TOPIC: Hotels

Based on last year, the convention block of rooms will go on sale in January.

While there are a number of nice hotels nearby, there is only one hotel actually connected to the convention center. , The Clarion. They have a limited number of rooms available outside the convention block. They're a little more expensive, but still cheap by Gen Con standards. Right now you can book Thur and Fri nights. Their reservation calendar usually opens up an additional night after midnight CT, so you could probably book all three nights starting midnight on Sunday. The cancellation policy looks like you can cancel up until 3 days prior to your stay.

Yes, it's early to be thinking about 12 months from now, but I like to be prepared.

Thanks, Dave! I'm definitely going to think about taking advantage of this 'loophole'

I did the same thing last year and it worked out well since I missed when the convention block went on sale. The Clarion rooms usually go fast. Two years ago I missed out completely and ended up at the Holiday Inn across the street. It was nice, but across the street isn't as close as you'd think. You can walk it, but they also have shuttle buses that will take you to the convention center. That's some indication that many don't consider it walkable. And carrying tokens, it's really not. Although parking at the convention center is easy and free as long as you arrive fairly early.

The Clarion is only booking a limited number of rooms now. The system said they only had 3 rooms left when I booked mine, so I think they've already reserved the convention block and just leave a limited number of rooms for others customers.

The prices seemed to range from $130-$180, so it's still not too bad. Since I only live about an hour away, I only needed to book Thursday and Friday night. This year, my last Saturday run was done by 8:45pm and by 10pm I was home being greeted by my dog. I'm going to try to do the same next year. I like to leave my options open, so I still booked a two room suite with two beds and a pull out sofa just in case. This year my roommate plans fell through, but the hotel had no problem switching me into a single bed room. We'll see about next year. The drawback is that I don't stay Saturday night.

The Clarion is nice. I stayed there the last 2 years. But I'd say it's not necessary, if you're driving. Parking is free and easy at the con.

I think in 2018 I will look into my other options in the area that I might be able to book using credit card reward points.

Last year, I stayed at one of the suites hotels not sure which brand but it was only one stop away from the convention center and I was right by a bunch of restaurants on the strip hall so it was pretty convenient If you’re driving. It was definitely not walkable

Jeff321 wrote: The Clarion is nice. I stayed there the last 2 years. But I'd say it's not necessary, if you're driving. Parking is free and easy at the con.

I think in 2018 I will look into my other options in the area that I might be able to book using credit card reward points.

I agree you don't need to stay there to enjoy yourself. As you indicated and I also stated, parking at the convention center is easy and free. Several hotels are within 5-10 minutes. If you plan to go out at night, then staying at The Clarion offers no advantage from that aspect. I have no doubt you will find affordable, nice and relatively close accommodations even if you wait until a month before the con. I only wanted to let people know about The Clarion in case that was their preference. It is the one hotel that will sell out quickly.

Bob Chasan wrote: Last year, I stayed at one of the suites hotels not sure which brand but it was only one stop away from the convention center and I was right by a bunch of restaurants on the strip hall so it was pretty convenient If you’re driving. It was definitely not walkable

Country Inn and Suites. About a 10 minute drive.

I'm pretty sure Country Inn & Suites is where we stayed, too, the year I went to GHC.

If I'm renting a car/driving, I don't worry too much about proximity to the Con (so long as there's parking, which GHC has in abundance) ... instead, I base my hotel selection on nearby restaurants.

In this case, I googled "Best place to eat breakfast in Madison" and picked Country Inn & Suites based on its proximity to both the Con, and The Original Pancake House.

i was not disappointed.

Raven wrote: I'm pretty sure Country Inn & Suites is where we stayed, too, the year I went to GHC.

If I'm renting a car/driving, I don't worry too much about proximity to the Con (so long as there's parking, which GHC has in abundance) ... instead, I base my hotel selection on nearby restaurants.

In this case, I googled "Best place to eat breakfast in Madison" and picked Country Inn & Suites based on its proximity to both the Con, and The Original Pancake House.

i was not disappointed.

That’s the same one. I was at the same hotel as you.

I wonder if you could get by with a Winnebago parked in their parking lot. Talk about convenience!

There’s a Walmart one Hwy stop away. My understanding is that they encourage parking RVs on the property