Auburn, Alabama, combines the energy of a major university town with a compact downtown, historic neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, restaurants, sports, and a growing hotel scene. Auburn University is central to the city’s identity, and the university was chartered in 1856 before opening in 1859 as East Alabama Male College. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Auburn’s population was estimated at 85,113 on July 1, 2025, making the city considerably larger than older descriptions that put its population near 65,000.
Quick Answer
The best Auburn hotel depends on your trip. The Laurel Hotel & Spa is the standout luxury stay, The Hotel at Auburn University is highly convenient for campus, The Collegiate and Graduate Auburn offer distinctive downtown experiences, and Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites, Home2 Suites, and Microtel cover family, extended-stay, and value needs.
Key Takeaways
- Best luxury stay: The Laurel Hotel & Spa, which is on the Auburn University campus and appears on AAA’s 2026 Five Diamond list.
- Best campus convenience: The Hotel at Auburn University is directly beside campus and close to downtown.
- Best independent boutique choice: The Collegiate Hotel offers individually designed rooms, local artwork, free parking, and a rooftop bar.
- Best for Auburn-themed downtown atmosphere: Graduate by Hilton Auburn is steps from campus and includes a rooftop restaurant and bar.
- Best for longer stays: TownePlace Suites and Home2 Suites provide suite-style layouts and kitchen facilities.
- Best simple value choices: Microtel Inn & Suites and Auburn’s Quality Inn properties can be worth comparing when price matters most.
- Some hotels marketed to Auburn visitors are actually in nearby Opelika, so check the street address before booking.
- Rates and availability can change sharply around Auburn University football games, graduation, move-in, parents’ weekends, and other major events.
Auburn’s population was estimated at 85,113 on July 1, 2025, compared with a 2020 Census count of 76,143, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Best hotels in Auburn, AL at a glance
| Hotel | Area | Best For | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Laurel Hotel & Spa | Auburn University campus | Luxury | AAA Five Diamond recognition, spa, rooftop setting |
| The Hotel at Auburn University | Campus/downtown edge | Campus visits | Outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, on-site dining |
| The Collegiate Hotel | Downtown Auburn | Boutique stays | 40 individually designed rooms, rooftop bar, free parking |
| Graduate by Hilton Auburn | Downtown Auburn | Game days and Auburn atmosphere | Auburn-themed design, rooftop venue, restaurants |
| AC Hotel Auburn | Downtown Auburn | Modern upscale stays | Walkable downtown location, rooftop restaurant, fitness center |
| Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National | Opelika | Resort getaway | Spa, resort pools, golf, tennis and pickleball |
Top luxury hotels in Auburn, AL
For an upscale Auburn stay, the strongest choices now range from an intimate campus luxury hotel to a full resort in neighboring Opelika. Location matters here: one property puts you directly on Auburn University’s campus, while another is designed for travelers who want golf, spa time, pools, and a quieter resort setting.
The Laurel Hotel & Spa
The Laurel Hotel & Spa is the clearest luxury choice in Auburn proper. It sits on the Auburn University campus, within walking distance of university and downtown attractions. AAA’s 2026 Five Diamond hotel list includes The Laurel Hotel & Spa, with its current consecutive designation dating to 2023.
The property is especially suitable for travelers who care more about high-touch service, a refined setting, dining, spa experiences, and campus access than about finding the lowest nightly rate.
The Hotel at Auburn University
The Hotel at Auburn University remains one of the most convenient upscale hotels for university visitors. It sits steps from campus and downtown. Its official information confirms an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center, while Ariccia Cucina Italiana provides on-site dining.
This is a particularly practical luxury-leaning choice for parents visiting students, alumni weekends, university events, conferences, or travelers who want to minimize driving once they arrive.
Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National
Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National is in Opelika rather than downtown Auburn, but it offers a very different experience. The resort sits along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and provides resort-style pools, spa services, golf access, tennis, pickleball, fitness facilities, and multiple food-and-drink options.
Choose Grand National when the hotel itself is part of the trip. Choose a downtown or campus property instead if your priority is walking to Auburn University, Toomer’s Corner, restaurants, or game-day activity.
Best budget-friendly hotels in Auburn, AL
Budget hotel pricing in Auburn changes by date, so there is no single property that is always cheapest. The best approach is to compare the total cost, including taxes and any fees, for your exact dates.
