How to Find Luxury Hotels in Champaign, Illinois

Champaign, located in south central Illinois, is home to the flagship school of the University of Illinois and also serves as a transportation and economic hub for the region. Travelers who want to explore one of the better university campuses in the state while relaxing in a smaller city environment should visit Champaign.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with Internet capability

Instructions

Travel to and in Champaign, Illinois

1. Schedule plane tickets through international airports in St. Louis and Chicago. Champaign is centrally located between the two cities and both airports offer rental cars and shuttles to various Illinois destinations.

2. Connect from destination to destination via the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit system. This elaborate bus system connects the two cities and travelers can reach any tourist attraction in the area by bus.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Champaign, Illinois

1. To book accommodations, contact the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Ease into the homestyle comforts of Champaign's bed and breakfasts. Inns in Champaign offer luxurious amenities and rustic furnishings for road-weary travelers. Accommodation rates range from $85 to $150 per night.

2. Sleep tight at one of the major luxury chain hotels in Champaign or neighboring Urbana. These hotels range from $75 to $200 per night, with a variety of amenities and services available to travelers.

3. Rough it in the wilderness at the Champaign Country Forest Preserve District. The only nearby campground, the Forest Preserve offers travelers an inexpensive accommodation option. Hiking trails, playing fields and beautiful forested areas are traveler favorites.

Learn Local Attractions in Champaign

1. Stroll through the public areas and paths that form the campus of the University of Illinois. Travelers should plan ahead by purchasing tickets to school sporting events, plays and musicals.

2. Find an escape by heading to Champaign's two stylish movie theaters. The historic Virginia Theatre is a renovated classic movie house used for special features and events. The Boardman's Art Theatre is a single-screen theater that plays the latest releases.

Tips & Warnings

• Champaign has a strong relationship with its sister city, Urbana. The two cities share the state university, a transit system and a variety of tourist attractions.

• Organize your Champaign vacation around events at the University of Illinois. With successful basketball and other sports teams at the school, some evenings and weekends in Champaign can be crowded. Finding accommodations, plane tickets and rental cars well in advance is advisable.