A smart little town famed for its Ivy League university, Princeton is a terrific destination for a cultural weekend away as a couple, group of friends or family. First settled by a Quaker missionary from England, the town now has a more chic, quirky feel, with stacks of independent boutiques and eateries, as well as some striking architecture. Accommodation options range from intimate inns to expansive historic hotels, fit for an array of tastes and budgets. The best places to stay in Princeton all ooze heritage charm, and offer a wonderful base for exploring the town and surrounding countryside.
This pint-sized New Jersey gem packs a punch when it comes to culture. Amble around Princeton University — taking a guided tour if you can — for fascinating tales and unusual architecture. Don't miss the Princeton Art Museum or the Morven Museum & Garden, either. If you’re in town for the shopping, you’ll see bookshops, record stores and high-end boutiques tucked between sweet shops, pubs and lovely restaurants in the network of streets winding around Palmer Square. Hit the farmers’ market, catch a show at the McCarter Theatre, and round off your evening with a craft beer or two at a cosy bar.
Outdoorsy travellers will find parks aplenty in Princeton and the surrounding area. The 600 acres of greenery at Institute Woods teem with birdlife and are popular for runs, picnics and birdwatching, whilst Lake Carnegie is good for fishing, and there’s hiking, horse riding and cycling at the Delaware and Raritan State Park. Princeton Battlefield State Park is also worth visiting for its intriguing place in the history of the American Revolution.
Whether you choose to stay in the centre of town or in the bucolic countryside, the best places to stay in Princeton promise a warm welcome after days of discovery.
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Princeton (New Jersey)
Idyllic country inn with pre-Revolutionary war history. Quaint rooms feature four-poster beds, wood floors, decorative fireplaces and Greek moulding. Enjoy the main area's revolving art collection, oriental carpets, beamed ceilings and 12-foot original cooking fireplace. Shabby chic gourmet haven.
Princeton (New Jersey)
Popular centrally-located hotel with over 260 years of history. Elegant rooms with period furnishings channel timeless colonial style; suites are fantastic. Charming traditional wood-panelled tavern is bursting with atmosphere. Professional events team on-site for business functions and weddings.
Princeton (New Jersey)
Well-located downtown boutique hotel and restaurant situated in an 18th-century colonial mansion. Rooms channel Art Deco glamour with antique-style furnishings, decorative fireplaces and artwork; modern bathrooms feature underfloor heating. Enjoy a glamorous bar & dining rooms with a romantic feel.
