Burlington sits on a hillside sloping toward Lake Champlain, with the Adirondacks filling the horizon across the water and a walkable downtown packed into a few tight blocks. That compactness is the whole trick to choosing among Burlington VT hotels: a genuinely central address puts Church Street, the waterfront, and the University of Vermont within a short walk or a five-minute drive, while a South Burlington base trades that energy for parking, kitchens, and lower rates. This ranked guide covers nine properties, from a design-led flagship to a boutique bed and breakfast and a cluster of suite hotels near the airport, with honest trade-offs and clear guidance on who each one actually suits.
The 9 best Burlington VT hotels at a glance
- Hotel Vermont. Best for design-led, locally minded downtown stays: a Vermont-rooted flagship a short walk from Church Street.
- AC Hotel Burlington. Best for a brand-new stay steps from the action: a 2025-built Marriott right beside Church Street Marketplace.
- Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection by Hilton. Best for lake views: the closest big hotel to the waterfront, with panoramic-view rooms.
- Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown. Best for families who want a pool downtown: central address plus an indoor pool and airport shuttle.
- Blind Tiger Burlington. Best for couples: a small boutique near UVM with individually styled rooms.
- Green Mountain Suites Hotel. Best for longer stays: full-kitchen suites, free breakfast, and a pool in South Burlington.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington. Best for all-suite value near the airport: kitchens, free breakfast, and a 24-hour shuttle.
- Holiday Inn Express South Burlington Downtown by IHG. Best for budget travelers: the lowest starting rate here, with free breakfast and parking.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont. Best for groups and events: a large four-star property with a conference center next to UVM.
| Hotel | Best for | Area | Distance to Church Street Marketplace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Vermont | Design-led downtown | Downtown Burlington | A short walk |
| AC Hotel Burlington | Newest downtown build | Downtown Burlington | Steps away |
| Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection | Lake views | Downtown / waterfront | About a 6-minute walk |
| Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown | Families, pool | Downtown Burlington | About a 3-minute walk |
| Blind Tiger Burlington | Couples, boutique | Near UVM / Champlain College | About 0.7 mi |
| Green Mountain Suites Hotel | Extended stays | South Burlington | About 2.5 mi |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington | All-suite value | South Burlington | About 1.8 mi |
| Holiday Inn Express South Burlington | Budget | South Burlington | About 2.1 mi |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont | Groups, events | South Burlington | About 1.4 mi |
1. Hotel Vermont
This is the property to put in front of anyone who wants to feel the city rather than a chain lobby. Hotel Vermont roots itself in the state, from the Juniper restaurant and bar that focus on local sourcing to the free bikes for riding down to the lake. The location works hard: you are a short walk from Church Street Marketplace and roughly eight minutes on foot from Waterfront Park. Rooms are calm and well-kept, with refrigerators, rainfall showers, and contactless check-in that works. It tops the guest scores on this list.
Why it makes the list: it pairs a genuinely central downtown address with a distinctive, place-forward design that no other property here matches.
Key features:
- Short walk to Church Street Marketplace
- Juniper restaurant and bar with a local-cuisine focus
- Free bikes on site and a 24-hour fitness center
- Contactless check-in and check-out
- Covered self-parking and valet (both paid)
Pros:
- Best location for walking anywhere
- Strong, consistent guest reviews
- Character you cannot fake with a rebrand
Cons:
- Sits at the premium end of downtown pricing
- Parking is paid, with height restrictions in the garage
- No on-site pool
2. AC Hotel Burlington
If you want the newest room in town, this is it. AC Hotel Burlington opened in 2025 as a Marriott lifestyle property, and it shows in the details that work operationally: 55-inch smart TVs, fast in-room WiFi, mobile room keys, and a spare European-influenced aesthetic that skips clutter. It sits essentially on top of Church Street Marketplace, one of the closest addresses to the pedestrian core, and a roughly ten-minute walk gets you to Waterfront Park. There is a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a bar, plus a 24-hour fitness center. It is well rated, though with a young property the review count is still building.
