Guide to the best hotels in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for every budget, including pet-friendly options and downtown Eau Claire hotels
Eau Claire, the city of “clear water”, is one of the most charming places to vacation in Wisconsin, famous for its wonderful arts and music scene.
However, Eau Claire is a tiny city with a population of just 69,000, and this means your choices of hotels in Eau Claire, WI is limited.
It will take more effort than usual to choose the best place to stay for your needs.
This article helps by introducing you to our favorite hotels in Eau Claire, and will be an excellent place to start your search.
The list below has something for everybody’s needs, featuring cheap hotels in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to the most premium places to stay in the city.
Eau Claire is great for weekend trips in Wisconsin, so use this guide to find an Eau Claire hotel that is perfect for you!
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top 5 Eau Claire Hotels
- Best hotel for exploring outdoors: Inn On Lake Wissota
- Best hotel for a luxury getaway: The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire – a DoubleTree by Hilton ***
- Best hotel for exploring downtown: The Oxbow Hotel
- Best hotel for disabled guests: GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel – Eau Claire ***
- Best family-friend hotel: Home2 Suites Eau Claire South, WI ***
1. Otter Creek Inn Eau Claire-Altoona
Highlights:
- Free airport shuttle to and from the hotel
- Relaxing garden and shared lounge area
- Free essential facilities like parking, wifi, and toiletries
- A bed and breakfast serving an American breakfast each morning
Otter Creek Inn is a great place to stay for people in Eau Claire for business or leisure.
If you need to work while in Eau Claire, you can use the fax and photocopying facilities.
The bed and breakfast is also just 3.1 miles from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, making this perfect if you are an academic looking for hotels in Eau Claire, WI.
The hotel is also well-positioned for you to enjoy the most popular things to do in Central Wisconsin.
The Colfax Railroad Museum is just a short drive away from the Otter Creek Inn.
This hotel is also positioned on the East side of the city, which will make it easy to get out of the city and experience hiking near Eau Claire.
After a busy day working or enjoying the pleasures of Eau Claire, this is one of the best Eau Claire, WI hotels to relax in.
Rooms at Otter Creek Inn have hot tubs, spa baths, and flat-screen televisions.
2. The Oxbow Hotel
Highlights:
- Central location near to the university and parks
- On-site restaurant with locally sourced ingredients
- Friendly reception staff that are knowledgeable about Wisconsin and Eau Claire
- Some rooms have a city view
The Oxbow Hotel is one of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin hotels with a fantastic central location.
From this hotel, Eau Claire is easily accessible and you can really get to know this unique city.
Active guests will love that The Oxbow Hotel is located right next to the university and the city’s great parks like Phoenix Park, Mt Simon Park, and Carson Park.
Once back at the Hotel, guests can enjoy a meal at The Lakely, an on-site restaurant that serves a local Midwest menu.
The restaurant is also a great experience to enjoy the well-stocked bar and taste the breweries in Wisconsin or a cocktail.
All of the hotel rooms at The Oxbow Hotel are comfortable spaces to relax in, equipped with flat-screen cable TVs, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms.
3. Candlewood Suites Eau Claire I-94, an IHG Hotel ***
Highlights:
- Laundromat facilities accessible for all guests
- Interstate 94 is easily accessible
- BBQ facilities
- A Candlewood Suites hotel, part of the IHG chain
- Modern key card access
Candlewood Suites is another great Eau Claire, WI hotel for guests who want something familiar.
As part of the IHG group, you can be comfortable that this hotel will match your expectations.
If you are enjoying one of the best Wisconsin road trips, this is a great hotel to weave into a longer trip as guests can wash their clothes at the hotel and use the BBQ facilities or kitchen to make their own food.
Visitors sometimes struggle to find pet-friendly hotels in Eau Claire, WI – but not at Candlewood Suites.
This hotel can solve your problem as you are welcome to have your furry friend stay with you in this hotel.
Candlewood Suites Eau Claire is also on the South East side of the city, which means that it is exceptionally easy to leave the city and experience Lowes Creek County Park.
The park runs along a river, and you can enjoy some amazing mountain bike trails in Wisconsin.
The amenities in the hotel will also be very comfortable and each room has a private bathroom to soak in a warm bath.
4. Inn On Lake Wissota
Highlights:
- A beautiful lakeside hotel on the outskirts
- Options for family rooms
- Free parking and wifi
- Access to hiking and mountain biking trails
Inn on Lake Wissota is one of the best hotels near Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
It is located North of the city on the shore of Lake Wissota within the limits of Chippewa Falls, a much smaller city than Eau Claire, with a population of just 14,731 people.
For outdoorsy guests, Inn on Lake Wissota is also a great place to fuel up before hiking in Northern Wisconsin.
Every morning, the staff prepares a hearty continental, American, and vegetarian breakfast that will help sustain you for a day out.
