Jackson City is the capital of Mississippi. It is also the state’s most populous city with an estimated population of 557,385 as of year 2000. In fact, it is now considered as the US’ 88th largest metropolitan region. Jackson City was named after Andrew Jackson, a former US president.

The city also houses great museums and historic sites like the Greenwood Cemetery, King Edward Hotel, Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Eudora Welty House Museum along with The City of Jackson Fire Museum, Manship House Museum and so much more. Parks you will find here include Grove Park, Battlefield Park, Sykes Park, Smith Park, and Parham Bridges Park.

With all the attractions in Jackson City, vacationers and business travelers will find it easy to find good hotels and resorts, especially in its downtown area. Here are some of the downtown hotels in Jackson, Mississippi:

Americas Best Inn Jackson
Americas Best Inn Jackson is located at 5411 Interstate 55 North Jackson, MS 39206. It is a short 13 miles to the Jackson-Evers International Airport. Check in time is at 1PM while check out time is at 11AM. Young adults under the age of 21 should be accompanied by an adult. An ID and credit card is required upon check in.

The hotel has a total of 103 guest rooms with Cable TV and coffee makers. Accommodations include King Suites with 1 King-sized bed; Whirlpool King Suites with 1 King-sized bed and jetted tubs; and Deluxe double Suites with 2 double beds. All rooms are guaranteed with complimentary local calls. This is apart from the hotel’s indoor pool, fitness center and hot tub.

Best Western Executive Inn
Best Western Executive Inn is located at 725 Larson Street Jackson, MS 39202. This 2-star deluxe hotel was renovated last 2006. Its location puts it near the Mississippi Museum of Art, Mississippi State Capitol, and the Jackson Zoological Park, and the Alamo Theater, Chimneyville Crafts Gallery, Mississippi sports Hall and the Mississippi State Coliseum among others.

Check in time at the hotel is at 1:30PM while check out time is at 11AM. A valid ID and credit card is required during check in. Hence, each room in this hotel is exquisitely furnished and tastefully appointed. Rooms are equipped with microwave ovens, cable TV, data ports, refrigerators and coffee makers.

The hotel also has a business center with photocopy and fax services, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Aside from complimentary newspapers and continental breakfast, they also provide free wireless Internet access and local calls.

Hotel accommodations include the Standard 2 Queen having 2 double beds, cherry-wood furnishings, dual-line phones, 25-inch TVs with Cable, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tea/coffee makers, iron with ironing boards, hair dryers and air conditioners; Standard rooms having 1 king bed, separate sitting areas with 1 sofa bed and the other standard amenities.

Clarion Hotel Jackson
Clarion Hotel Jackson is situated at 5075 Interstate Highway 55 North Jackson MS 39206. This 2-star hotel is close to attractions and establishments like the Highland Village, Northpark Mall and the Chimneyville Crafts. Check in time is at 3PM while check out time is at 12NN. The minimum age requirement for check in is 21 years old. A valid ID and credit is also required.

The hotel has a total of 222 guest rooms in its 6 floors with interior corridors. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor pool, Fitness Center and a 24hr front desk. Accommodations include their 2 Double Bed Rooms and Standard King Rooms. Guests can choose between smoking and non-smoking units equipped with Cable TVs, video game consoles, and coffee makers and multi-phones with voice mail, hair dryers, iron and free wireless Internet access.

Mississippi river cruise today is quite popular as many people see it a way of experiencing the river culture. Cruising the 2,320-mile long river will allow you get a different glimpse of the United States.

This is an ideal way to learn more about American history. However, a Mississippi river cruise is not just restricted to learning about American history; you also can enjoy local music and regional cuisine.

The cruise is usually hosted on a paddle-wheeled steam boat, which will usually have a Victorian décor. The staff on the boats are extremely friendly, and customer service is rather good.

There are many cruise companies offering the Mississippi river cruise and each package is of different duration. There are cruise package ranging from 3 days to 12 days, depending on how much time you want to spend enjoying yourself. You can even select an hour long cruise if you do not want to spend too much time on a boat.

The pace of the cruise is not fast like ocean cruise vessels. Usually the boats travel at six miles per hour giving passengers enough time to absorb the surrounding beauty.

Many cruise companies have special cruises for special days like Valentine’s Day cruise or Christmas cruise. These cruises are more expensive than normal cruises and the passengers are treated to exciting display of fireworks during the course of the cruise.

The length of the cruise will depend on the number of ports of call. Since the entire river system has over 50 rivers and tributaries, you can be sure that you will have ample opportunity to explore and learn more about the American Midwest.

Although you can go for a Mississippi river cruise any time of the year, in winter the northern routes are not available. If you are sensitive to heat and humidity, you should avoid going for the cruise in summer when the river basin is warm. Make sure you book your cruise well in advance as each boat takes less than 500 passengers per trip. In order to save money, you avoid add-ons and eat on land rather than the boat.