7 College Town Hotels for Football Season Getaways

Football season’s in full swing across college towns in the South, and with it comes a wave of spirited travelers eager to experience local culture, enjoy gameday energy, and stay close to campus life. Here’s a roundup of some top spots to settle into for football weekends or campus visits, each with its own twist on local flavor and university pride.

Athens, Georgia

Rivet House
Athens’ Rivet House, tucked into the trendy Southern Mill development, offers a prime spot for Bulldog fans. With Sanford Stadium just a short trip away, this 50-room boutique hotel is ideal for those looking to celebrate Georgia’s back-to-back championships in style. From pre-game cocktails at Osteria Olio to relaxing treatments at the hotel spa, Rivet House caters to guests with thoughtful touches that make gameday weekends extra special.

Boone, North Carolina

Lovill House Inn
For a historic stay with Appalachian State University roots, the Lovill House Inn offers charm and history in one. This off-the-grid luxury inn was once home to the university’s founding charter and provides a cozy, memorable stay with its on-site Bristol Suite and a 10% orientation discount for university families. With the warmth of owners Joel and Tonje Olsen, who bought the property while their son was a student, the inn has become a home-away-from-home for many campus visitors.

Blue Ridge Tourist Court
Mid-century flair meets modern convenience at the Blue Ridge Tourist Court, a newly restored hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located just over a mile from downtown Boone, it offers free parking and easy AppalCART shuttle access, making it a breeze to get to campus without the game-day stress. Alumni and orientation visitors can enjoy special discounts here, adding to the hotel’s welcoming feel for the App State community.

Oxford, Mississippi

Graduate Oxford
Located just 0.8 miles from the University of Mississippi, Graduate Oxford gives guests front-row access to the town’s Southern charm. With The Coop rooftop bar offering sweeping views, a cozy Cabin 82 cafe for classic Southern bites, and Mississippi-themed ballrooms, this hotel is as memorable as it is convenient.

Unique suite styles honor notable Ole Miss figures, adding to the hotel’s local character and gameday allure. This is probably our favorite Graduate of all that we’ve stayed at!

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Origin Hotel
Baton Rouge brings out the best of Southern hospitality at the Origin Hotel, where tiger-themed décor and LSU traditions set the tone for game weekends. Just steps from the Mississippi River and a short drive to Tiger Stadium, this 87-room boutique hotel combines vibrant local culture with stylish accommodations. Guests can dive into Louisiana flavors with crawfish beignets at Passé or enjoy a sunset cocktail as they soak in the city’s gameday energy, complete with discounts for locals to boot.

Columbus, Ohio

Graduate Columbus
The Graduate Columbus feels like a celebration of all things Buckeye, from its local-inspired decor to its old-school Homage Bar that’s as vibrant as Ohio State University itself. Built in 2019, this spot in the Short North Arts District combines college nostalgia with modern comforts across its 171 guest rooms, making it an easy choice for alumni and fans. Just a short hop to campus, it’s a great base for exploring downtown Columbus and the Buckeye spirit.

The Junto
If you’re looking for a hip, independent vibe, The Junto is a new favorite, snagging the title of #1 Best New Independent Lifestyle Hotel by USA Today’s 10Best. With eclectic food and drink spots, including the rooftop Brass Eye bar, it brings a mix of local eats and cool design inspired by OSU’s history. From scooters to Polaroid cameras, The Junto’s Gear Garage equips guests with fun rentals for exploring the area, and with a campus discount and welcome cocktail, it’s got the local crowd covered.