Any recs for a hotel near Princeton University? My niece just started there, and my kids would like to go visit sometime this year. Thanks!!

Hi Vicki,
In the town of Princeton there is a nice B&B called the Peacock Inn. There is also a hotel called the Nassau Inn that is very nice. They are both very close to the campus. If you have a car, on Route 1 (10-15 west of the campus) there are several good hotels; the Hyatt, the Marriot, and Forrestal Conference Center and Hotel. They Hyatt and Forrestal also offer a great Sunday brunch.
If you need any more information, please let me know.

Oh...where to begin on the Peacock Inn. It's been some years since I last stayed there and I can't even begin to tell you how awful it was. The first room we were given was so hot...in the middle of December...we had to open the windows. The innkeeper came unglued...slammed the windows shut...and told us to keep our hands off of them. We asked to be moved to another room, which had no heat at all...and no water pressure in the bathroom. It took 3 hours to fill the tub halfway, just to bathe (no shower, of course). The room was so cold, we had to sleep in our coats...because no extra blankets were available. We couldn't wait to leave. We thought staying in a B&B would be homey and quaint. After that experience, it was 5 years before I'd stay in one again. The innkeepers were just plain nasty (I still can't imagine why). I only hope management and owners have changed since we were there. I find it hard to say anything nice about anything in Princeton because of that horrid experience. I'm sure there must be nice people there...but we never met them.

Having grown up not far from Princeton, I can't tell you about the lodgings, but I can tell you that it is an absolutely charming town. I love it there. Do not listen to the previous poster about there being no nice people. One bad experience by one person is not indicative of an entire town. I haven't been there for awhile, but whenever we went, we always used to go to PJ's for fabulous chili. There also was a store (don't know if it's still there) called the Country Mouse which was one of my favorites for gifts, novelty items, cards, etc. You should also go to visit some time with your kids, you are sure to enjoy it.

I was in Princeton recently for a business trip. I found the people to be friendly, the town charming, and I look forward to returning. It completely blew away the few remaining New Jersey stereotypes I had in my mind. Try to visit when the leaves are turning. It's a gorgeous setting, heavily wooded and a real treat in autumn. I can't comment on specific lodging but there are any number of chain hotels on Rte. 1 which are only a 5 - 10 minute drive from the campus. If researching on the web, many of them may not have a Princeton mailing address but are still very close.

Vicki,

I would suggest the Nassau Inn. It's located in Palmer Square adjacent to the University. Plus there's plenty of shopping at your feet. If you have read any F. Scott Fitzgerald, he ofter refers to the Nassau Inn in his works. One of his 'hangouts'. If you're going for a campus visit, you can't beat the location. Be sure to tour the local neighborhoods, especially Albert Einstein's home while he was at Princeton. I'm sure your niece will be a sufficient tour guide by the time you visit. Make sure to check out the Little Dinky train. Have fun!