The Amherst center point is approximately the area of Amherst College and the area of Amherst Amtrak Station.
Unless you're a college student or family member of a local student, the best time to visit Amherst is in the summer when most classes are out of session. The academic school year results in more traffic throughout town, and summers offer a nice lull that allows tourists to explore area attractions without contending with the college-age crowds. Best of all, average highs hover around 80 degrees from June to August, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors.
To enjoy rock-bottom hotel rates, visit Amherst in the winter. Most students have gone home for winter break and the holiday season quiets down across town. Try to avoid wintertime graduation events as hotel rates tend to go up, depending on the academic schedule, in anticipation of families visiting. If you are visiting Amherst for a college event, try to plan your trip several weeks in advance to get a good deal.
Although classes are in session, spring and fall in Amherst are lovely. If you prefer the college town vibe, visiting during the academic year is worth it because you'll get to experience the diverse restaurants, dance clubs, the lively downtown, and the town common — all at the town's peak. Just be mindful of any campus move-in and move-out dates as local hotels tend to fill up fast.
If you qualify for a special rate and know where to stay, you can save even more money on your trip to Amherst.
Military service members and government employees can book special rates at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Amherst Hadley. Enjoy an indoor pool, a fitness center, a gift shop, a 24-hour business center, free newspapers in the lobby, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The comfortable guest rooms feature 32-inch LCD TVs with cable programming, mini fridges, microwaves, wired and wireless internet access, toiletries, and hair dryers.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield Northampton/Amherst extends special rates to AAA members, helping you save an average of 15% off regular rates. The hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, a business center, laundry and dry-cleaning services, free newspapers, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. In-room amenities include 32-inch LCD TVs, cable programming, mini fridges, microwaves, work desks, coffee makers, phones with free local calls, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you're a AAA member planning an extended stay, consider Residence Inn by Marriott Springfield Chicopee, which is located about 14 miles from central Amherst. The property features state-of-the-art fitness facilities, an indoor pool, a picnic area, a snack bar, ticket assistance, complimentary Wi-Fi access, free newspapers in the lobby, and event space. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet and an evening reception with other guests. Featured room amenities include kitchens with full-sized stovetops, refrigerators, and microwaves, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, well-lit desks, and phones with free local calls.
Looking for the right combination of amenities and value in the Amherst area? There are a few mid-range hotels worth considering.
Econo Lodge in neighboring Hadley places you close to Amherst College and Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum. Featured amenities include an on-site gift shop, free Wi-Fi, a public computer station, express check-out, ample parking, a vending machine, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature mini fridges, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, hair dryers, and washers and dryers.
Rodeway Inn Hadley Amherst offers an indoor pool, a fitness center, a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, event facilities, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable, offering coffee makers, hair dryers, cable programming, and phones with free local calls.
Knights Inn Hadley is a small property with old-fashioned charm, but this no-frills accommodation places you just off Route 9 with easy access to the Pioneer Valley. Enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi access, free parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, ironing facilities, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, complimentary toiletries, and flat-screen TVs with cable. Pet-friendly rooms are available.
When visiting Amherst, there are a few attractions you won't want to miss, including the Emily Dickinson Museum. This historic homestead was the birthplace of famed 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson. In fact, her poems were discovered in her bedroom at the home after her death. The museum preserves the Dickinson home and presents seasonal art installations relevant to the poet's life.
Another great museum in Amherst is The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. This unique museum strives to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. Exhibits include the artwork of children's books, graphic novels, and other forms of picture books, making it a great experience for the whole family.
Other must-see attractions in and around Amherst include Mount Holyoke Range State Park, the Norwottuck Rail Trail, the University Museum of Contemporary Art at UMass Amherst, and Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College.
Whether you prefer an upscale hotel with all the amenities or a roadside lodging to keep your budget in check, you can find the ideal accommodation near Amherst to meet your travel needs.
Below are reviews of the city of Amherst, MA from an actual visitor's perspective.
The Emily Dickinson Museum is just awesome!
We visited the Springfield Armory. It is a free national park. It was commissioned by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The staff and rangers were super nice and the exhibits amazing.