Where to Stay in Peoria
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 Peoria features a revitalized riverfront with entertainment venues, restaurants, and cultural attractions. This area offers the most walkable experience in the city with proximity to the Civic Center, museums, and the scenic Illinois River. The downtown district combines historic architecture with modern development, creating an urban atmosphere unique to Peoria.
- Walking distance to restaurants, bars, and entertainment
- Scenic riverfront views and trails
- Close to Peoria Civic Center and Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Best public transportation access in the city
- Limited parking and higher parking fees
- Can be quieter on weekday evenings outside event dates
Adjacent to downtown, the Warehouse District is Peoria's trendiest neighborhood with converted loft spaces, art galleries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. This historic area has transformed into the city's creative hub while maintaining its industrial character. It's ideal for travelers seeking a more authentic, local experience with excellent nightlife options.
- Vibrant nightlife and dining scene
- Unique boutique accommodation options
- Walking distance to downtown attractions
- Local arts and culture events
- Limited chain hotel options
- Street noise on weekend nights
Located near OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health, this area caters primarily to medical visitors and professionals. The district offers convenient access to healthcare facilities with numerous extended-stay and traditional hotel options. While primarily functional, it provides good value and is close to residential neighborhoods with local dining options.
- Close proximity to major hospitals
- Competitive pricing and extended-stay options
- Quieter atmosphere than downtown
- Good access to both downtown and shopping areas
- Limited entertainment and dining within walking distance
- Less scenic surroundings
This area along War Memorial Drive and near the Shoppes at Grand Prairie offers modern retail and dining convenience with numerous chain hotels. It's a commercial corridor that provides easy highway access and ample free parking, making it popular with families and road-trippers. The area is clean, safe, and predictable, though lacking in local character.
- Abundant shopping and chain restaurant options
- Free parking at all hotels
- Easy Interstate 74 access
- Good value for families with multiple room bookings
- Near Willow Knolls Park and recreation areas
- Requires driving to reach downtown attractions
- Generic suburban atmosphere
Across the river from downtown Peoria, East Peoria offers excellent river views and proximity to major entertainment venues. This area includes the EastSide Centre entertainment complex and Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, providing a different perspective on the city. Hotels here often offer better value than downtown while maintaining easy access via bridges.
- Beautiful views of downtown Peoria skyline
- Close to Par-A-Dice Casino and Levee District
- Generally lower prices than downtown
- Free parking widely available
- Requires driving or crossing bridge to reach downtown
- More spread out with less walkability
The area surrounding Bradley University offers a college-town atmosphere with affordable accommodations and casual dining options. This neighborhood is particularly busy during the academic year and Bradley basketball season, creating a youthful, energetic vibe. It's residential with tree-lined streets and provides good access to both downtown and northern suburbs.
- Affordable accommodation options
- Lively atmosphere during school year
- Close to Bradley University events and Carver Arena
- Good mix of local and chain restaurants
- Can be difficult to book during graduation and major basketball games
- Quieter during summer months and university breaks
Located near General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, this area is ideal for travelers with early flights or those seeking maximum convenience for regional travel. The hotels here are primarily national chains offering reliable service and 24-hour shuttles. While removed from tourist attractions, it provides quick access to the interstate system and northern Illinois destinations.
- Free airport shuttles available
- Easy Interstate 74 and Highway 6 access
- Competitive rates with corporate discounts
- 24-hour services and dining options
- 15-20 minutes from downtown attractions
- Limited local dining and entertainment options
This commercial strip in central Peoria offers a concentration of mid-range hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers along Prospect Road. It's a practical base for travelers who want to be centrally located between downtown and the northern suburbs. The area is well-maintained and safe, with good access to major roads and local amenities.
- Central location with easy access to all parts of Peoria
- Numerous dining options within short drive
- Good value for extended stays
- Close to Northwoods Mall and shopping
- Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Lacks distinctive character or walkability
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Peoria has an excellent selection of national chain hotels including Marriott, Hilton, and Choice Hotels properties. These offer consistent quality, loyalty program benefits, and reliable amenities like free breakfast and pools.
Best for: Business travelers, families, and those seeking predictable quality
Peoria's downtown features beautifully restored historic hotels that offer character and charm alongside modern amenities. These properties provide a unique sense of place with architectural details and personalized service.
Best for: Romantic getaways, special occasions, and travelers seeking authentic local experiences
Multiple extended-stay properties serve medical visitors and business travelers needing longer accommodations. These feature full kitchens, separate living areas, and weekly rates that offer significant savings.
Best for: Medical visitors, relocating professionals, and stays longer than one week
Airbnb and VRBO options are available throughout Peoria, particularly in historic neighborhoods and near Bradley University. These range from private rooms to entire houses, offering more space and local flavor.
Best for: Groups, families wanting full kitchens, and longer stays seeking residential experiences
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria offers a full-service resort experience with gaming, entertainment, multiple restaurants, and spa services. It's a destination unto itself with regular entertainment and promotional packages.
Best for: Entertainment seekers, couples, and those wanting an all-inclusive resort experience
Small, independently owned hotels and inns in the Warehouse District and downtown offer personalized service and unique design. These properties emphasize local art, custom furnishings, and connections to Peoria's culture.
Best for: Travelers seeking unique experiences, design enthusiasts, and those supporting local businesses
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Check the Peoria Civic Center and Carver Arena schedules before booking, as concerts, conventions, and Bradley basketball games significantly impact availability and rates. Booking 2-3 months ahead for event weekends ensures better selection and pricing. Conversely, if you're flexible, visiting during non-event periods can yield excellent deals.
Downtown hotels cost 20-30% more but eliminate parking fees and provide walkable access to attractions. If you're renting a car anyway, hotels along the commercial corridors offer better value with free parking. Calculate total costs including parking ($10-$20 daily downtown) when comparing options.
If you're visiting someone at OSF or UnityPoint hospitals, ask about special medical visitor rates that many hotels offer. These discounted rates typically require hospital verification but can save 15-25% off standard prices. Extended-stay properties near the Medical District are particularly accommodating to these needs.
Many Peoria hotels partner with local attractions like the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Wildlife Prairie Park, and restaurants to offer package deals. These bundles often include tickets, dining credits, or attraction passes at better rates than booking separately. Hotel websites typically feature these packages more prominently than third-party booking sites.
Peoria's abundance of chain hotels makes loyalty programs particularly valuable. Free breakfast alone can save $15-$25 daily per person, and mid-tier status often includes room upgrades. Many properties offer status matches, so leverage your existing memberships for immediate benefits.
While third-party sites occasionally show lower rates, booking directly with hotels in Peoria typically provides better cancellation policies, easier modifications, and more responsive customer service. Direct bookings also ensure you're eligible for loyalty points and property-specific perks like late checkout.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 6-8 weeks in advance for summer months (June-August) and major event weekends. Bradley basketball tournament games and graduation weekends require even earlier booking (2-3 months ahead). Prices are highest but availability is most limited during these periods.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with moderate demand. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead provides good selection at reasonable rates. These months offer the best balance of weather, pricing, and availability for leisure travelers.
Winter months (November-March, excluding holiday periods) see the lowest rates and highest availability, though weather can be challenging. Last-minute bookings often yield excellent deals, particularly on weekends when business travel drops. Some properties offer winter packages with significant discounts.
For the best rates in Peoria, book 3-4 weeks in advance for standard travel. Always check the Peoria Civic Center and Bradley University calendars before booking, as events can double rates overnight. Weekday rates are generally 10-20% lower than weekends during non-event periods.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.