When it comes to figuring out where to stay for college visits, your SmartFlyer travel advisor is here to help ensure you don’t feel relegated back to your dorm days.

Matchmaking our clients with the best-suited hotel to meet their needs extends far beyond the dreamy destinations dotting the Mediterranean coast—we’re here for the nitty, gritty seemingly middle-of-nowhere domestic trips too. Picking out the perfect college with your kids is sure to call for hitting the road for some campus tours, and to help shoulder some of the stress during this transitional period, staying somewhere comfortable is just the beginning to acing the test. Come along with us as we weave across the United States matching up some of our clients’ most requested colleges, pairing them with properties that just make sense (logistically and otherwise), plus sprinkle in a local recommendation or two.

The Northeast

New York, New York

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Columbia, Juilliard, FIT, NYU, Pace

In a city as expansive as New York, narrowing down the best places to stay for any given trip can feel overwhelming, but especially so with college visits. If you’re all eyes on Columbia University, its Morningside Heights location just north of Central Park means an uptown stay is going to be most convenient; we love The Mark, The Lowell, and The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, all on the Upper East Side. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our Upper East Side Guide for tips on where to shop and dine in the neighborhood. If music is your focus and it’s all about The Juilliard School nearby Lincoln Center, we recommend Aman New York; when staying at one of New York’s most discerning addresses, you become an honorary member and have easy access to its Jazz Club.

If you’re headed to the city to check out FIT with all eyes on fashion, a stay at the nearby Martin Brudnizki-designed Fifth Avenue Hotel is an ideal match. Slightly further downtown, NYU’s primely located campus sprawls across some of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods including Greenwich Village, Soho, and Gramercy. To check out NYU, we recommend either of the Firmdale Hotels’ outposts, the classic Crosby Street Hotel, or the more recently opened Warren Street Hotel where eccentric pops of color abound. For a peek at Pace University, the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is just a five-minute walk away. And no matter where you’re staying, don’t miss a look at our extensive Local’s Guide to Lower Manhattan for the rundown of shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars below 14th Street.

Boston, Massachusetts

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Harvard University, Boston University, Boston College, MIT, Babson College, Tufts University

If you’re visiting historic Boston for college tours, you’re in for a treat as you wind through some of America’s most storied streets. For time exploring Boston University, a stay at The Newbury Boston will get you to campus with a quick two-mile Uber; the hotel’s private library and charming location at the intersection of Newbury Street and the Boston Public Garden are idyllic, plus, this is your ticket to score a dinner reservation at the buzzy on-property restaurant, Contessa. If you’re headed to visit the MIT campus, we love a stay at Raffles Boston where you can take advantage of the hotel’s state-of-the-art wellness facilities in between touring. And on the note of hotels in Boston, there are practically as many beloved options as there are universities; Four Seasons Hotel Boston and Mandarin Oriental, Boston are two other favorites. While in town, consider a visit to The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, shopping on Newbury Street, and a walk through picture-perfect Back Bay. For elevated French fare, we love Mistral, or for more classic chophouse vibes, Grill 23 & Bar is a must in Boston.

Philadelphia, Pennslyvania

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: University of Pennsylvania

If you’re considering attending the University of Pennsylvania, a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is your key to feeling like you’ve got the keys to the city. As the city’s highest tower, the twelve floors that the property occupies at the top of the building are your very own playground atop Philly. If you’re headed to check out Wharton, Vance Hall where the MBA program meets is just about two miles from the hotel. Consider checking out the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its “Rocky Steps” to explore its vast collection of contemporary art before returning to the hotel to take advantage of its stellar spa and pool. The Barnes Foundation also should not be missed to check out some of the most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern works including those by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. For dinner, consider having your SmartFlyer travel advisor snag a reservation at Zahav in Society Hill to taste its James Beard Award-winning Israeli fare. We also love the Friday Saturday Sunday for its excellent cocktail program and White Dog Cafe for the quintessential UPenn experience in the University City neighborhood.

Washington D.C.

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Georgetown or The George Washington University

A visit to our nation’s capital is easy to fill to the brim with museums, but we’re here to prioritize college tours, so, first things first! Georgetown University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, and the neighborhood that’s been developed around it is truly like stepping back in time. We love a stay in the heart of Georgetown at Rosewood Washington D.C. alongside the historic C&O Canal; if you’re looking for more space to spread out, ask your SmartFlyer travel advisor about the townhouses on offer. We also find that The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C., and Park Hyatt Washington D.C. work fabulously for their proximity to GW and Georgetown. If you want to sit in living history, go to Martins Tavern where you can sit in the booth where JFK proposed to Jackie. For a celebratory dinner, 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown is a few minutes walk away, or, for something more college-adjacent in vibe, The Tombs is an institution. If you’re in town to visit The George Washington University, we recommend a stay at The Hay Adams Hotel just before the White House where its speakeasy, Off the Record, has long been beloved by lobbyists. And don’t miss dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill for a classic D.C. experience.

