The Best Hotels to Book in Rockford, Illinois

After a busy day of exploring, settle in for the night and relax at these hotels in Rockford
After a busy day of exploring, settle in for the night and relax at these hotels in Rockford | © Riverview Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection / Expedia
Katie Mills Giorgio

Tucked northwest of the greater Chicagoland area, Rockford, Illinois, is a small town that packs a big punch. Known as both the Forest City and the City of Gardens, Rockford draws green-fingered nature enthusiasts to the trails and landscapes of Rock Cut State Park, Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens. Not into the great outdoors? The town’s line-up of museums, including the Discovery Center Museum, Burpee Museum of Natural History and Midway Village Museum, will keep you occupied. If you’re ready to book your stay with Culture Trip, read on for our pick of the best hotels in Rockford, Illinois.

1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

Chain Hotel

366405d6 Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
© Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront / Expedia

Stay in the heart of Rockford’s Main Street District, with plenty of shopping and dining on your doorstep, at Embassy Suites. Concrete, wood and earthy tones pay an industrial-chic homage to the nearby forests, which you can explore along the Rock River right in front of the hotel. At breakfast time, fuel up at the cooked-to-order omelet station before you head out.

2. Courtyard by Marriott Rockford

Chain Hotel

38b33d5f Courtyard by Marriott Rockford
© Courtyard by Marriott Rockford / Expedia

If you’re traveling with buddies, plump for a two-bed suite – capable of accommodating up to five guests – at this east Rockford hotel. When you’re not exploring Guilford County Forest Preserve and Midway Village Museum, both 2mi (3.2km) away, you can take a dip in the indoor pool, relax on the outdoor patio or stroll around the lovely hotel grounds. When you need a boost, grab a Starbucks coffee from the on-site bistro.

3. Residence Inn by Marriott Rockford

Hotel

85a3c4e3 Residence Inn by Marriott Rockford
© Residence Inn by Marriott Rockford / Expedia

Headed to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor? Just six minutes’ drive away, Residence Inn is a great home base after a day of fun at the waterpark. Be sure to stock the kitchenette in your suite before heading out, as you’ll surely work up an appetite on all the rides. If you can’t get enough of the water, make use of the hotel’s spacious indoor pool and whirlpool tub. You can also bring your pets along for your stay.

5. Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Rockford

Chain Hotel, Suite Hotel

9c135980 Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Rockford
© Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Rockford / Expedia

It might look plain on the outside, but granite floors, crystal chandeliers, rainfall showers with jets and in-bathroom TVs bring a touch of luxury to this east Rockford hotel. Splash out on a premium whirlpool suite for bubble-time right next to your king bed, or make use of the hotel’s indoor pool and hot tub if you’re on a budget. When you want to explore Rockford’s lakes, forests and biking trails, Rock Cut State Park is just a 10-minute drive north.

6. Riverview Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

Suite Hotel, Chain Hotel

53672b11 Riverview Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
© Riverview Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection / Expedia

A wild boar statue in the lobby is the first hint that this hotel is a little out of the ordinary. Book into the elaborate Sultan Suite to live like a king amid ornate furnishings or opt for a regular, river-view room for a more pared-back stay. Wake up to a free hot breakfast on the sundeck overlooking the river before heading out to explore central Rockford, right on your doorstep.

7. Hilton Garden Inn Rockford

Chain Hotel

d542521a Hilton Garden Inn Rockford
© Hilton Garden Inn Rockford / Expedia

Love the water? Then this stay in southeast Rockford is for you. Shoot some hoops in the indoor adult pool or take the little ones for a splash in the fun-filled activity pool, complete with slides and water features. When you want to take things up a notch, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark is just 2mi (3.2km) south. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a made-to-order breakfast or seasonal bites at the on-site Garden Grille.

8. Staybridge Suites Rockford, an IHG Hotel

Chain Hotel, Suite Hotel

24dbc821 Staybridge Suites Rockford, an IHG Hotel
© Staybridge Suites Rockford, an IHG Hotel / Expedia

Your pets are welcome to keep you company at this extended stay hotel. When you’re not snuggling up for movie night with snacks from the pantry in the property’s home theater, you can go for walks in Rock Cut State Park, 10 minutes’ drive north. Hot breakfast is complimentary in the morning to help you fuel up for your day.

9. Hampton Inn Rockford

Chain Hotel

a3cb881e Hampton Inn Rockford
© Hampton Inn Rockford / Expedia

Whack a waffle on the grill at breakfast before doing some laps of the indoor pool at this contemporary hotel. Located just off Interstate 90 on the east side of the city, Hampton Inn is well positioned for exploring both Rock Cut State Park and the city center. Although there’s no restaurant on site, you’ll find plenty of American restaurants within walking distance.

10. Candlewood Suites Rockford

Suite Hotel, Chain Hotel

d70a0c2f Candlewood Suites Rockford
© Candlewood Suites Rockford / Expedia

Worried about leaving your dog or cat at home? At Candlewood Suites, you can bring them along. When you feel like whipping dinner up in your room or hosting a games night, ransack the lending locker located in the lobby for small appliances and entertainment. With a Walmart Supercenter around the corner, late night snacks are also within easy reach – as are the town center and Chicago Rockford International Airport, both less than 20 minutes’ drive away.

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