Florence Alabama Hotels & Motels

When should you visit Florence, AL?

With its northern location, Florence experiences colder temperatures than many other areas of the South, but it's by no means as chilly as the North or Midwest. However, these mild temperatures make Florence a wonderful place to visit throughout most of the year.

Unlike other cities, the best time to visit Florence is more characterized by what's going on than the weather. During the fall, Florence plays host to the famed Alabama Renaissance Faire, which brings 35,000 people to the city annually. The weather makes this celebration even more enjoyable, with temperatures staying roughly between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. Hotel demand goes up during this time, so if you want a reasonable deal on a hotel, make sure to book well in advance.

Even with the Renaissance Faire, Florence's most popular season is probably in the summer. The Tennessee River attracts tourists from across the South looking for a way to beat the triple-digit temperatures and oppressive humidity. Summer also plays host to the world-famous W.C. Handy Music Festival, which honors the eponymous "Father of the Blues." This is by far the most popular time for visitors, so bookings are essential from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

If you want to get away from the crowds, head to Florence during winter. The temperatures cool down to between the freezing point and the 50s, but snow is a rarity. Guests are few and far between, and the city is surprisingly calm and serene, especially in McFarland Park, which overlooks the river in the heart of the city. Hotel prices are at their lowest, so if you want to snag a deal, this is the best season.

With spring, the city comes alive with blooming flowers, trees, and shrubs. This is the ideal time to saunter through the city's many parks, which dot the landscape and are only a short walk away from anywhere in town. Temperatures can range from chilly to warm during this time, so packing a pair of shorts and a jacket should work to your advantage. You can usually find some solid rates on the accommodation of your choice.

What are the best hotel discounts in Florence, AL?

If you're searching for a way to save money on your trip to Florence, don't miss out on the many hotels that offer substantial discounts. Military members and government personnel will get discounts on their rooms at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. Choose from a room with a king bed or two queen beds with your choice of view or a suite. Rooms feature cable television, free wireless internet, a minifridge, and daily housekeeping. You can also treat yourself to services at the on-site spa.

What are the value hotel options in Florence, AL?

When you want top-notch accommodation without the exorbitant price, head to the Hampton Inn & Suites. At this hotel, you can get affordable accommodation with all the extras. Select from configurations such as a king room, queen room, or two queens. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy an in-room Jacuzzi. All rooms have a ton of nice amenities such as a flat-screen television with cable programming, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a work desk. Business travelers will love the 24-hour business center as well as the express check-in and check-out, which lets you always stay on track.

Guests have plenty of options at the hotel during the day. Splash away in the outdoor pool, grab a quick workout at the fitness center, eat a meal at the restaurant, or have a few cocktails with friends at the bar and lounge. Don't forget to fuel up for your day every morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. with the all-you-can-eat, complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast.

What are the top attractions and destinations in Florence, AL?

You can't go to Alabama's Renaissance City without going to the festival that gives the city its nickname. Started in 1987, the Alabama Renaissance Faire is the largest festival of its kind in the state, and it's one of the most popular in Northwest Alabama.

It takes place annually on the fourth weekend of October, taking advantage of the beautiful color changes of the foliage and the weather that's neither too hot nor too cold. If you have the chance, get to Florence the week before the festival to take part in the Renaissance Feast, which has delicious suckling pig, pies, and more.

Taking place over 10 days in July, the W.C. Handy Music Festival is one of the most well-attended blues festivals in the South. With several stages and the country's most talented blues artists, it's a must-see, must-hear for fans of the genre. You can't go anywhere in the city during this time without hearing blues, jazz, and gospel music, from the streets of downtown to the banks of the Tennessee River. It has over 200 events that include art exhibitions, athletic events, and everything in between.

If you're a lover of architecture, you can't afford to miss the Rosenbaum House in Florence. One of just a handful of homes in the South designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Rosenbaum House is often regarded as one of his finest works, showcasing his self-titled Usonian architecture.

The idea behind this type of architecture was to create middle-class homes that provided practicality and functionality while also combining flowing rooms, natural lighting, and other aspects that were tailored to the client. The home is open for guided tours Tuesday through Sunday, but it does require reservations for large groups.

Whatever your reason for coming to Florence, you're sure to find the right accommodation, whether it's a budget-friendly hotel on the outskirts of town or a mid-range option in the heart of the city. Book your room today so you can start to plan the trip of a lifetime to one of the South's lesser known gems.