The Best College Destination Hotels to Stay in When Dropping off Your Kid

Summer family travels might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean travels must stop until winter. As schools start up again, kids head off to college, with many universities located in cities and lively college towns. As families prepare to send their kids off, finding the right hotel in these cities and college towns is a must. Here are some top college destinations in the United States offering both luxury and budget-friendly accommodations.

© YOTEL Boston

Boston, Massachusetts

Whether your kid heads off to Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern College or many of the other schools found in the city, Boston’s many hotel options can make it hard to choose where to stay. YOTEL Boston, located in the center of the seaport neighborhood, serves as a great lodging option for families and friends visiting the city. In addition to a rooftop space serving craft cocktails and locally inspired dishes, the tech-driven hotel allows for a contactless experience. YOTEL Boston also offers the Beantown > P-town package, allowing guests to enjoy a two-in-one destination experience, exploring the city’s history, dining and culture, as well as Provincetown’s art galleries, shops and beaches.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this college town boasts several great accommodations. Carolina Inn, a historic, Mount Vernon-inspired hotel, has been a staple for visiting families for nearly a century. Located near Dean E. Smith Center, the AAA Four-Diamond inn boasts elegant rooms, Crossroads Restaurant and an extensive collection of antiques and objects original to the inn.

Also in Chapel Hill, visitors can find Siena Hotel, a Four-Diamond boutique hotel and an affiliate of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Situated just a few blocks from campus, Siena Hotel draws inspiration from Tuscany, from its Italian restaurant Il Palio to its Juliet balconies and large marble bathrooms.

© Nobu Hotel Palo Alto

Palo Alto, California

Adjacent to University Avenue and less than a mile from Stanford University, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto brings modern Japanese design to the West Coast. This luxury hotel provides guests with the perfect place to relax, with its renowned cuisine and new Ryokan rooms and suites. For families and students, Nobu Palo Alto invites them to take advantage of the new Drive to Us offer, which comes with overnight valet parking, daily breakfast for two and a signature bento box to keep guests fueled.

© Thompson Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.

The center of many universities, Washington, D.C., also features an array of hotels. Thompson Washington D.C. serves as a modern hub for visitors and locals alike. Its proximity to Capitol Hill and other major D.C. attractions makes it the perfect place to stay when bringing your kid to college. Additionally, Thompson Washington D.C. offers guests chances to explore and immerse themselves in the local history, venues and culture.

Also in Washington, D.C., The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. provides a quiet and intimate setting within a historic industrial building. In addition to a spa, the hotel also features locally inspired dishes at its on-site restaurant. Guests can also explore the area with Ritz-Carlton Cruisers to nearby sites.