in Princeton, United States
8.2(64)
The Peacock Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rated Very good by our guests
Rated Very good by our guests
Analyze the best time to book The Peacock Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel in in Princeton based on 12-month price forecast
Staff is always friendly and accommodating. Breakfast is a big plus.
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The Peacock Inn sits a short walk from Princeton’s historic downtown and the university campus. Within a few minutes on foot you'll find Nassau Street and Palmer Square shops and restaurants, the Princeton University Art Museum, McCarter Theatre, and several historic sites and parks such as Morven Museum & Garden and the Princeton Battlefield. Outdoor options include the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath and Lake Carnegie for walks or light recreation. This compact walkable area makes the inn an ideal base for campus events, cultural outings, and casual strolls through town.
Historic Ivy League campus with iconic architecture, green quadrangles, Nassau Hall and numerous points of interest to explore on foot.
A university art museum with a diverse permanent collection and rotating exhibitions; free general admission.
Regional professional theatre presenting plays, concerts and special events in a historic venue.
Heart of downtown Princeton with boutiques, cafes, restaurants and seasonal events just off the university campus.
Historic house museum with period rooms, exhibitions and a landscaped garden showcasing local history and art.
Historic Revolutionary War battlefield with trails, monuments and open parkland great for history buffs and walks.
Popular scenic towpath along the canal, ideal for walking, jogging and cycling through natural surroundings.
Large reservoir popular for rowing, jogging, picnics and scenic views — a pleasant outdoor escape close to campus.
Make the most of your stay at The Peacock Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel with this convenient itinerary that covers the best attractions in in Princeton:
Princeton is a compact, culturally rich town anchored by a world-renowned university. It offers architecture, museums, performing arts, historic sites and a lively downtown with boutique shopping and dining — all within easy walking distance. The Peacock Inn, as a charming boutique property located steps from Nassau Street and the campus, makes a particularly good base: guests consistently praise friendly, accommodating staff, excellent breakfast, comfortable well-appointed rooms, thoughtful in-room amenities (including a stocked mini bar and luxury linens), and free parking. Those features, combined with the inn’s proximity to top attractions, make it an excellent choice for visitors attending campus events, cultural outings or a leisurely New Jersey getaway.
The Peacock Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
20 Bayard Lane
Seasonal guide to help you plan the perfect trip to in Princeton
Fall
Spring (around Commencement and Reunions) and early Fall (Homecoming).
Winter (January–February) and late summer (late August).
March–May: Mild temperatures, campus blooms (azaleas and magnolias), outdoor seating opens, and many cultural events start up again. Peak hotel demand in mid-May for Commencement and alumni reunions.
Major university graduation event that typically takes place in mid-May—one of the biggest local demand drivers for lodging and restaurants.
Annual gatherings for alumni, usually clustered in late May/early June, with activities across campus and town.
Arts, music, and theater programs that typically spike in late spring/early summer; schedules vary year to year.
Seasonal farmers market (typically May through November) offering local produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods on Saturdays.
Autumn weekends, often in October, with alumni gatherings, athletic events, and special programming.
Holiday markets, downtown lights, and family-oriented events around late November and December.
Expect a Mid-Atlantic climate: warm, humid summers (highs often in the 80s–90s°F / mid-20s–low-30s°C), mild springs and falls with variable rain, and cold winters with occasional snow and ice. Pack layers year-round, bring an umbrella, sun protection for summer, insect repellent for outdoor hikes in warm months, and sturdy walking shoes for cobblestone and campus paths.
Princeton's hotel and lodging prices fluctuate with university-related events and weekends. The biggest price spikes occur around Princeton University Commencement (mid-May) and Alumni Reunions (late May/early June), when demand from families and alumni fills hotels. Weekends are generally pricier than weekdays because Princeton is a popular short-trip destination from NYC and Philadelphia. Fall Homecoming weekends (October) and other campus events (lectures, conferences) also push rates up. Summer can see steady demand from tourists; rates often moderate after students leave in mid-June and before the late-summer travel surge. Winter (January–February) and late summer (late August) are typically the most budget-friendly times for hotels. Small boutique inns and B&Bs in downtown Princeton and nearby communities can command premium prices during peak events. Advance booking (6–8 weeks or more) is strongly advised for peak periods.
Insider advice to help you make the most of your visit
Princeton is very accessible by train from New York and Philadelphia, by car, and by local shuttles; downtown is compact and walkable.
Stay downtown (near Palmer Square) to walk to major attractions, restaurants, and public transit. Book accommodations and key restaurant reservations well in advance for May (Commencement/Reunions) and October (Homecoming). Use the Dinky and NJ Transit for a stress-free trip to/from NYC or Philadelphia and plan at least one day trip to a nearby historical site, winery, or the Delaware & Raritan Canal for a scenic walk or bike ride.
Everything you need to know about your stay at The Peacock Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
If you couldn't find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to contact the hotel directly. Contact The Peacock Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel directly to confirm reception hours and available assistance.
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