Graduation is just over a month away for University of Connecticut graduates, and it's starting to get to be that time to make travel arrangements. UConn is kind of in the middle of nowhere, so I took some time to figure out where the best hotels around the University of Connecticut campus are, that aren't the Nathan Hale Inn and Conference Center. (It's kind of expensive- like $193 per night on a good weekend)
So when your parents ask you where they should stay, you'll at least be prepared to give them a few options.
1. Best Western Storrs, Storrs
Located at 123 Storrs Road, it's close to campus, just down 195 towards Mansfield Center. It's close to Big Y, McDonald's, Staples and East Brook Mall. It's clean, has a pool, office space and a workout room. So while you get ready to celebrate closing your final chapter as an undergraduate Husky, your guests won't be too bored in Storrs.
Rate: $99 via bestwestern.com
2. Red Roof Inn Hartford, Vernon
For the price, it's not a bad stay, it does require a drive up I-84 to get to campus, but it's close to Rein's New York Style Deli, and I've heard amazing things about the food there. The Red Roof Inn is located at 425 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, CT, and while it doesn't have five-star ratings, there are more positives than negatives.
Rate: $60 via redroof.com
3. Holiday Inn Express Vernon-Manchester, Vernon
The Holiday Inn Express, located at 346 Kelly Road in Vernon, CT is 13 miles from campus, also requiring a trip up I-84, but it's an easy drive on the three-lane highway. Plus, breakfast is included and there's an indoor pool.
Rate: $136 via ihg.com
4. Baymont Inn and Suites, Manchester
With 50 percent excellent ratings on TripAdvisor.com, this hotel, located 13.5 miles from UConn at 20 Taylor Street in Manchester, is close to the Buckland Hills Mall and Evergreen Square, so family and friends can keep busy while you decorate your cap for graduation. It also has onsite parking, fitness and business centers, and a conference room.
Rate: $80 via wyndhamhotels.com
5. Americas Best Value Inn, Manchester
This option is a short drive up I-84, located at 400 Tolland Tpke in Manchester, and is AAA approved, which means you can save 10 percent on the already affordable rate when you show your AAA membership card. This is close to Evergreen Walk and Buckland Hills Mall, as well as a few restaurants, so while you prepare for the graduation ceremony, your guests can stay busy.
Rate: $55 via Red Lion Hotels
6. Quiet Corner Inn, Brooklyn, Conn.
Nestled in the quiet corner of the state, at 479 Providence Rd, along Route 6 in Brooklyn, Conn., guests can stay in a recently renovated facility that is close to Thompson International Speedway and Putnam, Conn., which is THE place to go antique shopping. Reviewers rave about management's attention to detail and friendliness of the staff.
Rate: $75 via Magnuson Hotels
7. The Inn Keeper's Place, Stafford
If you want a unique and memorable stay, check into the Inn Keeper's Place Bed and Breakfast located at 111 Stafford St. in Stafford, CT. It features two unique rooms, so make sure you book in advance, but it serves a full country breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. featuring gourmet butter and pancakes, baked goods and eggs. We all know a good free breakfast is rare. Behind the European-style inn is a 200-acre wildlife refuge you can explore.
Rate: $150 plus $75 deposit via The Inn Keeper's Place
8. Tolland Inn, Tolland
The Tolland Inn is located at 63 Tolland Green in Tolland, Conn., and is approximately a 15-minute drive from campus. It features seven rooms to choose from to stay. It is close to the Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, which has amazing wings and beer selection, plus live entertainment some nights. It's also close to Chuck's Margarita Grille in Mansfield, which features delicious Mexican cuisine (you can never go wrong with tacos and margaritas). The rooms also feature handmade furniture from one of the inn's owners, which adds a nice, rustic touch.
Rate: $109 via The Tolland Inn