All this makes this an amazing Eau Claire hotel if you are bringing your family with you.
There is plenty of wilderness for your children to explore and one of the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin right on your doorstep.
However, those wanting a romantic getaway will also love it here due to the secluded atmosphere.
This is a great hotel if you are visiting during fall in Wisconsin as you’ll be able to enjoy all the magnificent fall colors in Wisconsin from your room!
5. Hampton Inn Eau Claire ***
Highlights:
- A chance to stay with a trusted and familiar hotel provider
- Safety deposit box to keep your valuables safe
- Easy access to Interstate 12
- Breakfast buffet and breakfast-to-go option
- Fitness center and indoor swimming pool
With so many hotels in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to choose from, sometimes it is best to go with something familiar.
Hampton Inn Eau Claire is a chain hotel in Eau Claire, WI which will fit nearly all travelers’ needs.
This is also one of the best hotels in Eau Claire, WI if you are passing through Eau Claire on a Midwestern road trip.
It is easy to drive in and out via Interstate 12, so you won’t be negotiating inner-city traffic as you might with downtown Eau Claire hotels.
Despite being a chain, Hampton Inn Eau Claire also manages to offer travelers something unique.
Additionally, Hampton Inn is perfect for those looking for hotels in Eau Claire, WI with pool for guests to enjoy.
All rooms also have a safety deposit box so you can spend whole days enjoying the best hiking trails in Wisconsin without worrying about your belongings.
6. Residence Inn by Marriott Eau Claire ***
Highlights:
- Run by the Marriott hotel chain
- A short drive from Altoona Lake
- Swimming pool and fitness center are accessible to all guests
- Free on-site parking
When choosing from the hotels in Eau Claire, WI with pools, Residence Inn by Marriott comes near the top of the list.
All guests can use the indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and it is a highly comfortable hotel by a trusted brand.
Each room at the Residence Inn has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and you can choose to have the continental breakfast in the morning.
This hotel is also immensely accessible if you are flying into Eau Claire as the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is just 2.5 miles from the hotel.
There are also lots of great activities available because of the hotel’s proximity to both Altoona Lake and Dells Pond.
For couples looking for romantic hotels in Wisconsin, this is a fantastic option for a romantic getaway.
7. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Eau Claire **
Highlights:
- Extremely close to the most attended venues in Eau Claire
- Pet-friendly with a limit of two dogs per room
- Business facilities are available
- Premium Country Suites have whirlpool bathtubs
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is one of the best hotels in Eau Claire, WI, if you want a busy trip with lots of activities.
It is located close to Chaos Water Park, Action City amusements, and the Florian Gardens, which has a range of events throughout the year.
This is a great hotel if you are a golfer because the Mill Run Golf Course is a short drive away.
Guests enjoying these rooms can use the large whirlpool baths, and can store their food and drink in a private refrigerator.
You can also opt for a non-smoking room at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites to customize the stay to your personal requirements.
8. Best Western Eau Claire South ***
Highlights:
- A trusted and premium hotel brand
- Complimentary breakfast
- All rooms have a Keurig coffee maker
- Fitness center and laundrette available to all guests
- Pet-friendly
Best Western Eau Claire South is another of the hotels in Eau Claire, WI, which is owned by a trusted brand – one with over 2000 hotels in the USA!
You can expect all of the usual amenities for a Best Western stay, including a fitness center, laundrette, and well-equipped rooms with a refrigerator, hairdryer, and coffee maker.
This hotel also benefits from a great location, and you can find the Hillcrest Country Club just six miles away.
Additionally, Best Western Eau Claire is one of the best resorts in Northern Wisconsin for playing golf.
The hotel is also just five miles from the city center, meaning a short drive is all that is needed to experience the art and culture of Eau Claire.
9. GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel – Eau Claire ***
Highlights:
- An accessible hotel with disabled facilities
- All rooms feature a kitchenette
- Continental breakfast included
- Indoor pool
GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel is located on the southeast side of Eau Claire.
This hotel known for its tremendous facilities for disabled guests, comfortable rooms, and the included continental breakfast, which makes your stay as comfortable as possible.
All areas of the GrandStay are ideal for relaxation, including the indoor swimming pool.
If you are visiting in the summer, you can also enjoy the sun terrace, which is available for all guests to use.
10. The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire – a DoubleTree by Hilton ***
Highlights:
- A Travel Sustainable property
- Part of Hilton’s DoubleTree brand
- Central location
- All rooms have air conditioning
The Lismore Hotel has one of the best locations of all Eau Claire hotels.
Located centrally, it lies near Phoenix Park, Carson Park, and Mount Simon Park and is perfect for anyone looking for downtown Eau Claire hotels.
They offer à la carte, American or vegetarian options for a breakfast that will set you up perfectly to enjoy the city.
