How fast do the downtown hotels sell out? This is my first time risking the housing lottery versus booking out of block which I almost did about a month or two ago. Fingers crossed. Not hoping for a lot, but you never know. I thought I’d at least try for one year. Any thoughts… anyone?
From a useful chart on the Friends of Gen Con Facebook page, in 2024 sellouts were
Ah, I guess I’m s.o.l. then…. I’ve got 1:46 connect time. Hmmm…. lesson learned. Next year, I’ll just stick with booking out of block and by the airport. I could have got a pretty good deal a couple of months ago, but decided to try this out at least once. Gotta learn from the shaft I guess.
I got 3:34 this year so no hope at all so I went to expedia and found some cheap ones at the closer side of the airport and booked the red roof in for 85 dollars a night refundable in case I get lucky. No frills but I just plan on sleeping/ showering there so its okay. One thing you should remember is if possible try and book on the companies website rather than a third party its a better guarantee you won't get hosed. I looked on Expedia but then booked on Red Roof Inn website.
The hotel situation sucks. We had 3 different registered people and none of us were able to get an early enough slot to get a downtown hotel this year. I personally won't go without a downtown reservation. The shuttles suck too far away.
Shuttles? From what I understand there haven't been any since years prior to COVID. At least ones provided by Gen Con itself.
People at airport or other outer area hotels usually either drive or use Uber/Lyft. Public transport definitely sucks too much to depend on.
Also: There are airport hotels in-block. You'll have to tell me if they're cheaper than out-of-block, but from what I understand, they should be.
How long any rooms remain available out there is a whole other issue.
Years ago, when I stayed in an airport hotel, the shuttle was great. Of course, I got on at the very first stop, so there was always room. People staying at hotels farther along the route were sometimes disappointed.
Just sucked it up and booked by the Airport where I’ve stayed in the past. Fck It. Didn’t bother waiting for downtown rooms to possibly pop up. Missed that downtown closing window by about 15-20min. Knew it would be close, but kept my fingers crossed. I figured I had maybe until 1:30 before everything downtown sold out and I guess I was correct. Oh well. Hassle free next year. I’m just going to book ahead of time outside of block like in previous years and hope for a good deal.
Yeah, 1:54 PM CT and nothing less than 15 miles out. Generally rely on persistant web stalking, and usually do ok on my own.
I’m starting to go back to just accepting booking out of block by the airport way ahead of time and avoiding any last minute stress as the preferred way to go. I’ve got my preferred location on the closer side of the airport so it really is a rather real quick one shot down the freeway to the convention centre. Did that when I first started going to Gen Con, out of sight out of mind, and just concerned myself with the event registration really.
I only really need to sort out a better parking routine; then I’m gold and can declare a stable level of comfort at least!
As a follow up to this: I had 12:59 time and was able to get hotel for 4 5 blocks out, and there were several options to choose from.
I'm hoping (probably foolishly) that I'll find something downtown in the coming months. I had (also probably foolishly) told my 8-year-old that he could go to GenCon this year but he's just too young to not have a room to decompress in during the day. We're at Keystone Crossing and the struggle to get an Uber/Lyft and get back and forth is just too much.
I haven't attended since before he was born and wow, the change is pretty incredible.
Last year there was a “Quiet Room” on the second floor of the ICC.
If they have it again, that could be a place for him to “decompress”.
Keep trying and looking and your patience can pay off.
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Sleep inn & suites and conference center has rooms. 1.5 miles from convention center. Available on hotels com.
You can also get the Aloft downtown but it's $600 a night.
