Doing IMLP next year and would like to take care of accommodations. First IM so I’d like to take care of things now so it’s one less thing to worry about over the next year as I prepare. Does anyone have any recommendations? Would like to stay near the start and would like to have a kitchen. Looking to spend around $1300 for the week. Boyfriend thinks I’m planning things way too far in advance so any advice stating that he is wrong would be greatly appreciated.
My first post on slowtwitch, although I’ve been “eavesdropping” for a while. Nice to virtually meet you all.
Edge of the Lake is only 110.00 per night…not right at the starting line, but it has a kitchenette. Takes 5 minutes to drive to start. Personally I find way to much stress being in the middle of the start area for a week.
He is wrong and it is best to plan now. For the past 6 years my wife and I stayed out at the Alpine Air Motel which is about 3 miles from the TA. The owners are the best and have become great friends. The rooms are simple and clean. The closer you get to down town the more expensive things get. A couple of friends went through realtors to get houses but they were a little more than you are looking at and not that close. You could look at the Best Western Broken Arrow or the Adirondack Inn which are right at the TA. I think they go for around $250 per night with a 5 night minimum.
I did the race this past year for the first time and a friend booked a very nice condo for us very soon after last year’s race with the thought that spots would fill up and we would never find a place near the swim start. I booked another condo early in the spring for some of my family members that were coming to watch the race. Coincidentally, the two condos were literally right next to eachother and identical however the price was $1,000 more expensive for the one booked early. I believe there is a big rush to reserve places early then a large number of cancellations in the spring.
Try Hotel Saranac. In '04 it was $90/night, and it’s 15 minutes from LP via the back road - thus avoiding Main Street Madness. It’s right in the center of Saranac Lake with several restaurants close by; the hotel restaurant is quite good. The only real problem with it is the elevator service, which tends to be a bit slow. But the hotel is run by the students of the Hotel Management program at Pauls Smith College, and they really aim to please.
check out http://www.adirondackbyowner.com/vacationrentals.html which offers a wide variety of houses, cabins, condos etc. in the area … a lot of these book up early for IM week so its definitely good to look early. Staying in town mean you’re close by but you’re also in the midst of a lot of traffic, noise etc. especially starting Thursday/Friday. We’ve stayed in Jay for the last 4 years - right on the bike course, quiet and great for training - the cons: you drive for about 30min to get into LP. (Noticed more and more people staying out in Wilmington as well near Whiteface Mtn.)