When I first arrived in Trenton, New Jersey, I wasn’t expecting much more than a quick stopover between Philadelphia and New York City. What I didn’t realize was that the city has a quiet charm, a sense of history, and—if you know where to look—some surprisingly comfortable, budget-friendly places to spend the night. Over time, I’ve had the chance to stay in several accommodations across Trenton, from family-owned inns to budget hotels that punch far above their weight.
Travelers often assume that Trenton, being smaller than its big-city neighbors, has limited options. But with the right research, you can find stays that balance affordability, comfort, and convenience. I want to share not just the hotels I’ve stayed in, but also how they felt, the quirks I noticed, and the little booking tricks that saved me money. This isn’t about glossy five-star luxury—it’s about smart choices that let you rest well while keeping your wallet intact.
Why Affordable Stays Matter in Trenton
I believe that where you stay during your travels can shape your entire experience of a city. In Trenton, the accommodations aren’t flashy, but they’re often honest, straightforward, and sometimes full of character. For budget-conscious travelers like me, finding affordable lodging doesn’t mean sacrificing safety or comfort—it’s about striking a balance.
Trenton is perfectly positioned for day trips: you can hop on a train to Philadelphia in under an hour, or reach New York City without too much hassle. That’s why staying in Trenton can be a surprisingly smart move—you pay less than in major cities, but you’re still close to the action. Affordable hotels and inns here aren’t just about saving money; they’re about giving you access to a practical base that helps you enjoy the region.
The Platforms I Trust for Booking
Before I dive into the specific recommendations, let me talk about the booking process itself. Over the years, I’ve tried multiple platforms, and each has its perks.
- Booking.com has consistently given me some of the lowest prices, especially when I use their “Genius” discount program after a few stays.
- Expedia often comes in handy when I want to book both a flight and hotel together—I’ve saved more than I expected by bundling.
- Hotels.com appeals to me because of their “Stay 10 nights, get 1 free” program—it adds up faster than you’d think.
- Priceline can be amazing if you’re flexible; their “Express Deals” have landed me hotel rooms for 30–40% less than the listed price.
- Hotwire is another one I occasionally turn to, especially for last-minute bookings.
For Trenton, I found that Booking.com and Expedia consistently had the widest range of listings and reviews, which gave me confidence before I clicked the “Reserve” button.
My Top Affordable Stays in Trenton
1. Days Inn by Wyndham Trenton
Location: 2310 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Trenton, NJ
The first time I stayed at the Days Inn, I was road-tripping from Washington D.C. to New York and needed a budget-friendly stopover. Nestled in a convenient spot near the main highways, this hotel felt like a reliable option after a long day of driving.
Overview and Highlights:
Days Inn is straightforward—clean rooms, basic amenities, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. What struck me most was the friendliness of the front desk staff. They weren’t just checking me in; they asked about my trip, gave me local recommendations, and even pointed me toward a late-night diner nearby.
Guest Impressions:
Online reviews often highlight the cleanliness and affordability. Some travelers mentioned that while it’s not fancy, it’s dependable—and that matches my own experience perfectly.
Best Booking Platform:
I found the lowest rates through Booking.com, averaging around \$85–\$95 per night.
Booking Tip:
If you’re staying on a weekday rather than a weekend, prices dip slightly. Also, booking at least two weeks in advance helped me secure the lowest rate.
2. Quality Inn & Suites NJ State Capital Area
Location: 7 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Morrisville, PA (just across the river from Trenton)
Though technically across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, this hotel feels very much like part of the Trenton experience. It’s just a few minutes’ drive into the city, and I loved how easy it was to slip back and forth.
Overview and Highlights:
The highlight here is the balance between affordability and comfort. The rooms were more spacious than I expected, and the breakfast spread was surprisingly generous—eggs, waffles, fresh fruit, and more. I appreciated the on-site gym, which helped me shake off the stiffness of travel.
Guest Impressions:
Reviewers often note the quiet atmosphere and solid value. Families especially like the larger rooms, while solo travelers (like me during my stay) enjoy the straightforward comfort.
Best Booking Platform:
I booked through Expedia for about \$95–\$110 per night, which included free parking and breakfast.
