Stay Away from the Crowds at Non-Chain Dayton Area Lodging Options
If you’re planning a trip to Dayton, you’ll be happy to know that there are dozens of hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging options available. However, not everyone wants to stay at a major chain. You can have a whole different experience when you book locally owned and operated accommodations.
We’ve put together a list of unique Dayton Ohio hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds to help you start planning your getaway.
Hotels in Dayton Ohio
Hope Hotel & Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center
Opened in 1990, the Hope Hotel & Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center is named after Bob Hope, and it’s the only privately owned lodging on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base property. As such, it’s primarily designed to accommodate government contractors, retired military personnel, and students.
Despite that, rooms are still available to civilians who travel for leisure and business. The hotel has 265 newly renovated guest rooms with either two double beds or one queen bed. Among the hotel amenities is the largest ballroom in three counties and a full-service restaurant — Packy’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Mills Park Hotel
Offering award-winning hospitality, Mills Park Hotel in Yellow Springs (about 25 minutes from Dayton) has luxurious rooms that blend Plantation-style comfort with modern amenities.
The three-story hotel is modeled after local settler William Mills’ 19th-century Victorian home, which has been transformed into Mills Lawn Elementary. The halls of the hotel depict the area’s and Mills’ history.
As one of the best Dayton Ohio hotels, its 28 guest rooms are available in three categories — traditional, deluxe, and premier suites. In addition to the standard amenities in traditional rooms, deluxe rooms are equipped with microwaves and mini-refrigerators.
Additional features in premier suites include sleeper sofas and balcony access. Also, the hotel has a large fitness center, lobby fireplace with seating, and porch seating. Ellie’s Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and more daily.
Dayton Ohio Inns & B&Bs
Hearthstone Inn & Suites
In Cedarville (about 30 minutes from Dayton), Hearthstone Inn & Suites is one of the highest quality Dayton Ohio hotels that you can book.
It was built in 2001 to capture the ambiance and feel of small-town hospitality. The 20 rooms are spread throughout two floors and feature either two queen beds, one king bed, or a king bed with a Jacuzzi.
Every morning, you can take advantage of a self-serve deluxe continental breakfast with locally-roasted gourmet coffee, Bigelow Tea, and a menu of assorted muffins, yogurts, bagels, breakfast burritos, mini cinnamon rolls, and mini pastries. You can ask for gluten-free items and almond milk too.
I recently had the opportunity to stay two nights at the Hearthstone Inn & Suites in Cedarville. To say that my experience surpassed my expectations would be an understatement.
From the friendly front-desk staff to the immaculately clean room (I couldn’t even find dust on top of the armorie or light fixtures!), I was very impressed with the attention to detail and genuine hospitality offered.
I have to admit that I was a bit concerned that I’d be walking into an outdated and frumpy facility when looking at photos online, but I was pleasantly surprised to find an upscale yet homey vibe. The rooms weren’t “modern” in their decor, but nothing looked outdated.
The biggest draw for me choosing to stay at this location was its proximity to Cedarville University, as my oldest was visiting the school. It is an easy walk to main campus from the inn.
Since she’s decided to attend Cedarville, I anticipate we’ll be frequent guests at the Hearthstone Inn over the next four years!
Ashley Pichea
Emma’s Bed and Breakfast
Built in 1833, Emma’s Bed and Breakfast in Springfield (about 40 minutes from Dayton) has indulgent accommodations that make your home away from home as comfortable as possible.
The second floor of the house has four spacious bedrooms that each feature modern conveniences and antique furniture. There’s a fifth room on the main floor with a large bedroom, separate dining and living areas, and a personal outdoor porch.
The B&B has a public dining room, covered deck, and gardens as well. Every morning, a typical breakfast is prepared, including sausage, eggs, pancakes, cheese muffins, fruit, yogurt, and more. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available upon request.
Vacation Rentals in Dayton Ohio for Small Groups
Tiny House in Xenia
A great alternative to traditional Dayton Ohio lodging, this 350-square-foot tiny house is located in Xenia. It has a one-bedroom loft and one bathroom, and it can accommodate up to four people.
Despite being for tiny living, there’s a full-size kitchen and living area. Excellent hiking trails and downtown Dayton are a short drive away.
Riverfront Getaway Near the Air Force Museum
Located near the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, this riverfront getaway rests on the Mad River. It has two bedrooms with queen beds and a rollaway bed to sleep up to five people.
You’re free to use the full-size kitchen, as well as Netflix and SlingTV in the living room. Various DVDs, comic books, and board games are also available. Downtown Dayton is only about 10 minutes away.
Dayton Ohio Vacation Rentals for Large Groups
Family-friendly House in South Park
Featuring all of the comforts of home, this family-friendly house in South Park has three bedrooms that can sleep up to 13 people and two bathrooms. All of the rooms have televisions, and you can use the DirecTV with the NFL Sunday Ticket.
For your convenience, nearly every room has charging stations for your electronics. The outdoor space includes a patio and dual fuel grill, and there’s a full kitchen.
Condo With a Game Room & Home Theater
With five bedrooms and two bathrooms, this Dayton condo can accommodate up to 10 people. The bedrooms consist of three queen beds and two sets of twin bunk beds. What’s unique about this vacation rental is that it has a home theater room and a game room.
All of the rooms have smart TVs, and you can control them with the Roku app on your mobile device. Also, there’s a barbecue grill on the property.
Historic Luxury Mansion in Kettering
An extravagant alternative to even luxurious Dayton Ohio lodging choices, this historic mansion is the largest vacation rental on our list and perfect for business gatherings and family reunions.
It was built in 1917 and has hosted a Belgian king, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Franklin D. Roosevelt (although not at the same time).
With nine bedrooms and 14 beds, it can sleep 20 people, and there are eight full baths and one half bath. Situated on 5 acres of private property, there’s a heated indoor and outdoor pool, movie theater, gym room, ballroom, billiard room, and tennis courts.
Campgrounds in Dayton Ohio
John Bryan State Park Campground
Considered the most scenic state park in Western Ohio, John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs is a 752-acre park with a limestone gorge along the Little Miami River. Within the park is the John Bryan State Park Campground, which has 17 electric campsites and 43 non-electric campsites for tent camping.
Most of the sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and there’s even a group camp area. During your stay, you can enjoy all of the amenities of the state park — boating, disc golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing.
Lake of the Woods Campground
In Farmersville, Lake of the Woods Campground is a unique lodging experience for RVs and cabin stays. The more than 250 acres of land features the Swinging Bridge Lake, along which is a beach and walking trails. The grounds have a pickleball court, disc golf, renovated clubhouse, pool, and bathhouse too.
Off The Hook Fishing & Camping Resort
Offering a variety of campsite types, Off The Hook Fishing & Camping Resort is a more rustic Dayton Ohio lodging option. It has full hookup sites, water and electric only sites, and monthly and seasonal sites. Its Baithouse has a billiards table, arcade games, kitchenette, and campground store.
Other amenities at the campground include private bathrooms, playground, swimming hole, basketball and pickleball court, two fishing and paddleboating lakes, hayrides, and electric golf carts.