The Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon leads the group with an 8.8 rating and a 9.4 location score, sitting just minutes from Eastern Illinois University. For budget-minded trips near EIU, the Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston delivers a solid 8.7 Wi-Fi score right on Lincoln Avenue. Both anchor the best stays in the Charleston-Mattoon corridor.
These six properties sit within a short drive of Eastern Illinois University, mixing no-fuss chains with the occasional surprise.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 6 properties and 600+ verified guest reviews near EIU to build this list, prioritizing properties with an 8.0/10 average guest score and clear proximity to the Charleston campus.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Closest to campus: #3 Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston→ Rates
- Best overall near EIU: #2 Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon→ Rates
- Best value for families: #1 Comfort Suites Mattoon East→ Rates
- Pet-friendly near campus: #4 Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon South→ Rates
#3 Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston→ Rates - Highest staff scores: #2 Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon→ Rates
#4 Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon South→ Rates - Cleanest near EIU: #2 Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Comfort Suites Mattoon East | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon, IL | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon South | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Super 8 by Wyndham Mattoon | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Best Western Heartland Inn | (30+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: 6 Hotels Near Eastern Illinois University Reviewed: What You Actually Get for Your Stay
1. Comfort Suites Mattoon East
The Vibe
This is the one guests describe as “nice and quiet” with a “great location near many restaurants and all sorts of shopping.” The indoor pool draws consistent praise, and the breakfast — with real ham on offer—gets called “tasty.” It’s the most spacious-feeling pick near EIU, thanks to suites that include a living room area with a pullout couch.
What You Actually Get
Each suite includes a separate sitting area with its own TV and pullout sofa — so if you’re traveling with kids or two adults who need different sleeping schedules, this layout works. Free private parking is included, and the hotel accepts AAA and AARP discounts (ask at check-in). One catch: the elevator was out of service through April 1, 2024, so you may want to request a ground-floor room if that’s an issue. The pool is open, though the hot tub is not currently functioning. Groups booking 5+ rooms face separate terms.
Choose this if: You want a quiet base with a pool and breakfast included, just a short drive from campus.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon, IL
The Vibe
Guests rave about the “clean outside, lobby clean and spacious” — and that location score of 9.4 is the highest in this list. The property sits just “5 minutes from the venue” according to one reviewer. It’s the only property here with a restaurant serving brunch, lunch, and dinner on-site. The indoor pool and fitness center round out the offering.
What You Actually Get
The Hilton Garden Inn hits the highest marks across staff (9.3), facilities (9.3), cleanliness (9.3), and comfort (9.3) — it’s the safest bet for consistency near EIU. The on-site restaurant means you don’t have to get back in the car for dinner. King suites include a couch but no pullout, and there are no jacuzzi tubs. Pets are allowed with charges. You can check in as late as midnight, which helps if you’re driving in after an evening class or event. Value scores 8.6 — slightly lower given the higher nightly rate.
Choose this if: You want the most consistent quality and best location near EIU, and don’t mind paying a bit more.
3. Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston
The Vibe
This is the Charleston address — Lincoln Avenue puts you within striking distance of campus on foot. It’s a no-frills 2-star, but the Wi-Fi score of 8.7 is genuinely impressive for a budget property. You get free private parking, a continental breakfast, and the option to bring your pet. Staff scores a respectable 8.4.
What You Actually Get
The selling point here is pure geography: you’re in Charleston proper, within walking distance of EIU’s academic buildings and downtown spots. The free private parking means guests don’t fight for street spots. Breakfast is American-style and included. Pets are allowed with charges — helpful for students or faculty moving with animals. Cleanliness scores 8.1, comfort 7.6 — it’s functional and passable, not luxurious. The hotel is smoke-free. Groups booking 10+ rooms face separate policies.
Choose this if: Proximity to Eastern Illinois University is your top priority — you can literally walk to class.
4. Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon South
The Vibe
Staff scores 9.1 here, tying with the Hilton Garden Inn for best hospitality near EIU. Guest quotes call it “clean,” with a “nice size” room and “very good” breakfast. The outdoor pool is open in-season, and this property explicitly welcomes pets. It’s a solid value option with a touch more space than the budget motels.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave — confirmed by the property’s own Q&A — which makes this a strong pick for longer stays or anyone wanting to save on eating out. The outdoor pool is a seasonal draw. Good breakfast is included, and on-site parking is free. Pet charges apply. Cleanliness scores 8.4, comfort 8.6 — better than the budget properties on both counts. Staff responsiveness is a standout: multiple guests specifically note the friendly and helpful team. Check-out is at noon, giving you an extra hour over most nearby competitors.
Choose this if: You’re bringing a pet, want an outdoor pool, or prefer extra room amenities near EIU.
