Where to Stay for the Masters Tournament: Best Areas in Augusta
The 2026 Masters Tournament runs April 6–12 at Augusta National Golf Club, with the competitive rounds Thursday through Sunday, April 9–12. Getting tickets is the hard part. Figuring out where to sleep and not overpaying for it is the next one.
Augusta is a mid-sized city that gets overwhelmed by Masters week demand. Hotel rates in the area increase dramatically compared to normal weeks, and the best options in every price range book out months in advance. This guide covers your realistic options: staying close to the course, nearby towns with better value, and how far out is reasonable before the trip starts feeling like a daily commute.
Quick Answer: Where to Stay for the Masters
- Closest to the course: Residential rentals north of Augusta National on Washington Road, a small number within walking distance
- Best hotels near the course: Hampton Inn & Suites Augusta Washington Road (1.5 miles), Country Inn & Suites Augusta at I-20 (1.2 miles)
- Best nearby alternative: Aiken, South Carolina, about 25–35 minutes away, quieter and slightly cheaper
- Best value with a drive: Columbia, South Carolina or Athens, Georgia, about 75 minutes to under 2 hours out
- Book by: As early as possible, ideally 6–12 months in advance for Augusta itself
Staying in Augusta: Closest to the Course
Augusta is the obvious choice if proximity matters to you. The challenge is that the hotel stock close to Augusta National ranges from expensive to expensive relative to the quality of the properties. Budget chains that run $80–$150 a night in a normal week regularly hit $400–$800 or more during Masters week, and the quality of the properties doesn't necessarily match the higher event pricing.
The most practical hotel options within a couple of miles of the course are along Washington Road, which runs directly past Augusta National's main entrance. The Hampton Inn & Suites Augusta Washington Road is 1.5 miles from the club and one of the better-reviewed properties in the area. The Country Inn & Suites Augusta at I-20 is 1.2 miles out and consistently rated well. The Partridge Inn Augusta, a Curio Collection by Hilton property on Walton Way, is a more characterful option about 2.8 miles from the course with a solid reputation.
Expect to pay a significant premium for all of them during Masters week. Availability becomes very limited quickly and prices only climb as April approaches.
Best Hotels Near Augusta National
For travelers who want a hotel rather than a rental, these five properties are the most practical choices near the course:
All of these see significant rate increases during tournament week. Book as early as possible, ideally 6–12 months out.
Augusta Masters Home Rentals: Best Option for Groups
For groups of four or more, renting a house in Augusta is almost always better value than booking multiple hotel rooms. The residential neighborhoods north of Augusta National, just across Washington Road from the club, are the most sought-after. A small number of properties in that area are genuinely walkable to the course, which sidesteps the traffic and parking entirely.
A single-bedroom rental in Augusta during Masters week typically starts around $400–$500 per night. A three- or four-bedroom house split among a group brings the per-person cost down considerably and gives you a kitchen, a living room to watch tournament coverage, and more space to decompress after a long day on the course. VRBO has dedicated Masters week Augusta listings worth browsing early, with many homeowners listing properties specifically for tournament week.
VRBO and Airbnb are the main platforms for Augusta Masters week rentals. Many homeowners require a minimum stay of four to five nights. The best properties in the neighborhoods closest to the course go 6–12 months out.
Aiken, South Carolina: Best Alternative Near Augusta National (25–35 Minutes)
Aiken is just across the South Carolina state line, about 25–35 minutes from Augusta National depending on traffic. It's a small city with a pleasant downtown, walkable and lined with restaurants and shops, and noticeably calmer than Augusta during tournament week. Visit Aiken's tourism site has a useful overview of the town's neighborhoods and dining if you're unfamiliar with the area.
Hotel rates here are lower than Augusta, though they still climb for Masters week. The home rental market is cheaper too, and inventory is less competitive. If you want a quieter base that's still close enough to drive in each morning without an early alarm, Aiken works well.
The drive is straightforward and mostly highway. Morning traffic heading toward Augusta is manageable if you arrive before the morning rush toward the course.
