I will be doing ironman lake placid in 2012. First full ironman for me. Anyone stay outside of town? Is it a long drive in, traffic bad, etc. Also, what about spectators getting to the event? Is it easy for them to get to the race? Can anyone provide some details for me as I finalize my plans? I know most hotels in Lake Placid are booked or require a minimum number of nights. Any suggestions on finding a place would be great too.
thanks…
I stayed here.
http://www.alpinecountryinnandsuites.com/
Ten Room/Suite place. Bill and Judy the owners are great. Big race supporters, friendly. They put out a bucket of bike rags to use, free bottled water, even cracked open a bottle of wine a couple of times. It is in Wilmington right on the bike course before the climb back into town. Easy drive to town.
There is even a place to open water swim close by.
Volunteered 2010, spectated 2011, racing 2012.
I’m staying at the Mariott Courtyard on Cascade Rd. Picked it as a good place for the family to be based for the race. After walking into town for the start of the race, they can go back to the hotel then see me heading out on the second loop of the bike then see me on the out & back of the run four times. Kids can go hop in the pool, hang out in the room, etc. during the day. The hotel also has a nice layout, with a cozy lobby that we used quite frequently when someone was napping in the room.
The location also works well because it is on the trolley loop, so you can get a lift up the hill into town. The stop is right in front of the hotel.
courtyard is sold out . But that would have been my first choice…anyone need out of a reservation???
If you are going budget and don’t mind staying in an older place, the Hotel Saranac is an option. Nothing fancy, it was a nice hotel in it’s day, but dated now and the owner is not putting much into upkeep. I booked a room 5 days before the race and there was no minimum stay, it was $135/night for a non-smoking queen bed room, and all the old building “character” you could want. Gift shop is closed. Restaurant is closed. Lounge/bar is closed. Ice maker was broken so you had to have the staff get ice for you. Door lock jammed with all my stuff locked inside and they had to break the door down and give me another room. None of that sort of thing bothers me in the least. Place was like a ghost town with an empty, rarely unused ballroom on the second floor. I believe it’s about 12 miles from LP or something like that, and on the opposite side from the bike/run course so traffic is really not an issue on race day.
Rooms started opening up the month before the race. If you end up with flexible accomodations elsewhere, check back with Marriott as the race gets closer.
Anyone looking to save a little money for IMLP 2012, check out the Huntington Motel and Cottages at Whiteface.
It’s only about 10-15 minutes from transition (right on the bike course), and this year I rented a cottage with 2 full beds, bathroom/shower, and screen porch for $85/night. We stayed for 4 nights, but there was no minimum.
The guy that runs it was great, so I’m happy to send some business his way- http://www.huntingtons.net/
http://www.thewhitefacelodge.com/
they run shuttles all day starting very early till about midnight.
plenty to do and really kid friendly if that concerns you.
x2 on whiteface lodge…we stayed there this year and cannot say enough good things…For race week this year our 3 boys were ages; 6 weeks, 2 and just about 5. I will give you that initially you might think sticker shock but as bcmasters11 mentioned the rooms a re a good size, shuttles are GREAT, the staff is fantastic could not do enough for us, food is good, each room has a full kitchen, there is a camp for the kids included in the price and it is a great place for those who are not racing, when compared to the cost of a house I think you come out about equal on a dollar cost but not on an amenity and cleanliness factor…we will be heading back there for several trips this winter, without the kids, and staying there race weekend
All that begin said my dad just made reservations last week for the Crowne Plaza right at the ice rink, can’t get that much closer…I think he was in the 2-300 rage per night…
Feel free to pm with any specific questions
Definitely not too early…I just called a couple places that are already booked.
Interlaken Inn is the best! Great people, great location, great food, and they are more flexible with minimums I have found. I haven’t been there for race week but I have stayed there many times.