Waterbury is situated in Washington County in Central Vermont. Before the arrival of European settlers, its current site was the frontier between the Pennacook and Mahican people. In 1763, it was chartered under a grant from England's King George III. Many of the early settlers hailed from Waterbury, Connecticut, and named the new settlement after their hometown. In its early years, the town's economy was mainly based on sheep and dairy farming, agriculture, and lumber production.
In 1847, the Central Vermont Railroad brought significant economic and tourism growth to Central Vermont. When it was incorporated as a village in 1882, Waterbury had a population of more than 2,200. The town became much more accessible in 1960 following the opening of a section of Interstate 89 that runs through it. Today, Waterbury is home to about 5,000 residents and covers an area of 49.7 square miles.
When is the best time to visit Waterbury, VT?
Waterbury experiences comfortable, wet summers and freezing, snowy winters. Over the course of a year, temperatures vary from 9 degrees to 79 degrees Fahrenheit and seldom dip below minus 9 degrees or rise above 86 degrees. If you want to do warm-weather activities, the best time to visit Waterbury is from late June to early September, when average temperatures range from the mid-60s to low-70s.
In addition to the weather, you should also take accommodation availability and rates into consideration when you're planning your Waterbury trip. The town gets the largest number of tourists in the summer, so you can expect hotel prices to be at their highest during this time of the year. Nonetheless, you can significantly reduce your accommodation costs if you book at least several weeks in advance. Hotel rates are also relatively high from mid-September to early October, as Waterbury is a highly sought-after fall foliage destination.
If you're looking for the best hotel deals, you should travel to Waterbury in December. While you have to tolerate freezing temperatures, you'll have access to some of the best skiing opportunities in New England. Alternatively, you can visit Waterbury in late May, when hotel prices are normal and the weather is cool and pleasant.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Waterbury, VT:
Waterbury, VT: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Waterbury, VT. Browse these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time to book in Waterbury for any future trips.
What are the best hotels in Waterbury, VT?
4 Star Average Prices: $217.70
If you want to spoil yourself a little, you can have an ultra-comfortable stay at Trapp Family Lodge. This luxury mountain resort is located about 8.7 miles north of Waterbury in Stowe, 2.2 miles from Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 2.3 miles from Alchemist Brewery, and 2.5 miles from Stowe Golf Park. It offers cozy, stylish rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, coffee maker, hair dryer, and premium bedding. As a guest, you can take advantage of amenities such as ski-in and ski-out access, indoor pool, spa tub, and computer station. The hotel also has three restaurants and a bar-cum-lounge.
For a rejuvenating stay, book a room at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. Situated about 13 miles north of Waterbury, this spa hotel is a few minutes away from Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, Smugglers' Notch State Park, and Jackson Arena. Its rooms feature complimentary wired and wireless internet access, flat-screen TV, cable programming, refrigerator, hair dryer, designer toiletries, pillowtop bed, and premium bedding. In addition, it offers amenities such as a full-service spa, golf course, outdoor pool, ski-in and ski-out access, on-site restaurant, and two cafes.
What are the budget hotels near Waterbury, VT?
3 Star Average Prices: $188.45
Econo Lodge in Montpelier is a popular option among budget travelers. It's located about 10 miles southeast of Waterbury in Montpelier, 1.3 miles from Vermont State House, 1.7 miles from Hubbard Park, and 9 miles from C.C. Putnam State Forest. It offers in-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, and coffee maker, as well as a computer station and complimentary breakfast.
Quality Inn in Barre is another budget hotel worth checking out. Situated about 16 miles southeast of Waterbury in Barre, it provides easy access to attractions such as Barre Opera House, Thunder Road International Speedway, Rock of Ages, and Groton State Forest. It has 42 rooms that are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, and microwave. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub, picnic area, and event facilities.