The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Slippery Rock is the closest pick at just 1.9 miles from campus, with a 9.1 comfort score. For an extended stay with a full kitchen, the Candlewood Suites Grove City (8.9 rating) is a standout. Both offer practical sleep solutions for SRU visitors.
Classes, game days, or campus visits — finding an honest hotel near Slippery Rock University that doesn’t cost a semester’s tuition can be a grind. This list narrows the field from Grove City to Barkeyville.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 2300+ total verified guest reviews across 9 properties near Slippery Rock University, prioritizing properties with average guest scores of 8.4/10 or higher and published proximity data to campus.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Closest to Campus: #7 Fairfield Inn & Suites SRU→ Rates
- Best Kitchen / Long Stays: #6 Candlewood Suites Grove City→ Rates
- Top-Rated Overall: #6 Candlewood Suites Grove City→ Rates
#9 Hampton Inn & Suites Grove City→ Rates - Pet-Friendly (No Fee): #5 Motel 6-Barkeyville→ Rates
- Best Staff Scores: #1 Wingate by Wyndham Grove City→ Rates
#6 Candlewood Suites Grove City→ Rates - Best Value: #5 Motel 6-Barkeyville→ 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. Wingate by Wyndham Grove City | (650+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 2. Super 8 by Wyndham Grove City | (350+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 3. Quality Inn & Suites Grove City | (300+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 4. Holiday Inn Express Grove City | (250+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 5. Motel 6-Barkeyville, PA | (200+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 6. Candlewood Suites Grove City | (100+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 7. Fairfield Inn & Suites SRU | (100+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 8. TownePlace Suites Grove City | (100+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
| 9. Hampton Inn & Suites Grove City | (100+ Reviews) |
Check Rates |
Detailed Reviews: Hotels Near Slippery Rock University
1. Wingate by Wyndham Grove City
The Vibe
Guests rave about the cleanliness (9.0) and the staff (9.1) at this 2-star property, which sits a short 9.2-mile drive from SRU. One guest called it the “cleanest” hotel they’d stayed at, name-brand amenities included. The location directly across from the Premium Outlets is a legitimate bonus.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with free WiFi (rated 8.5), and the property includes a fitness center and a garden view. Breakfast is included under the “Good Breakfast” banner, which saves you time and cash before heading to campus. Free private parking is available on-site — no hunting for street spots. Note the pool is currently closed, so don’t book expecting a swim. Pets are allowed with applicable charges.
Choose this if: Cleanliness is non-negotiable and you want a name-brand breakfast included each morning.
2. Super 8 by Wyndham Grove City
The Vibe
This is the budget-conscious pick near SRU. With a 7.8 overall rating and an “unbeatable” price point mentioned by repeat guests, Super 8 delivers on the basics. It’s 9.4 miles from Slippery Rock University — a straight 15-minute shot down I-79. The staff-friendly culture shows in that 8.6 rating.
What You Actually Get
Rooms include a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker — confirmed by guest service. The indoor swimming pool is a plus, though it was under maintenance historically. Breakfast is included, and free on-site parking is available. Pets are allowed with a $50 refundable deposit plus $10 per extra pet. WiFi scores a 6.1, so don’t bank on streaming 4K.
Choose this if: You’re on a strict budget and need a room within 10 miles of campus with breakfast and an indoor pool.
3. Quality Inn & Suites Grove City-Outlet Mall
The Vibe
A 4-star classification that acts more like a solid mid-range choice for SRU visitors. The staff scored an 8.9 — guests called them “cheerful and enthusiastic.” It’s about a 10-minute drive from the university. The location near the freeway and plenty of dining options makes it a practical stop for game-day or graduation weekends.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.5), a fitness center, and a good breakfast are included. Parking is free on-site. The hotel accepts children over 14, but does not allow pets. Check-in runs until 11:30 PM, which is handy for late arrivals. One guest noted the room was “clean and perfect” for the event they attended. Healthcare professionals receive a welcome here too.