Columbia, South Carolina: Best Value Hotels About 75 Minutes from Augusta
Columbia is the pick for travelers who want a quality hotel at a reasonable rate and don't mind the drive. It's roughly 75 miles from Augusta on I-20, about 1 hour and 15 minutes in typical conditions, on a straightforward highway route.
Hotels in Columbia during Masters week run significantly cheaper than Augusta. You can book a well-reviewed property at a price that would barely cover a budget motel near the course. Columbia is a college town, home to the University of South Carolina, with a real restaurant scene that makes evenings more enjoyable after a full day at the tournament. Discover Columbia SC covers current restaurant and hotel options if you want to plan your evenings around more than just the golf.
The tradeoff is the drive each way. It's manageable for one or two days but adds up over a full week. If you're attending multiple rounds, weigh whether the nightly savings justify the cumulative driving time.
Athens, Georgia: College Town Option for Masters Visitors Flying via Atlanta
Athens is about 105 miles from Augusta National, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes in normal conditions. It earns its place on this list for travelers flying in and out of Atlanta. It's on the route between Atlanta and Augusta, which makes the routing work if you're trying to avoid Atlanta traffic on both ends of the trip.
Like Columbia, Athens is a college town (University of Georgia) with good food and a lively bar scene. Hotels and rentals are available at reasonable rates during Masters week. The Hotel Indigo Athens University Area is a reliable mid-range option. Visit Athens GA has a full guide to neighborhoods, restaurants, and things to do if you're making a longer trip of it.
One honest consideration: 1 hour 45 minutes each way becomes a long commute for multiple tournament days. Athens makes the most sense for travelers attending one or two days, or those who can split their stay and move closer to the course for the competitive rounds.
How Far from Augusta National Should You Stay?
There's no universally right answer, but a few guidelines help:
Within 30 minutes of Augusta National is worth paying for if you're attending multiple rounds, arriving early for practice sessions, or want to avoid the fatigue of long daily drives. The neighborhoods north of the course and Aiken fit this window.
45–75 minutes out (Columbia) makes financial sense for one or two days, for groups sharing a large rental, or for travelers who value a comfortable hotel and a good dinner over proximity to the course.
Beyond 90 minutes — Savannah, Atlanta, Charlotte — the daily drive becomes a grind for multiple tournament days. It can work if you're tacking the Masters onto a larger trip, but it's not a practical base for the full week.
Do Hotel Prices Increase During Masters Week?
Yes. Augusta during Masters week is one of the most extreme examples of event-driven hotel pricing in American sports tourism. Budget chains near the course typically charge premium event pricing during Masters week. Properties that run $80–$150 normally regularly list at $400–$800 or more, and mid-range hotels can push well beyond that. The Masters official site publishes the full tournament schedule each year, which is useful for identifying which specific days drive the highest demand if you have flexibility on when to attend.
The practical takeaway: if you're staying in Augusta, a home rental shared among a group almost always delivers better value than a mid-range hotel at peak pricing. Traveling solo or as a couple, moving out to Aiken or Columbia is the smarter financial call.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Masters Accommodation?
For Augusta itself, hotels and home rentals close to the course, book 6–12 months in advance. The best homes in the walkable neighborhoods north of Augusta National are often listed and booked immediately after the prior year's tournament ends.
For Aiken, 3–6 months out is a reasonable target. For Columbia and Athens, you have more flexibility, but booking 2–3 months out gives you the best selection at reasonable rates.
Don't wait until January or February to start looking for Masters week accommodation. Availability at that point is limited to whatever's left, and what's left is rarely the best of it.
Book Through Dyme — Travel That Goes Further
Whether you're looking for a hotel on Washington Road or a house close enough to walk to the first tee, Dyme helps you find the right property at the right price. Members access exclusive hotel rates and travel perks, and every booking helps fund clean energy projects, including solar installations for schools and hospitals that give communities access to cheaper, cleaner electricity.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay for the Masters Tournament: Best Areas in Augusta
The 2026 Masters Tournament runs April 6–12 at Augusta National Golf Club, with the competitive rounds Thursday through Sunday, April 9–12. Getting tickets is the hard part. Figuring out where to sleep and not overpaying for it is the next one.
