As gas prices continue to climb and climate change worries grow, more drivers are turning to electric vehicles, or EVs. Battery-powered cars can be a solution for road trippers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel.
But is it possible to tour the country by EV and not run out of juice before reaching your destination? Charging stations aren’t as plentiful as gas stations, and finding one can be a challenge. A simple solution is to look for hotels with EV charging so your car can recharge while you sleep.
Here's how to find hotels with charging stations and some of our top picks.
A growing number of hotels are offering charging stations to electric vehicle drivers. EV-friendly hotels tend to be more upscale properties, not run-of-the-mill motels, so keep that in mind if your budget is tight. Depending on the property, charging can be free, or there can be an additional fee — check with the hotel before making your reservation.
To locate accommodations that offer EV charging, use the following websites:
Airbnb.
Booking.com.
Expedia.
Hilton.
Hotels.com.
Kayak.
PlugShare.
Tripadvisor.
For example, if you’re searching for hotels with Expedia, you can expand the "Amenities" section and select the box called “Electric car charging station.”
The same idea applies to searches made on Booking.com. Under "Amenities," check the box for “Electric vehicle charging station” to find properties offering this option. Note that some areas — especially rural communities — might not have many options.
PlugShare is another great place to search for EV charging stations at hotels. After typing in the address or name of a hotel, a map will show nearby locations where you can charge your car for free. In the example below, charging locations are shown in green.
Keep in mind that some hotel charging stations are for use by guests only. A PlugShare mobile app is also available for Android and iPhone users in the U.S. and Europe.
Remember, not all hotels have EV charging stations. Larger chains with upscale properties are likely your best bet, and while this might not be a budget-travel-friendly option, you can use points or miles to make your stay more affordable.
Hilton’s website has a filter for guests who are searching for a hotel with an EV charger. When you pull up search results for hotels in your preferred location, click on "Filters" and select the “EV Charging” box under “Guest Services.”
As of this writing, Hilton has 12 properties equipped with EV chargers in Las Vegas, one of which is the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. This luxury, non-gaming property on the Strip features an award-winning spa, three pools and is connected to The Shops at Crystals by a skybridge.
A standard room at this hotel starts at 76,000 Hilton Honors points.
The Palmer House is a 150-year-old historic Hilton hotel in the Loop area of Chicago. Multiple U.S. presidents, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde have stayed at the Palmer over the years, and legendary entertainers, such as Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, have performed there. The hotel has had a $170 million renovation to provide guests with all the comforts of the 21st century.
A standard room at this hotel starts at 35,000 Hilton Honors points.
You can't filter searches on the IHG website to find hotels with EV charging quickly. Instead, Google should be your first stop.
Voted the “Best Weekend Getaway from Los Angeles'' in the last few years by Travel + Leisure, the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel offers spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains. While your car charges, you can enjoy the hotel’s evening social hour and watch the sunset from the rooftop pool deck.
You can find award nights here for as few as 46,000 IHG One Rewards points.
A historic landmark in Seattle’s hip Belltown neighborhood, the Kimpton Palladian Hotel is minutes away from Pike Place Market, the waterfront and some of the city’s best dining. Grab some local seafood at the hotel’s Shaker + Spear restaurant or a craft cocktail from PennyRoyal, the hotel's speakeasy.
You can find award nights here for as few as 29,000 IHG One Rewards points.
Similar to IHG, a filter for "hotels with EV chargers" doesn't yet exist on the Marriott website. That said, here are a few examples of Marriott hotels that will work.
Consult PlugShare and you’ll find a Tesla Destination Charging station right next to the Courtyard by Marriott Sedona. Located just a few miles from Sedona’s city center, this Marriott property offers views of the area’s majestic mountains and easy access to several trails among the red rocks.
A night at this hotel starts at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Connected to Plaza of the Americas in the city’s arts district, the Dallas Marriott Downtown offers proximity to casual and fine dining restaurants, conference centers, a fitness center, gift shops and more. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Dallas Museum of Art, the Winspear Opera House and the Nasher Sculpture Center.
A night at this property starts at 20,000 points.
Hyatt.com doesn't currently offer a filter for an EV charging search.
Located in Portland, Maine, the Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port offers electric vehicle charging as part of its amenities. Within walking distance to the waterfront and your next lobstering adventure, the hotel is also near many popular local restaurants, including Eventide zzdtravel Co., The Highroller Lobster Co. and Duckfat.
A free night at this Category 5 property starts at 17,000 World of Hyatt points on off-peak nights and goes up to 23,000 points during peak periods.
The Hyatt Regency Austin is a pet-friendly hotel in a great location, with views of the Colorado River and Austin’s downtown skyline. The property is just minutes away from the Congress Avenue Bridge, made famous for the millions of Mexican free-tailed bats that fly out from beneath the bridge at sunset.
A free night at this Category 4 property costs 12,000 World of Hyatt points on off-peak nights and 18,000 points on peak nights.
Although many properties have introduced on-site charging stations, not every hotel has them. If you’re planning a vacation in an electric vehicle, you can find hotels with chargers by using the search filter on some search engines. And to make your road trip more affordable, you can redeem loyalty points for an award night at the hotel of your choice.