In 2026, you’ll typically pay about $123 per night for a motel in Arkansas. Budget stays still drop to $31–$60 in lower-cost spots like Jonesboro. You can cut costs by booking at least 45 days ahead (rates can hit lows near $63), choosing cheaper weekday or Sunday nights (about $107 versus $134 on Fridays), and traveling in December, the lowest-priced month (~$103). Add roughly 10% for taxes, plus any deposits or pet fees. Keep reading to compare cities, price tiers, and real ways to save.

Quick Answer

• Most motel nights in Arkansas average $123, but budget rooms start at $31–$60 in places like Jonesboro or Pine Bluff.
• December is the cheapest month at around $103 per night, with some deals as low as $37.
• Book at least 45 days ahead and target Sundays or weekdays to lock in the best rates.
• Jonesboro offers the lowest city average (~$58), while Fayetteville sits at the high end (~$221).
• Always factor in 10% taxes, possible $50–$200 deposits, and $10–$50 nightly pet fees.

Average Arkansas Motel Price (2026)

To stay on budget, track motel price trends and plan with the numbers. Recent data from KAYAK shows you pay more on weekends, so try to arrive on Sunday when you can. If your dates are flexible, December gives the clearest savings. Booking at least 45 days ahead often secures lower rates and can bring recent lows near $63. That simple move helps you grab solid budget accommodations and keep extra cash for the trip itself.

Arkansas Motels vs Hotels: Price and Tradeoffs

You’ll typically pay about $61.40 per night for a 2-star motel in Arkansas versus roughly $154 for a 3-star hotel, so the nightly rate changes with the level of service you pick. Motels usually include free Wi‑Fi and parking, while hotels more often add on-site restaurants, gyms, and business centers that raise the price. Motels also sit near highways and cut rates more in off-peak times, whereas hotels tend to be in central spots and hold steadier prices.

Typical Nightly Rates

If price matters most, pick motels midweek and travel off-peak for the biggest drops.

Amenities And Location Tradeoffs

Arkansas motels average about $58 a night versus roughly $129 for hotels. That discount usually means skipping pools, on-site dining, and fitness centers, but you keep more money in your pocket—especially on weekdays and off-peak dates. Budget spots can go even lower (River Valley Inn and Suites near $31), so you can spend the savings on actual experiences instead of the room. You will want to check cleanliness ratings more closely at motels because standards vary more than at chain hotels. Still, motels give you fast highway access, easy parking, and quick stops between towns. Pet policies are often more relaxed too, though many hotels charge extra fees or set limits.

Hidden Motel Fees in Arkansas (Taxes, Deposits, Pets)

Even when you land a low nightly rate in Arkansas—where motels average about $124 and can dip to $37 on deal sites—extra charges add up fast. The biggest one is usually state and local taxes, which add roughly 10% (see state lodging tax details). That turns a $124 room into about $136 before anything else. Many places also hold a $50–$200 security deposit on your card at check-in; you get it back if the room is fine, but it can tie up your available balance. Pet fees commonly run $10–$50 per night, and some properties have weight or breed restrictions. Finally, read the fine print for any charges on Wi‑Fi, parking, or early check-in. Ask for full fee transparency upfront so nothing surprises you at checkout.

Cheapest Months for Arkansas Motel Prices

Arkansas motel prices hit their yearly low in December, averaging $103 per night. Off-peak deals can go as low as $37. Rates climb from there into spring, when demand pushes prices higher. You can also save by arriving on Sunday (around $107) instead of Friday, and by booking at least 45 days ahead. Compared with peak months that average $148, December gives you the most room in your budget.

December Motel Price Lows

Demand drops at the end of the year, so December brings the lowest motel prices in Arkansas, with an average around $103 per night. In smaller towns you may even spot ultra-low deals near $25, especially around Pine Bluff. Booking at least 45 days ahead still works best here and gives you more choices before rooms fill up.

Spring Peak Price Surge

Spring travel picks up quickly, and Arkansas motel rates rise from winter lows to a peak in May at about $148 per night—well above the usual double-room average of roughly $124. That pattern is clear: after December’s $103 baseline, prices climb as events and road trips fill rooms. Booking at least 45 days ahead helps you avoid the rush and still travel when you want.