Choose this if: You value cheerful service and a straightforward, no-pets-allowed environment.
Check Tonight’s Price for Quality Inn & Suites Grove City-Outlet Mall →
4. Holiday Inn Express Grove City – Premium Outlet Mall by IHG
The Vibe
This Holiday Inn Express hits a 9.2 for location — the highest in the Grove City cluster — and sits a consistent 9.5 miles from SRU. Cleanliness and comfort both score 9.0, and the staff rating is 9.0 as well. Guests consistently mention the friendly service and the “excellent hot breakfast.”
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi is excellent at 9.0. The indoor swimming pool is open — confirmed by management — though masks are required in public areas per state mandates at the time. Some rooms feature whirlpool tubs, not full Jacuzzis. Free private parking and a fitness center round out the amenities. No pets allowed. Breakfast is included and considered a strong point by guests.
Choose this if: Location reliability and a strong hot breakfast matter most for your campus visit.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Grove City – Premium Outlet Mall by IHG →
5. Motel 6-Barkeyville, PA
The Vibe
This is the furthest property from SRU at 12 miles, but it makes up for it with the best value score (9.0) in the entire list. It’s a no-frills spot — no pool, no breakfast, no in-room coffee maker — but the quiet, clean rooms and comfortable beds (8.9) win over travelers. Staff scores 9.1, high for the category.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi is strong at 9.0. The real headline: pets are allowed with zero extra charges. That’s rare. The hotel lacks standard amenities like a hair dryer or pool, but the trade-off is a low rate and high guest satisfaction. Morning coffee and tea are available in the lobby. It’s a short drive to campus, so the extra 2-3 miles likely won’t matter.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with a pet on a budget and don’t need resort-style amenities.
6. Candlewood Suites Grove City – Outlet Center by IHG
The Vibe
This is the highest-rated property in the entire list at 8.9, and the staff score of 9.3 is the best across all 9 hotels. It’s a 10-mile drive from SRU. Guests consistently point to the “full kitchen with all the supplies” and “clean, comfortable beds” as highlights. The outdoor pool is seasonal.
What You Actually Get
Every room comes with a full kitchen — fridge, stove, cookware, the works. That’s a game-changer for longer stays near Slippery Rock University. Cleanliness scores 9.1 and comfort sits at 9.1. The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally. Pets are allowed on request with charges. WiFi scores a middling 6.5, so plan for that. An airport shuttle is available.
Choose this if: You’re staying several nights and need a kitchen, or you want the top-rated overall experience.
Check Tonight’s Price for Candlewood Suites Grove City – Outlet Center by IHG →
7. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Slippery Rock
The Vibe
At just 1.9 miles from Slippery Rock University, this is the closest property to campus — period. The location score of 9.1 reflects that convenience. Comfort ratings hit 9.1, the highest in the hotel’s scorecard. The staff (9.0) is known to accommodate medical families and special requests.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.3), an indoor swimming pool and hot tub (open 6 AM to 11 PM daily), and a fitness center are on-site. Continental breakfast is included. All rooms have private bathrooms — no shared setups. Parking is free. The property does not allow pets. This is the only hotel physically in Slippery Rock itself, making it the obvious choice for direct campus access.
Choose this if: You want to be on University Parkway, within a 5-minute drive of SRU buildings.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Slippery Rock →
8. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grove City Mercer/Outlets
The Vibe
With a location score of 9.4 — the highest in the entire list — this TownePlace Suites sits 9.5 miles from campus. Guests specifically call out “the full size refrigerator and kitchen area” and the “very clean and well maintained” rooms. It’s a 3-star Marriott property that punches above its weight for extended stays.
What You Actually Get
Each room includes a kitchen area with a full-size fridge — confirmed by multiple guest reviews. Free breakfast is included and considered a “real plus.” The indoor swimming pool and fitness center add value. Free on-site parking is available. Pets are allowed with charges. WiFi scores 6.5. The hotel offers meeting rooms for events like baby showers.
Choose this if: You need a kitchen and appreciate a location score that beats every other option.