Augusta is a mid-sized city that gets overwhelmed by Masters week demand. Hotel rates in the area increase dramatically compared to normal weeks, and the best options in every price range book out months in advance. This guide covers your realistic options: staying close to the course, nearby towns with better value, and how far out is reasonable before the trip starts feeling like a daily commute.
Quick Answer: Where to Stay for the Masters
- Closest to the course: Residential rentals north of Augusta National on Washington Road, a small number within walking distance
- Best hotels near the course: Hampton Inn & Suites Augusta Washington Road (1.5 miles), Country Inn & Suites Augusta at I-20 (1.2 miles)
- Best nearby alternative: Aiken, South Carolina, about 25–35 minutes away, quieter and slightly cheaper
- Best value with a drive: Columbia, South Carolina or Athens, Georgia, about 75 minutes to under 2 hours out
- Book by: As early as possible, ideally 6–12 months in advance for Augusta itself
Staying in Augusta: Closest to the Course
Augusta is the obvious choice if proximity matters to you. The challenge is that the hotel stock close to Augusta National ranges from expensive to expensive relative to the quality of the properties. Budget chains that run $80–$150 a night in a normal week regularly hit $400–$800 or more during Masters week, and the quality of the properties doesn't necessarily match the higher event pricing.
The most practical hotel options within a couple of miles of the course are along Washington Road, which runs directly past Augusta National's main entrance. The Hampton Inn & Suites Augusta Washington Road is 1.5 miles from the club and one of the better-reviewed properties in the area. The Country Inn & Suites Augusta at I-20 is 1.2 miles out and consistently rated well. The Partridge Inn Augusta, a Curio Collection by Hilton property on Walton Way, is a more characterful option about 2.8 miles from the course with a solid reputation.
Expect to pay a significant premium for all of them during Masters week. Availability becomes very limited quickly and prices only climb as April approaches.
Best Hotels Near Augusta National
For travelers who want a hotel rather than a rental, these five properties are the most practical choices near the course:
All of these see significant rate increases during tournament week. Book as early as possible, ideally 6–12 months out.
Augusta Masters Home Rentals: Best Option for Groups
For groups of four or more, renting a house in Augusta is almost always better value than booking multiple hotel rooms. The residential neighborhoods north of Augusta National, just across Washington Road from the club, are the most sought-after. A small number of properties in that area are genuinely walkable to the course, which sidesteps the traffic and parking entirely.
A single-bedroom rental in Augusta during Masters week typically starts around $400–$500 per night. A three- or four-bedroom house split among a group brings the per-person cost down considerably and gives you a kitchen, a living room to watch tournament coverage, and more space to decompress after a long day on the course. VRBO has dedicated Masters week Augusta listings worth browsing early, with many homeowners listing properties specifically for tournament week.
VRBO and Airbnb are the main platforms for Augusta Masters week rentals. Many homeowners require a minimum stay of four to five nights. The best properties in the neighborhoods closest to the course go 6–12 months out.
Aiken, South Carolina: Best Alternative Near Augusta National (25–35 Minutes)
Aiken is just across the South Carolina state line, about 25–35 minutes from Augusta National depending on traffic. It's a small city with a pleasant downtown, walkable and lined with restaurants and shops, and noticeably calmer than Augusta during tournament week. Visit Aiken's tourism site has a useful overview of the town's neighborhoods and dining if you're unfamiliar with the area.
Hotel rates here are lower than Augusta, though they still climb for Masters week. The home rental market is cheaper too, and inventory is less competitive. If you want a quieter base that's still close enough to drive in each morning without an early alarm, Aiken works well.
The drive is straightforward and mostly highway. Morning traffic heading toward Augusta is manageable if you arrive before the morning rush toward the course.
