Hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau, Wisconsin
Hotels near Wausau, Wisconsin
Swipe to find hotels on the map.
- 1
Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
- 2
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wausau
- 3
Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau
- 4
Courtyard by Marriott Wausau
- 5
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Central Wisconsin Airport
- 6
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Antigo by IHG
- 7
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wausau by IHG
- 8
Best Western Plus Wausau / Rothschild Hotel
- 9
AmericInn by Wyndham Merrill
- 10
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Wausau, WI
- 11
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn
- 12
Comfort Inn & Suites Weston - Wausau
- 13
Holiday Inn & Suites Wausau-Rothschild by IHG
- 14
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Merrill
- 15
Best Western Wittenberg Inn
Booking with a group?
9+ rooms unlocks group rates — save up to 70%, everyone pays separately.
Which hotel fits best?
Best brands for team travel and amenities that actually matter.
What's around Wausau?
Where to stay, what to eat, and what to do between events.
15 Hotels in Wausau
Multiple hotel sources, one search — rates you won't find on a single booking site.
Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
Hilton Hotels & Resorts delivers the coordinated hospitality that keeps traveling groups organized and everyone moving in the same direction.
- Spacious suites accommodate families spreading out after long city days
- In-room coffee makers provide familiar comfort when exploring new cities
- Guest laundry facilities let families pack lighter for multi-night stays
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wausau
Marriott Hotels delivers the dependable foundation your group needs to stay organized and comfortable throughout your city adventure.
- Business center provides printing and planning resources for city itineraries
- Concierge desk offers local recommendations and activity planning assistance
- Business center with printing services for city maps and itineraries
Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau
This Hilton Hotels & Resorts property delivers the coordination and comfort that keeps traveling groups focused on their city experience rather than logistics.
- Indoor pool provides familiar recreation when exploring feels overwhelming
- Spacious suites with separate living areas for group gatherings and planning
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates one meal decision in an unfamiliar city
Courtyard by Marriott Wausau
For tournaments demanding flawless group coordination, Marriott offers the dependable foundation that eliminates travel stress.
- 24-hour front desk provides local guidance when exploring new areas
- Indoor pool provides reliable family entertainment regardless of weather
- Blackout curtains ensure quality sleep despite unfamiliar street sounds outside
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
Cobblestone Hotels provides the structured foundation that keeps traveling groups connected, informed, and moving together throughout their city stay.
- Guest laundry facilities support extended stays without overpacking requirements
- Connecting rooms keep families together while maintaining separate spaces
- Free WiFi keeps everyone connected for navigation and communication
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Antigo by IHG
Holiday Inn Express delivers the reliable coordination hub your group needs to stay organized and energized throughout your city stay.
- Indoor corridors provide secure navigation especially during late arrivals or departures
- Indoor pool provides familiar recreation when exploring new surroundings
- Free WiFi keeps everyone connected during multi-day city visits
Booking 9+ rooms in Wausau? Get group rates.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wausau by IHG
Holiday Inn Express offers the reliable retreat your team can count on for regrouping and recharging between city activities.
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in an unfamiliar city
- Free parking removes the stress of navigating downtown parking challenges
- Meeting space offers private gathering areas for trip planning discussions
Best Western Plus Wausau / Rothschild Hotel
Best Western Plus offers the reliable home base that eliminates guesswork when managing teams and families in a new city.
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in an unfamiliar city
- Free WiFi keeps everyone connected for city navigation and trip coordination
- Free parking simplifies vehicle logistics in busy urban areas
AmericInn by Wyndham Merrill
AmericInn by Wyndham delivers the reliable coordination and thoughtful touches that keep traveling groups organized and energized throughout their city adventure.
- Meeting space allows groups to coordinate daily city itineraries
- Free parking removes downtown navigation stress and unexpected daily fees
- Connecting rooms keep families and teams coordinated during city stays
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Wausau, WI
Country Inn & Suites provides the reliable foundation that turns potentially chaotic group city travel into a smoothly managed operation.