Quality Inn Auburn Campus Area I-85
Quality Inn Auburn Campus Area I-85 is one of the city’s straightforward value options. Choice currently lists free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, and free parking. Its South College Street location also provides convenient access to I-85.
This hotel makes the most sense when price, breakfast, parking, and a simple room matter more than a walkable downtown location.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Auburn
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Auburn is another useful value option. Wyndham lists free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free outdoor parking. Some suites also include a sleeper sofa, wet bar, microwave, and refrigerator.
Microtel can work well for travelers who expect to drive to campus and downtown and would rather prioritize basic included amenities over a central location.
What about Comfort Inn & Suites?
Older Auburn hotel lists sometimes refer to a “Comfort Inn & Suites” in Auburn. Current Choice Hotels listings instead show Comfort Inn Opelika-Auburn at 811 Fox Run Parkway in Opelika. That property can still be useful for Auburn-area trips, but travelers should know that it is not a downtown Auburn hotel.
Note: A hotel labeled “Auburn/Opelika” may physically be in either city. Check the street address and travel time to Auburn University before booking.
Family-friendly hotels in Auburn, AL
| Hotel | Location | Useful Family Amenities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn Auburn | South College Street | Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, cribs, connecting rooms | Simple family trips |
| TownePlace Suites Auburn University Area | South College Street | Suites, kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool | Longer family stays |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Opelika Auburn | Opelika | Suite kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool, pet-friendly rooms | Families needing extra space |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Auburn – University Area | South College Street | Complimentary hot breakfast, outdoor pool | Breakfast-and-pool convenience |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Auburn – University Area is a practical family option with complimentary hot breakfast and an outdoor pool. The pool is outdoors, not indoors as some older descriptions state.
Hampton Inn Auburn is another straightforward family choice. Hilton currently lists free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, an outdoor pool, fitness center, connecting rooms, and cribs.
Both hotels require a drive for many downtown activities, but their included breakfast and familiar amenities can simplify mornings with children. Families planning to visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art or Chewacla State Park may also prefer a South College Street location over paying a premium to stay in the center of downtown.
Hotels with the best amenities in Auburn, AL
“Best amenities” depends on what you will actually use. A resort traveler may care about a spa and golf, while a parent staying for several nights may get more value from a kitchen and complimentary breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika
Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika currently offers an on-site restaurant, free parking, an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, meeting rooms, pet-friendly rooms, and room service. Its Garden Grille & Bar serves breakfast.
This combination works especially well for business travelers or visitors who want several full-service conveniences without booking a resort.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Auburn University Area
Some older Auburn pages refer to “SpringHill Suites Auburn,” but the current Marriott property at 1117 South College Street and telephone number 334-466-8390 is TownePlace Suites by Marriott Auburn University Area.
TownePlace Suites is particularly useful for longer stays because the brand emphasizes in-room kitchens. The Auburn property also currently offers complimentary breakfast, free parking, pet-friendly rooms, and an outdoor pool.
Courtyard by Marriott Auburn
Courtyard by Marriott Auburn offers free in-room Wi-Fi, a business center, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and The Bistro. Breakfast is available at The Bistro for a fee, and the restaurant also serves evening food and drinks.
Courtyard is a good fit for travelers who prefer Marriott facilities and on-site food service but do not need to be within walking distance of campus.
Unique and boutique hotels in Auburn, AL
The Collegiate Hotel
The Collegiate Hotel, also known as The CoHo, is one of Auburn’s clearest independent boutique choices. The 40-room hotel occupies the former Wittel Hall and emphasizes individually designed rooms, original local artwork, designer details, free parking, and close access to Auburn University.
The Bar at Wittel includes both a lobby bar and rooftop space with views toward Samford Hall. Travelers who value personality, downtown atmosphere, and a smaller independent property may prefer it over a conventional chain hotel.
Graduate by Hilton Auburn
Graduate by Hilton Auburn is another distinctive downtown option. The 177-room property uses Auburn-inspired design and is steps from Auburn University. Its amenities include two restaurants, a fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and the War Eagle Supper Club rooftop venue.
Graduate is particularly appealing for alumni visits, game weekends, prospective-student trips, and travelers who want their hotel to feel connected to Auburn’s university culture.
