Fall is my favorite time of year, hands down. Every autumn, I go out of my way to visit at least one of the best places for fall foliage in the US, and I’ve been everywhere from Alaska to Maine and back down to South Carolina.

The problem with traveling around leaf peeping is that it’s often a really popular idea so hotel prices can surge. That’s why I’ve created this roundup of hotels that are conveniently located and actually offering discounts on your stay during peak leaf-peeping season.

Is it too late to plan a fall foliage getaway

Absolutely not! Considering how warm it’s been across most of the country, the red, yellow, and orange bursts we associate with fall have been delayed in many states. Even in northern Maine, which usually sees peak fall foliage right now, many of the leaves are still green so you have time to plan your escape.

Here’s where to take in some extraordinary autumn colors and save a few bucks while you’re at it.

1. The Oxbow Hotel, Eau Claire, Wisconsin — “Autumn in Action”

Tucked into downtown Eau Claire, The Oxbow is a playful, artful boutique that feels more like a creative retreat than a typical hotel. Owned in part by Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver fame), it thrives on local culture: every night brings live music at The Lakely, its in‑house restaurant (that champions locally sourced ingredients), and an atmosphere that invites slow discovery.

Each guest room includes a record player, and the lobby holds a rotating library of vinyl to set your soundtrack. The property is dog-friendly and sits adjacent to city bike paths linking into the Chippewa River State Trail — perfect for gentle foliage cruising by pedal.

When I was in town last October, I rode a bike along this state trail from town and also drove to nearby Brunet Island and Lake Wissota State Parks for hiking. After a day of adventure, I enjoyed drinks (including really creative mocktails) and live music at The Oxbow.

Deal: Book two nights and get 50 % off your third night (the “Autumn in Action” offer).

Why stay here for fall foliage?

• The Chippewa Valley offers some surprisingly vivid leaf color, especially along river corridors and bluff trails.

• Numerous state parks are within driving range for day excursions.

• You can borrow bikes from the hotel and follow scenic river trails at leisure.

Tip: Stay midweek to avoid local weekend crowds, and check The Lakely’s live-music schedule (you might catch a surprise local act or even a Vern-inspired set).

2. Fidelity Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio — “Kingside Nights”

A fresh voice in Cleveland’s downtown hotel scene, Fidelity Hotel occupies the historic Baker Building (built roughly a century ago) and opened in January 2025. With nods to Gilded Age architecture, modern comforts, and a gallery featuring works by over 20 local artists, the vibe is tailored, refined, and deeply rooted in Cleveland’s creative identity.

Deal: “Kingside Nights” — 15 % off Standard and Superior King rooms, with a two-night minimum stay. Starting nightly rates are around $184+.

Leaf-peeping appeal:

• The hotel is less than 30 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of Ohio’s premier autumn havens, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

• Also within reach: Cleveland Metroparks’ 23,000 acres of trails, hills, and lakes framed in fall color.

This combination — a stylish boutique base, plus quick access to forested escapes — makes Fidelity a compelling choice for travelers who want urban and wilderness in one trip.

Cleveland colors in fall

(Cleveland)

3. Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont — “Stowe‑liage Foliage Package”

If Vermont’s fall season ranks among America’s finest, then Stowe might just be its golden epicenter, where fiery red maples and sun-colored birch trees blanket the Green Mountains in vibrant color.
Nestled beneath Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe offers sweeping views from scenic drives, hillside hikes, and the winding Stowe Recreation Path. Its charming village—complete with covered bridges, country stores, and steepled churches—feels plucked from a storybook.

Autumn here is crisp, cozy, and postcard-perfect, with farm stands brimming with cider donuts and trails that crunch underfoot. Whether leaf-peeping by car, foot, or gondola, Stowe offers one of New England’s most breathtaking seasonal spectacles. Topnotch Resort puts you in the center of the action and leans into the season with its Stowe-liage Foliage deal.

Package includes:

• A $100 nightly resort credit (usable at the spa, on dining, tennis, or other resort experiences)

• Complimentary fitness classes

• A room upgrade at check-in, subject to availability

Rates often start around $279 (depending on dates & room type) under this promotion.

Bonus: From the resort, you can take the 5.3‑mile Stowe Recreation Path, which winds through farm fields and woods, offering open views and color without traffic.

4. High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, New York — “Mountains & Maple”

I’ve visited the Adirondacks around a dozen times, and Lake Placid is my favorite place to base myself, not just because it has the best fall foliage in New York State and is near amazing hiking, but also because the town offers the best amenities, food, drinks, and shopping in the area.

