Where to Stay in Burlington
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The heart of Burlington centered around Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only shopping district lined with restaurants, cafes, and local shops. This is the most vibrant area with easy access to everything Burlington offers.
- Walking distance to restaurants, bars, and entertainment
- Easy access to Church Street Marketplace
- Close to waterfront and bike paths
- Best public transportation connections
- Can be noisy on weekend nights, especially near bars
- Limited parking and expensive garage fees ($15-25/day)
Located along Lake Champlain's eastern shore, this area offers stunning water views and access to the Burlington Bike Path. It's quieter than downtown but still within easy walking distance of the action.
- Beautiful lake views and sunsets
- Direct access to 8-mile Burlington Bike Path
- Quieter atmosphere than downtown
- Close to ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
- Easy access to Lake Champlain ferries
- Fewer dining options within immediate walking distance
- Higher prices for lake-view rooms
A suburban area about 3-4 miles from downtown, centered around Burlington International Airport and commercial strips. This area offers the most budget-friendly chain hotel options with easy highway access.
- Most affordable accommodation options
- Free parking at most hotels
- Close to airport (5-10 minutes)
- Easy access to I-89 and shopping centers
- Good selection of chain restaurants nearby
- Requires a car or ride-share to reach downtown (15-20 minutes)
- Less character and local charm than downtown options
A historic residential neighborhood just east of downtown, known for Victorian homes and tree-lined streets. This area is home to several charming bed and breakfasts offering a more intimate Burlington experience.
- Charming historic architecture and quiet streets
- Personalized service at B&Bs
- Still walkable to downtown (10-15 minutes)
- More authentic residential neighborhood feel
- Often includes homemade breakfast
- Steeper hills to walk if mobility is a concern
- Fewer accommodation options overall
A commercial strip running south from Burlington toward the town of Shelburne, offering a mix of budget and mid-range hotels with good access to southern attractions.
- Affordable rates with free parking
- Convenient for visiting Shelburne Museum and Farms
- Multiple dining options along the corridor
- Less crowded than downtown during peak season
- Car necessary for getting around
- Strip-mall aesthetic lacks Burlington's downtown charm
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Burlington has several distinctive boutique properties that emphasize local character, Vermont-made furnishings, and farm-to-table dining. These properties offer the most authentic Burlington experience.
Best for: Travelers seeking local character and upscale amenities without chain hotel uniformity
National brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hampton Inn are well-represented, especially near the airport and along Shelburne Road. These offer reliable comfort and loyalty program benefits.
Best for: Families, business travelers, and those who value predictability and loyalty points
Several historic B&Bs operate in the Hill Section and surrounding neighborhoods, offering 3-6 rooms with personalized service and homemade breakfasts featuring local ingredients.
Best for: Couples, romantic getaways, and travelers who enjoy intimate settings and local hosts
Airbnb and VRBO options are available throughout Burlington, from downtown apartments to lakefront cottages. Selection varies but can offer good value for longer stays or groups.
Best for: Families, groups, extended stays, and travelers wanting kitchen facilities
A few extended-stay hotels cater to longer visits, offering kitchenettes and weekly rates. Options are limited compared to larger cities.
Best for: Business travelers, relocating residents, and budget-conscious longer stays
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Late September through mid-October is Burlington's absolute peak season. Hotels book up 6-12 months in advance, and prices can double or triple. If visiting during foliage season, book as early as possible and expect minimum stay requirements (often 2-3 nights) at many properties.
University of Vermont events—especially graduation (mid-May), parents weekend (October), and move-in/move-out weekends—create significant demand spikes. Check the UVM calendar before booking to avoid unexpected crowds and high prices, or plan around these dates if you want a quieter experience.
Downtown and waterfront hotels often charge $15-30 per night for parking. If you're driving, factor this into your total cost—sometimes a slightly cheaper hotel downtown ends up costing the same as a South Burlington property with free parking once you add parking fees.
Staying downtown without a car is absolutely viable—Burlington is very walkable and bike-friendly. However, if you plan to visit attractions like Shelburne Museum, Vermont wineries, or ski resorts, you'll need a car anyway, making South Burlington's cheaper rates and free parking more attractive.
Burlington sees strong weekend leisure travel year-round. Sunday through Thursday rates can be 30-50% lower than weekends, especially at downtown boutique properties. If your schedule is flexible, midweek visits offer both savings and a less crowded experience.
January through March (excluding holiday weeks and February school vacations) offers the lowest rates and best availability. While cold, Burlington's winter charm—with ice skating, nearby skiing, and cozy restaurants—makes it worthwhile for budget travelers who don't mind bundling up.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For summer (June-August) and fall foliage (late September-October), book 3-6 months ahead, or even earlier for peak foliage weekends. Expect premium pricing and minimum stay requirements. Last-minute deals are rare during these periods.
Spring (April-May) and early fall (September before foliage peaks) offer more flexibility. Booking 4-8 weeks ahead usually secures good rates, though UVM events can create unexpected demand spikes. This is when you'll find the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing.
Winter months (November-March, excluding holidays) offer the most flexibility and best rates. You can often book just 1-2 weeks ahead and still find deals. Many hotels offer winter packages including ski lift tickets or dining credits to attract visitors.
Burlington is a year-round destination with significant seasonal variation. For the best combination of rates and selection, book 6-8 weeks ahead for most times of year, but increase that to 4-6 months for fall foliage and major summer weekends. Always check the UVM calendar and local event schedules before finalizing dates.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.