I managed to get in via online, which in itself is a bit of a miracle. Anyway, I’ve never been to Madison, and was hoping to stay near the race site to make it easy on my family, that is, so they could go back to our hotel easily while I’m out racing. I booked a room at the University Inn so that I would at least have something, but upon further review, the reviews are less than stellar. Rooms are allegedly small, dirty showers, and loud. Everything you’re looking for in a hotel,right? Anyone stay there this year, or in the recent past have any comments? I went through the Convention Bureau per NAS and all the close hotels show no availability, and going direct online says your dates are more than 365 days in advance, which they are. I’m just looking for something near the “race” site that is no more than a several minute walk so my wife and twins can relax in our room rather than hanging out or driving back and forth on race day, which with parking and road closures, is surely a hassle. I won’t say cost is no issue, but I’m willing to pay for the convenience.
Thanks,
Kevin
University Inn is a dump but…it’s close. I wouldn’t sweat it right now. Wait until Jun-Aug and then take up the hunt for a better room available via cancellation. The university Inn is basically right across the street(ish) from the Campus Inn. Campus Inn also has tiny rooms but cleaner. That being said, I know a few guys who love the “charm” of the University Inn.
My family and I where at the race this year. We stayed at the Concourse Hotel. 3 adults and one child in the room. Nice sized room, clean rooms friendly staff. 4 -6 minutes walking distance from the terrace. Highly recommended. We where able to walk ever where, great location.
Saw that, looks nice. Allegedly sold out, or listed as “Rooms not available”. thanks.
I stayed there also… I thought they were going to give racers a free little good luck snack for breakfast… turned out they were charging $2.50 for one banana and $3.00 for a freaking bagel… but otherwise it was a nice place and close to the start/finish.
My wife can’t get around very well (MS) so we stayed at the Hilton. Fantastic location for her. Great for me when the race was done. After taking it in the ass for six hours on Sunday I got to take it one more time Monday morning to a tune of ~ $700 (three night stay).
You’ve obviously never raced at Lake Placid and stayed at the Hotel above the Oval:)
.
Its not like they pulled a fast one. I’m sure you knew what the rate was.
Oh yeah, I got it good in LP three diferent times, twice from the Hilton and once at the Best Western. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed but I’m finally realizing that I don’t need to pay ~$1500 (IMMOO) to $3500 (IMUSA) a year to hear “You are an Ironman”. Once should have been enough!
You’re right, I knew going in. Still hurts.
I don’t know which hotels you’ve looked at, but you should consider the Clarion on Rimrock and the Sheraton on John Nolen. They’re about 1/4 mile from each other, and very convenient. Within two miles of the Terrace, with a bike trail running most of the way. Plus there are shuttles from the Alliant Center to the Terrace and to Verona (to watch the bike). The Alliant Center is between the two hotels.
As I have stated in another thread, it is not too difficult to stay away (like 10+ miles) and drive in. Parking is a little tight during the week, but is pretty easy for the race weekend.