Why it makes the list: it is the freshest build downtown and the tightest walk to Church Street of any hotel here.
Key features:
- Steps from Church Street Marketplace
- Opened 2025 with smart TVs and mobile keys
- On-site restaurant, cafe, and bar
- 24-hour fitness center and business center
- Pet-friendly (fee applies)
Pros:
- Newest rooms and tech of any pick here
- Unbeatable proximity to the pedestrian mall
- LGBTQ+ friendly and dog-friendly
Cons:
- Thin review history so far
- Valet parking only, at a charge
- No pool
3. Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection by Hilton
For the lake itself, this is the play. Hotel Champlain is the largest downtown property on this list and the closest to the water, a five-minute walk from the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center and Waterfront Park. The building dates to 1976 and wears a Curio Collection identity now, with lake-view and panoramic-view rooms, 24-hour room service, a sauna, and Lily May's Cafe on site. Ask for a higher floor on the lake side and you get one of the best sunset angles in the city. It draws a large volume of guest reviews and rates solidly.
Why it makes the list: no other big hotel here puts you this close to Lake Champlain, with actual lake-view rooms to book.
Key features:
- Five-minute walk to the waterfront and ECHO Center
- Lake-view and panoramic-view room categories
- 24-hour room service and a sauna
- Extensive conference and meeting space
- Free bikes on site
Pros:
- Closest large hotel to the lake
- Real view rooms worth paying up for
- Deep amenity set for a downtown property
Cons:
- A nightly resort fee applies
- Pool and hot tub are frequently closed, so do not book for the water
- 1970s bones mean rooms vary; the score sits a notch below the top picks here
Book a lake-view room on a higher floor facing west. Lake Champlain runs along the hotel’s west side, so those rooms get the sunset over the water and the Adirondacks, while city-view rooms look back over the parking and downtown.
4. Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
Families get the most practical downtown base here. Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown is one of the few central hotels with an indoor pool, and it pairs that with a complimentary airport shuttle and rooms built for spreading out, each with a refrigerator and microwave. You are a three-minute walk from Church Street and about six from Waterfront Park, with City Hall Park essentially at the door. There is an on-site restaurant and bar, plus lake-view rooms and suites if you want the upgrade. It pulls a large review volume and rates well.
Why it makes the list: it is the most practical downtown base for families, combining an indoor pool, a shuttle, and a walkable location.
Key features:
- Three-minute walk to Church Street Marketplace
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle
- In-room refrigerator and microwave
- Armory Grill and Bar on site
Pros:
- Rare downtown indoor pool
- Free airport shuttle is a real cost saver
- Roomy, functional layouts
Cons:
- A small nightly destination fee applies
- In-room WiFi upgrade and valet parking both cost extra
- Corporate feel rather than local character
5. Blind Tiger Burlington
For a couples' trip, this is the most distinctive stay in the city. Blind Tiger Burlington is a small boutique bed and breakfast with individually decorated rooms, some with fireplaces, soaking tubs, or lake and garden views. It sits near the University of Vermont and Champlain College, about a fifteen-minute walk from Church Street, and includes a complimentary continental breakfast and free self-parking. It is highly rated, matching the top guest scores on this list, and the intimate scale means service feels personal.
Why it makes the list: it is the only true boutique bed and breakfast here, and its guest scores are among the highest in Burlington.
Key features:
- An intimate collection of individually styled rooms
- Free continental breakfast and free self-parking
- Select rooms with fireplaces or soaking tubs
- Garden and concierge service
Pros:
- Genuine character and personal service
- Free parking, which is scarce downtown
- Top-tier guest ratings
Cons:
- Priciest starting rate on this list
- No elevator and limited front-desk hours
- A walk or short drive from the downtown core
6. Green Mountain Suites Hotel
When the trip runs long or the group needs a kitchen, this is the value pick. Green Mountain Suites Hotel in South Burlington is all suites, each with a full kitchen, plus a free buffet breakfast, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a complimentary airport shuttle. It runs on solar power with genuine eco credentials, and free self-parking removes a downtown headache. You are about a five-minute drive from the University of Vermont and University Mall, and roughly 2.5 miles from Church Street. It draws a very large review volume and rates strongly, which is rare for a suite hotel at this price.
