Where to Stay in Rochester
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 the city features a revitalized urban core with theaters, restaurants, and cultural venues. This area is walkable and offers easy access to the Genesee Riverway Trail, Blue Cross Arena, and the Convention Center. Downtown comes alive during events and offers the most urban Rochester experience with a mix of historic and modern architecture.
- Walking distance to theaters, museums, and restaurants
- Best public transportation access
- Proximity to business district and convention center
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options
- Limited parking and higher parking fees
- Can feel quiet on weekends outside event times
This historic and culturally rich neighborhood is home to the George Eastman Museum and features beautiful tree-lined streets with Victorian mansions. Park Avenue is known for its bohemian vibe, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area offers a more residential feel while remaining close to downtown attractions.
- Close to George Eastman Museum and Memorial Art Gallery
- Excellent local dining and shopping on Park Avenue
- Beautiful historic architecture and tree-lined streets
- Quieter than downtown with neighborhood charm
- Fewer hotel options, more bed-and-breakfasts
- Requires car or rideshare for some attractions
Located in the southern suburbs near Rochester Institute of Technology, this area offers numerous chain hotels and restaurants along Jefferson Road. It's a convenient base for families and budget travelers, with easy highway access to both downtown and regional attractions. The area is particularly busy during university events and offers plenty of shopping and dining options.
- Wide selection of affordable chain hotels
- Abundant parking and easy highway access
- Many restaurants and shopping centers nearby
- Close to RIT and Rochester Museum & Science Center
- Requires driving to downtown attractions (15-20 minutes)
- Suburban feel lacks urban character
This upscale suburban area near the University of Rochester offers a safe, residential atmosphere with good restaurants and shopping. The neighborhood provides easy access to both the university campus and Strong National Museum of Play. It's ideal for families and those visiting the university, with a mix of hotels and extended-stay properties.
- Close to Strong National Museum of Play
- Safe, family-friendly neighborhood
- Near University of Rochester Medical Center
- Good mix of restaurants and grocery stores
- 15-20 minutes from downtown
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
Situated near Greater Rochester International Airport, this area offers convenient accommodations for early flights and quick stopovers. The neighborhood features primarily chain hotels with competitive rates and is close to Lake Ontario beaches. While primarily commercial, it provides good value and accessibility for travelers prioritizing convenience.
- Closest to Rochester International Airport
- Competitive hotel rates
- Easy access to Lake Ontario beaches
- Free parking at most properties
- 20-25 minutes from downtown attractions
- Limited dining options within walking distance
Located southeast of Rochester, Victor serves as a gateway to the Finger Lakes wine region while offering modern accommodations near Eastview Mall. This area is perfect for those combining a Rochester visit with Finger Lakes exploration. The location provides a quieter, more rural setting while maintaining highway access to the city.
- Gateway to Finger Lakes wine country
- Near Eastview Mall, one of the region's premier shopping destinations
- Newer hotels with modern amenities
- Quieter, more spacious setting
- 25-30 minutes from downtown Rochester
- Requires car for all activities
This lakeside neighborhood offers a unique waterfront experience with beaches, marinas, and seafood restaurants. Charlotte (pronounced Shar-LOT locally) provides a resort-like atmosphere in summer with Ontario Beach Park and the historic Genesee River lighthouse. The area is quieter in winter but offers a distinctive Rochester experience year-round.
- Direct access to Lake Ontario beaches
- Charming waterfront dining and entertainment
- Beautiful sunsets and maritime atmosphere
- Unique neighborhood character
- Very limited hotel options (mostly vacation rentals)
- Seasonal with many businesses closed in winter
This affluent suburb southeast of Rochester features the charming Pittsford Canal Village with boutique shops and restaurants along the historic Erie Canal. The area offers upscale accommodations in a picturesque setting with excellent dining options. Pittsford combines small-town charm with sophisticated amenities and is particularly beautiful during fall foliage season.
