<p>Just a few questions for people who have gone on CVWs... I am going for a visit on the 24-25 of Feb, is anyone else going then? Also, for those who have gone, my mom is not planning on renting a car, could anyone share how they got to the academy from BWI? Bus? Taxi (is it expensive?)? My dad is retired Navy, is there a Navy Lodge there that we can stay at or any hotels nearby? Any info is greatly appreciated. This is our first visit to the area.</p>
<p>Navy Lodge Annapolis
Naval Station
Annapolis, Maryland<br>
410-757-7900 - Fax: 410-757-9394</p>
<p>Hi there! Well, it has been almost exactly two years since our son had his in February, and he came in late the night before to BWI and took the SuperShuttle from the airport to the Navy Lodge. He got the number for a taxi service from the desk clerks, and then called early the next morning for a short ride to the yard. The Navy Lodge is really nice, and McDonalds and the NEX is right across the street. There is also a Subway a 2 minute walk away. I believe the round trip shuttle ride is less than 40 dollars, and the taxi is very inexpensive. Have a great visit! Your mom can take the tour and go to the visitors' center while you are staying over, and downtown has many shops and is a great walking town. She will have to take a cab to get to the neat area, since the Navy Lodge is across the bridge from the yard and old Annapolis. </p>
<p>If there is anything else I can help you out with, let me know! If your mom has any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them.</p>
<p>In October, the super shuttle was up to $30 for the first person and $10/person after that (one-way from BWI).</p>
<p>I sent my son alone, so I had a Limo pick him up ($68) first thing in the AM and bring him right to gate 3 (nearest the CWV meet locaton - Rickover Hall). Of course, coming from the west coast, it may be difficult to avoid the use of a hotel. My son paired up with another CWV for the super shuttle back to BWI and both their flights got delayed and they had a great time getting to know each other.</p>
<p>There is a USNA recommended hotel with a shuttle bus about 10 minutes from the yard. I believe it was a Sheraton and it was only a few dollars more than the Lodge. Advantage would be that more CWV folks may be there to meet with and you get free transport to/from USNA. The hosts at the Navy Lodge were super when we stayed there for NASS, but we had a car on that trip and we also made use of the kitchenette!</p>
<p>momof1 and Dad2B'2010 - Thank you so much for all of the info. I really appreciate it!!!!</p>
<p>Dang, Dad2B, gas prices have really escalated those prices since 2004! Think they'll go down now that gas prices are falling? Odds, anyone?</p>
<p>Oh yeah, the commissary is right across the road from the Navy Lodge, too, so you can use that kitchenette that Dad2B'2010 spoke of. </p>
<p>Dad2B were you talking about the Sheraton Barcelo, by the mall? We have stayed there, for I-Day, and it was a great place, as well. Right across from the Annapolis Mall, with the theater, and with Famous Dave's Barbeque and ???? some other restaurant in the parking lot. There is also a Macaroni Grill right up the street where Dadof1 and I drowned our sorrows the on the evening of I-Day, ...but I digress.</p>
<p>Let's see, what else? We sent our candidate alone from Alaska, and he did just fine on his own getting to Annapolis from the airport and then at the Navy Lodge. We felt more secure, too, having him there, and it was also an issue since the Sheraton wouldn't allow a 17 year old to check in alone. Navy Lodge had no qualms. </p>
<p>We usually rent a car, as well, but it really isn't necessary. I bet that if your mom is in the Navy Lodge there will be others she could hook up with just by having coffee in the lobby (I have met the greatest people there!) and she won't be so alone. Of course, the Sheraton has a restaurant and a bar in the lobby, as well as a very nice sitting area where people also chat and meet. </p>
<p>Again, if there are any questions, feel free to PM me. </p>
<p>(Hey~there was only 1 !) Yippee! (Dang)</p>
<p>Sheraton Annapolis
173 Jennifer Road Annapolis, Maryland 21401 United States
Phone (410) 266-3131 Fax (410) 266-6247</p>
<p>Online, they are quoting $129. Definitely call and ask for a military rate, and confirm shuttle availability to/from the yard.</p>
<p>The other advantage to going civilian hotel is you don't need to worry about waiting until within the 30 or 60 day reservation window like with Navy Lodge.</p>
<p>Sometimes Navy Lodge will make exceptions to the window requirements, so make sure you specify your a USNA candidate visiting the yard. Also, if they are booked solid and you have the option to cancel your civilian hotel the day of check-in, Navy Lodge will go out of their way to find you something the day you arrive (if you have time and desire to mess with it just to save a few bucks). They have some great B&B connections as well as good hookups with the local commercial hotels.</p>
<p>Good Luck and Enjoy your overnight on the yard!!</p>
<p>momof1 -
I didn't see your last post before writing this one...
It may have been the Sheraton you mentioned that was recommended. I couldn't find the letter my son had. The one above is just what I saw via an expedia search for the dates at hand. Yeah, the lodge was great for our stay. They hooked us up with a first night B&B and extended our stay 5 days on the spot when we arrived (could not get those extra nights in days previous). My wife loved some of the closeout deals at the exchange!</p>