Hotels in Waco, Texas
Waco, Texas
Hotels near Waco, Texas
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AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco Downtown by IHG
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Residence Inn by Marriott Waco South
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor
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Hotel Indigo WACO - BAYLOR by IHG
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Springhill Suites by Marriott Waco
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Cambria Hotel Waco Univ Riverfront
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EVEN Hotel Waco - University Area by IHG
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco
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Element Waco
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Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area
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Candlewood Suites Waco by IHG
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Aloft Waco Downtown
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Courtyard by Marriott Waco
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Quality Inn & Suites Near University
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Which hotel fits best?
Best brands for team travel and amenities that actually matter.
What's around Waco?
Where to stay, what to eat, and what to do between events.
15 Hotels in Waco
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AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown
Marriott Hotels & Resorts transforms multi-night city stays into well-orchestrated experiences where your entire group stays connected and energized throughout the trip.
- 24-hour front desk assists with local directions and city navigation questions
- Large-capacity ice machines on every floor supply coolers and injury care
- Guest laundry facilities mean packing lighter for extended tournament weekends
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco Downtown by IHG
Holiday Inn Express transforms group coordination from a challenge into confidence, so everyone can fully embrace the city experience.
- Connecting rooms keep traveling families and groups properly organized
- Grab-and-go options accommodate different departure times for busy families
- Free WiFi keeps traveling groups connected with family back home
Residence Inn by Marriott Waco South
Residence Inn offers the dependable refuge that helps group leaders manage logistics while keeping everyone comfortable and connected.
- Connecting rooms provide privacy while maintaining group coordination during extended stays
- Common lobby areas give groups a central place to regroup
- Guest laundry facilities support lighter packing for extended city stays
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown
La Quinta by Wyndham transforms city trips into coordinated experiences where every team member stays connected and energized.
- Free hot breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in an unfamiliar city
- Indoor pool provides entertainment when exploring the city gets tiring
- Guest laundry facilities let teams pack lighter for multi-day city stays
Hotel Indigo WACO - BAYLOR by IHG
Hotel Indigo delivers the local expertise and thoughtful coordination that traveling groups need to navigate unfamiliar cities with confidence.
- Evening bar offers familiar gathering spot for groups in unfamiliar territory
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in an unfamiliar city
- Indoor corridors keep groups together and secure in unfamiliar surroundings
Springhill Suites by Marriott Waco
SpringHill Suites offers the logistical control center your group requires to navigate unfamiliar cities without losing momentum or people.
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates one less meal decision in unknown dining territory
- Connecting rooms keep families and teams together while maintaining privacy options
- Indoor pool provides reliable recreation when exploring city options feels overwhelming
Booking 9+ rooms in Waco? Get group rates.
Cambria Hotel Waco Univ Riverfront
Cambria Hotels ensures the premium consistency that simplifies group coordination during demanding city tournaments and extended events.
- Full-service restaurant provides reliable dinner without city street navigation
- Fitness center maintains routines without researching local gym options
- Guest laundry facilities reduce packing requirements for extended stays
EVEN Hotel Waco - University Area by IHG
EVEN Hotels turns the challenge of coordinating diverse group needs into streamlined wellness routines, ensuring every team member stays sharp throughout your multi-day event.
- Connecting rooms keep families and team groups together while maintaining privacy
- In-room kitchenettes reduce dependency on unfamiliar local dining options
- Guest laundry facilities mean packing lighter for extended city stays
Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco
Home2 Suites delivers the spacious comfort and coordinated convenience that keeps multi-night group trips running smoothly in unfamiliar territory.
- Multi-bedroom suites keep traveling groups together under one roof
- Free WiFi throughout the hotel keeps groups connected during multi-day tournaments
- Guest laundry facilities mean packing lighter for multi-night tournament trips
Element Waco
Element by Westin offers the steady home base and predictable comforts that make managing group logistics effortless during extended city stays.
- Full kitchens in suites handle group meals without restaurant hunting
- Indoor pool offers controlled recreation when exploring the city gets overwhelming
- Fitness center maintains routines during extended stays away from home
Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area
At Comfort Suites, traveling groups find the consistent quality and practical amenities that make navigating an unfamiliar city feel manageable and enjoyable.