- Guest laundry facilities mean lighter packing for extended city exploration trips
- Indoor pool provides familiar recreation when exploring new city neighborhoods
- Fitness center offers consistent workout routine during multi-day stays
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn
For teams navigating unfamiliar cities across multiple days, Best Western Plus provides the structured foundation that keeps plans from falling apart.
- Complimentary WiFi keeps everyone connected during busy travel days
- Free parking removes the stress of finding spots downtown
- Meeting room provides private space for group coordination and decisions
Comfort Inn & Suites Weston - Wausau
When coordinating group travel gets complex, Comfort Suites provides the dependable home base that keeps everyone aligned and rested.
- Indoor pool gives children a familiar activity in new surroundings
- Complimentary breakfast eliminates one meal decision in an unfamiliar dining landscape
- Indoor corridors provide security and comfort in an unknown area
Holiday Inn & Suites Wausau-Rothschild by IHG
Holiday Inn offers the trustworthy hospitality that lets group leaders relax, knowing every team member has what they need for the journey ahead.
- Guest laundry facilities support lighter packing for extended city stays
- Complimentary hot breakfast eliminates morning meal planning in unfamiliar territory
- Meeting space gives groups private area to plan next day's activities
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Merrill
Cobblestone Hotels creates an affordable home base where teams can regroup, recharge, and make the most of every moment in the city.
- Meeting space offers private areas for group planning and coordination
- Oversize vehicle parking accommodates vans and trailers for group travel
- Connecting rooms keep families together while maintaining privacy
Best Western Wittenberg Inn
Best Western takes the guesswork out of group accommodations, ensuring everyone has what they need for a successful trip.
- Indoor corridors shield groups from weather between room visits
- Indoor pool provides familiar recreation when exploring feels overwhelming
- Fitness center keeps routines intact during extended city stays
Wausau, Wisconsin Travel Guide
Where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
City Overview
Wausau is a mid-sized Wisconsin city of about 40,000 people that punches above its weight for sports tourism. Located in Marathon County at the heart of central Wisconsin, it's the kind of place where youth hockey tournaments fill up entire hotels and baseball complexes draw teams from across the Midwest. The city has invested heavily in sports facilities over the past two decades, making it a legitimate tournament destination.
Known primarily for its outdoor recreation culture and paper mill heritage, Wausau has evolved into a sports hub that specializes in hockey, baseball, softball, and wrestling events. The city sits along the Wisconsin River with Rib Mountain providing a scenic backdrop. Locals take their sports seriously here - this is Wisconsin, after all - and the community genuinely embraces visiting teams. Don't expect big-city amenities, but do expect well-run facilities and Midwestern hospitality that makes tournament logistics surprisingly smooth.
Getting Around
Most teams fly into Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in nearby Mosinee, just 15 minutes from downtown Wausau. It's a small regional airport with limited flights, so many groups opt for Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) - about 3 hours by car but with way more flight options and often better prices. Chicago O'Hare is 4.5 hours south if you're driving up from Illinois anyway.
Rideshare exists but it's spotty - don't count on quick Uber pickups like you would in bigger cities. Most teams rent vehicles or charter buses. Highway 51 runs right through town north-south, while Highway 29 goes east-west. Everything sports-related is within 10 minutes of downtown, and traffic is rarely an issue. Parking is free almost everywhere, which is refreshing compared to metro areas.
Where to Stay
The West Side along Business 51 is hotel central, with most chain options clustered near the Wausau Center mall area. This puts you within 5 minutes of most sports venues and restaurants. The Rib Mountain area north of town offers newer hotels with mountain views, but you'll drive 10-15 minutes to most sports facilities.
For hockey tournaments at the Marathon Park Ice Arena, stay anywhere on the west side - you're golden. Baseball and softball teams heading to Athletic Park or the Eastbay Sports Complex should also stick to the Business 51 corridor. Downtown hotels are limited but convenient if you find availability. Avoid the far east side unless your event is specifically out there - it's mostly residential and you'll be driving back and forth constantly.
