Great Places to Stay Along the Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

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Tara Point Inn & Cottages, Grafton, IL

A trip to the Great Rivers & Routes region is filled with great things to do, whether visiting quirky and charming Route 66 sites or drinking in the breathtaking beauty along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. After all of that, you need a place to rest and recharge. From luxurious to quiet, scenic to cozy, there are dozens of places to stay in Southwest Illinois including, major hotels, bed and breakfast inns, guest houses and lodges.

Whether planning your romantic holiday, taking a family vacation or just looking for a quick weekend getaway you'll find something to suit your needs among these lodging options throughout the Great Rivers & Routes region.

Alton Cracker Factory: Great Rivers Lodging

Alton, IL

Discover a dash of elegance with stunning views of the Mississippi River during overnight stays at major hotels in Alton, IL. Steeped in history and located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Alton offers nine different lodging options.

The Beall Mansion, an Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn, combines history and luxury -- taking both to new heights. Prepare to be pampered with opulent accommodations including in-room whirlpool baths, a 24-hour chocolate buffet, spa services and more. Overnight guests can also receive a continental or gourmet breakfast. Special Tip: Owner Jim Belotte personally welcomes all overnight guests dressed in a black tux and provides tours of the historic mansion to boot.

For relaxing river views, check in to the boutique suites at The Alton Cracker Factory, located on Broadway Street in historic downtown Alton -- just minutes from the Mississippi River. Each upscale loft offers river views from private decks all within walking distance of dining, entertainment, and the Argosy Alton Casino.

Alton is also home to a wide selection of brand hotels including Hampton Inn & Suites, Best Western Premier (with an onsite restaurant, Great Rivers Tap & Grill), and Best Western Plus Parkway, Comfort Inn and Super 8 by Wyndham.

Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton, IL

Grafton, IL

Located 15 miles northwest of Alton on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, -- where the Mississippi River meets the Illinois River -- Grafton, IL is home to 40 different bed and breakfast inns, guest houses, lodges, and resorts. Many of the places to stay in Grafton offer amazing river views, as well as easy access to shopping and dining.

Check out the breathtaking views when you check in to Tara Point Inn & Cottages or Aerie’s Resort. Both are located high on the bluffs overlooking the confluence of the two rivers. Aerie’s boasts the Best Views in the Midwest and has an on-site winery and restaurant. Adjacent to the lodging and winery is Grafton Zipline Adventures a two-mile tree canopy tour. Coming soon, guests can take the Aerie’s Sky Tour gondolas to the top of the bluff and the Aerie’s Resort.

High atop the bluffs and offering breathtaking views of the rivers and Grafton, Tara Point Inn & Cottages is one of the premier overnight lodging properties in the region. Enjoy a glass of wine and drink in the views while sitting in Adirondack chairs perched atop the bluff outside the cottages. Choose a stay in the main inn or a private two-room cottage complete with private decks.

Scenic Pere Marquette State Park has camping options for tents and RV’s. But a stay in the historic Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center is high on most visitors’ lists. The lodge, built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, has a 700-ton stone fireplace and a life-sized chess set. In addition to views of the Illinois River, you'll find miles of scenic hiking trails and an on-site restaurant famous for its family-style fried chicken dinners.

The Ruebel Hotel on Grafton’s Main Street showcases views of the Mississippi River. The hotel, originally built in 1884, has been a staple of downtown Grafton with access to dining and entertainment.

Click here to discover more Grafton lodging options.

Comfort Inn, Edwardsville, IL

Edwardsville, IL/Glen Carbon, IL

From the bright interiors of the newly renovated Comfort Inn to the home-like atmosphere of Country Hearth Inn and Suites, Edwardsville has four centrally located hotels available for overnight stays. In addition to the Comfort and Country Hearth, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and newly constructed TownePlace Suites by Marriott Edwardsville – St. Louis offer short term and long term lodging options.

Located just minutes from Interstate 270, the Glen Carbon Hampton Inn & Suites offers comfy guest rooms and Hampton’s “Breakfast Bags” for guests on the run in the morning.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Collinsville, IL

Collinsville, IL

Take your pick between nine different lodging properties in Collinsville, IL. Ideally situated at the intersections of three major interstates I-70, I-55 and I-64, Collinsville is just a short drive from downtown St. Louis. Local hotels have convenient interstate access and are close to shopping and dining. A free city shuttle takes weekend guests to its historic Uptown District for more entertaining options.

Select from the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton, which features the onsite Porter’s Restaurant, or accommodations such as the Hampton Inn, Drury Inn, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, LaQuinta, Fairfield, Super 8 and America’s Best Value Inn.

Litchfield, IL

After you get your kicks on Route 66, make sure to get your Z’s in Litchfield, IL. Located along Interstate 55, the historic Mother Road community has six full-service hotels and motels and three RV and tent campgrounds.

Select from an overnight stay at the Litchfield Quality Inn, America’s Best Value Inn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Super 8, Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express & Suites. For the more adventurous overnight stays, settle down in your RV at Kamper Kompanion located just off Interstate 55. Tent camping and RV campaign are available at both Lake Lou Yaeger Campgrounds and Lazy Days.

Troy, IL

Take a break in Troy, IL for some great overnight options. Located at the junction of Interstate 55 and 70, Troy is conveniently near Route 66 and situated between Springfield, IL, and St. Louis. Choose from Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof Inn, Motel 6 and Super 8 lodging options.