Perched in the heart of the Adirondacks, High Peaks Resort is surrounded by 6 million acres of wilderness — pretty much ideal terrain for peak fall color. You’ll be within easy reach of iconic Adirondack scenic drives, forested trails, and lake views framed in autumn. Downtown Lake Placid offers charming cafés, wine bars, and walkable streets to balance outdoor time.

The hotel’s Mountains & Maple package leans into the region’s maple heritage, so you’ll be primely placed near the best leaf peeping, and you’ll get a great bag of the best food items the area is known for.

What you receive:

• 15 % off the best available rate (as part of the package)

• Locally sourced maple syrup, maple popcorn, maple cotton candy, and branded resort mugs as keepsakes

The resort includes standard amenities (coffee service, lobby refreshments, fitness center, indoor pool) and the package is a sweet thematic complement to the foliage season.

The Adirondacks in fall

(Westend61 via Getty Images)

5. Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen, Colorado — “Stay More, Save More”

While the Rockies aren’t always the first place one thinks of for fall color, aspens turn the mountain landscapes into shimmering seas of gold — and Aspen Meadows offers a striking, design-forward base to soak it in.

Deal structure (Stay More, Save More):

• Stay 2 nights → 10 % off

• Stay 3 nights → 15 % off

• Stay 4+ nights → 20 % off

Guests also enjoy:

• Complimentary shuttle service to/from downtown Aspen and the airport (ideal if you don’t want to drive)

• Cruiser bikes (to explore locally)

• Access to the Rio Grande Trail, a favored and relatively easy route for fall biking and walking

• Optional picnics curated by the resort’s café

• Newly added wellness programming, including a barrel sauna with mountain-view angles

By staying longer, you deepen your experience and capture more golden hours in the aspen groves.

View of Portland Head Lighthouse at dusk in autumn

(AlbertPego via Getty Images)

6. Portland, Maine — Coastal colors & cozy stays

Portland may be best known for its salty air and award-winning food scene, but come fall, the city turns downright cinematic. Just a short drive from four state parks—including Wolfe’s Neck Woods (my personal favorite, thanks to its blend of wooded and coastal trails), Crescent Beach, Two Lights, and Bradbury Mountain—Portland is uniquely positioned for leaf-peeping that blends woodlands, salt marshes, and rocky Atlantic coastlines.

This New England port city wraps the best of autumn into one destination—leaf-strewn trails by morning, oyster bars and craft cider by night. I’ve been to Portland twice in fall, and it’s one of my favorite places because in addition to hiking and biking, you can also take boat rides and go whale watching.
Several boutique hotels are embracing the season with enticing deals:

The Press Hotel – “Harvest in the City”
Set in a former newspaper headquarters, The Press Hotel offers an elevated fall package that includes an overnight stay in the room of your choice, a chef-curated welcome amenity, and an autumn-inspired dinner for two at UNION, their acclaimed restaurant. Think Maine’s harvest bounty plated and poured in full color.

The Francis – “Falling for Portland”
This locally loved, historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel is offering a “Falling for Portland” package. They offer 10% off your stay, a bottle of locally made cider to toast the season, and a beautifully curated Fall Guide packed with insider tips—perfect for discovering leaf-draped trails, apple orchards, and under-the-radar cafés. Use code STAYTOASTY when booking.

The Regency – “Old Port Escape Package”
Located in the heart of the Old Port district, this Old Port Escape Package includes deluxe accommodations, à la carte breakfast for two, and valet parking—ideal for leaf chasers with road-trip plans.

Portland Harbor Hotel – Stay Longer, Save More
Book four nights at the Portland Harbor Hotel and receive the equivalent of one night free (discount reflected in total rate). With cozy fireplaces, nautical touches, and walkable proximity to the waterfront, it’s a perfect home base for foliage adventures by day and fresh-caught seafood by night.

Why Portland for fall?

• Diverse foliage landscapes: woods, oceanfront cliffs, quiet marshes

• Easy day trips to four stunning state parks with peak color

• Bustling fall festivals, crisp ocean air, and cozy downtown charm

Tips for Maximizing Your Foliage Stay

1. Time your trip wisely. Peak foliage shifts depending on region: mid‑October in the Midwest and Adirondacks, mid-September to early October in Colorado and Vermont. Use local foliage maps and updates.

2. Book early & watch blackout dates. Many packages limit availability or exclude peak weekends.

3. Layer in local experiences. Bike rides along rivers, leaf-strewn train rides, or drive loops through forest corridors all amplify your connection to place.

4. Stay extra nights. Many of these offers reward longer stays (third night half off at Oxbow, Aspen’s tiers).

5. Balance action and downtime. Schedule light days — a spa visit, a music evening, or just leaf-gazing from a cozy window — to savor the whole mood of autumn.