How to Actually Find Hotels with Working EV Charging (Not Broken Junk) [2025 Update]

hotel with ev image

⚡ You Pull Into the Hotel… and the Charger’s Dead

You planned everything. The route, the charging stops, the hotel. But when you finally arrive, exhausted and on 12% battery — the “EV charging available” was a lie. No charger. Or worse — one broken for months.

You’re not alone. This happens way too often to EV drivers.

In fact, according to EV forums and Reddit threads, nearly 1 in 4 EV travelers have experienced a hotel listing fake or broken chargers.

So how do you actually find a hotel with working EV charging in 2025?

Let me show you the only methods I trust — after getting burned 23 times myself.

🚫 Stop Trusting Hotel Websites (They Lie)

Hotel sites often slap “EV charging” on listings just to check a box. The charger might:

Be broken (and has been for months)
Be at a nearby mall (not on site)
Require a key the front desk can’t find
Be for staff only

TL;DR: Don’t believe hotel marketing fluff.

✅ What Works Instead: PlugShare & Real Reviews

Use the PlugShare App Like a Pro

This free app is a game changer. Here’s how to make it work for hotel-specific EV charging:

🔍 Filter Smartly

Select “Hotels” in the filter category
Choose Level 2 or higher (most hotel chargers are L2)
Look for recent check-ins — only trust reviews from the last 30 days

📸 Look for Real Photos

If there’s no photo of a charger in the hotel parking lot — assume it doesn’t exist.

⚠️ Ignore Reviews Older Than 6 Months

The EV charging landscape changes fast. Don’t trust outdated info.

📷 Image Idea:
Screenshot of PlugShare hotel filter with recent check-ins circled.
Alt: EV charging hotel search using PlugShare filters

🧠 The 3-2-1 Rule for Booking EV Hotels

Burned once, shame on the hotel. Burned twice, shame on you.

Use this rule to avoid disaster:

Check 3 sources: PlugShare, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews
Call hotel 2 days before arrival — ask: “Is the EV charger currently working and available for guests?”
Have 1 backup plan nearby (public charger or Supercharger)

🏨 Which Hotel Chains Actually Have EV Chargers?

Let’s break down the big hotel chains and their EV-friendliness:

Hotel Chain	EV Charger Availability	Notes
Hilton	🌟🌟🌟🌟	Many properties adding Level 2 chargers
Marriott	🌟🌟🌟	Varies by location — verify before booking
Hyatt	🌟🌟🌟🌟	Some have Tesla Destination Chargers
Holiday Inn	🌟🌟	Rare chargers, mostly urban locations
Best Western	🌟🌟🌟	Decent coverage in suburbs and rural spots

✅ Tip: Always use PlugShare to double-check, even for top brands.

🔌 Level 2 vs Level 3 Hotel Chargers

Most hotels offer Level 2 chargers, which are perfect for overnight stays. Here's how they compare:

Charger Type	Speed	Best For
Level 2	~25 miles/hour	Overnight charging at hotels
Level 3 (DC Fast)	150+ miles in 30 mins	Rare at hotels, better for highways

🔌 Don’t expect Superchargers at hotels — plan those for daytime pit stops.

🚘 Tesla Driver Notes

Tesla owners — here’s what you need to know:

Bring a J1772 adapter (included with most Teslas)
Look for Tesla Destination Chargers — exclusive and free at many hotels
Check PlugShare or Tesla’s official map

📍 Location Tip: Stick Close to Highways

The best EV hotels are usually:

Within 5–10 minutes of major interstates (e.g., I-95, I-10)
Near popular EV corridors (like LA to SF or Florida coast)

⛽ Internal Link Idea:
Link to /all-cities for your full EV hotel directory.

🧑‍💬 Real User Experience

“We stayed at a Hilton near Raleigh. The website said ‘EV charging available.’ Turns out, it was broken for 6 months. PlugShare saved our trip — found a nearby Hyatt with a Tesla charger. Now I always call ahead and double-check reviews. Lesson learned.”
— Lindsay T., Tesla Model Y owner

❓ Featured FAQ

Can you charge an EV at a hotel?
Yes, many hotels now offer EV chargers — but verify first via PlugShare or by calling the hotel directly.

What hotels have Tesla chargers?
Hotels with Tesla Destination Chargers include many Hyatts, Hiltons, and independent boutique hotels.

Do hotels offer free EV charging?
Some do! It depends on the property. Always ask: “Is EV charging included or extra?”

How does hotel EV charging work?
Most use Level 2 chargers in the parking lot. Plug in overnight, and you're good by morning.

Which hotel chain has the most EV chargers?
Hilton and Hyatt are currently leading in EV charger availability across the U.S.

💸 Ready to Book?

🔋 Book a Verified EV Hotel →
Check prices on TripAdvisor →

🕓 Rooms with chargers fill up fast during summer road trips — book early!

🧭 Related Guides

🧠 Final Thoughts

If you only take one thing from this article, let it be this:
Don’t blindly trust hotel websites.
Always triple-check charger status before your trip.

You’ll avoid stress, keep your EV juiced, and enjoy a smooth, electric adventure.