Check Tonight’s Price for TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grove City Mercer/Outlets →
9. Hampton Inn & Suites Grove City
The Vibe
This Hampton Inn hits 8.7 overall with a staff score of 9.2 and a location 9.1. It’s 9.5 miles from campus, and guests appreciate the “welcome on the TV” and responsive text messaging from staff. Comfort scores 9.1 — one of the highest in the list. The indoor pool is open year-round from 6 AM to midnight.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi is excellent at 9.1 — best in this cluster. The indoor swimming pool stays open all year. “Wonderful Breakfast” is included. Two-queen studio suites with a pullout sofa are available. Pets are allowed with charges; service dogs are exempt from fees. Free parking is available. The fitness center is on-site.
Choose this if: You want strong WiFi, a guaranteed indoor pool, and a staff known for excellent communication.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#7 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Slippery Rock
Closest to campus at 1.9 miles, strong 8.4 rating, and reliable Marriott standards make it the obvious choice for SRU visitors.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Slippery Rock →
💰 Best Value
#5 Motel 6-Barkeyville, PA
Value score of 9.0, free pet stays, and low rates make it the best bang for your buck — even with the 12-mile drive.
🏠 Best for Long Stays
#6 Candlewood Suites Grove City
Top-rated at 8.9, full kitchens in every unit, and the highest staff score (9.3) — ideal for extended SRU visits.
Check Tonight’s Price for Candlewood Suites Grove City – Outlet Center by IHG →
How We Ranked These Hotels
I evaluated 9 hotels near Slippery Rock University, cross-referencing 2300+ verified guest reviews from Booking.com to find properties with strong scores and real proximity to campus. Only hotels with a minimum 7.8/10 overall rating made the cut.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 7.8+ overall and 100+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location, cleanliness, and value — the categories that matter most for university-area stays
- Proximity verification: Confirmed each hotel’s distance to Slippery Rock University via property data
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns for accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotel is closest to Slippery Rock University?
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Slippery Rock is the closest at just 1.9 miles from campus. It’s located on University Parkway and offers an indoor pool, hot tub, and free continental breakfast. No other property in this list comes within 9 miles of SRU.
Are pets allowed at any hotels near Slippery Rock University?
Yes, multiple properties accept pets. Motel 6-Barkeyville allows pets with no extra charge — the best deal. Super 8 by Wyndham Grove City charges a $50 refundable deposit plus $10 per extra pet. Candlewood Suites, TownePlace Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Wingate by Wyndham also allow pets with charges. Service dogs are exempt from fees at Hampton Inn.
Which hotels offer free breakfast near Slippery Rock University?
Five properties include breakfast: Wingate by Wyndham Grove City (Good Breakfast), Super 8 (breakfast included), Quality Inn & Suites (Good Breakfast), Holiday Inn Express (excellent hot breakfast), and Fairfield Inn (continental breakfast). TownePlace Suites and Hampton Inn also offer complimentary breakfast. Motel 6-Barkeyville provides coffee and tea in the lobby only.
What’s the best time to visit Slippery Rock, PA?
Fall semester (August through November) is the busiest for campus visits and football games. Summer months see lower rates and quieter hotels, making it ideal for campus tours or research visits. Spring can be unpredictable with weather. Book well ahead for graduation and Homecoming weekends.
Do any of these hotels have full kitchens for extended stays?
Yes. Candlewood Suites Grove City offers full kitchens with cookware and supplies in every unit. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grove City provides a kitchen area with a full-size refrigerator. Both are excellent for stays of a week or longer near Slippery Rock University.
Can I check in late at these Slippery Rock area hotels?
Most properties accommodate late check-in. Holiday Inn Express accepts check-in until 12:00 AM, Quality Inn & Suites until 11:30 PM, Candlewood Suites until 11:30 PM, and Hampton Inn until 11:30 PM. Fairfield Inn also allows check-in until midnight. For arrivals after midnight, it’s best to contact the specific hotel directly.