Booking Tip:
I noticed Expedia sometimes bundled this property with flight deals, shaving off another 10–15% when I tested a package. Even if you don’t need a flight, check the bundles—it can be cheaper.
3. Town House Motor Inn
Location: 1083 Route 206, Bordentown, NJ (15 minutes from Trenton)
This one has a retro charm that I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. The Town House Motor Inn feels like stepping back into an earlier era of road travel. It’s no-frills, but it’s got a kind of Americana vibe that made me nostalgic.
Overview and Highlights:
Don’t expect luxury here—think budget road motel. But the rooms were surprisingly well-maintained, and the location made it a breeze to access Trenton without the hassle of city traffic. For me, it was a place to crash, regroup, and get back on the road.
Guest Impressions:
Reviews are mixed, but budget-conscious travelers often emphasize that it’s exactly what they needed: a clean, simple stay at a very low price.
Best Booking Platform:
Hotels.com offered me the best deal at \$65–\$75 per night.
Booking Tip:
I found that calling ahead after booking online sometimes got me an upgrade to a slightly larger room—worth trying if you like a bit of extra space.
4. Red Roof Inn Princeton – Ewing
Location: 3203 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ (10 minutes from Trenton)
This was my base during one of my longer stays in the area, and I have to say: it exceeded my expectations for a budget chain.
Overview and Highlights:
Red Roof Inn has been refreshing its image lately, and it shows here. The rooms had modern touches—wood-style flooring, decent lighting, and strong Wi-Fi. I also liked that pets stay free, which made it a popular choice for travelers with dogs.
Guest Impressions:
Reviews often highlight the value and the convenience to both Princeton and Trenton. I noticed many repeat guests, which tells you something about the reliability.
Best Booking Platform:
Priceline Express Deals consistently gave me the lowest prices, sometimes as low as \$70–\$80 per night.
Booking Tip:
If you’re willing to book without seeing the exact hotel name (Priceline’s “blind deals”), you can save significantly. That’s how I landed this stay.
5. Candlewood Suites Bordentown – Trenton, an IHG Hotel
Location: 200 Rising Sun Road, Bordentown, NJ
This was the most “home-like” stay I had in the area. Candlewood Suites caters to longer-term guests, and I really appreciated the kitchenette in my room—it meant I could cook simple meals instead of eating out constantly.
Overview and Highlights:
Spacious rooms, a gym, laundry facilities, and a lending locker where you can borrow everything from blenders to board games. For anyone staying more than a couple of nights, the ability to cook your own food saves a lot of money.
Guest Impressions:
Reviews frequently mention the cleanliness and the convenience for extended stays. Travelers on work assignments seemed especially fond of it.
Best Booking Platform:
I booked through IHG’s official site with a member discount, but I also saw competitive prices on Hotels.com—usually \$105–\$120 per night.
Booking Tip:
Joining IHG’s free membership program got me a slightly lower rate and more flexible cancellation terms.
The Feel of Budget Stays in Trenton
Each of these stays gave me a different angle on the city. The motels near the highway made me feel connected to the rhythm of road travel; the inns across the river gave me a sense of quiet retreat; the chain hotels reminded me that consistency has its perks. The important thing is that each of them allowed me to stretch my travel budget without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Trenton itself is not a city of grand hotels. It’s a city of history, practicality, and surprising little discoveries. Staying in budget accommodations here let me focus more on the experiences outside—walking through historic Mill Hill, visiting the Old Barracks Museum, or enjoying a meal at one of the city’s family-owned restaurants.
Thoughts and Tips
If you’re planning to visit Trenton, my advice is this: don’t overlook the budget stays. They may not be glamorous, but they do their job well. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
A few closing tips:
- Book early if you’re traveling during summer or around major events—Trenton does see spikes in demand.
- Check multiple platforms before confirming; I often compare Booking.com, Expedia, and Priceline side by side.
- Flexibility saves money—adjusting your dates by even one day can make a noticeable difference.
- Look just outside the city center—hotels in Bordentown or Lawrenceville are often cheaper but still convenient.
My stays in Trenton reminded me that affordable doesn’t mean dull. It means smart, practical choices that leave you with more room in your budget to explore, taste, and truly enjoy a place.