Why it makes the list: full-kitchen suites, free breakfast, and a pool make it the standout for families and extended stays.
Key features:
- Full kitchens with full-size refrigerators and stovetops
- Free buffet breakfast and evening reception on select days
- Indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center
- Complimentary airport shuttle and free self-parking
- Solar-powered with eco-friendly toiletries and composting
Pros:
- Excellent value for space and inclusions
- Kitchens cut dining costs on longer trips
- Consistently high guest scores
Cons:
- A car is recommended from this location
- About 2.5 miles from the downtown scene
- Suburban setting lacks walkable nightlife
7. Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington
Another strong all-suite option, this one closest to the airport. Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington sits in South Burlington, connected to a shopping center and about a two-minute drive from the University of Vermont. Every unit has a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and a double sofa bed, and the rate includes a free breakfast, an indoor pool and hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center, and a free 24-hour airport shuttle. Free self-parking rounds it out. It is well rated across a solid base of reviews and runs like the dependable Hilton extended-stay brand it is.
Why it makes the list: it delivers reliable all-suite comfort with a round-the-clock airport shuttle, ideal for flexible arrivals.
Key features:
- Suites with full kitchens and sofa beds
- Free breakfast daily
- Indoor pool, hot tub, and 24-hour fitness center
- Free 24-hour airport shuttle
- Free self-parking and grocery-shopping service
Pros:
- Very close to the airport with a 24-hour shuttle
- Kitchens and free breakfast lower total spend
- Pet-friendly
Cons:
- About 1.8 miles from downtown
- Shopping-center setting is purely functional
- Pet fee is on the higher side
8. Holiday Inn Express South Burlington Downtown by IHG
The budget anchor of this list lands here. Holiday Inn Express South Burlington Downtown carries the lowest starting rate of any property here and still covers the basics: a free buffet breakfast, free self-parking, a fitness center, and fast in-room WiFi. It is the closest hotel to Burlington International Airport, about a five-minute drive from the University of Vermont, and roughly 2.1 miles from Church Street. Rooms are straightforward and clean rather than stylish. It rates solidly across a large review base, which is what you want from a value stay.
Why it makes the list: it is the most affordable pick and the nearest to the airport, with free breakfast and parking included.
Key features:
- Lowest starting rate on this list
- Free buffet breakfast and free self-parking
- Closest hotel to Burlington International Airport
- Fitness center and 24-hour business center
- Pet-friendly (fee applies)
Pros:
- Best price-to-basics ratio here
- Free parking and breakfast included
- Easy airport access
Cons:
- A small nightly resort fee applies
- No pool
- Farthest, plainest option for a downtown-focused trip
9. DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont
For groups, weddings, and conferences, this four-star property has the scale. DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont in South Burlington pairs a genuinely large room count with a sizable conference center, two restaurants, an indoor pool, and free self-parking. It is a four-minute walk from the University of Vermont and about a three-minute drive to Champlain College, roughly 1.4 miles from Church Street. Sustainability is baked in here, from a grey-water recycling system to locally sourced food and renewable electricity. It is well rated across a very large review base and is genuinely pet-friendly.
Why it makes the list: it is the only four-star property here and the clear choice for events, groups, and anyone who wants full-service scale.
Key features:
- Conference center with 14 meeting rooms
- Two on-site restaurants and a bar
- Indoor pool and fitness center
- Free self-parking and ski storage
- Strong sustainability program
Pros:
- Best equipped for groups and events
- Four-minute walk to UVM
- Serious eco credentials
Cons:
- A small nightly destination fee applies
- Indoor pool is closed on weekdays
- Large scale can feel impersonal
How to choose among Burlington VT hotels
The decision usually comes down to four questions. Answer them honestly and the shortlist gets very short.