Columbia, South Carolina: Best Value Hotels About 75 Minutes from Augusta
Columbia is the pick for travelers who want a quality hotel at a reasonable rate and don't mind the drive. It's roughly 75 miles from Augusta on I-20, about 1 hour and 15 minutes in typical conditions, on a straightforward highway route.
Hotels in Columbia during Masters week run significantly cheaper than Augusta. You can book a well-reviewed property at a price that would barely cover a budget motel near the course. Columbia is a college town, home to the University of South Carolina, with a real restaurant scene that makes evenings more enjoyable after a full day at the tournament. Discover Columbia SC covers current restaurant and hotel options if you want to plan your evenings around more than just the golf.
The tradeoff is the drive each way. It's manageable for one or two days but adds up over a full week. If you're attending multiple rounds, weigh whether the nightly savings justify the cumulative driving time.
Athens, Georgia: College Town Option for Masters Visitors Flying via Atlanta
Athens is about 105 miles from Augusta National, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes in normal conditions. It earns its place on this list for travelers flying in and out of Atlanta. It's on the route between Atlanta and Augusta, which makes the routing work if you're trying to avoid Atlanta traffic on both ends of the trip.
Like Columbia, Athens is a college town (University of Georgia) with good food and a lively bar scene. Hotels and rentals are available at reasonable rates during Masters week. The Hotel Indigo Athens University Area is a reliable mid-range option. Visit Athens GA has a full guide to neighborhoods, restaurants, and things to do if you're making a longer trip of it.
One honest consideration: 1 hour 45 minutes each way becomes a long commute for multiple tournament days. Athens makes the most sense for travelers attending one or two days, or those who can split their stay and move closer to the course for the competitive rounds.
How Far from Augusta National Should You Stay?
There's no universally right answer, but a few guidelines help:
Within 30 minutes of Augusta National is worth paying for if you're attending multiple rounds, arriving early for practice sessions, or want to avoid the fatigue of long daily drives. The neighborhoods north of the course and Aiken fit this window.
45–75 minutes out (Columbia) makes financial sense for one or two days, for groups sharing a large rental, or for travelers who value a comfortable hotel and a good dinner over proximity to the course.
Beyond 90 minutes — Savannah, Atlanta, Charlotte — the daily drive becomes a grind for multiple tournament days. It can work if you're tacking the Masters onto a larger trip, but it's not a practical base for the full week.
Do Hotel Prices Increase During Masters Week?
Yes. Augusta during Masters week is one of the most extreme examples of event-driven hotel pricing in American sports tourism. Budget chains near the course typically charge premium event pricing during Masters week. Properties that run $80–$150 normally regularly list at $400–$800 or more, and mid-range hotels can push well beyond that. The Masters official site publishes the full tournament schedule each year, which is useful for identifying which specific days drive the highest demand if you have flexibility on when to attend.
The practical takeaway: if you're staying in Augusta, a home rental shared among a group almost always delivers better value than a mid-range hotel at peak pricing. Traveling solo or as a couple, moving out to Aiken or Columbia is the smarter financial call.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Masters Accommodation?
For Augusta itself, hotels and home rentals close to the course, book 6–12 months in advance. The best homes in the walkable neighborhoods north of Augusta National are often listed and booked immediately after the prior year's tournament ends.
For Aiken, 3–6 months out is a reasonable target. For Columbia and Athens, you have more flexibility, but booking 2–3 months out gives you the best selection at reasonable rates.
Don't wait until January or February to start looking for Masters week accommodation. Availability at that point is limited to whatever's left, and what's left is rarely the best of it.
Book Through Dyme — Travel That Goes Further
Whether you're looking for a hotel on Washington Road or a house close enough to walk to the first tee, Dyme helps you find the right property at the right price. Members access exclusive hotel rates and travel perks, and every booking helps fund clean energy projects, including solar installations for schools and hospitals that give communities access to cheaper, cleaner electricity.
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