Are you stuck trying to figure out what the best hotels in Gainesville, Florida are? Don’t worry! I was just like you a few months ago!
Gainesville is a vibrant city in Northern Florida and is well-known for its thriving art, sports, and music scene. In addition, the city is home to the University of Florida, a historic downtown, and several museums.
There are so many exciting things to do and see in Gainesville that I know it’s a destination that should be on your list of places to visit when vacationing in Florida.
If you’re planning a trip there and are looking for a place to stay, I have you covered. Here are the seven best hotels in Gainesville, Florida, that you can stay at during your trip.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Best Hotels in Gainesville At a Glance
- Hotel Eleo at University of Florida: Take advantage of their UF location and their direct walkway to the Greater University Campus complex and free shuttle service
- Hotel Indigo Gainesville-Celebration Pointe: This is the place to go if you want to be in the heart of all the action at Celebration Pointe
- Drury Inn & Suites: Great hotel for savings with free hot breakfasts, 5:30 Kickback® every day, and popcorn and soda in the lobby daily
- AC Hotel: Here you can unwind in the rooftop outdoor pool and catch a beautiful Gainesville sunset
Keep reading to find out why these are my favorite hotels in Gainesville.
1. Hotel Eleo at University of Florida
You can’t get any closer to the University of Florida campus than staying at Hotel Eleo.
This is due to the fact that the hotel is literally on campus.
Hotel Eleo isn’t your standard on-campus housing. Instead, it is a state-of-the-art accommodation near the university’s athletic fields.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
The rooms and facilities at this hotel are sleek and modern. And with 173 different rooms to choose from with city and lake views, you will surely find one perfect for you.
You’ll also love the small-town hospitality, exceptional 5-star service, luxurious accommodations, and the overall vibe of this place.
The property has a Floridian fare at its restaurant Covey Kitchen + Cocktails (my favorite spot at the hotel) and a grab-and-go convenience store.
In addition, there are meeting and events facilities onsite making it one of the best hotels in Gainesville, Florida.
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- Average prices of a room at this hotel will cost about $180-240 per night
- 24-hour complimentary valet parking
- 24-hour fitness center
- Upscale Grab-and-go market
- State-of-the-art meeting spaces
- On-site restaurant and bar Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
- Walkway to the Greater University Campus Complex
- Complimentary shuttle service to the University of Florida Shands Hospital Complex
Location: 1514 SW 14th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Book your room TODAY at Hotel Eleo here!
2. Hotel Indigo Gainesville-Celebration Pointe
Hotel Indigo is a charming hotel at the heart of Celebration Pointe. The location alone is why I love this place in Gainesville.
Right outside your window is a view of Celebration Pointe.
One of the new exciting city additions with shopping, dining, and events. Here, you can find everything from Bass Pro Shops to French macarons.
You can even dine in the new restaurant owned by the legendary Steve Spurrier.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
The hotel sits in the middle of all this action near the University of Florida.
Its 140 rooms are boutique-style, yet spacious spread across 6 different levels. Wait until you see the bathrooms, they will make you feel like you’re at a spa.
Don’t let its chic, modern, and sophisticated atmosphere make you think that you won’t have a fun drinking and dining experience.
Gather: Social Lounge mission is to give you an outstanding nightlife with ingredients locally sourced to create the best cocktails.
On the property, there are also event spaces, a fitness center, a luxurious pool area, and so much more!
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- Rooms range from $120-200 per night, depending on when you book
- Outdoor patio and dining
- Pet friendly
- Kids stay free
- 24-hour business center
- Indoor and outdoor pool
- Oversized cabana beds and lounge chairs
- Happy hour and Gather Social Lounge
- A 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art Life fitness equipment
- Spa-like bathrooms with walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads
Location: 5020 SW 30th Ln, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Book your room TODAY at Hotel Indigo here!
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gainesville I-75
If you are looking for a comfortable stay in Gainesville with a decent amount of space, then you will enjoy the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
The friendliness of the staff, their helpfulness, the comfortable rooms, and all the necessary amenities make a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suits a great experience as part of your trip to Gainesville.
The hotel offers a business center, 24-hour fitness center, conference space, and a snack bar/lounge.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
If you’re already familiar with this brand, then you know what to expect. Clean rooms, budget-friendly prices, free parking, a continental breakfast to start your day off right, and a great staff to help your stay.
Most attractions in town are less than five minutes away, including the University of Florida and the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- Rooms at this hotel range from about $130-150 per night
- Complimentary breakfast
- Free parking
- Full-service bar
- Free bikes for use
- Kids stay free
- Outdoor pool
- Business center
- 2300 square foot meeting space for special events
Location: 3877 SW 37th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Book your room TODAY at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott here!
4. Drury Inn & Suites
Another homey location in Gainesville is the Drury Inn & Suites.