- Guest laundry facilities mean packing lighter for extended tournament weekends
- Indoor pool offers active recovery after long competition days
- Indoor pool provides a relaxing retreat after long tournament days
Candlewood Suites Waco by IHG
Candlewood Suites delivers the structure and space that keeps traveling groups organized throughout extended city tournaments and events.
- Smoke-free environment ensures clean air for traveling athletes and families
- Full kitchens in every suite eliminate the guesswork of unfamiliar restaurants
- Separate bedrooms give parents space while kids decompress after tournament days
Aloft Waco Downtown
Aloft specializes in multi-night group stays, delivering the organizational structure and team-centered amenities that keep traveling groups focused.
- Fitness center offers familiar workout routines in an unfamiliar place
- Indoor pool provides reliable group recreation regardless of weather
- Free WiFi keeps everyone connected for navigation and city research needs
Courtyard by Marriott Waco
This Marriott property provides the reliable coordination hub that keeps multi-day group trips running smoothly from start to finish.
- Guest laundry facilities mean packing lighter for extended tournament weekends
- Front desk staff experienced with group check-ins and room assignments
- Fitness center offers adults exercise routine continuity during extended city stays
Quality Inn & Suites Near University
Quality Inn ensures your city adventure runs smoothly by offering dependable accommodations that simplify group logistics and stretch travel budgets further.
- Fitness center handles workout routines without finding local gym options
- Bus parking accommodates larger group transportation without complications
- Meeting room serves as private gathering space for group planning
Waco, Texas Travel Guide
Where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
City Overview
Waco sits squarely in the heart of Texas, a mid-sized college town of about 140,000 people that's become a surprising destination thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines and their Magnolia empire. But beyond the shiplap and tourist crowds, Waco has always been a solid sports town anchored by Baylor University and its powerhouse athletics programs.
The city has a distinctly Texas feel – friendly people, good barbecue, and plenty of space to spread out. It's big enough to have real amenities and hotel options but small enough that you can get anywhere in 20 minutes. The presence of Baylor means there's actual infrastructure for hosting large groups, and the recent tourism boom has upgraded the restaurant and entertainment scene considerably. For tournament families, it's an easy place to navigate with kids in tow, and there's enough to keep everyone busy between games.
Getting Around
Waco Regional Airport is tiny and mainly serves private planes, so you'll likely fly into Austin-Bergstrom (90 minutes south) or Dallas/Fort Worth (90 minutes north). Both airports have all the major rental car companies, and honestly, you'll want a car in Waco – it's very much a driving city.
Uber and Lyft operate here but don't count on quick pickup times, especially during busy tournament weekends or Baylor game days. The city sits right on Interstate 35, making it super accessible from Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. Highway 6 and Loop 340 are your main arteries for getting around town. Traffic is generally manageable except during Baylor events, when the area around campus can get clogged. Most sports complexes are within 15 minutes of the main hotel clusters, and parking is rarely an issue outside of downtown.
Where to Stay
The Interstate 35 corridor between exits 335-338 is your sweet spot for hotels, with clusters of Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn, and other reliable chains. This area puts you close to most sports venues and gives easy highway access. The Woodway area on the west side has some newer hotels and is convenient if your tournament is at one of the complexes out that direction.
Downtown has a few boutique options, but unless your event is specifically downtown, the commute to sports complexes makes it less practical for teams. The area around Baylor University has limited hotel inventory and gets expensive during football season (September-November) and basketball tournament time (March). Book early if your tournament coincides with any Baylor home games – hotel availability disappears and rates spike. Most sports teams end up in the I-35 hotels for good reason: consistent quality, reasonable rates, and you can walk to multiple restaurant options.
Sports & Recreation
Baylor University anchors the sports scene with McLane Stadium (football), Ferrell Center (basketball), and excellent baseball and soccer facilities that occasionally host tournaments. Waco ISD Stadium is a first-class high school facility that sees plenty of tournament action. The Waco Regional Tennis Center hosts USTA events and has 12 outdoor courts plus indoor facilities.
