a shadow of what it is during the other months of the year. However, this means that you have a great chance to score a sizable discount on a hotel room.

Great Discounts in Normal, IL

Many hotels around the Normal area provide substantial discounts. One such hotel is the Country Inn & Suites, which offers great discounts on two queen bed rooms for AAA members, AARP members, and current or retired military personnel. At this prime location, you'll be close to places such as the Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores, Miller Park Zoo, and Illinois Wesleyan University. You'll love on-site recreational opportunities like an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. The lobby also has wireless internet access and a real fireplace in the lobby. Rooms have a private bathroom with deep-soaking tub, a 32-inch LCD television with satellite programming, a refrigerator, and a microwave.

Another place to get great discounts is at the Comfort Suites. At this establishment, you'll receive a sizable discount if you're a member of AAA or AARP, a senior citizen, or government or military personnel. Aside from the money you'll save at Comfort Suites, you'll also be within a short drive of Illinois State University, Weibring Golf Club, and the Prairie Aviation Museum. Once you're a guest here, you'll love the superb amenities offered, like an in-room refrigerator, microwave, cable television, free coffee and tea, a safe large enough for laptops, and free local calls. Outside of the room, the hotel has complimentary breakfast, a spa tub, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Best Value Options in Normal, IL

If you're willing to spend a bit more, but you don't need something overly indulgent, Normal has a number of excellent mid-range and value hotel options. The Hampton Inn Bloomington West is only three miles from the center of Normal, yet it still has an ideal location for short trips to the Miller Park Zoo, as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife. Each room comes equipped with a 32-inch LCD television with cable programming, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a hair dryer. On the first floor you'll find a common room with televisions, wireless internet access, on-site shopping, an indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast.

Those willing to travel a bit further away from Normal will love the Holiday Inn Express, which is located about 20 minutes away from Normal. Here you'll have your choice of a king bed, two double beds, a queen bed, or two queen beds. Each floor plan offers a flat screen television with cable programming, a work desk, a microwave, and free phone calls. There's also an indoor pool, a hot tub, and complimentary breakfast. Located in a rural area outside Normal, the Holiday Inn Express is located near Woodlawn Country Club, Moraine View State Park, and Weedman Park, each of which provide outdoor recreational activities, hiking, and wildlife viewings.

Top Things to Do in Normal, IL

For a city of only 57,000, Normal has a vast number of activities for each type of individual taste. For the Picasso in you, head over to Artful Designs, where you can create, fire, and paint your own pottery. If you just like to look at artwork, check out the Angel Ambrose Fine Art Studio, the Beluga Press Studio, or the Eaton Studio and Gallery. The town also has amazing historical heritage which can be seen with at places like the David Davis Mansion State Historical Site, the G&W Scout Museum, and the Empire Township Historical Museum.

If you're looking for some of the best grub or drink in town, head over to the Destihl Brewery, which serves up some of the finest craft brews in central Illinois. For some of the most delicious food you've ever eaten, try Medici, which has some interesting menu items including a Cajun coffee Ribeye, red pepper fettuccine, spaghetti squash Bolognese, or the mango glazed tuna.

Wherever you decide to spend your time in Normal, remember that the perfect hotel can make a world of difference in enjoying your trip.