It has a convenient location about 3 miles away from the University of Florida, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and Oaks Mall.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
This hotel is ideal for families because they have family-sized rooms/suites. Plus be sure to stop by the lobby for their free popcorn and soda, it’s a great treat for everyone in the family.
Additionally, there is a complimentary American breakfast that will fuel you up all day. It’s offered daily and on weekends which is a great savings for your next trip to Gainesville.
Travelers there on business will find a business center onsite and desks in their rooms with plenty of outlets for multiple devices.
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- This hotel is a great value, ranging from $117 to $200 for a superior suite
- Free hot breakfast on weekdays and weekends
- Free 5:30 Kickback® every day.
- Free popcorn and soda in the lobby daily
- Free parking
- Pet friendly
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Hot tub/jacuzzi
- 24-fitness center
- 24-hour business center
Location: 4000 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Book your room TODAY at Drury Inn & Suites here!
5. AC Hotel
An exceptional accommodation, if you want to be in downtown Gainesville, is the AC Hotel.
You only have to walk a few steps to get to some of the town’s best restaurants and retail shops.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
It’s known to have clean rooms, a pleasant staff, a nice fitness center, and an amazing rooftop pool with wonderful views of downtown Gainesville.
Downstairs, the hotel has a bar and lounge serving delicious drinks.
You can also grab a full breakfast for a reasonable price. Each room has a sleek minimalistic design and bathrooms with full tubs and a rain shower.
However, one of the cons of this hotel is that valet parking is mandatory and can be very pricey.
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- You can expect a room at the AC Hotel to start at around $180 per night.
- Rooftop outdoor pool
- Terrace
- Pet friendly
- 24-hour fitness center
- 24-hour business center
- Onsite restaurant and bar AC Kitchen & AC Lounge
Location: 151 NW 14th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32603 United States
Book your room TODAY at AC Hotel here!
6. Staybridge Suites Gainesville I-75
The Staybridge Suites is a hotel that feels like your home away from home making it one of the best hotels in Gainesville, Florida.
Staying here is like having an apartment in Gainesville. There are kitchens with full refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and equipment.
They are known for their cleanliness and everything just feels so nice and tidy and well-maintained.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
The hotel also has outstanding amenities to make your stay comfortable and the staff is super friendly.
There is a complimentary breakfast buffet and reception for guests to enjoy. As well as laundry services, newspapers, and barbecue grills.
But the best part of all is the gorgeous outdoor pool. It is absolutely amazing with lots of sun loungers and resort vibes.
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- The rates for a suite at this hotel range from about $135-$300 per night
- Outdoor pool
- 24-hour fitness center
- 24-hour business center
- Complimentary breakfast
- Social hour with free appetizers and drinks
- Pet friendly
Location: 3401 SW 40th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL, 32608 United States
Book your room TODAY at Staybridge Suites here!
7. Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events
The Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events offers a unique experience if you’re a person who doesn’t want to stay at a cookie-cutter hotel.
Instead, it is a gorgeous Victorian Inn with 25 distinctly decorated guest suites.
Why We Love This as One of the Best Hotels in Gainesville
Guests at this Inn have the privilege of eating a tasty complimentary breakfast spread in the morning and wine and cheese in the evening.
If you want to celebrate a special occasion, you can host one at the event hall catered by Sweetwater Catering Co.
Pricing and Amenities for This Gainesville Hotel
- A suite here ranges from $159 to $270 per night
- Saltwater pool and spa
- Tesla chargers
- Putt putt golf green
- Library of books and games
- Complimentary on-site bike rentals
- Common room parlor
- On-site dining and private romantic dinners and picnic baskets available
Location: 625 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Book your room TODAY at Sweetwater Branch Inn here!
Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Gainesville, Florida
When you’re visiting Gainesville, you will find no shortage of places to stay. The city has diverse options to satisfy any visitor.
Gainesville has it all – from charming cottages to major chains. There’s a place on this list for every type of Florida traveler.
Hopefully, this has inspired you to start planning your trip to this historic town in the Sunshine State.
What’s your favorite place to stay at in Gainesville, Florida? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- What’s the Best Breakfast in Gainesville? (These 10 Will Help You Decide)
- What’s the Best Burger in Gainesville? These Top Ten Places Will Help You Decide
- 10 Best Restaurants in Gainesville You Can’t MISS!
- What’s the Best Sushi in Gainesville? Top 10 Restaurants You HAVE TO TRY!
- 15 Best Bars in Gainesville You Must Visit
- What’s the BEST Lunch in Gainesville? These Top 10 Places Will Help You Decide!
- 15 Things to Do in Gainesville at Night: A List of Places to Go When You’re Bored
(Original Article Date: January 17, 2022/Updated by Editor on January 22, 2024)