Youth sports happen at several key locations: Lions Park has multiple baseball fields and hosts travel ball tournaments, while Dewey Park covers soccer and softball. The Extraco Events Center handles large indoor tournaments for volleyball, basketball, and wrestling. Cottonwood Creek Golf Course and Ridgewood Country Club host junior golf events. The city has invested in sports tourism and actively courts tournaments, so facilities are generally well-maintained and organizer-friendly.
Lake Waco offers fishing, boating, and swimming when teams need outdoor recreation time. The Brazos River runs through town and has walking trails that are perfect for team runs or recovery walks.
Things to Do
Let's address the elephant in the room: Magnolia Market at the Silos is absolutely mobbed with tourists, but if you have Fixer Upper fans in your group, it's worth a quick stop. The food trucks are decent and the kids will enjoy the lawn games. Magnolia Table serves excellent breakfast but expect a wait.
More practical for sports groups: the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is genuinely cool and educational for kids. Cameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas with hiking trails, disc golf, and the Cameron Park Zoo, which is surprisingly good for a mid-sized city zoo. The Waco Suspension Bridge is historic and makes for quick team photos.
Lake Waco has several parks with swimming areas and boat ramps if your team wants to cool off. Bowling at Galaxy Bowling or catching a movie at the Cinemark in Richland Mall are solid rainy day options. If you're here during football season, trying to catch a Baylor game at McLane Stadium is an authentic Texas college football experience.
Food & Drink
Waco's food scene has legitimately improved in recent years. Vitek's BBQ invented the Gut Pak (meat, beans, cheese, pickles, onions over Fritos) and it's a local institution that feeds teams efficiently. George's Restaurant has been serving chicken-fried steak and comfort food since 1930 – perfect for carb-loading. Torchy's Tacos and Rudy's BBQ are Texas chains that deliver consistent quality for large groups.
For team dinners, BurgerFi and In-N-Out handle big orders well. Crickets Grill does good burgers and has space for teams. Olive Garden, Chili's, and other chains cluster around the I-35 hotels. Health Camp is a local burger joint that's been around since 1948 and serves milkshakes thick enough to stand a spoon in.
Coffee shops include multiple Starbucks locations plus local favorite Common Grounds near Baylor. Magnolia Press serves coffee and light breakfast items. For groceries and tournament snacks, H-E-B is the dominant supermarket chain and has everything you need for team meals and cooler supplies.
Shopping & Entertainment
Richland Mall is the main indoor shopping destination with department stores, a food court, and a Cinemark theater – solid for rainy tournament days. Magnolia Market obviously dominates the shopping conversation, but beyond the home goods, they have a decent kids' section and the grounds are free to walk around.
For team entertainment, Main Event has bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and food all under one roof – perfect for large groups. TopGolf recently opened and is great for teams looking to blow off steam. Galaxy Bowling is a more traditional bowling alley that's been hosting team parties for years.
The Brazos Walk shopping center has Target, Best Buy, and various restaurants. Downtown has some antique shops and local boutiques, but most team-relevant shopping happens along the I-35 corridor where you'll find Walmart, sporting goods stores, and everything else you might have forgotten to pack.
Weather & Packing
Central Texas weather is notoriously unpredictable, so pack layers. Summers (June-August) are brutally hot and humid with temperatures regularly hitting 100°F – bring sunscreen, hats, and way more water than you think you need. Spring and fall are gorgeous but can swing 40 degrees in a single day. Winters are mild by most standards but can surprise you with ice storms or random cold snaps.
Rain can pop up any time of year, and Texas thunderstorms are no joke – they're sudden, intense, and can shut down outdoor tournaments quickly. Always pack rain gear and have indoor backup plans. Tornado season (March-May) rarely affects tournaments directly, but be aware of weather alerts. The wind is constant and strong, so secure anything loose around your team area.
Peak tournament season runs March-November when weather cooperates for outdoor sports. December-February sees fewer events but hotel rates drop significantly. Pack comfortable walking shoes for outdoor venues – many sports complexes have gravel parking and natural grass fields that can get muddy.
