March Madness: My Favorite Hotels in Host Cities

The craziest time in college sports is almost upon us: brackets, buzzer beaters, and Cinderella runs.

The craziest time in college sports is almost upon us: brackets, buzzer beaters, and Cinderella runs. The 2026 men's and women’s NCAA tournaments, fondly known as March Madness, are around the corner, and I want to take a moment to remind you that if you’re traveling to catch any of the games in person, I can help. 


Mark your Calendar


Selection Sunday (Men’s): March 15, 2026

Selection Sunday (Women’s): March 16, 2026

Men’s Final Four: April 4 & 6, 2026, Indianapolis

Women’s Final Four: April 3 & 5, 2026 Phoenix


Men’s Tournament Final Four


This year’s Final Four heads to Indianapolis, Indiana, a city deeply rooted in basketball tradition. The games will tip off at Lucas Oil Stadium, which last hosted in 2021. 


5 star: The Conrad Indianapolis

4 Star: The Westin Indianapolis

3 star: JW Marriott Indianapolis


Men’s Tournament Early Rounds 


Early rounds will span across various basketball hotspots. Keep reading for my favorite hotels in each city. 


First Four: March 17-18 in Dayton: Hotel Ardent Dayton Downtown, Tapestry Collection By Hilton (4 star)


First and second rounds (rounds of 64 and 32): March 19-22

Buffalo: Curtiss Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (5 star)

Greenville: Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville, Autograph Collection (5 star)

Oklahoma City: Fordson Hotel, Unbound Collection by Hyatt (4 star)

Portland: Hotel Grand Stark (4 star)

Tampa: Palihouse Hyde Park Village (4 star)

Philadelphia: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia (5-star)

San Diego: Pendry San Diego (5 star)

St. Louis: 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis (4 star)


Sweet 16 (regional semifinals) and Elite Eight (regional finals): March 26-29

Houston: The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston (5 star)

San Jose: Signia by Hilton San Jose (5 star)

Chicago: The Hoxton Chicago (4 star)

Washington, D.C.: Hotel Washington (4 star)


Women’s Tournament Final Four


The 2026 Women’s Final Four takes center stage in Phoenix, Arizona, at the newly re-named Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix is hosting the women’s event for the first time, promising an electric atmosphere as the game reaches new heights of popularity. 


5 star: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

4 star: Arizona Biltmore

3 star: Hampton Inn Phoenix-Biltmore


Women’s Tournament Later Rounds


Unlike the men’s tournament, the Women’s First Four (March 18-19), First Round (March 20-21) and Second Round (March 22-23) will be hosted by the top-seeded teams, and as such, locations are TBD. The Sweet 16 (regional semifinals) and Elite Eight (regional finals) from March 27-30, however, are set. See below for my top picks.


Fort Worth: Bowie House, Autograph Collection (5-star)

Sacramento: Kimpton Sawyer Hotel by IHG (4-star)


The above hotels are just a few of my favorites, but if they don’t feel like the right fit, I’m always happy to suggest alternatives that better match your style and priorities. Remember, I also have access to preferred rates, special amenities and automatic price tracking, so you’ll always get the best value plus the best rate guaranteed, even if the price drops after you book.

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