The Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG leads with an 8.6 overall rating and a stellar 9.5 Wi-Fi score, offering the best tech connectivity for the price. For the best location near Howell itself, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG pairs a 9.1 location score with standout staff service. Both prove you don’t need to overspend for a top-tier stay.
Seven properties in and around Howell prove that cheap doesn’t mean uncomfortable—these picks hover around an 8.1 average guest rating with real amenities.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 7 properties near Howell, MI, digging into 1,700+ total verified guest reviews to build this list—the average guest score across all picks sits at 8.1/10, which we prioritized alongside location and cleanliness for value-seekers.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best Overall Value: #2 Candlewood Suites Brighton→ Rates
#5 Best Western of Hartland→ Rates - Best for Location: #7 Holiday Inn Express Howell→ Rates
- Pet-Friendly Stays: #4 Hampton Inn Brighton → Rates
#6 Kensington Inn Howell→ Rates - Cleanest Rooms: #2 Candlewood Suites Brighton→ Rates
- Roomiest Suites: #7 Holiday Inn Express Howell→ 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 Brighton | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Brighton by IHG | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Hampton Inn Brighton Mi | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Best Western of Hartland | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Kensington Inn – Howell | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG | (100+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: Top Cheap Hotels in Howell, MI
1. Wingate by Wyndham Brighton
The Vibe
This 3-star off I-96 is the closest to Mount Brighton Ski Area—under a mile away. With 700+ reviews piling up, guests consistently call out the solid breakfast and friendly staff. The indoor pool adds winter appeal, though the chlorine can sometimes hang heavy in the air.
What You Actually Get
You get free private parking, a continental breakfast, and access to an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. The property offers presidential suites with separate living areas, but skip the hot tub rooms unless you specifically book the 1-bedroom presidential suite. Wi-Fi clocks in at 7.2—fine for browsing but not for streaming. The location score sits at an 8.8, putting you close to Movie Drive eateries and shops in Brighton.
Choose this if: You want a ski-adjacent stay with a pool and don’t mind a mid-range cleanliness score of 8.0.
2. Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG
The Vibe
This is the top-rated pick on the list at 8.6/10, and it earns that with an 8.9 cleanliness score and a rare 9.5 for Wi-Fi—a lifeline for remote workers. Guests rave about staff member Jerry specifically. The vibe is extended-stay casual with a functional kitchenette in many suites.
What You Actually Get
The studio suites are one open room, while the 1-bedroom suites separate the bedroom from the living area—useful if you’re traveling with someone who wakes earlier. Pets are allowed with a one-time $75 fee for 6 nights or less, or a flat fee for 7+. The indoor pool and fitness center are free, and parking on-site costs nothing. With an 8.5 value score, it’s the best bang for your buck in Brighton. There’s a $20 damage deposit required at check-in.
Choose this if: You need reliable internet, a clean room, and pet-friendly policies under one roof.
Check Tonight’s Price for Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG →
3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Brighton by IHG
The Vibe
This 3-star Brighton property pulls an 8.2 overall with staff scoring 8.9 and cleanliness at 8.6. Guests consistently praise the breakfast—it’s called “good breakfast” in the highlights, and visitors confirm it’s solid. The indoor pool is open to hotel guests only, so no outside visitors crowding the space.
What You Actually Get
Free on-site parking, air conditioning, and a fitness center are standard here. The Wi-Fi scores a limp 6.4—the lowest on this list—so don’t plan on heavy video calls. Rooms are non-smoking, and the pool is exclusive to guests. There are no in-room hot tubs or a hot tub in the pool area, despite some guest questions. The location scores a 9.0, putting you within easy reach of Brighton’s dining and shopping.
Choose this if: You prioritize a strong breakfast and a clean indoor pool over internet speed.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Brighton by IHG →
4. Hampton Inn Brighton Mi
The Vibe
Staff scores here are phenomenal—9.3, the second-highest on the list—and guests say the breakfast is the best they’ve seen at a hotel. The location is a killer 9.4, less than a mile from the hospital complex. It’s functional but comfortable, with a solid 8.3 overall rating.
What You Actually Get
This is one of the few pet-friendly options on the list—pets are allowed, with charges that apply. The indoor swimming pool is open, and a good breakfast is included. Rooms are non-smoking with free Wi-Fi scoring a strong 9.0. King Jacuzzi rooms come with a jacuzzi tub in the main room, not the bathroom. A $250 damage deposit is required at check-in, which is higher than most competitors, so budget accordingly.
Choose this if: You want a pet-friendly hotel near the hospital with the best breakfast in town.
5. Best Western of Hartland
The Vibe
This Hartland property sits right off the highway—guests call it clean, neat, and walkable to food spots. The staff score of 9.2 matches the Hampton Inn’s standard, and the indoor pool runs from 7am to 11pm, giving you plenty of swim time. It’s a solid 8.3 overall with 150+ reviews backing it.
What You Actually Get
Free on-site parking and an American breakfast are included. Pets are allowed on request with charges that may apply. The indoor pool, free Wi-Fi (8.5), air conditioning, and fitness center round out the amenities. Children 13 and above are charged as adults, which is worth noting for families. The location is right on Highland Road, making it easy to grab a bite within walking distance and easy highway access. Unlike #6, this has a pool and a full breakfast included.