Local Tips
Download the H-E-B app – it's the local grocery chain and their curbside pickup is a lifesaver for team snacks and drinks. Gas is generally cheaper at H-E-B stations, Costco, and Sam's Club. Avoid driving anywhere near Baylor campus 2-3 hours before football games – traffic becomes impossible.
Parking is free almost everywhere except downtown events, which is a nice change from bigger cities. However, some tournament venues have limited parking, so arrive early or be prepared to walk. Waco Municipal Airport offers cheaper long-term parking if you're flying out of Austin or Dallas and want to save money.
The locals are genuinely friendly and helpful – don't hesitate to ask for directions or restaurant recommendations. Tip well at restaurants; service industry workers here aren't used to the big tips that come with major tourist cities, and your team will be remembered positively for future visits. Cell service is generally good, but some sports complexes in outlying areas can have dead spots – download offline maps just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions travelers ask before booking in Waco — answered with the specifics you actually need.
Questions Travelers Ask What people want to know before booking in Waco
Which hotels in Waco, Texas are good for families?
Several hotels in Waco, Texas are well-suited for families. AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown (1.67 mi, from $208/night), Aloft Waco Downtown (1.79 mi, from $111/night), and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor (1.83 mi, from $99/night) all offer suites, connecting rooms, a pool, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry.
Which hotels in Waco, Texas are good for team or group travel?
Several hotels in Waco, Texas accommodate team and group travel. Quality Inn & Suites Near University (4.5 mi, from $80/night), AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown (1.67 mi, from $208/night), and Aloft Waco Downtown (1.79 mi, from $111/night) all offer meeting space, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry. Quality Inn & Suites Near University also has bus or oversized vehicle parking.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Waco, Texas?
Yes — Quality Inn & Suites Near University (4.5 mi, from $80/night) is a budget-friendly option in Waco, Texas, with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Are there extended-stay hotels in Waco, Texas?
Yes — Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco (2.72 mi, from $140/night), Element Waco (3.25 mi, from $139/night), and Candlewood Suites Waco by IHG (4.69 mi, from $84/night) are all extended-stay properties in Waco, Texas, with full kitchens and on-site laundry.
Which hotels in Waco, Texas are great for a weekend getaway?
Several hotels in Waco, Texas are ideal for a weekend getaway. AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown (1.67 mi, from $208/night), Courtyard by Marriott Waco (2.15 mi, from $173/night), and Cambria Hotel Waco Univ Riverfront (2.55 mi, from $140/night) all offer a pool and on-site dining.
Hotel Amenities & Features Pools, breakfast, pet policies, and more
Which hotels in Waco, Texas offer free breakfast?
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor (1.83 mi, from $99/night), Springhill Suites by Marriott Waco (2.43 mi, from $116/night), and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco Downtown by IHG (2.7 mi, from $122/night) include complimentary breakfast.
Which hotels in Waco, Texas offer free parking?
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor (1.83 mi, from $99/night), Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco Downtown by IHG (2.7 mi, from $122/night), and Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco (2.72 mi, from $140/night) offer complimentary parking.
Which hotels in Waco, Texas have suites or extra space?
AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown (1.67 mi, from $208/night), Aloft Waco Downtown (1.79 mi, from $111/night), and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor (1.83 mi, from $99/night) offer suite-style rooms with extra living space.
Which hotels in Waco, Texas have a full in-room kitchen?
Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco (2.72 mi, from $140/night), Element Waco (3.25 mi, from $139/night), and Candlewood Suites Waco by IHG (4.69 mi, from $84/night) offer rooms with a full kitchen — stove, full-size fridge, and dishwasher.
Which hotels in Waco, Texas have a kitchenette?
Springhill Suites by Marriott Waco (2.43 mi, from $116/night), EVEN Hotel Waco - University Area by IHG (2.59 mi, from $110/night), and Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area (3.22 mi, from $100/night) offer rooms with a kitchenette — typically a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
Ready to book in Waco?
15 hotels to choose from. Lowest rate guarantee, flexible cancellation on most rooms, and a support team that gets sports travel.