Weekday Vs Weekend Rates

Weekdays cost less than weekends, and winter months stay the most affordable overall. You will often see Sunday nights near $107 versus about $134 on Fridays, so shifting your arrival away from Friday saves money. Even on weekends some deals start around $54. December remains the cheapest month at roughly $103, and February still offers solid winter value around $158 for double rooms. Booking at least 45 days ahead reveals the best inventory before it disappears.

Cheapest Days to Book Arkansas Motels

Sunday is the best day to book if you want the lowest motel rates in Arkansas. Average prices drop to about $107 per night, below the statewide average of roughly $124. December still trends cheapest overall at around $103, while Friday nights run highest near $134. Booking at least 45 days ahead gives you the strongest leverage and helps you avoid last-minute markups. Set alerts, compare a few dates, and lock in early so you control the cost instead of the other way around.

Arkansas Motel Prices by City (Cheapest to Priciest)

City choice makes a bigger difference than almost anything else. The statewide average sits around $123 per night, but rates swing from roughly $58 in Jonesboro (cheapest) to about $221 in Fayetteville (priciest). Treat Arkansas as a collection of local markets rather than one flat rate. Jonesboro gives you the most breathing room in your budget, while Little Rock sits near the middle at about $122. Hot Springs runs higher around $132 because of steady leisure demand. At the top end, Fayetteville shows how college events and visitors can push prices up fast. Pick the city that fits your route and your wallet.

What $40, $60, and $90 Gets You at Arkansas Motels

Three price tiers shape what you actually get. Around $40 buys a basic room with minimal extras and guest ratings near 3.8. At $60 you usually add free Wi‑Fi and breakfast plus midrange scores around 6.6. Spend $90 and you often gain more space, better service (8.0+ ratings), and extras like an outdoor pool or small fitness area. The statewide 2-star average lands near $61.40, but location and demand still move the needle. The $40 tier works fine when you plan to be out exploring all day. Spots like OYO Hotel Texarkana Trinity ($36) or River Valley Inn and Suites ($31) anchor the true budget end. At $60 you get steadier comfort for longer stays, and $90 feels worth it during busier weeks when seasonal discounts appear.

How Early to Book an Arkansas Motel for Best Rates

Room quality changes with each price tier, but your booking timing often decides the final rate. For Arkansas motels, the biggest savings show up when you book at least 45 days ahead. That window regularly unlocks lower nightly averages and puts $37-style deals within reach while supply lasts. Day-of-week patterns help too: Sundays average about $107 and Fridays run near $134. Season matters as well—December bottoms out around $103 while May peaks near $148—so lock in peak dates even earlier. Set a target rate, watch a couple of sites, and commit when you see a solid number. Planning ahead simply gives you more choices and fewer compromises.

How to Find Arkansas Motel Deals (Sites, Filters, Discounts)

Arkansas motel rates vary a lot by site, day, and season, so start with an aggregator like KAYAK that pulls from hundreds of places at once. Then narrow results with filters for free cancellation and breakfast. Build in flexibility on dates because Sunday stays average about $107 and often beat nearby nights. December still dips to roughly $103, so off-peak travel pays off. Stack these moves together and the savings add up fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Cheap Places to Stay in Arkansas?

Yes—plenty. Target Pine Bluff from $25 or Jonesboro around $58. December keeps trends low (~$103). Compare properties like River Valley Inn from $31.

How Much Does a Motel Cost per Night in the USA?

You’ll usually pay $60–$120 per night nationwide. Track price trends, book early, and pick weekdays to keep your options open and your budget intact.

Conclusion

In 2026, Arkansas motel prices rise with weekends, events, and summer travel, then fall in quieter winter months. Motels trade some extras for lower rates compared with hotels, but taxes, deposits, and pet fees still push the final total higher. Book earlier in busy cities, stay flexible on days, and compare across deal sites. With the right timing your nightly cost drops and you keep more freedom to enjoy the trip.