Where to Stay in Princeton (Best Places & Areas)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Princeton | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

As a proud New Jersey resident for over 30 years, I’ve got the information you need to have a great stay in Princeton!

For first-time visitors, I’d suggest staying in Princeton Center, also called Downtown Princeton. It’s very walkable, so you can easily reach great restaurants, shops, and entertainment. My top hotel suggestion in the area is Graduate by Hilton Princeton, a luxurious hotel in a prime location.

That being said, the town of Princeton is lovely throughout, making most areas great places to stay! But to narrow it down, we’ll focus on the three best. Keep reading to learn about all the best areas in Princeton as well as recommendations for hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities in each neighborhood. 

Best Places to Stay in Princeton

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Princeton? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village 
• 🗺️ Best Location – Hampton Inn Princeton
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Graduate by Hilton Princeton
• 👪 Best for Families – DoubleTree by Hilton Princeton
• 💻 Best for Business – Princeton Marriott at Forrestal
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Sonesta ES Suites Princeton
• 🪖 Best Near Princeton Battlefield State Park – Hyatt Regency Princeton
• 🏨 Best Inn – Inn at Glencairn
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Courtyard by Marriott Princeton

Click here to see all top Princeton hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, now let’s do a deep dive into the best areas and neighborhoods in Princeton: 

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Princeton

Princeton, NJ is best known for its prestigious, namesake Ivy League institution. However, there is more to this college town than meets the eye! It has a distinct historic charm and lovely natural features. These and other characteristics are reflected in the various areas around beautiful Princeton.

Princeton Center

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Princeton Center Hotels: Graduate by Hilton Princeton • Courtyard by Marriott Princeton • Hyatt Regency Princeton

Princeton Center is one of the most highly visited areas among tourists. Some people also refer to Princeton Center as Downtown Princeton. Either way, this bustling area is located in the center of Princeton, and as such, is a hub of activity. 

You’ll find most of Princeton’s greatest attractions in this vicinity. As its name suggests, it’s located in the center of it all. Great shopping, restaurants, and entertainment are all within walking distance.

Here, you’ll also find one of the best places to stay: a luxurious hotel with a restaurant and bar that guests rave about. Graduate by Hilton has earned a reputation for combining luxurious accommodations, friendly staff, and superb location. Together, they make for an unforgettable stay! 

The Courtyard by Marriott is another great option. It is a bit outside of Princeton Center, but it is still a popular choice among visitors, especially with its indoor pool.

The Hyatt Regency Princeton is also another fabulous choice. It has comfortable accommodations, complete with a pool and relaxing lounge areas.

Pros of Staying in Princeton Center:

• The hub of activity
• Very walkable
• Great restaurants

Cons of Staying in Princeton Center:

• Can get a little crowded during peak tourist season
• Accommodations may be more pricey in this area

Princeton North

👉 Best Area For Relaxed Atmosphere & Potential Residents | ✨ Best Princeton North Accommodations: Lovely Two Bedroom Apartment in a House • Private Oasis Ranch • Majestic Princeton Home

Heading further north from Princeton Center, we come to Princeton North. This area is more residential and popular with those who want a relaxed feel. It’s a great area if you want to enjoy the attractions Princeton has to offer, but also get a feel for residential life. 

Princeton North, in particular, is a great area. It’s relatively close to Princeton Center, so all of downtown Princeton’s shops and restaurants are nearby. 

Hotels in Princeton North are scarce, so you may have to opt for a house rental instead. You can also choose a hotel a little further out, such as the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village. This lovely hotel is less than 10 minutes from Princeton North and features indoor and outdoor pools!

Pros of Staying in Princeton North:

• Quieter than the Princeton Center
• More residential feel
• Downtown restaurants are still accessible

Cons of Staying in Princeton North:

• A little further from the main attractions
• Hotels are more scarce in this area

Riverside

👉 Best Area For Nature Lovers | ✨ Best Riverside Hotels: The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village • Princeton Marriott at Forrestal • Sonesta ES Suites Princeton

Heading a little further east from Princeton North, we come to the Riverside area. The Riverside area is named such because of its proximity to bodies of water like Lake Carnegie. 

Here, you’ll find an abundance of parks and with that, various trails, ideal for hikers. You can also enjoy water activities such as kayaking at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. Visit during May-September to enjoy sunny days at these natural areas.  

Riverside has more natural areas than it does restaurants or hotels. To that end, you’ll have to venture into other neighborhoods in Princeton for dining and accommodations. Fortunately, hotels like The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village and dining options are around 10-15 minutes away. So you can still enjoy the natural beauty that Princeton has to offer!

Pros of Staying in Riverside:

• Great natural views
• Lots of outdoor activities
• Peaceful

Cons of Staying in Riverside:

• Further away from the popular downtown area
• Have to go a little further for hotels and dining

Tips for Staying in Princeton

Visit the University

You should definitely pay a visit to Princeton University, even if you have no intentions of attending. The campus is a piece of history with lovely architecture. The grounds are beautifully curated, and visiting is an overall great experience.

It would be a shame to pass up on the opportunity to see it! The University deserves a spot on your list of attractions to see in Princeton.

Budget Carefully

Princeton is beautiful – but it can also get pricey. This is a wealthy New Jersey town with a median income of $165k! Dining, shopping, and accommodations can get expensive, and it all adds up very quickly. Make sure to budget accordingly as you plan your visit.

Plan Ahead

In line with the budgeting tip, you’ll also want to plan ahead for your activities. See what shows are playing at McCarter Theatre, and get tickets if needed. You can also see if any special events are coming up in the area. This way, when you arrive in Princeton, you won’t miss out on any of the fun!

Go Golfing

Princeton is known for having great golfing opportunities. Although many golf courses are private, there are golfing opportunities open to the public. One of these is the Bunker Hill Golf Course. Enjoy a day out, especially in nice weather, golfing with friends.

Pack Comfy Shoes

If you’re going to spend a day in the Princeton Center area, it’s a good idea to put on good walking shoes. Though the area is walkable, you might find yourself doing quite a bit of walking to see all the sights! To that end, you want to make sure your feet are comfortable.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Princeton for first-timers?

The Princeton Center (“Downtown” area) is the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Princeton. Most of the main attractions are close by, as are a plethora of dining and entertainment options.

What are safe areas to stay in Princeton?

All of Princeton carries a high safety rating, and there is a strong police presence. Because of this, you can be comfortable and feel safe staying anywhere in Princeton.

What are the best areas of Princeton to stay with kids?

Downtown Princeton and Riverside are two of the best places to stay if you’re traveling with kids. Downtown Princeton is close to many activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained. The Riverside area is home to many parks with open spaces so that young ones can run off their energy.

Where should I stay in Princeton to visit the University?

Princeton Center is one of the best places to stay if you’re going to visit Princeton University. Princeton North is also a good second choice. Both areas offer a short commute to the prestigious university.

What are the best Princeton hotels?

One of the best hotels in Princeton is the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village. It offers luxurious accommodations, great amenities, and is less than 10 minutes from Princeton Center. For a cozier feel, the Sonesta ES Suites offers comfort, great views, and luxury, all in one.

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Deciding what hotel and area to stay in Princeton is both an easy and tough decision, as all of Princeton is lovely! Whether you’re at the Princeton Center or further out, you’re sure to enjoy your stay. Read our guide to the best places to visit in New Jersey next to help you keep planning your trip to the Garden State!