The Midwest

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: University of Michigan

When it comes to visiting Ann Arbor for your visit to tour The University of Michigan, we recommend a stay at Graduate Ann Arbor. Located just steps from campus, this lifestyle hotel blends collegiate charm with cozy, stylish rooms that weave through design touches inspired by the university. Your tour will surely bring you through iconic spots like the Law Quad and Diag, but we’re all eyes on lunch at Zingerman’s Delicatessen for their famous sandwiches. To dig a bit into the art scene, a visit to the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is a gem on campus. For dinner, Vinology offers a wine-centric menu for the parents to dig into.

Chicago, Illinois

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: University of Chicago, Northwestern

A trip to The Windy City offers no shortage of shopping, architectural sightseeing, and of course, world-class dining in between your college touring. But, first, let’s get you checked in! The Langham, Chicago offers one of the most comfortable stays in town. Settle in before mozying out for lunch at RL, Ralph Lauren’s first restaurant, and shopping on Magnificent Mile. For dinner, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help score reservations at one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, Alinea. If you’re in town to check out Northwestern University, consider a stay at The Peninsula Chicago and lean on your advisor for a private driver out to campus, located about twelve miles north. For a full list of Smartie faves to consider for your visit to Chicago, check out our Chicago Weekend Guide.

St. Louis, Missouri

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Wash U

Welcome to St. Louis—we’re officially in the Midwest. Of course, while you’re in town you’ll need to check out the Gateway Arch, but there’s plenty else to see and do in this vibrant city. If touring Washington University is on the agenda, the classic hotel option close to campus is The Ritz Carlton, St Louis. This property hotel is a slam dunk from a location perspective with it only being a five-minute drive to Wash U. Or, if you prefer the new kid on the block, we recommend the new 21c Museum Hotel St Louis. Founded by art collectors and preservationists, this property has turned a former YMCA into a hotel that centers art in everything it does. The space is home to a rotating collection of contemporary works. Of course, if this still hasn’t filled your art quota for the weekend, the Saint Louis Art Museum in the middle of beautiful Forest Park is a worthy stop. While in town, lean on your SmartFlyer travel advisor to help with details like restaurant reservations. For what it’s worth as a team with many who hail from the Lou, we put Basso, Napoli, Tony’s, Pastaria, The Crossing, akar, Louise on Demun, and Sado at the top of our lists.

Madison, Wisconsin

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: UW Madison

With its nearly 50,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison ensures that this college town is imbued with life. But Madison also has a strong political and cultural heartbeat as the capital of Wisconsin. While visiting Madison, there are excellent accommodation options to choose from—our three favorites all happen to be on the banks of Lake Mendota. The Governor’s Mansion Inn, a boutique hotel, is located right in the Mansion Hill district and housed in an old mansion itself. We also recommend The Edgewater, a stone’s throw from campus, which has been a staple for Wisconsin parents for generations. There’s also the newer Graduate by Hilton Madison which is filled with Badger pride in every room. Graduate, it should be noted, is a collection of college-inspired hotels across the U.S. and U.K. so they may crop up on a few of your college visits.

Bloomington, Indiana

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Indiana University

The beautiful gothic architecture of Indiana University is as much a part of Bloomington as the hills, forests, and lakes that make up its surrounds. With that in mind, while visiting Bloomington it might make sense to stay at Graduate by Hilton Bloomington, with its decorative focus on showing college traditions, to really immerse yourself in the Hoosier charm. If something less collegiate sounds more up your alley, Hyatt Place is just a ten-minute walk to campus. When it’s time to grab a bite, our favorite spots in Bloomington are Uptown Cafe for casual American fare, or Janko’s Little Zagreb which has a reputation for being one of the best steakhouses in the Midwest.

Texas

Austin, Texas

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: UT Austin

It’s always a good time to visit Austin, and going for college tours only gives your time in Texas a little extra infusion of fun. While in town, there are endless things to do—for instance, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and shopping for cowboy boots on South Congress Avenue—but touring UT Austin with its huge downtown campus will also take a lot of your time. Whenever we’re in Austin, we love a stay at Commodore Perry Estate—a reimagined former estate that beautifully evokes some of the grandeur of yesteryear. Alternatively, we recommend the artsy Austin Proper which is a top pick for its rooftop and city center location. The food in Austin is some of the best in the country, so lean on your SmartFlyer travel advisor to help you get reservations at some of the city’s best restaurants—Dai Due in particular is making a name for itself on the food scene. That said, this being Austin, a meal from a taco truck or some good old-fashioned barbecue will also do the trick.

