The Best Hotels in SEC College Towns

By Jenna Sims
October 04, 2019
Robbie Caponetto
If you’re traveling to cheer on your favorite football team this fall, whether it’s a home or away game, make your weekend more enjoyable by booking a stay at one of these charming hotels in the college towns of the SEC. While these towns are often known for the universities (and football teams) that call them home, there is much more to see, eat, and do before and after the big game. Make the most of your road trip by staying a couple of nights to explore all that these Southern cities have to offer. And if you aren't making a trip during football season, these college towns make for great weekend getaways year-round. 
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Traveling to an SEC College Town? Book a Stay at These Charming Hotels

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The Graduate: Athens, GA

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

The Graduate will allow you to make the most of your weekend in Athens. Whether you're an alumnus returning to relive the glory days or you're new to the UGA scene, this pet-friendly hotel offers complementary bike rentals and shuttles that can be arranged at the front desk so you can make the most of your visit. 

Book It: graduatehotels.com

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The Hotel at Auburn University: Auburn, AL

Credit: Thomas Watkins Photography

Located on campus and owned by the university, The Hotel at Auburn University is the front door to campus. You'll have a front row to all pre-and-post-game activities that the city has to offer as it's just a short walk to Jordan-Hare Stadium and one block from Toomer’s Corner. 

Book It: auhcc.com

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The Cook Hotel: Baton Rouge, LA

Credit: Don Kadair

Owned by the LSU Alumni Association, The Cook Hotel and Conference Center encourages alumni to continue to be engaged with their alma mater. Throughout the hotel purple and gold decor will make guests and alumni feel at home in the heart of Baton Rouge. 

Book It: thecookhotel.com

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The George: College Station, TX

Credit: The George

Located in Century Square across from the campus of Texas A&M, The George has 162 rustic guest rooms and community gatherings spaces throughout. The name is a nod to the Georges throughout history, including President George H. Bush. 

Book It: thegeorgetexas.com

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The Tiger Hotel: Columbia, MO

Credit: Benjamin J. Hedrick/The Tiger Hotel

Built in 1928, The Tiger Hotel stands in the heart of Columbia, Missouri, conveniently located just a few steps from the campus of The University of Missouri at Columbia. The 62-room hotel is conveniently located near the city's best shops, restaurants, and bars. 

Book It: thetigerhotel.com

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The Graduate: Columbia, SC

Credit: The Graduate

In late August 2019, Graduate Columbia opened its doors as the newest member of the collection of university-anchored hotels. The 119-room hotel is located on Pendleton Street in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina. 

Book It: graduatehotels.com

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Inn at Carnall Hall: Fayetteville, AR

Credit: Joe Vaughn

Originally built as a dorm in 1905, The Inn at Carnall Hall reopened its doors in 2003 after an extensive renovation. Since then it has served as a place for guests to gather and enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of the campus while sipping sweet tea on the front porch. 

Book it: innatcarnallhall.com

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Aloft: Gainesville, FL

Credit: Aloft Gainesville

The Aloft in Gainesville is just 10 minutes away from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, making it ideal for a weekend getaway to cheer on the Florida Gators. Each of the 146 guest rooms is outfitted with Aloft’s signature comfortable beds and a walk-in shower.

Book It: marriot.com

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The Tennessean: Knoxville, TN

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

This luxurious 82-room hotel was voted the South's Best in 2018. Book a room for your next trip to cheer on the Vols at Neyland Stadium for a game day experience you won't soon forget. 

Book It: thetennesseanhotel.com

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The Campbell House: Lexington, KY

Credit: The Campbell House

Plenty of Southern charm awaits at The Campbell House in Lexington, Kentucky, in the heart of horse country. 

Book It: hilton.com

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Aertson Hotel: Nashville, TN

Credit: Kimpton Aertson Hotel

Located just steps from Vanderbilt’s campus, this boutique hotel offers a sophisticated option for game day visitors complete with a rooftop that overlooks the campus. In addition to being close to the school, Aertson is also centrally located near many of the best restaurants and live music that Nashville has to offer. 

Book It: aertsonhotel.com

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The Z Bed & Breakfast: Oxford, MS

Credit: @erinaustenabbott

Start out your game day with a fresh Southern breakfast and then stroll to the square to do a little shopping before the big game. Reservations fill up when Ole Miss is playing in town, so you'll want to make sure to book your stay as early as possible. 

Book It: thez-oxford.com

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Historic Hotel Chester: Starkville, MS

Credit: Cary Jobe

Welcoming guests since 1925, Hotel Chester is nestled among the streets of historic downtown Starkville. The property brings together historic charm with contemporary amenities to create an atmosphere that you won't want to leave, except for when you head to cheer on the Bulldogs. 

Book It: historichotelchester.com

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Hotel Capstone: Tuscaloosa, AL

Credit: Hotel Capstone

Hotel Capstone is a 150-room full-service hotel that's located on the campus of The University of Alabama offering plenty of Southern hospitality and nods to the Crimson Tide throughout. 

Book It: hotelcapstone.com

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