Comments on: Gen Con 2009 Hotel Suggestions Wanted

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:01:36 +0000

I recommend the IUPUI Conference center and Hotel. Its about a mile walk to the convention center which isn’t that bad. Last year I didn’t see one bum on the way all 4 days which is nice if your a girl gamer like me who feels uncomfortable walking after dark. They also have free shuttle to and from the convention center. They have a number you can call and they’ll come pick you up. The rooms were VERY clean and spacious and at a really resonable price.

By: marimacc

marimacc — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:35:41 +0000

I recommend the Mariott as the closest to the dealer’s room, but the Westin is also a very good bet. Some people like Embassy Suites for the large rooms, free breakfast, and free evening drinks, but it’s a bit of a trek from the convention center, esp. if it rains.

If you are going as press you should inquire about a press block of rooms.

If you do not get the hotel you want, reserve something, then call the housing bureau the day reg opens to be placed on the waiting list; many people got in via the wait list last year.

We also have a lot of talk about this on the Gen Con forums:

community.gencon.com

By: Trask

Trask — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:32:34 +0000

Thank you for all of the great information! I am now working with my roommates to pin down a hotel.

See you there!

Trask, The Last Tyromancer

By: Mad Brew

Mad Brew — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:32:11 +0000

@James: I’ve attended GenCon since it came to Indy, and I never hunt for a parking space and never been locked in. I park in the garage that connects to the convention center via the east skywalk (the one that comes in beside the Sagamore Ballroom [RPGA] and right above will-call for badges).

I arrive about 07:45 (so yeah, you have to get there early) and there are PLENTY of spaces and I leave sometimes after midnight (0400 being the latest after participating in an RPGA con special ) and never been locked in.

I need to create a Hotel & Parking guide to go along with my Pub & Restaurant guide.

By: James

James — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:29:31 +0000

I’ve stayed outside the convention center, and believe me its not worth it. You have to hunt for parking every day – I’ve known people to spend two hours hunting for a parking space. You can’t run back to your room real quick to drop off your gaming loot. If you want to do anything late night, they lock the parking garages at around 11:00.

I’ve stayed at the Omni, the Embassy Suites, and outside the convention center. Embassy owns it. For one, they are suites – if you want to run a game with some friends, you can do it right there. Its right next to the convention center, so that’s convenient. And its where all the cool kids stay. (Hey Tony!)

By: Mad Brew

Mad Brew — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:19:13 +0000

I live in the area, and I guess it depends how far you want to drive vs. how much you want to pay. $150 a night is a bit pricey to me, and I have friends that have stayed in hotels within a 20 minute drive of the convention center and only paid $76 a night. If you include the $20 parking that is still less than $100/day. So I guess if you want to be on sight, any of the hotels connected to the convention are very nice, but expensive. Here is a list of hotels nearby.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:27:46 +0000

I’ve stayed at the Westin and the Hyatt in past years. Both are quite nice, and the room rates are reasonable, particularly if you share with a couple of friends. I like the Westin’s location, so it’s usually my first choice.

By: Propagandroid

Propagandroid — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:40:09 +0000

I wrote a post that was supposed to be the first in a series…at some point I’ll get back to it, but for now this post covers the early basics, including badges, events, and housing.

http://thegamerdome.com/gencon-badge-housing-and-game-registration-tips/

By: Tony Law

Tony Law — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:05:22 +0000

One more thing. I’m a member of a message board called Circvs Maximvs, which is an off-shoot of EN World. Last year, a couple of folks in your situation posted asking for advice on GenCon and lots of good advice was given. You should check it out. :)

http://www.circvsmaximvs.com/showthread.php?t=38644

http://www.circvsmaximvs.com/showthread.php?t=47970

By: Tony Law

Tony Law — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:58:44 +0000

I’ve been to GenCon three times in the last three years. We’ve always stayed at the Embassy Suites. There is also a Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton that are right next to, if not connected to, the convention center. I’ve seen all of them and all are nice and clean. The only reason we stay at the Embassy is because most of our friends stay there as well. GenCon is more for socializing for me than seeing the floor or attending seminars.

As for price, the Embassy is around $150/night at the convention rates. That may go up this year but you’re not going to know for certain until you can sign up for rooms. I HIGHLY recommend sharing a room with people to cut down on costs. Our room at the Embassy usually runs me around $30/night because we have 6 people in the room.

The way it works is that, after you sign up for a pass to GenCon, you will get an e-mail letting you know when you will be able to sign up for a hotel room in Downtown Indy (GenCon has deals with all of the hotels there). On that date and time, you need to be in your computer, credit card in hand, ready to grab the first room you can. It’s always a mad rush and rooms will go very fast. But it’s all worth it, of course. :)