Check Tonight’s Price for Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon South →
5. Super 8 by Wyndham Mattoon
The Vibe
This is the budget bottom-line option. The 7.3 overall score reflects its age and simplicity, but the location scores 8.4 — solid for the price. The 24-hour front desk means you can roll in at 2 AM without hassle. Breakfast is included, and free parking is available on-site. The Wi-Fi scores a 2.5, so plan to use your phone’s hotspot.
What You Actually Get
What you get is a bed, a 24-hour front desk, included breakfast, and free parking — the basics, done cheaply. The location on McFall Road puts you within easy driving distance of both Mattoon amenities and EIU campus. Handicap-accessible rooms are available on the first floor (confirmed by the property’s own Q&A). The $250 security deposit is held at check-in and released if there are no damages — note that it’s not a cleaning fee but a hold. Pets are not allowed. Groups booking 10+ rooms face separate policies.
Choose this if: Your budget is tight and you just need a clean bed within 10 minutes of campus.
6. Best Western Heartland Inn
The Vibe
Staff scores 9.0, and the free Wi-Fi is literally a perfect 10.0 — fastest connection in this group. Guests say the location is “great for our event” and the staff is “wonderful.” Breakfast gets mixed reviews (the eggs can be dry, but waffles with strawberry topping hit right). It’s a straightforward 2-star with a shared lounge and elevator access.
What You Actually Get
Every room comes with a refrigerator — confirmed by the hotel’s own Q&A, including accessible rooms. Key card access and daily housekeeping are standard. Early check-in is available for $20 (free for elite members if space allows). The elevator is a real plus for guests with mobility needs or heavy luggage. Fitness center is on-site. Parking is free. The Wi-Fi perfect score of 10.0 makes this the spot for anyone who needs reliable internet near EIU — students working on papers, remote workers, or faculty prepping. Pets are not allowed. Groups booking 10+ rooms face separate policies.
Choose this if: You need fast, reliable Wi-Fi and appreciate a genuinely helpful staff near EIU.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#2 Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon, IL
Top marks across the board — 8.8 overall, 9.4 location, and the only on-site restaurant near EIU.
💰 Best Value
#1 Comfort Suites Mattoon East
8.4 overall with an indoor pool and breakfast included — best balance of features for the nightly rate.
📍 Best for Walkability
#3 Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston
The only property right in Charleston — walk to Eastern Illinois University in about 5 minutes.
How We Ranked These Hotels Near EIU Charleston, IL
This ranking prioritizes properties within a 12-minute drive of Eastern Illinois University, verified against 600+ guest reviews. I cross-referenced advertised amenities with actual guest feedback to separate marketing from reality, then ranked by overall guest score and location quality.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with a verified overall rating and 10+ reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness and location scores — the categories most relevant to campus-area stays
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (pool, breakfast, Wi-Fi) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to Eastern Illinois University campus and walkability from Charleston vs. Mattoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these hotels near EIU?
Yes — two properties in this list welcome pets. The Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon (#2) and the Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston (#3) both allow pets with applicable charges. The Quality Inn & Suites Mattoon South (#4) also permits pets. The Comfort Suites Mattoon East (#1), Super 8 by Wyndham Mattoon (#5), and Best Western Heartland Inn (#6) do not allow pets. Always confirm fees with the property before booking.
Which hotels offer free cancellation near Eastern Illinois University?
All six properties on this list offer varying cancellation policies depending on the rate you book — some offer free cancellation, others are non-refundable. The Hilton Garden Inn Mattoon and Comfort Suites Mattoon East typically offer flexible rate options. Always enter your specific dates on Booking.com and look for the “Free cancellation” badge before confirming your reservation.
How far are these hotels from EIU’s campus?
The Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston (#3) is the closest — located right on Lincoln Avenue, approximately a 5-minute walk to the edge of campus. The Hilton Garden Inn (#2) and Comfort Suites East (#1) are about 7–10 minutes by car. The Quality Inn South (#4), Super 8 (#5), and Best Western Heartland Inn (#6) range from 8–12 minutes driving distance. None of the properties are directly on-campus, but the Days Inn is genuinely walkable.
Which hotel near EIU has the best breakfast?
The Comfort Suites Mattoon East (#1) draws strong praise for its breakfast — guests specifically mention “tasty” options including real ham. The Hilton Garden Inn (#2) offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner via its on-site restaurant. The Quality Inn South (#4) includes a “very good” breakfast per guest feedback. The Best Western Heartland Inn (#6) has a breakfast with waffles but receives mixed reviews on the eggs. All properties in this list include some form of breakfast.
What’s the best hotel near EIU Charleston, IL for reliable Wi-Fi?
The Best Western Heartland Inn (#6) posts a perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi score — the fastest and most reliable connection in this group. The Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston (#3) follows with a solid 8.7 Wi-Fi score, impressive for a budget property. The Hilton Garden Inn (#2) scores 7.5. Avoid the Super 8 by Wyndham Mattoon (#5) for internet — its Wi-Fi scores just 2.5, making hotspot use essential.