Crenshaw Guest House
Crenshaw Guest House offers a different experience from a conventional hotel. Located on North College Street in Auburn’s Historic District, the guest house describes itself as about a five-minute walk from Toomer’s Corner and Auburn University.
It is a strong choice for visitors who prefer the intimate character of a historic bed-and-breakfast rather than a large branded property.
AC Hotel Auburn
AC Hotel Auburn brings a newer, modern upscale option to downtown. Marriott describes it as steps from Auburn University and within walking distance of Toomer’s Corner, Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Neville Arena. The property also has a rooftop restaurant, Olivine, and a fitness center.
One tradeoff is breakfast: Marriott currently states that AC Hotel Auburn does not provide complimentary breakfast.
Note: Older Auburn lodging content has also referenced a “1045 E Magnolia Ave Bed & Breakfast” and “The Houndstooth Condos.” Current authoritative Auburn lodging sources do not establish either name as a current Auburn hotel recommendation, so they should not be relied on for booking. Crenshaw Guest House is a verified local bed-and-breakfast alternative.
Hotels near Auburn University
If walking to Auburn University is your priority, focus on downtown and campus-edge properties rather than assuming every hotel with “Auburn” in its name is close enough to walk.
| Hotel | Campus Convenience | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| The Laurel Hotel & Spa | On campus | Luxury campus stay |
| The Hotel at Auburn University | Steps from campus | University visits and events |
| The Collegiate Hotel | Downtown, close to campus | Boutique/game-day stay |
| Graduate by Hilton Auburn | Steps from university | Auburn-themed downtown stay |
| AC Hotel Auburn | Walkable to campus and major venues | Modern downtown stay |
Courtyard by Marriott Auburn also provides convenient driving access to Auburn University and Jordan-Hare Stadium, but it is not as centrally positioned as the downtown hotels above. Its Bistro serves breakfast for a fee and evening food and drinks.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Auburn is another budget-conscious driving-distance option. It provides complimentary continental breakfast and free parking, which can make it attractive when being directly beside campus is not essential.
Best Auburn-area hotels for extended stays and kitchens
For visits lasting several nights, a real kitchen or kitchen-style setup can be more useful than a traditional hotel restaurant.
TownePlace Suites Auburn University Area
TownePlace Suites is designed around longer stays and in-room kitchens. The Auburn property also includes complimentary breakfast and an outdoor pool, making it practical for families, relocating residents, university visitors, and longer business trips.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Opelika Auburn
Home2 Suites by Hilton Opelika Auburn is in Opelika, roughly five miles from Auburn University according to Hilton. Its suites include in-room kitchen facilities and living/work space, while the property offers complimentary breakfast, free parking, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
This is one of the stronger choices for families who want more room and do not mind driving into Auburn.
Staybridge Suites Auburn – University Area
Staybridge Suites Auburn – University Area is another extended-stay option. IHG lists complimentary breakfast, fitness facilities, laundry services, and suite-oriented accommodations.
If you choose a suite with appropriate cooking facilities, preparing an occasional meal can reduce restaurant spending on a longer visit. The site’s existing delicious homemade cottage cheese recipe is one simple option for travelers who specifically have access to a suitable kitchen setup.
Pet-friendly hotels in the Auburn area
Several Auburn-area properties currently advertise pet-friendly rooms, including The Collegiate Hotel, Hampton Inn Auburn, Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika, TownePlace Suites Auburn University Area, Home2 Suites Opelika Auburn, Graduate Auburn, and The Hotel at Auburn University.
Pet policies are not identical. Fees, number-of-pet limits, size restrictions, and designated areas can change, so confirm the policy for the exact property and rate before paying for a nonrefundable reservation.
Accessibility and business-travel considerations
Travelers who need an accessible room should book by the specific accessibility features required, rather than assuming that a hotel’s general accessibility statement means every room has the same setup. Major hotel sites typically identify mobility-accessible or hearing-accessible room types during booking.
For example, AC Hotel Auburn lists accessible on-site parking, elevators, accessible routes to its business center, fitness center and restaurants, plus specific room features such as mobility-accessible rooms and roll-in showers. Confirm the exact room type before arrival when a particular feature is essential.
Business travelers may prefer Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika for its business center, meeting rooms, restaurant and room service, or Courtyard by Marriott Auburn for its business center, Wi-Fi, fitness facilities and Bistro. Downtown properties can be better when meetings are centered around Auburn University or central Auburn.