This is one of the closest hotels Eau Claire, Wisconsin has to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
At just 1 mile away, it is a walkable trip for most guests.
This makes the Lismore Hotel an ideal option for prospective students, or anyone visiting current students.
The Lismore Hotel is also one of the hotels in Eau Claire, WI that offers guests luggage storage.
This means that if you arrive in Eau Claire before the check-in time, you can leave your bags in their safe space, and are free to explore the city until you want to check-in.
11. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson ***
Highlights:
- Indoor swimming pool
- Close to lakes in Wisconsin
- Heated and air-conditioned rooms
- Disability facilities
- Fresh-baked cookies on arrival
This Radisson-run hotel is located to the south of Chippewa Falls and is a brilliant location if you want to take a hike in Wisconsin and try the local beers.
It is just a ten-minute drive from Lake Wissota and three miles from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.
When you arrive at Country Inn & Suites, you will also be treated to delicious locally-baked cookies.
And in the mornings, you can wake up to a tasy daily hot breakfast of eggs, waffles, and more.
Country Inn also has convenient facilities to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.
All guests can use the indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and laundrette facilities and are also free to use the shared dining area with a refrigerator and a coffee machine.
All of the rooms at Country Inn are well equipped with flat-screen TVs and a microwave.
12. Holiday Inn Express- Eau Claire West I-94, an IHG Hotel ***
Highlights:
- Immaculate rooms with daily housekeeping
- 24 hour reception
- Accessible BBQ facilities
- Pet-friendly for a $15 additional fee
- Convenient location
The Holiday Inn Express is one of the hotels in Eau Claire, WI, with the best location.
This hotel is perfect if you are traveling for business or healthcare as it is just under one mile from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and very close to Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Some of Wisconsin’s leading medical providers are closeby, including Mayo Clinic Health System, Sacred Heart Hospital, and Marshfield Clinic.
Located on I-95, the Holiday Inn Express has facilities to charge your electric car, removing the stress of where you will get charged after your long drive to the city.
If you are a member of the Holiday Inn Express chain, this is also one of the cheapest hotels in Eau Claire, WI, while still maintaining a high quality of stay.
13. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls ***
Highlights:
- A very close location to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
- Free bikes are available for all guests
- All rooms are non-smoking
- 24-hour front desk with an ATM
- Indoor swimming pool and fitness center
Fairfield Inn & Suites is located on the North Eastern side of Eau Claire.
This makes it one of the closest hotels in Eau Claire, WI, to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, which is a short taxi ride at just 2.5 miles.
The Fairfield Inn offers a range of other features for your convenience, such as free bicycles.
These bicycles help you to explore the city and surrounding area in a way that few other hotels Eau Claire can offer.
You can fuel up before a bike ride in the city after enjoying the complimentary continental breakfast available each morning.
Finally, this hotel is perfect for experiencing winter in Wisconsin because all of the rooms are well-heated.
14. Staybridge Suites Eau Claire – Altoona, an IHG Hotel ***
Highlights:
- Business center
- BBQ facilities for all guests
- Some rooms come with a kitchen
- Buffet and continental breakfasts are available
Staybridge Suites Eau Claire is a three-star hotel in the Altoona and Seymour area, and is one of the Eau Claire, WI hotels on the Eastern side of the city.
This hotel has a dedicated business center, food and drink availability, free wifi, and a fitness center, making it the perfect location for a business trip in Eau Claire.
Some rooms at Staybridge Suites also come with a kitchenette which means your staff can make whatever food they want.
15. Home2 Suites Eau Claire South, WI ***
Highlights:
- Free parking, wifi, and facilities for disabled guests
- Access to an indoor swimming pool and fitness center
- Private bath or shower and toilet with free toiletries
- 24-hour front desk with knowledgeable receptionists
Home2 Suites is located in the South East of Eau Claire.
This is another example of a hotel with a high-quality business center, making it a great place to go on a business trip.
However, the hotel also has value as a great place to stay with your family and is a short drive from Chaos Water Park and the Action City amusement venue.
The Home2 Suites can also be a great base if you are interested in the history of Wisconsin.
The Chippewa Valley Historical Museum is just 4.5 miles away, and is one of the best things to do in Eau Claire, WI.
You’ll also find one of the best escape rooms in Wisconsin just a 15-minute walk away.
FAQ About the Best Hotels in Eau Claire, WI
Which hotels in Eau Claire are good for families?
Two of the best hotels in Eau Claire for families are Home2 Suites and Inn On Lake Wissota.
What are the best cheap hotels in Eau Claire?
For affordable accommodation options in Eau Claire, check out the Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Econo Lodge.
Which hotels in Eau Claire are good for couples?
Many of the hotels in Eau Claire are great for couples, but some of my top recommendations are Inn On Lake Wissota and Residence Inn by Marriott Eau Claire.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