Sports & Recreation
Marathon Park is the crown jewel - a massive complex with multiple ice rinks that hosts some of the biggest youth hockey tournaments in the region. The facility is top-notch with good sight lines, concessions, and plenty of parking. Athletic Park downtown features several baseball and softball diamonds that see heavy tournament use from spring through fall.
The newer Eastbay Sports Complex handles overflow baseball/softball events and has excellent field conditions. Wausau West High School and Wausau East High School both host wrestling tournaments and other indoor events with solid facilities. The University of Wisconsin-Marathon County campus occasionally hosts smaller events.
Wausau has built a reputation for running organized, on-time tournaments. Hockey is definitely the biggest draw - teams come from Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and across Wisconsin for events here. Baseball and softball tournaments typically run smoothly with good field maintenance. The city actively courts tournament business and it shows in how well things are managed.
Things to Do
Granite Peak Ski Area on Rib Mountain is the obvious choice if you're here in winter - it's one of Wisconsin's biggest ski hills and offers good downtime activities between games. Summer brings hiking trails and scenic overlooks. The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum might sound boring but actually has impressive collections that can kill an hour or two.
Sylvan Hill Park has a solid disc golf course and walking trails. Big Bull Falls downtown offers river views and is good for team photos. The Grand Theater downtown sometimes has shows worth catching. Nine Mile County Forest provides easy hiking and mountain biking if your group wants outdoor time.
For younger kids, Funset Boulevard has bowling, laser tag, and arcade games - perfect for killing time between tournament rounds. TreeTop Canopy Tours in nearby Dells offers zip-lining about 45 minutes south if you're making a weekend of it.
Food & Drink
2510 Restaurant is the upscale choice for team dinners - good steaks and decent atmosphere without being stuffy. The Mint Café serves solid American fare and can handle larger groups with advance notice. Back When Café does great breakfast and lunch if you need to fuel up before games.
For quick team meals, you've got the usual chains along Business 51 - Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Perkins. Hardee's and McDonald's are tournament parent lifesavers for grab-and-go breakfast. Rocky Rococo serves decent pizza that kids will actually eat. Culver's is always a safe bet for families.
Sconni's Alehouse has good burgers and beer for parents who need to decompress after long tournament days. El Mezcal serves reliable Mexican food with reasonable prices. The Wausau Center mall food court works for picky eaters who can't agree on anything else.
Shopping & Entertainment
Wausau Center is the main mall, though it's seen better days. Still useful for basics, a Target, and the food court. Walmart and other big boxes are clustered nearby for forgotten tournament essentials. Dick's Sporting Goods can handle emergency equipment needs.
Marcus Cinemas at the mall shows current movies - good for downtime between games or weather delays. Funset Boulevard remains the go-to entertainment complex with bowling, arcade games, and laser tag. Main Street downtown has some local shops and cafes, but it's pretty quiet.
For team dinners, most restaurants can accommodate groups of 15-20 with advance notice, but don't expect private dining rooms. Buffalo Wild Wings handles sports teams well and has enough TVs to keep everyone happy during meals.
Weather & Packing
Wisconsin weather is no joke. Winter tournaments mean serious cold - pack layers, good boots, and heavy coats. January and February regularly see subzero temperatures, and hockey rinks don't help. Spring and fall can swing 40 degrees in a day, so bring options. Summer tournaments are usually pleasant, but pack a rain jacket because afternoon storms are common.
Peak tournament season runs October through March for hockey, April through October for baseball and softball. Hotel rates spike during major tournaments, especially hockey weekends. Snow is likely November through March - not just flurries, but actual accumulation that can impact travel plans.
Most sports facilities are well-heated, but expect to spend time outside getting between buildings and vehicles. Indoor air gets dry in winter, so lip balm and lotion aren't luxury items. Summer brings mosquitoes if you're near the river areas, so bug spray is smart for outdoor events.
