<p>Hey all, my first post! I've been gleaning a lot of great info in the Parents Thread...thanks to those who have gone through moving their kids to Dartmouth from the west coast, etc.--your wisdom is much appreciated! Quick question - can anyone tell me if they've stayed at the Fireside Inn in West Lebanon and/or the Hampton Inn in White River Junction? Pros and cons? I've read Trip Advisor, etc., but can't really tell which is better. We got the Hanover Inn for a few nights but they are booked the rest of our time so must leave and stay a few nights somewhere else. Really appreciate the input!</p>
<p>Have not stayed in either place (hope you get some responses from people who have) but will offer general thoughts about the locations. West Leb is fast food, big box stores, and parking lots. I haven’t lived in Seattle for years but I’m thinking Aurora Avenue north of Green Lake as a comparison (but more so). You might want to go there to shop but it would depress me to stay there. The Hampton Inn is just one of about five hotels in the same immediate area outside town but you’re a lot closer to a real town (and others and charming countryside nearby). Driving distance to Hanover about the same: maybe a bit quicker from White River (freeway versus multi-lane surface becoming two-lane road) and more scenic. My prejudices are obviously on display. Offer: You can PM me or email this user name at gmail if you want my super-duper (honed over four years) driving tips to and from Logan. (My last trip I didn’t follow my own advice and it cost me a good 30 minutes.) Cheers.</p>
<p>Thanks, that’s very helpful! And I’d love your driving tips from Logan…will PM you. If any others have stayed at either place, would still love your thoughts. Thanks!</p>
<p>AboutTheSame - Whoops, CC won’t let me PM until I’ve made 15 posts…feel free to PM me with your driving tips! Thx!</p>
<p>Oh right. Forgot about that rule. Will do.</p>
<p>been to both. The Hampton is newer and fresher, and where I usually stayed while in town. The hotels in WRJ are surrounded by highways. But that gives quick access to Hanover, about 10 minutes away.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>True, but also a couple of decent restaurants in the area. Plus, those big box stores will come in handy for move-in shopping!</p>
<p>fwiw: I also recommend the Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn across from the Med Center.</p>
<p>Stayed at the Marriott for graduation. It’s a nice upscale hotel. Nice pool and hot tub. Decent breakfast. Easy commute into town. Jessie’s Steakhouse (yum) is right up the road.</p>
<p>Oh, the only real negative about the Marriott, which I think I’ve mentioned before, is that it had zilch AT&T cell reception. That really surprised me, since it’s right across the road from the med center, which I assume has towers, but I just could not find a reliable signal anywhere in the hotel.</p>
<p>^^Ahh, yes, I remember those AT&T days, walking around town looking for ‘more bars’ (on my cell). Verizon customer now, no problems with reception in the 'hood. :)</p>
<p>iPhone comes from employer so I don’t get to choose carrier. 
But I’ve never had problems in town (or by the pond or golf course, etc., etc.) – just out at the Marriott.</p>
<p>I’ve stayed at the Hampton almost every trip. Comfortable and reliable. They were doing renovations in June, so I would check on their progress now. The Fairfield by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express are right next door. The HI express has larger rooms, so if you are traveling with other family members you might look at that. You cannot go wrong with any of these 3. It’s about a 10 minute drive to Hanover.</p>
<p>We have stayed at the Marriott Courtyard many times. It’s very clean, and they are very nice there. We usually stay at Six South Street hotel, which is very convenient, newer, and very nice. Best thing about it they reward their frequent guests with room availability for graduation.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. Several of the good places you mentioned are completely booked (duh, we’re all coming to move our kids in, etc.!)…so we’re down to a couple options…but I’ll remember all this for the future. Aboutthesame - thanks for the great driving tips, really appreciate it! My husband took our son to visit Dartmouth back in April, so I’m so excited to see it for myself…we’re also bringing our younger son so we can all launch the eldest! Cry me a river… Thanks again.</p>