Where are you going to sleep the night before move-in? What happens if your apartment isn’t ready or your lease doesn’t start right away? A lot of students and families heading to College Park don’t realize until the last minute that they need somewhere to stay nearby. With everything else to coordinate, it’s easy to overlook.
At Rambler, we understand how much of a hassle moving into a new apartment can be. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list based on pricing, location, and amenities for the best hotels to stay at near the University of Maryland in order to make your experience as easy as possible:
No matter who’s coming with you or how long you’re staying, there’s a hotel on this list that fits your needs.
Walking Distance from Rambler
1. Cambria Hotel College Park
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute walk
Address: 8321 Baltimore Avenue
Price: $$-$$$
Rated 4.4/5 stars by TripAdvisor, Cambria Hotel College Park is located a quick 9-minute walk from UMD’s campus and combines contemporary style with classic Maryland charm. Enjoy a twist on timeless comfort food at the on-site PrimeTime restaurant, introduce your puppy to College Park with Cambria Hotel’s pet-friendly accommodations or get your steps in at the state-of-the-art fitness center open 24 hours.
2. Best Western Plus College Park Hotel
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute walk
Address: 8419 Baltimore Avenue
Price: $$
With over 4,000 locations worldwide, ranging from College Park to Paris and Tokyo, Best Western is renowned for its reputation of dependability and good value. Best Western also offers exclusive rewards and bonuses to their patrons, awarding points and cashback on future trips to guests who book for two nights. If you’re looking for a cozy, classic stay close to Rambler College Park, Best Western may be the best fit for you.
3. The Hotel at the University of Maryland
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute walk
Address: 7777 Baltimore Avenue
Price: $$$
Located directly across from the entrance to UMD, The Hotel at the University of Maryland offers incoming and returning students the opportunity to explore campus prior to move-in and stay in a stylish AAA Four-Diamond property. Map your route between classes, enjoy a massage or facial at the hotel’s spa for a final moment of summer relaxation or take a luxurious swim in the hotel’s indoor, heated pool.
Read Next: Best Things to Do Near UMD’s Campus
4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Park-University
Distance from Rambler: 14-minute walk
Address: 9020 Baltimore Avenue
Price: $-$$
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers a solid, convenient stay in College Park with perks like a complimentary breakfast and outdoor pool. While a bit farther from move-in, the Holiday Inn is a reliable and affordable choice for students who want to get their steps in. For value, location and simplicity, the Holiday Inn offers it all.
To help you compare your options at a glance, here’s a quick breakdown of nearby hotels based on distance, price and key amenities:
| The Hotel | Cambria Hotel | Best Western Plus | Holiday Inn | |
| Walking Distance | <10 minutes | <5 minutes | <10 minutes | >10 minutes |
| Parking | $16/night self-park$25/night valet | $12/night in covered garage | Free | $6/night |
| Price | $$$ | $$-$$$ | $$ | $-$$ |
| Pets Allowed | X | X | ||
| Free Breakfast | X | X | ||
| Pool | X | X | ||
| Gym | X | X | X | X |
| Overall | Lifestyle & Luxury | Walkable Chic | Coziest Classic Stay | Most Affordable |
Budget Conscious Picks
5. Super 8 by Wyndham College Park
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute drive
Address: 9150 Baltimore Avenue
Price: $
With rooms starting at as low as $75/night, the Super 8 by Wyndham is considered the most affordable hotel option near the University of Maryland. Enjoy a free, light breakfast and complimentary wifi and parking before you embark on your move-in adventure. For members who join the Wyndham Rewards program, points can be used to book at discounted rates or earn free hotel stays at participating locations like Super 8 College Park.
6. Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Greenbelt
Distance from Rambler: 11-minute drive
Address: 7810 Walker Drive
Price: $
The Hilton Garden Inn offers a variety of special rates for military, travel agents, rewards members, seniors and AAA members. For bookings starting at $112, guests can enjoy a fitness center, free in-room and lobby wifi or grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, The Garden Grille and Bar. The Hilton Garden Inn offers a quiet, relaxed vibe for families wanting a practical place to stay near UMD campus without having to pay big city prices.
To help you decide between these two affordable options, we’ve compiled a list of key budget points to help you choose your stay.
| Super 8 | Hilton Garden Inn | |
| Driving Distance | <5 minutes | <15 minutes |
| Parking | Free | $15/night self-park |
| Price | $ | $ |
| Free Breakfast | X | |
| Overall | Most Likely to Save Your Wallet | Budget-Friendly, Comfort-Focused |
Making Your Stay an Experience
7. The Mansion on O Street
Distance from Rambler: 45-minute drive
Address: 7810 Walker Drive
Price: $$$
This isn’t your typical hotel: it’s a boutique, labyrinthine mansion, museum and private club rolled into one. Rated by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the Top 5 Historic Places to Explore, the Mansion on O Street is known for its 80+ secret doors, hidden passageways and interactive museum where guests can take a guided tour. Whether you find yourself in the John Lennon Suite or Safari Room, enjoy a visit unlike any other in the themed hotel rooms.
Hotel Zena
Distance from Rambler: 40-minute drive
Address: 1155 14th Street NW
Price: $$$
Reimagined in 2020, the Hotel Zena is more than a hotel, it’s like living in an art gallery. Each installation tells a story of empowerment and with a rooftop lounge and pool, Mediterranean-Latin style bar and restaurant inside and over 60 original, handcrafted art pieces, there’s always something to do inside the Zena Hotel. Bring your family along for good food, good views and a piece of cultural commentary at the Hotel Zena experience.
Eaton DC
Distance from Rambler: 36-minute drive
Address: 1201 K Street NW
Price: $$$
Listed by Time Magazine as One of the World’s Greatest Places, the Eaton DC offers unique spaces and amenities like a radio station and 50-seat cinema, a wellness center offering yoga, meditation and infrared saunas, a hidden speakeasy and a marketplace all within its establishment. Enjoy learning about the history of its founders’ activist background or take a class at the complimentary creative workspace at this one-of-a-kind hotel experience.
Move-in can be a little overwhelming, but where you stay beforehand doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking for something close to campus or just a place to crash before the big day, the right hotel makes all the difference.
Now that you’ve got the top picks near UMD, you’re one step closer to a smooth move-in. Want to feel even more prepared? Don’t miss our top tips for move-in day at Rambler College Park.
Read Next: Where UMD Students Shop for Groceries in College Park
Whether it’s just you or your whole crew, there’s something nearby that fits your plans. And if you’re visiting to see whether Rambler could be your next home, our leasing team would love to connect and help you take the next step.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: June 9, 2026
Last Updated On: June 9, 2026