Nestled in the U.S. heartland, Champaign, Illinois offers an alluring charm and a wealth of experiences that beckon travelers looking for an extended-stay hotel, travelers planning to dwell in a college town that blends academia, culture, and natural beauty.
(Photo: TownePlace Suites / Courtesy Booking.com)
The following extended-stay hotels, arranged from their proximity to downtown Champaign, accommodate travelers staying from several days to weeks by offering spacious living spaces and amenities to make a visit feel more home-like. In most cases, this includes kitchenettes, laundry services and an ability to bring one’s pets, though often for an extra fee. Housekeeping is typically offered only weekly, though may be available more often for a fee. All of these properties are within three miles of downtown.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Located in Campustown just a half mile from downtown, TownePlace Suites seeks to create an experience where their guests feel like they are part of the neighborhood, where they can settle into a routine and live out of a suite that provides ample living space, a fully stocked kitchenette and a well-lit work desk. They’ll set up personalized voice mail for anyone who calls you at the suite. Each room features oversized windows to provide natural lighting in the room. Some rooms have tubs while others have just showers—you can request either one at check-in or when you make a reservation. The property has an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and a daily free breakfast. Pets are welcome. There is not a laundromat at the property, but they do offer dry cleaning services. The most expensive hotel on this list, rates start at $179.
Residence Inn by Marriott
(Photo: Residence Inn / Courtesy Booking.com)
Located near the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and several corporate offices, Residence Inn offers easy access to key attractions and area amenities. Designed with large, well-appointed suites to provide comfort during an extended stay, each suite has a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and sleeping areas, a sofa bed and an ergonomic workspace. Shared property amenities include a complimentary breakfast buffet, a Residence Inn Mix reception offered nightly from Monday to Wednesday, a fitness center, an indoor pool and hot tub and an outdoor basketball court. An older hotel, guests sometimes complain about maintenance issues, in particular loud HVAC systems. From $127.
Eastland Suites Extended Stay Hotel & Conference Center
(Photo: Eastland Suites Extended Stay/ Courtesy Booking.com)
Two miles from downtown Urbana, this charming hotel eschews the more commercial designs with bright, wood-furnished rooms, some featuring a private balcony and others containing a loft with two sets of large beds. Every room comes with a full kitchen, though room service is also available. Select rooms have whirlpool tubs, wood-burning fireplaces and exterior, private entrances. Property amenities include a breakfast buffet, nightly reception in the bar, outdoor grills in the courtyard, fitness center, sauna, business center, 24-hour laundry facilities and a gift shop. They claim to have the largest indoor pool in the city. They provide shuttle service to the University of Illinois Willard Airport. From $115.
Home2Suites by Hilton
(Photo: Home2Suites by Hilton / Courtesy Booking.com)
A favorite among parents moving their students into the University of Illinois, the suites at this extended-stay hotel are designed to provide a home-like experience for guests. Suites contain separate living and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchenette and a flexible working space. Hilton’s commitment to eco-friendly practices plays out with their energy-efficient appliances and recycling facilities. On-site amenities include a fitness center, an indoor pool, a business center, a 24-hour snack shop and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The outdoor patio is home to a fire pit, barbecue grills and lounge seating. From $101.
Candlewood Suites
(Photo: Candlewood Suites / Courtesy Booking.com)
Less than five miles from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and only one mile from the mall, the pet-friendly Candlewood Suites offers brightly decorated rooms designed for business travelers and university visitors. In addition to the traditional services offered at extended-stay properties, Candlewood Suites offers currency exchange services, car rentals and a convenience store. They also provide a 24-hour gym, outdoor barbecue grills and laundry facilities. They do not have a swimming pool, but they are ten minutes away from a water park. Each suite comes with a full kitchen. Parking is free and this is the most affordable property in this article. Starting at $89.