<p>I'll be taking my D to look at Dartmouth in late September. My plan was to fly into Boston, then take the Dartmouth Coach or rent a car. We'll be staying one night, then going back to Boston for the weekend. </p>
<p>Any tips on the coach versus renting a car?
I'd love hotel recommendations too. The Hanover Inn looks darling but I don't want to spend that much.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>The coach is very convenient but makes for a slightly longer trip than driving yourself. And, then you have to get to wherever you’re staying. I vote for car, but we’re from California, so it was always a long day and a late arrival in Hanover unless we took the red eye. If you’re coming from closer in, that is not as much of an issue. If you want my driving tips (2009-2013, but I think they’re still reasonably accurate), PM me or email my user name as a gmail address).</p>
<p>The Inn is a wonderful place to stay, but (a) it’s expensive and (b) you don’t get any “brownie points” for reservations at graduation, since it’s owned by the college and used for the college’s own guests. Six South Street is very convenient, but also expensive. The Marriott Courtyard is very nice and not quite as expensive. There are many prior recommendations buried in the Dartmouth Parents Thread, but you have to search for them. I wish we had tried the Norwich Inn across the river at some point (<a href=“http://www.norwichinn.com/”>Hanover NH Hotel | Hotels Near Dartmouth - Norwich Inn) since it’s walking distance if you’re reasonably fit. </p>
<p>Sybbie? Magnum? Want to chime in? I think both of you had experience with (and liked) some of the more economical places. We didn’t go to Hanover all that often and were willing to splurge on the Inn when we did (although I probs wouldn’t have had I known that we would be on our own come graduation). </p>
<p>Ack. Now I see this is a visit. You know, I’d think seriously about the Inn. It is sooooooooooo nice to be right there on the Green and feel part of the town/college. It’s only one night. Have you checked out Boston prices lately? Ain’t many bargain anywhere. Best, AtS</p>
<p>We are staying at the Inn for our visit, and want DD to have a fun trip. I saw Simon Pearce mentioned on the Dartmouth Parents thread. Any other suggestions for places to go,/things to do or see?</p>
<p>I’m a big fan of Murphy’s on the Green for dinner. Just across South Main from the Inn. If you’re into books, Rauner is definitely worth checking out. (Also has great air conditioning if it’s a hot day.) The art museum is very nice. Walk across the Connecticut River and back on Wheelock Street. Would D consider playing rugby? Dartmouth has one of the best rugby clubhouses/fields in the country! <a href=“Dartmouth Women's Rugby”>Dartmouth Women's Rugby; The student recruiting coordinators are 17s and should be around – <a href=“Dartmouth Women's Rugby”>Dartmouth Women's Rugby; </p>
<p>If you are on a tight budget and are the kind of person who enjoys funky kinds of places and youth hostels, there is the Coolidge Hotel in White River Junction. It is an old railway hotel, an historic place, and central WRJ is really the land that time forgot. They have everything from suites to hostel rooms. I have been told by a local alum who goes regularly–for all home football games 
--that the Sunset in West Lebanon is otherwise the cheapest place around. I’ve been a fan of the Chieftain, which our family has always enjoyed–some disagree --but S informed me recently that it has been torn down. I guess they will be building something more modern and fancier, which I think is a shame, but oh well.</p>
<p>Rauner is great for us bibliophiles. They have first editions of Pride and Prejudice that you can sit there and read–a thrill for me – as well as many other wonderful things. Don’t miss the Orozco murals in Baker.</p>
<p>The Chieftain was torn down (you stayed so close to me!). The land was bought by Kendal, which is a retirement community next door. It’s a big mystery re: what’s going in that spot. There are a number of new chain-type hotels in White River Junction now too. Don’t forget King Arthur Flour if you love baking. Even if you don’t, the cafe is fabulous. It’s in Norwich VT, just across the river.</p>
<p>I was fond of the Chieftain and the people who ran it, who were very nice. We stayed there for Sophomore Family Weekend and graduation. I met the same family from Alaska there both times. I infinitely preferred it to the typical chain place, but I realize that I am unusual in that regard.</p>
<p>^^^ I’m with you! We were so surprised when they were selling it - there was some Drama involving rowing, if you can believe that. I’m really curious to see what Kendal will do with the land. There’s a pretty impressive ravine between Kendal and the Chieftain property. Maybe a bridge??? </p>
<p>If your plan is to focus on Dartmouth and not explore the Upper Valley, the Coach is a good plan. Since the Coach will likely be your D’s regular route to Dartmouth if she attends, worth doing an initial dry run with you. As has been stated, you can stay in West Lebanon or White River Junction. A one way cab ride is $10-20. You could make 3-4 cab trips a day and still come out ahead over the Inn or 6 South. I’m pretty sure the Courtyard and Residence Inn have a shuttle that operate during hours that would be relevant to you. Although this is a suggestion that puts the cart before the horse, if you have more than a single hotel room worth of folks descending on Hanover for graduation, consider renting a house in the surrounding area. You can also get dorm rooms on campus for graduation at about $100 per night .</p>
<p>@BTMell, I seem to recall that there was a drowning involving canoe/kayak rentals by a party of people. A D student’s brother, IIRC. </p>
<p><a href=“http://thedartmouth.com/2013/06/07//brother-of-graduating-senior-drowns-at-river-fest”>http://thedartmouth.com/2013/06/07//brother-of-graduating-senior-drowns-at-river-fest</a></p>
<p>Oh sorry - no, not that incident which was just horrible and so sad. It was much more local. The Hanover High rowing team ended up not using the Chieftain’s docks in favor of a dock down the road. I always wondered if that had something to do with them selling but no telling. A small town is so exciting!</p>
<p>Ha! Maybe my S can do an expose for the Valley News. :)</p>
<p>I would vote for the Dartmouth coach if you are just going for one day. It is cheap, stress free and has wi-fi and movies. I have got good rates at the Holiday Inn Express in White River Junction VT, but if I were going for one day and could afford it, would splurge on the Hanover Inn. You can roll out of bed, get coffee at the Dirt Cowboy or walk 100 yards to Mollys for breakfast. A short walk from there will take you to campus for the tour. I am jealous, late September should be a great time in Hanover.</p>