Where to Stay in Springfield – A Guide to the “City of Firsts”
Springfield is the third-most populous city in the state of Massachusetts. Located 90 miles west of Boston, Springfield is nicknamed the “City of the First” and is famous for being one of the country’s most important innovation centers. In this city, things like the first gas-powered vehicle or the first mechanized lathe in the country were patented. In this post, we’ll explore the best areas to stay in Springfield, Massachusetts.
From an architectural perspective, Springfield stands out for its beautiful collection of Victorian buildings scattered throughout its historic neighborhoods. Its main cultural attractions also include the museums of “The Quadrangle,” a group of cultural institutions in the city center. See accommodation in Downtown Springfield, MA.
Springfield is also famous for its major fair, the Eastern States Exposition, or “Big E,” which is held every year on the second Friday after Labor Day and has a duration of seventeen days. It is the most important agro-industrial expo on the East Coast and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
For theme park lovers, Six Flags New England is located in Springfield, MA. Founded in the early 20th century as Riverside Park, its most famous attraction is Superman: The Ride, a roller coaster.
In addition to beautiful architecture, agricultural fairs, and amusement parks, Springfield is famous for being the birthplace of Basketball and home to The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, dedicated to promoting and preserving basketball history. See accommodation around the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Like other New England cities, Springfield is characterized by its continental climate with warm summers and four distinctive seasons. Winters are very cold with heavy snowfalls. Temperatures in January fluctuate between 18 and 35ºF. During the summer, the thermal amplitude is usually around 63-85ºF (17-29ºC). The best time to travel to Springfield, Massachusetts, is from late spring to early fall (May through October).
To get to Springfield by air, the best options are the regional airports of Hartford (13 miles away), Providence (65 miles away), or Albany (77 miles away). For a wider offer, Boston Logan International Airport is located 83 miles away. Springfield also has excellent train connections with cities such as Hartford or New York. See train routes, schedules & fares.
Springfield has a commuter train system on the CT Hartford Line and a bus network. The city center is compact enough to get around on foot. For off-center attractions like Six Flags or the Basketball Hall of Fame, you may need to rent a car or use a taxi or Uber.
The best area to stay in Springfield is Downtown. This lively area close to the museums is home to the best nightlife and the best accommodation options. See accommodation in Downtown Springfield, MA.
Alternatively, the area around the Basketball Hall of Fame is also a great location.
Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in Springfield, MA.
Featuring a casino and bar, MGM Springfield is located in Springfield, less than 1 km from the Springfield Museum. The hotel is about an 11-minute walk from the Basketball Hall of Fame and 500 meters from the MassMutual Center. There are several places to eat, including a 24-hour restaurant.
The Best Areas to Stay in Springfield
1. Recommended area: Metro Center (Downtown Springfield)
Downtown Springfield, known also as Metro Center, is, as you might expect, the heart of the city.
This area is home to the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes.
From a tourist point of view, the main attractions in this area include The Quadrangle, a collection of local museums that includes Dr. Seuss Museum, dedicated to the famous children’s writer, creator of beloved characters like the Grinch, Cat in the Hat, and The Lorax.
Getting around downtown and to other areas of Springfield is easy thanks to the city’s Central Station. This historical building is Springfield’s primary bus and rail hub.
Downtown Springfield is also home to the Armory National Historic Site, George Washington’s main armory from which firearms emerged to serve the nation for nearly 200 years.
The MassMutual Center is a hockey arena and concert venue.
Downtown Springfield is one of the best areas to stay for its variety of tourist attractions, places to eat, and public transport connections.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Springfield, MA:
- Best area for tourists
- Wide range of accommodation
- Great restaurants
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Holiday Inn Express – Springfield Downtown
Holiday Inn Express – Springfield Downtown offers accommodation in Springfield. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. There is also a bar.
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Luxury
MGM Springfield
Featuring a casino and bar, MGM Springfield is located in Springfield, less than 0.6 miles from the Springfield Museum. The hotel is about an 11-minute walk from the Basketball Hall of Fame and 0.6 miles from the MassMutual Center. There are several places to eat, including a 24-hour restaurant.
2. South End (Near the Basketball Hall of Fame)
Springfield’s South End is located, as its name suggests, south of the city center, along the Connecticut River.
This neighborhood is known primarily for hosting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
This site is one of the most important sports attractions in the country.
Located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, it is considered the most comprehensive basketball museum in the world.
While the Basketball Hall of Fame is a place for all types of travelers, nearby Forest Park is a great place for families. Here, you can sea different species of wildlife and enjoy the fireworks shows during the night.
Inside the huge park there is a small zoo with different species of animals.
South End is one of the best areas to stay in Springfield, especially for basketball fans.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Springfield, MA:
- Basketball Hall of Fame
- Forest Park
- Close to Downtown
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, MA
The Hilton Garden Inn Springfield is located 5 miles from Six Flags in New England. It offers 2 restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and rooms with cable TV with HBO and video games on demand.
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Budget
Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield Downtown
The Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield Downtown is a 3-star property located in Springfield. The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center and 24-hour reception.
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