West Coast

Palo Alto, California

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Stanford

The Stanford campus is known for its rolling hills, and Romanesque and Mission Revival architecture, so we’d forgive you if you spent all your time in Palo Alto on campus. But when it comes to where to hang your hat, the Rosewood Sand Hill tops our list. Spread across 16 acres, the resort is a truly luxurious haven with courtyards and gardens to wander. Sand Hill Road also happens to be where the venture capital firms behind some of the world’s biggest tech companies are located, which helps set the scene for your time in town. As far as restaurants, Madera, is Michelin-starred and second to none, so make sure to have your SmartFlyer travel advisor books you for a table after your campus tour. And, maybe even an on-property spa treatment because choosing a college is hard work—and we believe you deserve a little pampering throughout the process.

Los Angeles, California

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: USC, LMU

Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic, so our recommendation is to use the colleges you’re visiting as reference points, and to make your accommodation reservations accordingly. If USC is your priority, we love The Hoxton in downtown LA. The vibe is buzzy and local, and the rooftop Peruvian restaurant is an added bonus. If you’re in town to check out Loyola Marymount University, you’ll be better situated by the water. Casa del Mar in Santa Monica is a refurbished beach club, built in the height of the Roaring Twenties and still done to the nines which makes for a fun stay infused with character. Its sister hotel, Shutters, right across the street is equally memorable, but much more contemporary in style—with clean lines and a fabulous pool area. Just a little way down the beach lies the newest kid on the block, the Regent Santa Monica which is every bit as elegant.

San Francisco, California

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: USF

There is so much that is iconic about San Francisco: Russian Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, and if you’re a 90s kid, the home to Full House. But on this visit, we know you’re here for more than a visit to The Painted Ladies. If the University of San Francisco is calling your name, that’s certainly on your list of SF icons too. As for where to stay while finding your dream school, we love Hotel Drisco in Pacific Heights. An easy jaunt to strolling and dining along Fillmore, Union, and Sacramento Streets, its location is prime. That said, the Four Seasons Hotel San Fransisco on Market Street is a little more central to the traditional tourist action—like Telegraph Hill and the waterfront. With so many delicious dining options in SF, picking where to eat can be a little more nuanced; which is where your SmartFlyer travel advisor comes in. There are Michelin starred restaurants scattered all across San Francisco and your advisor can help you pick the exact one for your vacation—er, college visit.

Santa Barbara, California

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: UCSB

It’s hard to go wrong in Santa Barbara with its Mediterranean architecture, picturesque beaches, and world-class wine. UC Santa Barbara makes for an undeniably seductive college option and time in this enchanting town makes it even more so. As for where to stay in what’s long been called the American Riviera, El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, has been beloved since it opened in 1918; a fusion of California craftsman cottages and Spanish Revival bungalows, it’s a beautiful spot to lay low in your new USCB gear. Another spectacular option in the area is Rosewood Miramar Beach which is spread across sixteen acres of prime real estate right on the beach. When staying at Miramar, you’re welcomed into a world of sophisticated fun from its two pools to Goop sundries shop, Caruso restaurant and beachfront accommodations that allow you to fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves.

San Diego, California

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: SDSU, USCD, USD

San Diego is chock full of schools: San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, and University of San Diego—to name just a few! But the city itself is vastly underrated; a truths you’ll soon uncover when you hit this grown-up beach town. If you’re in San Diego to view UCSD, you’re in luck. The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is less than ten minutes from campus. Set right on the beach, the property has been beloved for nearly 100 years and as such, is iconic. Tennis lovers certainly can’t go wrong here, with fourteen championship tennis courts on the property. If you’re more interested in touring SDSU or USD, they’re in a slightly different corner of the city. Our recommendation is to stay at Pendry San Diego in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. With multiple dining destinations—including a beer hall and a social club—Pendry is an excellent choice if you’re keen on a diversity of experiences, but all in one space. It’s also just a short drive to the $85 million Randy Shell, the city’s new concert hall and summer home to the San Diego Symphony.

Arizona

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: ASU

With 75,000 students, Arizona State University is ideal for students seeking a diverse student body. The school has four different campuses, all situated in the Phoenix metropolitan area. This rapidly growing city offers so much to do, from hiking trails to catching spring training baseball games to excellent restaurants. There are also lovely accommodations to choose from during your visit. For the tried and true college experience, Graduate by Hilton Tempe leans all into the Sun Devil spirit. The cheerfully decorated, and ultra-comfortable rooms are a great launch pad for your time in town. For more of a resort feel, The Phoenician is set on an 18-hole golf course and also offers a super family-friendly three-level pool complex, not to mention some pretty epic Scottsdale views. The dining scene in Phoenix is rapidly expanding, so touch base with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to score reservations. Currently, we have our eye on théa the new rooftop Mediterranean spot with views of the Camelback Mountains.

