** UPDATE: ONLY EIGHT ROOMS LEFT AS OF 06/26 **
For those running Richmond, it is time to book hotels. I tried to book the Omni (the host hotel) and they are filled. I did get on a waiting list, but they said it was "several pages". I really wanted to stay at the Omni for the convenience, but there are other affordable options still.
I started checking the other official hotels, and found that some are also filled, or are near full. Based on what I know about Richmond, here are the two hotels I would recommend. I tried to book both of these online with the discount code, and it did not work. When I called however both had rooms available.
Green=Start, Red=Finish
#1 Marriott: This hotel is literally at the start. It is less then two blocks from the actual starting line which could be nice for those who need to use a bathroom pre-race. The drawback is the hotel is a half mile walk from the finish. But to be honest, that is really not very far away as the map shows. I think the Marriott has about 15 rooms left. Mention the "SunTrust Richmond Marathon" rate when you call.
- Rate: $129 per night, Phone: 1-800-228-9290
#2 Commonwealth Park Suites: This hotel appears to be in a good spot. It is about half way between the start and finish, and I think it is very close to where the Training Team meets before the race. I do not know much about the hotel however. The reviews on tripadvisor.com do not sound that great. The Park Suites only has eight rooms left. Mention the "Richmond Marathon" rate when you call.
- Rate: $129 per night, Phone: 804-343-7300
I will most likely book the Marriott before the discounted rooms are taken. I think the other hotel would be fine, but I know more about Marriott hotels, and know exactly where this one is located. Having everyone in one hotel would be nice, but is not required. I am pretty sure rooms can be canceled without penalty, but you will want to confirm when you are booking. Here are all the official hotels.
What ever you decide to do, I would book now! We have 16 runners. If we all book hotels, we could fill up the locations mentioned above.
So far Scott and I both booked the Marriott.
ReplyDeleteIf they run out of rooms, it is not the worlds greatest hotel, but we stayed at the Quality Inn & Suites at 201 E Cary Street (804)788-1600. It was a little dated, but clean. It looks like it would be 8 blocks from the start and end as it is on the corner of Cary and 2nd. Easy walk.It might be around $120 a night. Easy stagger home from the Capital Ale House....632 E Main St...42 beers on tap...some up to 14%ABV - great for post marathon pain killing..you only need 1.
ReplyDeleteElaine and I are booked at the Marriott. There were rooms at the Crowne Plaza available, but I don't know anything about the hotel.
ReplyDeleteCrowne Plaza is a fine hotel if anyone is interested in that option. It is located at 6th street and Canal St. on the map. Not a bad location, but you would have about 5-6 blocks to the start and finish.
ReplyDeleteI'm booked at the Marriott as well
ReplyDeleteUnlike last year, I also am booked this time ! At the Marriott.
ReplyDeleteI stayed at the Commonwealth Park Suites for the Ukrops race. It is nice, clean, and the staff is great!!! No real onsite food that I could tell, but it is right in the heart of downtown, where as you know a cab will get you anywhere. The car attendant actually drove my family and I to the race, dropped us off at the start and took my car back to the hotel for me!!! Of course we had to walk back from the finish, but it was a good walk!!
ReplyDeleteI am booked at the Marriot. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteRyan
Im also booked at the Marriott(if I decide to do this) :)
ReplyDeleteCome on Tracy. . . you have to do it. Everyone else is ;-)
ReplyDeletePeer pressure, Im always a sucker to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete