The average motel cost in Virginia is roughly $95 to $105 per night in one booking-data summary, with Richmond and Virginia Beach higher and Shenandoah Valley towns lower. Basic chain motels in small towns can start under $50 on quiet dates. These are planning estimates, not quotes, so check the final price for your dates.
Average Motel Cost in Virginia: Quick Answer
Virginia motel prices depend mostly on where you stay and when. Beach weekends, autumn foliage in the Shenandoah and big events push rates up, while midweek stays in smaller towns are cheaper. The figures below come from booking-site summaries and listings; treat them as rough guides.
| Area or type | Rough nightly range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide planning figure | About $95 to $105 | Weeknight to weekend, one data summary |
| Basic chain motels in small towns | From about $40 to $55 | Quiet dates only |
| Richmond | Around $145 | Business and government travel |
| Virginia Beach | Around $110 | Higher on summer weekends |
| Shenandoah Valley | About $65 to $105 | Peaks during October foliage |
Cheapest Days and Months
Sunday has been reported as the cheapest check-in day (around $78 in one summary) and Thursday and Friday as the priciest (around $110). Late summer and early autumn can be cheaper than July, but October is busy in the Shenandoah because of fall colour, and college graduation and move-in weekends raise prices around campuses.
What Drives Motel Prices in Virginia
- Location. Beach, Williamsburg, Richmond and Northern Virginia cost more than rural towns along I-81 or I-95.
- Events. Race weekends, graduations, concerts and holidays can sharply lift rates.
- Amenities. Free breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi add value; urban hotels may charge $20 or more a day for parking.
- Booking timing. Prices shift with demand, so compare a few dates and a refundable rate.
Taxes and Fees
Most of Virginia has a 5.3% state and local sales tax (some regions use a higher rate), and cities and counties add their own lodging taxes. Some localities also add a small flat nightly fee. Combined, expect the total to be roughly 10% to 15% above the room rate, and confirm the itemized price at checkout. The Virginia Department of Taxation lists current sales tax rules.
Sample 3-Night Budget
Using the rough planning figures above, three nights at about $80 comes to about $240 before tax, three nights at about $100 to $110 comes to about $300 to $330, and a Richmond stay at about $145 comes to about $435. Add roughly 10% to 15% for taxes and any parking or pet fees.
How to Pay Less
- Shift a night to midweek. Sunday to Wednesday is often cheaper than Thursday to Saturday.
- Avoid peak foliage and beach weekends if your dates are flexible.
- Stay outside the busiest city centers. Highway-exit motels usually cost less and include free parking.
- Choose free cancellation and re-check before the deadline.
- Ask about AAA, AARP and military rates. They often cut the published rate.
For nearby states, see our North Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia motel guides. If you want a pool and dining on site, read the Virginia resort cost guide, or see the national average motel cost overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a motel cost per night in Virginia?
One booking-data summary puts a typical Virginia motel at roughly $95 to $105 per night, with Richmond higher and Shenandoah Valley towns lower. Basic motels can start under $50 on quiet dates, but rates change daily.
What is the cheapest day of the week to book a Virginia motel?
Sunday has been reported as the cheapest check-in day and Thursday and Friday as the most expensive. Patterns differ by town and event schedule, so compare nearby dates.
What is the cheapest month to stay in a Virginia motel?
Late summer and early autumn are often cheaper than July in many areas, but October is busy in the Shenandoah because of fall foliage. Check events near your destination.
Are lodging taxes included in Virginia motel rates?
Usually not. Most of Virginia has a 5.3% state and local sales tax, and cities and counties add lodging taxes and sometimes flat nightly fees. Review the itemized total before you pay.
Bottom Line
Plan on roughly $95 to $105 a night for a Virginia motel, less in small towns on quiet dates and more in Richmond, Virginia Beach and on event weekends. Compare the final price, including taxes and parking.
