I understand that reservations can be difficult to secure so I am looking to reserve rooms now. What Hotel(s) have the best access to the venue and area attractions? Maybe something kind of “lodegy”.
Kevin
Stay at the Best Western. It’s right in town, less expensive than the Holiday Inn, and not gigantic hill to climb. There is a 5 night minimum, but it’s around $199. Not cheap, but better than the $269 that Holiday Inn charges.
If they are booked up, call on Jan 1 and get put on the wait list. You WILL get a room if you do that, you just have to control your anxiety.
Good luck. It’s a great race.
We stayed at the Econolodge Lake Placid which, I guess, is pretty “Lodgy,” but perhaps not the kind of “Lodgy” you meant. Good thing is it’s right on the run and bike course so the family could go inside if they felt like it between my passes by. Simon Lessing stayed two doors down from us (I said hello to him the morning before the race as we both sat on the common balcony off our rooms). Semi-bad thing: it’s about a mile out of town. We’ve already made reservations for next year. Oh yeah, it’s also only $120.00 a night which, by comparison, is quite a deal.
I’ve done IMLP twice. Stayed at the Best Western the first time. Perfectly nice and in a really convienent location. It can be a bit costly depending on how long you stay. The second time we rented a house. LP has tons of houses and condos for rent being a resort town. We loved it. We split it with a few friends and it was much cheaper than a hotel. You get a kitchen and plenty of room to relax. We’ve rented houses at every Ironman since.
I’m sure you can find a broker with very little searching on the web.
Gary Mc
We rented a house just a little outside of town (across the pond from the Piggly Wiggly or whatever grocery store it was). Very reasonable. Sleeps 12. $2000 for the week. Very cozy…highly recommended for those looking to rest/hibernate race week rather than walk around town.
I can dig up the information if you like…
Hey Longspur,
how did you out at timberman? What a great day, and race.
Kevin
I agree with staying in a house or condo for the reasons mentioned above, especially if you have a group to split it with and plan to be there for a few days. However, I just made my reservations for 2005 for next year, and was not so surprised to find that the rentals seem like they’re getting snapped up pretty fast, at least the ones owned by the agency I’ve worked with in the past.
Call Lisa Bimonte at Lake Placid Accommondations. I have worked with Lisa for the past five years and she is wonderful. She knows EVERY property for rent in Lake Placid and will find you what you need! Her phone # is 800-982-3747. Tell her that Tom Z (The Gatorade Man) told you to contact her! Z
Well, i’m signed up for 2005 and i spectated this year. I am 25 years old so take that for what its worth, but i have a hard time paying $425 for a race let alone over $1000 for lodging. I stayed at a campsite last year and i plan to stay at a campsite in 2005. I refuse to be taken advantage of by the hotels who jack their prices up and require a 4 or five night minimum. I enjoy triathlon, but i’m not paying 1500+ for a race unless i’m leaving the country or going to Kona.
Just my 0.02.
If you live relatively close by and are bringing your family (and are therefore saving $$ by not paying for airfare), then you might be able to rationalize staying at the Mirror Lake Inn (www.mirrorlakeinn.com).
It’s a budget blowout, but an awesome place to take the kids, right on the lake (opposite side, 200m from the end swim buoys), and cheaper than paying for multiple flights to Kona.
At least that’s how I rationalize it 
-Mike
Check out Rock & River: www.rockandriver.com it’s at the downhill section, about 12 miles out of town. You stay out of the hype and get to relax. Delicious breakfast!
I enjoyed the hell out of my first half im. I had a bunch of friends up and we all laughed at my utter lack of ability to move quickly on the run. I did a 3 hour half marathon Yikes. My time was like 7 hours, but what a blast, I want to do another one tomorrow. I figure that I have just about a year to lose another 40lbs and race imlp for some real times.
Kevin
Anybody know of rentals that take dogs? I’d love to find a place on the run or bike course that allows dogs. I can’t go to a race without the pooch.