Tips for booking the best hotel in Auburn, AL
Start with location rather than star rating. If most of your trip revolves around Auburn University, downtown restaurants, Toomer’s Corner or campus events, paying more for a walkable hotel may save time and parking hassle. If you plan to drive around the region, a South College Street, I-85, or Opelika property may offer better value.
Next, compare the total rate for your exact dates. Auburn’s hotel market can behave very differently on an ordinary weekday than during a home football game, graduation, move-in, family weekend, or another major university event. Compare refundable and nonrefundable rates separately because the cheapest advertised rate can come with stricter cancellation conditions.
Check what is actually included. Hampton, Holiday Inn Express, TownePlace Suites, Home2 Suites, Microtel and many Quality Inn rates include breakfast, while properties such as AC Hotel Auburn do not provide complimentary breakfast. Parking also varies by property.
Pro Tip: For a football game, graduation, or another fixed university event, compare walkable downtown hotels first and read the cancellation terms before paying. The cheapest room outside downtown may not be the best value if you also need transportation and parking near campus.
Guest reviews are still useful, but read recent reviews for specific recurring issues such as noise, parking, housekeeping, breakfast crowding, mattress comfort, and Wi-Fi instead of relying only on the overall score.
Finally, contact the property directly when you need something specific, such as a crib, connecting rooms, accessible bathroom configuration, pet accommodation, late arrival, oversized-vehicle parking, or a particular kitchen setup. These details can vary even within the same hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Auburn, AL?
Top choices include The Laurel Hotel & Spa for luxury, The Hotel at Auburn University for campus convenience, The Collegiate Hotel for an independent boutique stay, Graduate by Hilton Auburn for an Auburn-themed downtown experience, and AC Hotel Auburn for a modern downtown stay. The best choice depends on your budget and reason for visiting.
Which hotels are closest to Auburn University?
The Laurel Hotel & Spa is on the Auburn University campus. The Hotel at Auburn University is steps from campus, while The Collegiate Hotel, Graduate by Hilton Auburn, and AC Hotel Auburn are centrally located downtown and provide convenient access to the university.
What amenities can I expect at good Auburn hotels?
Amenities vary widely. Depending on the property, you can find free breakfast, Wi-Fi, pools, fitness centers, restaurants, business facilities, pet-friendly rooms, kitchens, spas, rooftop venues and golf access. Always compare the exact property instead of assuming amenities are standard across a hotel brand.
Are Auburn hotels suitable for business travelers?
Yes. Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika has meeting rooms, a business center and on-site dining, while Courtyard by Marriott Auburn offers a business center, Wi-Fi and The Bistro. Downtown hotels can also be convenient for university-related meetings and events.
Do Auburn hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations?
Yes. Current pet-friendly options include The Collegiate Hotel, Graduate by Hilton Auburn, Hampton Inn Auburn, Hilton Garden Inn Auburn/Opelika, TownePlace Suites Auburn University Area, Home2 Suites Opelika Auburn, and The Hotel at Auburn University. Check current fees and restrictions before booking.
Which Auburn hotels have kitchens?
TownePlace Suites Auburn University Area is designed for extended stays with kitchen facilities, while Home2 Suites by Hilton Opelika Auburn offers suites with in-room kitchens. These properties are useful for families and longer visits.
What is the average hotel price in Auburn, AL?
There is no reliable fixed nightly average that applies year-round. Budget properties can fall below $100 on some dates, while upscale downtown and luxury hotels can cost several hundred dollars. Football weekends, graduation and other major Auburn University events can produce very different rates and availability, so compare prices for your exact dates.
When should I book a hotel for an Auburn football game or graduation?
Book as soon as your dates are firm, especially if you want a walkable downtown or campus hotel. High-demand university weekends can reduce availability quickly. Read deposit and cancellation conditions carefully before choosing a nonrefundable rate.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Auburn city, Alabama — current population estimate and 2020 Census population.
- Auburn University: History — university founding and historical timeline.
- Auburn-Opelika Tourism: Places to Stay — current local lodging directory and Auburn/Opelika accommodation context.
- AAA Five Diamond Hotels 2026 — verifies The Laurel Hotel & Spa’s current Five Diamond listing.
- The Hotel at Auburn University — current campus location, dining, pool and hotel information.
- Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National — current resort, dining and recreation information.