Local Tips
Parking is free almost everywhere, which is great, but some tournament venues fill up fast. Get to Marathon Park early for popular hockey events - the main lot fills and you'll be walking from overflow areas. Most sports facilities have good cell service, but don't count on strong WiFi for streaming games to grandparents back home.
Gas up before leaving town if you're driving to other cities - rural Wisconsin has fewer stations than you'd expect. Local restaurants often close earlier than in bigger cities, especially on Sundays. Chain hotels usually include breakfast, which is clutch for early morning games.
Wausau is safe and people are genuinely friendly, but it's still a real city - use basic street smarts downtown after dark. Tipping 18-20% is standard at sit-down restaurants. Many places are cash-friendly but cards work everywhere. Download offline maps if you're relying on GPS - cell coverage can get spotty in rural areas between Wausau and other cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions travelers ask before booking in Wausau — answered with the specifics you actually need.
Questions Travelers Ask What people want to know before booking in Wausau
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin are good for families?
Several hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin are well-suited for families. Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night), Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau (3.04 mi, from $236/night), and Courtyard by Marriott Wausau (3.15 mi, from $227/night) all offer suites, connecting rooms, a pool, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin are good for team or group travel?
Several hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin accommodate team and group travel. Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Central Wisconsin Airport (19.56 mi, from $103/night), Cobblestone Inn & Suites Merrill (24.33 mi, from $89/night), and Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night) all offer meeting space, complimentary breakfast, and on-site laundry. Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Central Wisconsin Airport also has bus or oversized vehicle parking. Cobblestone Inn & Suites Merrill also has bus or oversized vehicle parking.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin are great for a weekend getaway?
Several hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin are ideal for a weekend getaway. Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau (3.04 mi, from $236/night), Courtyard by Marriott Wausau (3.15 mi, from $227/night), and Hilton Garden Inn Wausau (3.99 mi, from $198/night) all offer a pool and on-site dining.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin are good for business travelers?
Several hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin cater to business travelers. Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night), Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau (3.04 mi, from $236/night), and Courtyard by Marriott Wausau (3.15 mi, from $227/night) all offer free Wi-Fi, meeting space, and a fitness center.
Are there upscale or luxury hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin?
Several upscale hotels are available in Wausau, Wisconsin. Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau (3.04 mi, from $236/night), Courtyard by Marriott Wausau (3.15 mi, from $227/night), and Hilton Garden Inn Wausau (3.99 mi, from $198/night) all offer on-site dining, room service, and a pool.
Hotel Amenities & Features Pools, breakfast, pet policies, and more
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin offer free breakfast?
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night), Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Wausau, WI (5.77 mi, from $89/night), and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wausau by IHG (8.3 mi, from $142/night) include complimentary breakfast.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin offer free parking?
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night), Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Wausau, WI (5.77 mi, from $89/night), and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wausau by IHG (8.3 mi, from $142/night) offer complimentary parking.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin have suites or extra space?
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night), Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau (3.04 mi, from $236/night), and Courtyard by Marriott Wausau (3.15 mi, from $227/night) offer suite-style rooms with extra living space.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin have a kitchenette?
Comfort Inn & Suites Weston - Wausau (8.7 mi, from $79/night), Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Central Wisconsin Airport (19.56 mi, from $103/night), and Cobblestone Inn & Suites Merrill (24.33 mi, from $89/night) offer rooms with a kitchenette — typically a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
Which hotels in Wausau, Wisconsin have laundry facilities?
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn (2.3 mi, from $109/night), Hampton Inn by Hilton Wausau (3.04 mi, from $236/night), and Courtyard by Marriott Wausau (3.15 mi, from $227/night) have guest laundry facilities on-site.
Ready to book in Wausau?
15 hotels to choose from. Lowest rate guarantee, flexible cancellation on most rooms, and a support team that gets sports travel.