The average motel cost in West Virginia is about $130 per night in one booking-data summary, though prices range from roughly $35 to $55 for basic highway-exit motels to about $150 in Morgantown on busy university weekends. Treat these as planning estimates and compare the final price for your dates.
Average Motel Cost in West Virginia: Quick Answer
Motel prices in West Virginia vary by city, season and local events. College football weekends in Morgantown, summer rafting and hiking near the New River Gorge, and winter ski trips push rates up, while midweek stays in smaller towns are cheaper. The figures below are rough guides from booking-site summaries, not guaranteed averages.
| Area or type | Rough nightly figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide planning figure | About $130 | One data summary |
| Basic highway-exit motels | About $35 to $55 | Quiet dates, I-77, I-64 and I-79 corridors |
| Parkersburg and Mineral Wells | About $97 to $98 | Reported averages in one summary |
| Charleston | About $130 | Government and business travel |
| Morgantown | About $150 | Higher around WVU events |
Cheapest Times to Book
Winter, especially January and February, has been reported as the cheapest stretch, while August is among the priciest months because of summer tourism. Midweek nights (Tuesday has been reported as cheapest) usually cost less than Fridays. Watch for West Virginia University home games, graduation and move-in weekends in Morgantown, plus ski weekends near Canaan Valley and Snowshoe.
What Affects Motel Prices
- Location. Exits on I-77, I-64 and I-79 tend to cost more than properties 5 to 10 miles off the highway.
- Events and seasons. University weekends, summer outdoor travel and ski season raise rates.
- Class of motel. Basic exterior-corridor rooms cost less than updated properties with indoor corridors, pools and breakfast.
- Amenities. Free breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi add value and can offset a higher rate.
Taxes and Fees
Published rates generally exclude taxes. West Virginia charges a 6% state sales tax, and cities and counties add their own hotel occupancy taxes, so the total commonly lands roughly 10% to 12% above the room rate. Check the itemized price at checkout, or review current rules with the West Virginia State Tax Department. Pet fees and parking charges vary by property.
How to Save
- Book midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are usually cheaper than Friday and Saturday.
- Avoid university and ski weekends if your dates are flexible.
- Compare national chains such as Super 8, Days Inn and Econo Lodge against independent motels, which often start around $45 to $55 on quiet dates.
- Call the front desk. Late arrivals sometimes get a better walk-in rate, and AAA, AARP and military discounts may apply.
- Choose free cancellation and re-check prices before the deadline.
For nearby states, see our Virginia, Maryland and Ohio motel guides. For a more upscale stay, read the West Virginia resort cost guide, or the national average motel cost overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a motel in West Virginia?
One booking-data summary puts a typical West Virginia motel at about $130 per night. Basic highway-exit motels can be $35 to $55, while Morgantown averages around $150 on busy weekends. Rates change daily.
How much are hotel taxes in West Virginia?
Published room rates generally exclude taxes. West Virginia charges a 6% state sales tax and cities and counties add hotel occupancy taxes, so the total commonly adds roughly 10% to 12%. Confirm the itemized total at checkout.
Why are motel rates in Morgantown higher than in other West Virginia cities?
Demand around West Virginia University pushes prices up, especially on football weekends, graduation and move-in. Off-peak winter weekdays can be much cheaper.
When is the cheapest time to book a West Virginia motel?
Winter, especially January and February, and midweek nights are usually cheapest. August and university or ski weekends are more expensive.
Bottom Line
Budget about $35 to $55 for a basic highway motel and closer to $130 to $150 in Charleston and Morgantown, plus roughly 10% to 12% for taxes. Always check the final total for your dates.
