I see that the list of hotels is out, and there are lots of options that have a skywalk or are within easy walking distance to the convention center. Which one should I choose? Why do you make that recommendation? Thanks!
They tell you the distance for each hotel within that list.
I like the JW Marriott, because while it's connected to the tube network, it's far enough from the Vendor Hall & Georgia Street that it feels a bit calmer to me. I can wander back to my room at the end of the day, through the gaming halls, and it's a sort of relaxing winding down before sleeping.
Stayed at the Omni one year, which is on the tube network, but it's easier to go outside and along the street. Convenient if you want to drop off purchases, pick stuff up, or just to go poop without waiting in line.
Yes, the lesson is, don't eat crap before travelling ;) . But the takeaway here is that a nearby hotel is a plus for many circumstances. Doesn't stop me from going when I don't nab one, and it is painfully expensive, but it sure as heck makes some things so much easier.
If your housing slot is later than 3:30PM EST (+/- 30 minutes) on hotel day, the downtown hotels are pretty much guaranteed to be completely sold out at the Gen Con negotiated, discounted rates. Every year, this causes much bellowing and gnashing of teeth - the forums will be very much alive tracking the dwindling hotel stock. However. As aldctjoc notes above, don't let *not* having a downtown hotel keep you away - you'll still have lots and lots of fun...and you still may be able to snag one in the June / July timeframe if you are willing to put in the work scouring the forums, etc.
Seriously. I take the hotel that is closest to the ICC at the cheapest price I can find. I'm not really in there all that much anyway. Last year, we lucked into the Hyatt Regency. It was fine - but I would have been just as happy, I think, in any of the downtown hotels. In previous years, I was not downtown and had a blast every time. Is downtown better? If you can afford it, sure; but Gen Con is an amazing experience regardless of where you sleep at night.
For Gen Con 2019, in November 2018, I secured a "backup" room at Le Meridien. But that's at about $85/night more than the Gen Con rates. Hoping we won't need to use it. I picked Le Meridien because it was available at a price I was willing to pay. Until a day or two ago, I didn't even know it was connected via skywalk. :)
I argued with a front desk person over a mini-fridge (LONG story). I never do that.
I gave my feedback to them, but...
Exceptions:
- You need a connected hotel due to logistics/health/etc.
- You are traveling with folks who aren't attending (kids/spouse/etc) who might want those extra amenities.
- You just really wanna.
-BWD.
Yeah - like others say - the need is far more than the capacity. I'd take any Downtown room. We have been at Home2 and Hilton Garden Inn the past three years. I'd like to be closer than a 12-15 minute walk and I'd like to be in a different part of the city, but I will take anything downtown.
Hilton Garden Inn did not want people gaming in the bar area which was disappointing - but otherwise it was nice.
We've had horrible luck with the lottery so have been out of block for the past 3 years.
the main thing to me would be the ability to walk to our room and just sit for an hour.....maybe take a nap....and just go right back to the con
2016 was our first time and we were by the airport....it was fine and we had a terrific time but I got so worn down during the days that I couldn't power through it and once we ubered back to the hotel that was it for the night
if I had had a downtown room reasonably close I could have easily taken a short rest (5e reference intended) and come back strong that same night
Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriot downtown was awesome last year. Great free breakfast and they even got in the spirit of the convention by having your choice of playing a game of dice or cards. I ended up winning FREE self parking!!
As other people have stated, if you get downtown just pick whichever is available and I wouldn't be TO picky as you may end up losing out on the room.
It may not be the optimal room, but it's much better than not being downtown.
I think I would stop going if that was my only choice.
However luckily there are LOTS of options. Rooms open up and there are always the future planning of booking an outside of block hotel room far in advance, and if you get them early enough they will be similar rates as those in block.
In fact my out of block downtown room is actually cheaper this year outside of the block!
Honestly, I've been a little disappointed. Hotels far from the convention center are starting to ratchet up prices. A hotel I booked for less than $200 a night last year has nearly doubled in price, and it's 12 miles outside DT. Obviously the hope is to get good position in the lottery and manage a good DT room at the special rates, but I feel like prices get higher and higher every year.
Comfort Suites
$152
3-star hotel
500 W Northfield Dr, Brownsburg, IN 46112•(317) 852-2000
Without naming names, I know of a few on that list I would advice in avoiding. One has plenty of guest complaints of billing funny business, occasional theft from rooms and just being dirty.
A couple others have constant complaints of being being out dated, dirty and some bug issues.
My advice, visit trip advisor now, look through all the hotels and read up on guest comments so you have a clearer picture of which are to aim for, and which are total passes.
Yes, if you are going to scratch off possible hotels for issues, it could mean you get stuck without a DT room. But if the choice is being stuck in a bad hotel that ruins your vacation, is it really worth it?
I've stayed in most of the downtown hotels at this point outside of the Omni and CP, I haven't had any issues
It may be up to either the bank you go through or the policy of the hotel but I've used a debit card for the last 4 years and haven't had a hold put on my card.
I depends on the hotel, but most have a notice posted about debit vs credit cards.
