This Wyoming city of about 55,000 people is nicknamed “The Oil City,” given the oil booms that once occurred there. It’s noted for its history of pioneers and cowboys, thus locales like the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and Fort Caspar, which holds historical exhibits and reconstructions. But there’s also present-day delight here, like the Nicolaysen Art Museum, and unlike the brutal realities of pioneer life, present-day Casper is safe for kids: it’s been ranked as an especially family-friendly city. Visitor numbers peak in the summer. In the chilly winters, hikers and campers on nearby Casper Mountain are replaced by skiers and snowboarders.
When selecting the following properties, we aimed for optimum value and high ratings from past customers (preferably an 8 or higher) on Booking.com. To price the hotels we tested several dates (weekdays and weekends) for possible visits and chose the lowest. We also considered location and access to nearby amenities, attractions and the city center.
From $57/ night
This property is close to the Casper city center —and a slew of other attractions, like Lake Solitude, the Nicolaysen Art Museum, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and Tate Mineralogical Museum, all of which are within two miles. Also appealing about this La Quinta is the fact that it was consistently cheaper than our other selections —usually by about $30-$40 a night. So, what do you get for the price? A daily continental breakfast (waffles included), free wifi, a heated indoor pool, gym, business center —all the usual amenities. The Fort Saloon & Eatery is within walking distance or, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a McDonald’s mere minutes away.
From $91/ night
Rates for this property usually fell around $90 a night for a three-night stay —and you get a lot perks at this low, low price. First, there’s the location: this non-smoking hotel is only a mile from downtown Casper, minutes from the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center, and right next to the Casper Planetarium. Second, there are freebies: daily hot breakfast (served until 9:30 a.m.), a morning paper, wifi and coffee. Third, the rooms have soundproofed walls, and can accommodate pets for an extra fee.
From $92/ night
Rates for this Best Western hovered in the same range as the Quality Inn. Past guests have been especially generous in their ratings. It could be the free wifi and parking, or maybe the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Or maybe guests like the breakfast, which includes gluten-free options. There’s also the friendly service, comfy and spacious rooms and cleanliness of the property. It’s 13 miles from the Natrona Country Airport, but all the above goodies —and reasonable pricing— mitigate some of the distance.