- Picturesque Erie Canal setting with walking/biking trails
- Excellent upscale dining options
- Charming village atmosphere with boutique shopping
- Safe, well-maintained area
- Higher accommodation prices
- 15-20 minutes from downtown Rochester
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Rochester offers several full-service hotels, primarily downtown and near the airport, with amenities like restaurants, fitness centers, and meeting spaces. The Strathallan and Del Monte Lodge Renaissance are standouts for their historic character and spa services.
Best for: Business travelers, special occasions, and those wanting comprehensive amenities
Major chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG have strong presence in Rochester's suburbs, particularly in Henrietta, Greece, and Victor. These properties offer reliable quality, loyalty program benefits, and competitive pricing.
Best for: Families, road trippers, and travelers seeking predictable quality and rewards points
Rochester's historic neighborhoods, particularly around Park Avenue and East Avenue, feature charming B&Bs in Victorian homes. These offer personalized service, homemade breakfasts, and authentic local character.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers seeking local insights, and those who appreciate historic architecture
Several extended stay hotels in Brighton, Henrietta, and Victor offer suite-style rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for longer visits or families. Properties include Homewood Suites, Residence Inn, and Candlewood Suites.
Best for: Extended stays, families, medical visitors, and budget-conscious travelers who want to cook
Airbnb and VRBO options are available throughout Rochester, from downtown lofts to lakeside cottages in Charlotte. The Park Avenue and South Wedge neighborhoods offer particularly interesting rental options in historic homes.
Best for: Groups, families wanting space and kitchens, and those seeking neighborhood experiences
Budget chains like Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, and local independent motels are scattered around the city, particularly along major routes. While basic, they offer clean, no-frills accommodations at the lowest prices.
Best for: Road trippers, extreme budget travelers, and short overnight stays
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Rochester has two major universities (University of Rochester and RIT) that drive significant demand during graduation weekends in May, family weekends in fall, and move-in weekends in August. Hotels can sell out or double their rates during these periods. If possible, check university calendars and avoid these dates, or book several months in advance if your visit coincides with them.
While downtown offers convenience, suburban areas like Henrietta, Greece, and Victor typically offer 20-40% lower rates with free parking. Rochester's highway system makes most locations accessible within 15-25 minutes, so if you have a car, suburban hotels provide excellent value. Many include free breakfast, which downtown hotels rarely offer.
Rochester hosts major events like the Lilac Festival (May), Jazz Festival (June), and various concerts at Blue Cross Arena that can impact availability and pricing. Check the Visit Rochester events calendar before booking to either avoid price surges or ensure you're staying during an event you'd like to attend.
Downtown hotels often charge $15-25 per night for parking, which can significantly increase your total cost. Suburban hotels universally offer free parking. If staying downtown, factor parking costs into your comparison, or consider staying in a neighborhood like Park Avenue where street parking is free and you can walk to restaurants and attractions.
Rochester's harsh winters (November through March) bring significantly lower hotel rates, sometimes 30-50% off peak season prices. If you don't mind cold weather and snow, winter visits offer excellent value. The city's indoor attractions like museums and theaters make winter visits worthwhile, and the city is experienced at snow management.
Rochester has strong representation from major hotel chains. Joining free loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards) before booking can provide immediate benefits like free WiFi, room upgrades, and late checkout, plus points toward future stays. Members often get slightly better rates than non-members.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For May through October visits, especially during Lilac Festival, Jazz Festival, university graduations, and fall foliage season, book 2-3 months ahead. Downtown hotels and properties near universities can sell out during major events, so early booking is essential for best selection and rates.
April and November offer moderate weather and lower demand. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient for good rates and availability. These months can offer excellent value as hotels transition between high and low season pricing.
December through March (excluding holidays) sees the lowest rates and highest availability. You can often book just days ahead and still find good deals. Last-minute bookings may even yield better rates as hotels try to fill rooms, though options may be limited during snowstorms.
Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for the best balance of selection and price. Monitor rates after booking, as many hotels allow free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before arrival, letting you rebook if prices drop. Tuesday and Wednesday check-ins often have lower rates than weekend arrivals.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.