Having just returned from my first Gen Con, I have a question about lodging for next time around.

When reserved as part of the Gen Con block, how much are the rooms in the directly connected hotels? (Marriott, Westin, etc)

I'm not that interested in the Embassy Suites, we stayed there for Star Wars Celebrations III and it's not as convenient as being directly accessible.

This year we stayed at the Adam's Mark (airport hotel).  The rate was $119 a night (before tax), after tax it was $138 per night.  However, it was about a 15 minute drive.

Rates will vary for each hotel but they're all about the same.  It also depends on how many are in the room, most hotels charge extra for the 3rd and 4th person.  After taxes with 4 people my room in the Westin was just over $200/night.  Parking if I had paid for it was $28/day. 

OMG you paid 119 bye the airport. I got a room thur online sevice and paid 32$ a night right next to you at the Laquinta Inn.

At the  Marriott downtown I paid for 4 people 167 plus tax.  For three nights that works out to about 194 a night.  Parking would have been 25 dollars a day if I had paid to park there.

subbob:

This year we stayed at the Adam's Mark (airport hotel).  The rate was $119 a night (before tax), after tax it was $138 per night.  However, it was about a 15 minute drive.

Ouch, if you booked on their own website it was $79 a night--I stayed there this year.  I do agree it is too far out.  Every other year I have stayed downtown and paid around $150 a night.  Totally worth the price because of the convenience factor, IMO. 

 For the two of us the Westin was $152, plus tax of $24.32, plus parking of $28, for a total of $204.32 per night.

$28 a night for parking is crazy.  I know I would probably wind up paying it if I stayed there but I would have to seriously consider finding another alternative.  Even if it's driving out to the airport long term parking and cabbing back to the hotel.

One roommate did park at the edge of the city and got a cab.  Another parked in the Conseco field parking garage.  Since John had a hotel at the airport for M-F we just left my car there. 

Braelun:

$28 a night for parking is crazy.  I know I would probably wind up paying it if I stayed there but I would have to seriously consider finding another alternative.  Even if it's driving out to the airport long term parking and cabbing back to the hotel.

The $28 per day was with in/out privileges. Which we use because we have non-gaming friends and events to go to during Gen Con.

It also sort of depends on where you come from and what you are used to. $28 for overnight parking is a major bargin compared to downtown Chicago. The hotel we stayed at to Lollapalooza was $40, and it was cheap compared to some.

In the end it is a convenience for us that we can afford to pay.

 I've stayed at the Omni for 3 years running and paid $155 +tax a night and 20 a day for parking,valet if you use the hotel but there is a big garage just across the street, the Omni charges extra for 3rd and 4th person but if you don't tell them they don't charge you but still set you up with extra bedding and keys if you ask.

This year I stayed at the Embassy Suites and it was about the same price and they don't charge for extra people and they have there own parking garage with in and out privledges for 20 a day.

The Omni didn't give us any extra bedding for our 3rd occupant??  We ended up taking the large pillows and 2 comforters off the beds and making a 3rd bed on the floor for him to sleep on.

 Was not real impressed with the Omni, especially when stairs between the Mezzanine and Lower Floors were blocked for one whole day because of a wedding.  You had to wait forever for the elevator on the higher floors sometimes.

wiles01:

The Omni didn't give us any extra bedding for our 3rd occupant??  We ended up taking the large pillows and 2 comforters off the beds and making a 3rd bed on the floor for him to sleep on.

 Was not real impressed with the Omni, especially when stairs between the Mezzanine and Lower Floors were blocked for one whole day because of a wedding.  You had to wait forever for the elevator on the higher floors sometimes.

I stayed at the Omni for the first time this year.  Last year, I was at the Hilton Garden Inn, and that was pretty nice but a bit of a walk from my events.  I liked the Omni since the RPGs I played were in the Omni or Union Station, so location was good.  The elevators were awful.  Fortunately, I was on the third floor, so if I needed to, I could walk.  The wedding was a pain in the heiney.  I considered crashing, chucking a d20 at the groom and telling him to Save versus Will. "Don't do it!  Don't do it!  Save yourself!!!"  <shrug> 

Next year, I wouldn't mind the Omni now that I know what it's like.  Heck, I wouldn't mind the Hilton Garden Inn - a few blocks walk is not so bad.  But I'll have to regroup with the gang to see what the hotel goal is for next year.

We were at the Hyatt this year, and we were just a bit over $175 a night (after taxes).

 The rooms were VERY nice.