Hotels in East Lansing

Discover the Enchanted Blend of Academia and Nature in East Lansing

East Lansing, Michigan, is a vibrant university town that beautifully blends academic energy with natural charm. Home to Michigan State University, visitors can explore stunning botanical gardens and lush landscapes along the Red Cedar River. The city's rich cultural scene includes art galleries and museums, while local eateries offer a taste of Midwestern hospitality. Whether you're strolling through the serene gardens or attending a spirited college event, East Lansing promises a delightful mix of education, relaxation, and community spirit, making it an ideal destination for curious travellers. For our best hotel rates in East Lansing and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in East Lansing

Some of the best places to stay in East Lansing are Downtown Lansing, Grand River and Lansing. East Lansing, Michigan, offers a vibrant experience for travellers. Downtown Lansing boasts a lively atmosphere with dining and entertainment options. The Grand River provides scenic views and recreational activities, perfect for leisurely strolls. Lansing itself is rich in culture and history. For first-time visitors, Downtown Lansing is ideal due to its accessibility and attractions. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury options, ensuring a comfortable stay, including familiar chains and comfortable suites, particularly in East Lansing. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in East Lansing:

1. Downtown LansingOpens in a new window: Downtown Lansing is a vibrant area ideal for business and family vacations, featuring key attractions like the Lansing Center and Michigan State Capitol. It's perfect for those seeking a mix of culture and urban charm. For accommodations, consider Courtyard by Marriott Lansing DowntownOpens in a new window, a 3-star hotel that caters to business travellers and families with amenities like conference facilities and child-friendly services. Another option is DoubleTree by Hilton LansingOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel that offers adventure activities alongside business amenities, making it suitable for families looking for both work and play. If you're bringing pets, Homewood Suites by Hilton Lansing EastwoodOpens in a new window allows pets on-site, providing a comfortable stay for animal lovers.
2. Grand RiverOpens in a new window: Grand River is a culturally rich area known for its educational hub at Michigan State University and family-friendly parks like John M. Patriarche Park. It's a fantastic choice for those interested in culture and community events. Graduate by Hilton East LansingOpens in a new window, a 4-star hotel, offers business amenities and pet-friendly policies, making it suitable for both business travellers and pet owners. Marriott East Lansing at University PlaceOpens in a new window, also a 4-star hotel, focuses on business needs with comprehensive facilities, ensuring a productive stay. For a unique experience, consider Wild Goose InnOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star bed and breakfast that welcomes pets and provides a cozy atmosphere.
3. LansingOpens in a new window: Lansing is a bustling city known for its historic and cultural significance, featuring attractions like the Michigan State Capitol and Adado Riverfront Park. This location is perfect for travellers interested in both business and leisure. Country Inn & Suites by RadissonOpens in a new window, a 3-star hotel, is suited for business travellers with its extensive meeting and conference facilities. Crowne Plaza Lansing by IHGOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel, caters to families and business guests alike, offering child-friendly amenities and versatile meeting spaces. SpringHill Suites by Marriott LansingOpens in a new window, another 3-star hotel, is designed for the business-minded, providing essential services to ensure a smooth stay.

Things to do in East Lansing for first times

Three days in East Lansing offers a delightful blend of lush gardens, scenic rivers, and vibrant parks. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and sports events, while immersing themselves in the local arts scene, making it a charming destination for all types of travellers. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to East Lansing:

• Day 1: Begin your exploration at the serene John M. Patriarche Park, a lovely spot for a morning walk amidst nature. After enjoying the park's beauty, head to the Bigelow Thomas Kuhn House, a notable historic site that gives you a glimpse into East Lansing's architectural heritage. Conclude your day at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, where you can immerse yourself in contemporary art exhibits and perhaps catch a special event or lecture.
• Day 2: Start your day with a visit to the Fenner Nature Center, perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the trails and enjoy the diverse wildlife. Next, make your way to Union Depot, an architectural gem where you can learn about the region's history. Afterward, unwind at the Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center, where you can practice your swing in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot to end your day.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at the Okemos Village Historical Marker, which provides insights into local history and culture. Following this, head to Nancy Moore Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic. Finish your journey at Northern Tail Dog Park, a fantastic place to unwind and, if you have a furry friend with you, let them socialize with other dogs in a friendly environment.

4 tips to find a great East Lansing hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit East Lansing is during January, February, and December, when hotel rates drop significantly. If you’re travelling from abroad, it’s advisable to book your flight at least 3 months in advance to secure better prices. For domestic travellers, booking at least 1 month ahead can lead to savings as well. To truly experience the main attractions, which include the university, gardens, and river, a stay of at least 2-3 days is highly recommended. This approach ensures you enjoy a budget-friendly getaway while making the most of your time exploring the area.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to East Lansing, Hotels.com offers a great opportunity to snag discounted hotel rates. To explore these offers, simply head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on the site, where you may discover attractive prices as your travel date approaches. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep informed about flash sales and special promotions, helping you find the best hotel deal and compare room rates effectively.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices may fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, being flexible with your travel dates could mean you might save on hotel expenses in East Lansing.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your holiday, take your location into account. Staying near key attractions or city centres offers convenience but usually tends to be more expensive. For more affordable rates, consider hotels in less central areas or neighbourhoods, striking a balance between cost and the ease of reaching the places you want to visit.

Best time to go to East Lansing

East Lansing experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 23.2°F (-4.9°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 71.2°F (21.8°C). May tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit East Lansing are April, July, and September, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light rainfall. In contrast, May, November, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.