Downtown walkability or suburban value
If you want the city outside your door, stay downtown. Hotel Vermont, AC Hotel Burlington, Hotel Champlain, and Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown all put you within a few minutes' walk of Church Street Marketplace. If you would rather have a kitchen, free parking, and a lower rate, the South Burlington cluster wins. Scan the suburban picks among South Burlington hotels, and keep the downtown cluster in mind if walkability is the priority.
Budget and total cost
Sticker rate is only half the story. A downtown room with a paid garage and a resort fee can cost more per night than it looks, while Holiday Inn Express, Green Mountain Suites, and Homewood Suites bundle free parking and free breakfast that quietly lower the real total. On a longer trip, the full kitchens at Green Mountain Suites and Homewood Suites cut restaurant spending further.
Traveler type
Couples should look at Blind Tiger Burlington for its intimate, boutique feel. Families do best at Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown or the suite hotels with pools. Groups and event planners want DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont. Design-minded solo travelers and weekenders will be happiest at Hotel Vermont or AC Hotel Burlington.
Season and timing
Vermont's fall foliage typically peaks from late September into mid-October, and Burlington fills up fast in that window, so book early and expect the top rates of the year. Summer brings the waterfront and the eight-mile lakeside bike path into play, while winter draws skiers who use the city as a base. Whatever the season, you can widen the net across stays throughout Vermont if Burlington itself is sold out.
For a first visit, stay downtown and walk everywhere: Hotel Vermont for character, AC Hotel for the newest rooms, or Hotel Champlain for the lake view. If value and space matter more than walkability, base yourself in South Burlington at Green Mountain Suites or Homewood Suites and drive the ten minutes into town.
FAQ
Where are the best Burlington VT hotels located?
The best-located options are downtown, within a few minutes' walk of Church Street Marketplace and the Lake Champlain waterfront. Hotel Vermont, AC Hotel Burlington, Hotel Champlain, and Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown all sit in this walkable core. South Burlington properties are a five- to ten-minute drive out but offer free parking, kitchens, and lower rates.
Which Burlington hotel is closest to Lake Champlain?
Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection by Hilton is the closest large hotel to the lake, about a five-minute walk from Waterfront Park and the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. It also offers dedicated lake-view and panoramic-view rooms, which is unusual among the city's hotels.
What is the best hotel in Burlington for families?
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown is the strongest family choice in the center of town, thanks to its indoor pool, complimentary airport shuttle, and rooms with a refrigerator and microwave. For more space, the all-suite Green Mountain Suites Hotel and Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington both add full kitchens and pools in South Burlington.
Are there budget hotels in Burlington, Vermont?
Yes. Holiday Inn Express South Burlington Downtown by IHG has the lowest starting rate among these picks and includes a free buffet breakfast and free self-parking. Green Mountain Suites and Homewood Suites also deliver strong value by bundling breakfast, parking, and kitchens.
How far is Burlington International Airport from downtown?
Burlington International Airport is only a short drive from downtown, roughly four to six miles depending on the route. Several hotels, including Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown, Homewood Suites, Green Mountain Suites, and DoubleTree, offer a complimentary airport shuttle, and the South Burlington hotels sit closest to the terminal.
When is the best time to visit Burlington?
Fall is the marquee season, with Vermont foliage typically peaking from late September into mid-October, though it also brings the highest hotel rates and the earliest sellouts. Summer is ideal for the waterfront and the eight-mile lakeside bike path, while winter suits travelers using Burlington as a ski base.
This guide is based on each hotel's published rates and amenities, official property information, and guest review data.
Ready to lock in your dates? Search Burlington stays and compare guest reviews, hotel videos, and Best Price Guaranteed rates on HotelsOne, with no reservation fees.
Sources: Hotel Vermont, AC Hotel Burlington, Hotel Champlain Burlington, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown, Blind Tiger Burlington, Green Mountain Suites Hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington, Holiday Inn Express South Burlington Downtown by IHG, DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont, Policies – Blind Tiger Burlington | Blind Tiger Burlington | Lark Hotels, Holiday Inn Express South Burlington – Downtown by IHG Pet Policy, Burlington | Champlain Valley, Lake, City | Britannica, Geography of Vermont, Lake Champlain | Burlington VT
