If you’re planning on attending an out-of-town convention this year and aren’t sure where you should stay, there are certain rules of thumb you should follow when looking for accommodations. The hotel you stay at may make or break your adventure. if your room is too far away, you risk battling traffic to get there. If the rates are outrageous, you may find yourself out of funds to purchase that replica Captain America outfit you’ve had your eye on. There may even be a group rate discount available, but if you don’t know it exists, then you’re just handing over extra money. Consider the following tips when booking your next convention stay.
Proximity to the Action
If the convention is held at a hotel, book a room in the hotel for convenience, though it’s possible this will increase the rate for your stay. If the convention center does not have a hotel attached, seek out the closest quality hotel near it and book a room there. Even if you have to pay a little more for it, most of the time it’s well worth it in terms of time and convenience. This cuts down on travel time to the convention, and means you are able to head up for a mid-afternoon nap without being too inconvenienced by travel. By staying in close proximity to all of the events, you don’t have to deal with traffic, hailing taxis, rushing your cosplay costume, and are able to cut down on unnecessary travel costs. Staying in the heart of all the action gives you access to all the city has to offer. You may even have time to learn a thing or two about the city you’re staying in. For example, did you know that Pittsburgh is the home to the first movie theater in the world? It’s also the home of McDonald’s Big Mac, and the birthplace of the Klondike Bar.
Book at the Right Time
Timing your booking right can mean the difference between shelling out big bucks and scoring an awesome deal. Hotel prices fluctuate each day based on expected occupancy, and your best bet when it comes time to booking a room is 24 hours before you need to check in. This is when hotels reduce their prices drastically to get people into vacant rooms. If you’re a seasoned traveler and don’t mind waiting till the last minute, this is a wise choice.
Special Rates
Hotels that host conventions, or that are in very close proximity to them, often offer discounted rates for convention-goers, groups, seniors, government officials, corporate clients, frequent fliers, or AAA members. If you meet resistance at first, keep at it. Hotels often have a “fallback” rate for those who are not happy with the quoted rate. Ask about these discounts at the time of booking and you may luck out. A group rate is fairly easy to come by, but ask about whether the destination is a good retreat for private groups and how your rooms would be clustered. It’s difficult to have your group split between floors or wings, and most hotels will try to accommodate you by booking adjoining or rooms in close proximity to one another. Help yourself and the hotel clerk by knowing size of your party beforehand and having that number ready when asked.
Look for Perks
Inquire about perks like free shuttles to and from your hotel to the convention center. This will cut down on transportation costs and save you from having to rent a car, take a taxi or hop on the public transit system. Find out if the hotel has free wi-fi and conference rooms so you may conduct business if you have to. Also find out if the hotel has a buffet or continental breakfast you can take advantage of on your way out the door in the mornings. These are included with your stay, and can save you additional food costs. When booking, mention you are attending a convention nearby and what specials the hotel offers that you can take advantage of. Your best resources for deals and nearby attractions are the hotel staff, who are often more than happy to help make your trip the best it can be.
