Where to stay in Waco on a budget: Woodway

Source: https://helloaxel.com/en/hotels/where-to-stay/waco-texas/on-a-budget

Updated October 28, 2026

Woodway leads for budget trips thanks to the strongest hotel value and typical rates below Waco’s median, provided you have a car. Downtown Waco is the runner-up: rooms typically cost more, but its sightseeing access makes it a better budget compromise than Marketplace when walking is central to your plans.

Typical rates are USD medians, not live quotes. Hotel fees may be extra.

Browse all hotels in and around Waco, Texas

1. Woodway — US-84 / Woodway Drive: 6.1/10 for travelers on a budget

The strongest hotel value and below-median typical rates lead the budget ranking, with driving the main compromise. Typical Axel rate $94 a night.

Top hotels: Staybridge Suites Waco South - Woodway by IHG 8.7 · La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodway - Waco South 8.4 · Fairfield Inn & Suites Waco South 8.1. See the neighborhood and all its hotels.

2. Downtown Waco — Silos & Brazos Riverfront: 5.8/10 for travelers on a budget

Higher typical rates buy much better sightseeing access and stronger hotels; consider it if walking matters more than the lowest room cost. Typical Axel rate $172 a night.

Top hotels: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waco Downtown - Baylor 8.9 · Hotel Indigo WACO - BAYLOR by IHG 8.9 · AC Hotel By Marriott Waco Downtown 8.9. See the neighborhood and all its hotels.

3. Central Texas Marketplace & Legend Lake: 4.9/10 for travelers on a budget

Solid hotels help, but typical rates above the city median and car-dependent sightseeing weaken its budget case. Typical Axel rate $162 a night.

Top hotels: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco South by IHG 8.8 · Hilton Garden Inn Waco 8.7 · Towneplace Suites Waco South 8.2. See the neighborhood and all its hotels.

This ranking weights how well each neighborhood fits travelers on a budget at 20%, then getting around, things to do, hotels and value. How Axel ranks neighborhoods.

Nearby-place counts include OpenStreetMap data from October 27, 2026; newer openings and closures may be missing.

Where to stay in Waco, Texas by trip

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