Coming to cheer on a Blugold, visit your favorite River Otter, or see where your next chapter might begin? We’ll help you find a place to unpack. This list of hotels near the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) makes choosing your stay easy, with downtown spots, familiar favorites near campus, and suites for when the whole family tags along.
Know the Campus Before You Book
Before choosing a hotel, take a look at where your visit will actually take you. A campus tour, a weekend with your student, and a Homecoming reunion can each come with a different itinerary, and knowing your main stops will help you choose a convenient place to stay.
Visiting UW-Eau Claire? The university has both upper and lower campus destinations. Your plans might include a residence hall visit, a campus tour, or an event in a specific building, so check the address before comparing hotels. If you’re hoping to walk from your hotel, look at the full route, too: getting between upper and lower campus involves a hill, and a hotel that’s convenient for one part of campus may be a longer walk from another.
Also, check the venue for any events on your schedule. A visit that includes The Sonnentag Center or a game at Carson Park will take you beyond the main campus, so it helps to consider the whole weekend when choosing your home base.
Visiting Chippewa Valley Technical College? CVTC has several locations throughout Eau Claire. Its Business Education Center and Health Education Center are on West Clairemont Avenue, while other programs are based on Campus Road and Alpine Road. Rather than searching directions to “CVTC,” use the specific building address from your tour confirmation or event information. That will give you a clearer picture of which hotels are nearby.
Once you know your campus stops, think about what you’d like the rest of the visit to look like. Want to head out for downtown coffee and dinner between plans? Prefer a quick drive to campus and breakfast at the hotel? Both can make for a good college weekend—it’s just a matter of finding the stay that fits yours.
Photo Credit: The Lakely
Hotels in Downtown Eau Claire
The Lismore Hotel – a DoubleTree by Hilton
A campus visit with a side of downtown? The Lismore makes a good starting point. Grab coffee at ECDC before heading out, return for dinner at The Informalist, or catch up over drinks at Dive. With several places to eat and drink right in the hotel, it’s an appealing option for parents and alumni who want to make a weekend of their visit.
The Oxbow Hotel
For a stay with a little Eau Claire personality, check into The Oxbow. This downtown boutique hotel brings local art and in-room record players into the mix, with The Lakely on site for food, cocktails, and scheduled entertainment. It’s a fun choice for visitors who want their time off campus to include a closer look at the city’s creative side.
Hotels Near UWEC and CVTCs South Campus
For visitors planning to drive to campus, the hotels around Craig Road, West MacArthur Avenue, and Mondovi Road are worth a look. Compare each property’s route to the building you’re visiting, especially if your schedule includes both upper and lower UWEC campus.
Hampton Inn Eau Claire
Hampton Inn on Craig Road keeps the morning routine easy with complimentary breakfast and on-site parking. There’s also an indoor pool for downtime after a day of tours or visiting your student. Consider it for a campus weekend when you want familiar comforts and an easy place to regroup.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eau Claire West I-94
Also on Craig Road, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eau Claire West I-94 offers complimentary hot breakfast, free parking, and an indoor pool and whirlpool. Its location works well for visits to UWEC and CVTC’s Clairemont Avenue locations. A microwave and mini refrigerator in each room also come in handy for leftovers from that dinner your student has been requesting.
Quality Inn & Suites Eau Claire University Area
Quality Inn & Suites on Craig Road is another option for keeping campus visits straightforward. Complimentary hot breakfast and an indoor heated pool give you a few useful extras between plans. Compare room types and rates for your dates if you’re looking for a stay that covers the essentials.
Best Western Plus Eau Claire Conference Center
Located on Mondovi Road, Best Western Plus Eau Claire Conference Center offers complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and a hot tub. The on-site Sawmill Bar & Grill gives you a dinner option when you’d rather settle in after a busy day. It’s worth considering for a visit that mixes campus plans with some time to relax.
Super 8 – Campus
Keep it simple at Super 8 – Campus on West MacArthur Avenue. Complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking cover the basics for a quick campus visit or an overnight trip. When booking, look for the West MacArthur Avenue address. Eau Claire also has a separate Super 8 on Texaco Drive.
More Places to Stay Around Eau Claire & Altoona
Expand your search if you’d like a suite, a kitchen, or another neighborhood to explore. These properties give you additional choices for a college weekend, particularly when you’re bringing the family or staying a few extra nights.
Staybridge Suites Eau Claire–Altoona
Located in Altoona’s River Prairie area, Staybridge Suites offers suites with fully equipped kitchens. Having space to prepare a meal or gather between outings can be helpful when the whole family is along. You can also make time to explore River Prairie during your stay.
Candlewood Suites Eau Claire I-94
Candlewood Suites on Bullis Farm Road is a good option to consider for a longer visit. Fully equipped kitchens and complimentary guest laundry make it easier to settle in for a few days. The hotel is near Oakwood Mall and area restaurants, giving you places to fit in shopping or a meal around your campus schedule.
GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel
GrandStay on Prill Road offers suites with fully equipped kitchens, plus complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool. Its location near Oakwood Mall adds shopping to the weekend possibilities. If your visit includes several nights or a few family members with different schedules, take a look at the available suite layouts.
Attending an Event at The Sonnentag Center?
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Eau Claire
If your college weekend includes an event at The Sonnentag Center, take a look at SpringHill Suites on Menomonie Street. The hotel is within walking distance of the center and offers suites, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool. Nearby riverside trails give you another reason to step outside between plans.