The city of Lowell is credited with being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and also the first city to use telephone numbers in 1880 after Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. Downtown Lowell reflects the city’s history with its cobblestone streets and old mill buildings but there’s not much to see here. Lowell doesn’t figure on the tourist maps, so predictably, hotels in Lowell Massachusetts (MA) are limited.
Many visitors to the city are here to visit the University of Massachusetts Lowell and prefer driving up from Boston which is just a little over 30 minutes by road. If you plan to base yourself in Boston, check out our list of top 10 things to do in Boston to keep you busy.
Where to Stay in Lowell, MA
There are eight distinct neighborhoods in Lowell with the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass), North Campus located in the northwestern portion of the city called Pawtucketville.
Downtown is where you’ll find much of Lowell’s history. Though there are distinct neighborhoods in the city, hotels in Lowell, Massachusetts are in short supply. One of the only good hotels in Lowell Massachusetts (MA), Courtyard by Marriott is located close to the UMass campus.
Since there are no hotels in the city center as such, a good idea would be to stay at hotels near Lowell, Massachusetts. Chelmsford is hardly a 10-minute drive away. Another good alternative is Tewksbury or historic Andover about 15 to 18 minutes away. However, if you prefer driving down from Boston, you’ll have wider options. The best hotels in Boston range from the top-end hotels to more affordable, luxury boutique hotels. So do the best hotels in Provincetown.
Courtyard Boston Lowell/Chelmsford
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One of the only good hotels in Lowell Massachusetts is the Courtyard by Marriott. It’s a good choice if you want to be close to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. You’ll also find the Whistler House Museum of Art and Lowell Memorial Auditorium closeby.
The three-star hotel stands out with its brick façade that resembles a sprawling townhouse. The rooms here are clean and comfortable with plush bedding and a range of amenities that you would expect from a Marriott property. If you’re looking for larger space, the Junior or one bed-room suites are good options. All en suite bathrooms feature a bathtub.
A good place to begin your day is at The Bistro that serves refreshing breakfast choices including Starbucks coffee. Dinner, wine, and beer are also served at the on-site restaurant. Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor seasonal pool with loungers and umbrellas, and a business center.
Best Western Plus Chelmsford Inn
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Bordering the city of Lowell is the town of Chelmsford which is a good base if you’re looking for hotels in Lowell, Massachusetts. Best Western Plus Chelmsford Inn is one of the best hotels in this area. It’s just off the highway and about a 10-minute drive to the city center of Lowell from here.o far away.
It’s quite clear that the hotel caters to guests who are here for business or in transit. The usual markings of the Best Western brand are evident but there’s nothing spectacular about it. The rooms are clean and comfortable with a range of amenities such as a Keurig coffee maker, TV, and toiletries.
Guests are treated to a complimentary buffet breakfast which is a pretty good spread. You’ll find snack vending machines on the first floor and a restaurant adjoining the parking lot plus an onsite cocktail lounge. A large swimming pool with plenty of lounging space and a fitness center are also available for guests.
Fairfield Inn Tewksbury
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Tewksbury is another town that’s about 15 minutes away from Lowell, on the opposite side of Chelmsworth. Hotels in Lowell Massachusetts are in short supply so this town is another good place to stay at if you’re in Lowell for business. There are quite a few good hotels in the Tewksbury/Andover area to choose from and the Fairfield Inn is one of them. There are a few restaurants nearby but if you want more options, Lowell is a short drive away.
This Marriott property has all the comforts that you’ll need for a stress-free stay. Spacious comfortable rooms feature the standard decor of this particular brand. Rooms come with a good range of amenities such as a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and microwave plus a sturdy desk where you can work peacefully. The spacious suites come with separate living rooms and a wet bar.
Breakfast is free at the hotel but other than that there’s no onsite restaurant for other meals. For those who like to stay on top of their exercise regime, there’s a fitness center and an outdoor pool on site.
Holiday Inn Express Chelmsford
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Just off I-495, you’ll find the Holiday In Express, another hotel in Chelmsford that’s a good option for someone looking for hotels in Lowell, Ma. From the hotel, UMass Lowell and Tsongas Arena are a short drive away. The Boston metro is also just down the road from here. The hotel also suits business travelers as its close to local corporate headquarters also plus it has a meeting room and onsite business center.
Guestrooms feature blackout shades, an iPod docking station with radio, a min-refrigerator, and coffee/tea making facilities, to name a few. En suite bathrooms come with a bathtub and separate walk-in shower.
A complimentary breakfast is served at the main level of the hotel adjacent to the front desk. There are no other onsite dining options but guests can get food delivered from an off-site restaurant. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center and a small indoor pool.
Element Chelmsford
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Chelmsford which is about 10 minutes from Lowell has quite a few good hotel options to suit different budgets. Element Chelmsford is one such hotel that puts you close to local attractions, restaurants, and Lowell. With its clean, modern design it’s one of the best hotels near Lowell, Massachusetts.
The hotel’s design is inspired by the natural surroundings of Massachusetts, with a holistic approach in mind. There’s plenty of glass all around, which means that the interiors are nice and bright. Spacious guest rooms receive plenty of natural light through eco-friendly windows that also reflect heat. Each room also comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a wide range of amenities. Marriott’s signature Heavenly Bed ensures you’ll be well-rested.
Like most hotels in the area, breakfast is included in the rate. There’s also a bar and restaurant on-site for other dining options. A heated indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center complete the amenities at the hotel.
Sonesta ES Suites
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Another good area for those looking for hotels near Lowell, Massachusetts is the historic town of Andover. It’s a little further away from Tewksbury but takes about 18 minutes to get to Lowell from here. One of the best hotels along the I-495 business corridor is Sonesta ES Suites. This all-suite property is an excellent choice for families or those looking for an extended stay.
Studios and one and two-bedroom apartments are homely with fully equipped kitchens and roomy work areas. The newly renovated rooms feel fresh and comfortable with a good range of modern comforts.
Outside the rooms also you’ll find quite a few amenities to keep you busy. The seasonal outdoor pool and fitness area are good places to begin your day. After your morning workout, head to The Dish for a complimentary grab, and go breakfast. If you just want to hang out, The Nest, a new twist on the family room is a good place. You’ll find quite a few comfortable meeting spaces too if you want to set up a meeting.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Lowell, Ma:
- Good Thymes – This restaurant is one of the best places for families. From light items to comfort food, you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh foods and specials every day.
- Olympia Restaurant – Located in the historic district of Lowell, the landmark restaurant has been here since 1952. You can enjoy traditional Greek specialties or American favorites.
- The Old Court Irish Pub And Restaurant – If you’re looking for the authentic Irish pub and restaurant experience you’ll find it at this venue in downtown Lowell. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves the best in contemporary American cuisine and traditional Irish classics.
Recommended Activities In Lowell, Ma:
- Lowell National Historical Park – Lowell is said to be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and what better way to experience this history than to take a stroll or boat ride through the different historic sites such as Boot Mills and other places that make up this park.
- New England Quilt Museum – This museum was the dream of a community of quilting enthusiasts bent on preserving the region’s rich heritage. Set in the 19th century classic Greek revival-style building in historic downtown some of the quilts on display are worth a visit.
- Whistler House Museum of Art – The museum is a tribute to the city’s most famous painter and etcher James McNeill Whistler who was born in this house. The first and second-floor hall and bedrooms, display the Permanent collection while the top floor is a working artist studio. The Parker Gallery at the rear of the house is where you can admire new exhibitions.