Washington

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: University of Washington

Seattle may have a reputation for rain, but there’s so much more to this seaport city on the Puget Sound. We know you’re in town to visit the University of Washington, not tourist spots like the Space Needle, but you’ll likely have time for both. As for where to stay, the closest hotel to campus is Graduate by Hilton Seattle which is just a ten-minute walk to Husky headquarters. Like its sister hotels across the country, Graduate leans into the college traditions and spirit of the school while still providing a cozy stay. For more of the iconic Seattle experience, we recommend stays at either The Thompson Seattle or the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle—and, whichever you opt for make sure to get a water view room. Both hotels are a short walk to Pike Place Market, Seattle’s world-renowned and original farmer’s market. At The Thompson, the accommodations are mid-century modern and the indoor-outdoor rooftop patio, The Nest, has sweeping views of the city, the Sound, and the Olympic Mountain Range. The Four Seasons’ pièce-de-resistance is the heated outdoor pool on the hotel’s fifth floor which is open all year round.

The South

Charleston, South Carolina

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: College of Charleston

It’s no secret we love Charleston, as our repeated visits to this charming city will attest. The College of Charleston is the oldest university in the state and is located right in the heart of this beautiful town. The best way to experience Charleston is by wandering its historic streets, and The Dewberry is a short walk through Marion Square to the campus. The midcentury hotel is impeccably designed, and the Citrus Club on the eighth-floor terrace is the highest rooftop in Charleston. Still within easy walking distance of campus is The Charleston Place which has multiple dining outlets right on property, not to mention a spa, pool, and rooftop bar. If you’re keen on something a little more boutique, Zero George combines multiple intricately restored 1804 carriage houses and residences into one timeless hotel. Set around a private courtyard, it feels like a window into Charleston’s past, with all the little luxuries of the present. When it comes to meals or activities, like bike tours, connect with your SmartFlyer travel advisor, who will help you sort through our Charleston City Guide to create a trip exactly tailored to your desires.

Nashville, Tennessee

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Vanderbilt

If we were to do college over again, it might have to be in Nashville. Music City is bursting with honky-tonks but it’s also home to great food and a quickly growing art scene. It’s also home to Vanderbilt University, one of the best schools in the country. When it comes to accommodations, the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville is a top choice in town. Close to many of the city’s biggest attractions, like the bars on Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hotel also has a bevy of its own offerings. The rooftop pool casts stunning views over the Cumberland River and Riverfront Park, and the on-site Mimo is one of the most delicious Italian restaurants in town. We also love Thompson Nashville and 1 Hotel Nashville. When you’re not touring the campus or enjoying live music, there are plenty of new areas to explore. We especially love the 12South neighborhood, with its walkable stretch of food and shopping.

Durham, North Carolina

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Duke

Duke’s reputation far precedes it, but the Gothic architecture on this magical campus still manages to make a noteworthy first impression on first-time visitors. When visiting North Carolina for your Duke tour, our favorite hotel in Durham is 21c Museum Hotel Durham. Smack dab in the center of downtown, the hotel is also a multi-venue contemporary art museum with rotating curated exhibits. The hotel occupies Durham’s historic Hill Building, and the retrofitted rooms have high ceilings, large windows, and custom furnishings. We definitely recommend grabbing a drink in the original Hill Building bank vault. For the hotel it’s a quick drive to Duke’s campus, but just outside 21c’s doors is a vibrant shopping, culinary, and art neighborhood. Durham is enjoying a cultural renaissance, which will be easily apparent as you explore the neighborhood.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Where to Stay for College Visits When You’re Visiting: Tulane

It’s hard not to love the Big Easy. This eclectic city is a vibrant melting pot of music and food and is also home to Tulane University. If you’re in town to tour the school, you’ll inevitably find delicious dollar oysters and beignets, but we’re giving you a few curated suggestions about where to lay your head. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is an option grounded in tradition, and tradition in NOLA includes a resident jazz musician, plus, the hotel’s spa is also one of the city’s best. For something more quaint, Maison Métier is a private guest house just two blocks from the French Quarter. All spaces in the hotel—with the exception of buzzy Bar Marilou—are open to guests only and designed by celebrity designer Pamela Shamshiri who brilliantly melded bohemian and Art Deco into something distinctly New Orleans. Nearby is the truly opulent Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans with its rooftop pool and James Beard award-winning chefs. With so many options to discover in New Orleans, our New Orleans City Guide can be your trip’s blueprint. And liaising with your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help you make the very best of our recommendations.

Ready to plan your college visit? Reach out to your SmartFlyer travel advisor to get started.