Choose this if: You want a pet-friendly, highway-adjacent stay with a long-hours indoor pool.
6. Kensington Inn – Howell
The Vibe
This 1-star motel is the budget champion in Howell proper, with an 8.8 location score and a 7.9 overall rating. It’s the most affordable entry on the list, but guests note it’s clean and quiet for a one-night stay. The value score of 8.6 suggests you get more than you pay for here—repeat guests are common.
What You Actually Get
The motel offers free Wi-Fi (7.5), free parking, and has jacuzzi rooms available on request. It’s less than 5 miles from Kensington Valley Factory Shops and right off I-96. Pets are allowed on request with charges. There’s no pool or fitness center, so it’s bare-bones basic—but the staff scores an 8.8 and guests say the front desk is helpful. Children 18 and above are charged as adults. Early check-in is possible if a room is ready.
Choose this if: You need the absolute cheapest clean bed in Howell proper with no-frills expectations.
7. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG
The Vibe
This is the only property actually in Howell with a 2-star rating, but it punches above with an 8.0 overall. Staff scores are 9.1, and the location is also 9.1—right in the heart of Howell, close to downtown restaurants and shops. The jacuzzi suites are a consistent draw for couples and solo travelers.
What You Actually Get
Free parking, free Wi-Fi (8.1), an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center are included. Breakfast is served, and express check-in/check-out saves time. Jacuzzi suites are available with king-size beds—ask at booking. Handicap-accessible rooms are available in multiple layouts. Late checkout can be requested but not guaranteed. The staff from front desk to housekeeping consistently earns praise for friendliness.
Choose this if: You want to be in Howell with a jacuzzi suite, friendly staff, and a 9.1 location.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#2 Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG
8.6/10 overall with top Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies, and an 8.9 cleanliness score — the best value-to-quality equation.
Check Tonight’s Price for Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG →
💰 Best Value
#6 Kensington Inn – Howell
7.9/10 with an 8.6 value score and location in Howell proper — all at the lowest nightly rate on this list.
🏖️ Best Location
#7 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG
9.1 location score, staff praised at 9.1, and jacuzzi suites — the best pick for being in Howell proper.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG →
How We Ranked These Cheap Hotels in Howell, MI
We evaluated 7 properties around Howell using 1,700+ guest reviews and average scores around 8.1/10. The focus was on value for budget travelers without sacrificing cleanliness, location, or key amenities.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 7.5+ overall and 100+ verified reviews made the cut
- Score breakdown analysis: We prioritized location, value, and staff scores — the metrics budget travelers care about most
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities like free breakfast, pool access, and pet policies against guest feedback
- Location signals: Distance to Howell proper, Brighton’s dining corridor, and I-96 accessibility for easy navigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these cheap hotels in Howell, MI?
Yes, several properties on our list welcome pets. The Candlewood Suites – Brighton by IHG (#2) allows pets with a $75 fee for stays under 7 nights, while the Hampton Inn Brighton Mi (#4) and Best Western of Hartland (#5) also accept pets with applicable charges. The Kensington Inn – Howell (#6) allows pets on request. Always confirm fees and policies directly with the property before booking.
Which hotels offer free cancellation?
All properties on this list have cancellation policies that vary by room type and booking date. The Wingate by Wyndham Brighton (#1), Candlewood Suites Brighton (#2), and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brighton (#3) all check conditions at the time of booking. For the most flexible cancellation options, look for rate plans labeled “free cancellation” during the checkout process on your preferred booking platform.
What’s the best time to visit Howell, MI?
Summer (June-August) is peak season for outdoor activities around Kensington Metropark and Brighton’s lakes. Fall (September-October) brings beautiful foliage and lower rates. If you’re skiing at Mount Brighton, winter (December-February) is best but prices can be higher near the slopes. Spring (March-May) offers the cheapest rates across the board and fewer crowds.
How do I get from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Howell?
DTW is about 31-40 miles from these hotels depending on the property. The most straightforward route is I-94 West to US-23 North, then exit onto I-96 West toward Brighton and Howell. Rideshare costs typically range from $50-$70 one way. There’s no direct public transit, so a rental car is the most practical option for exploring the area, especially since all properties offer free on-site parking.
What’s the most walkable area in Howell?
Downtown Howell, centered around Grand River Avenue and Michigan Avenue, is the most walkable area with local restaurants, boutiques, and the historic Howell Opera House. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG (#7) sits on North Burkhart Road, a short drive from downtown. For walkable dining, the Best Western of Hartland (#5) is near Highland Road eateries within walking distance.
Can I check in late at any of these properties?
Most of these hotels offer 24-hour front desk service, making late check-ins straightforward. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Howell by IHG (#7) allows late checkout requests at the front desk (though not guaranteed). The Kensington Inn – Howell (#6) offers early check-in if a room is ready. For specific late arrivals, it’s best to inform the property ahead of time by phone or through your booking notes.