<p>Oh...another hotel in the downtown area, although I know <em>nothing</em> about it, is O'Callaghans. A bit pricey, at $225/night for I-Day... (that was through Expedia.com)</p>
<p>We stayed at O'Callaghan's for a weekend and wasn't very impressed. The prices are close to Loews but Loews is a much nicer place and close to the Academy</p>
<p>What about Springhill Suites?? It's part of the Marriott chain. Includes breakfast, mini-suite with fridge, micro, sleeps 6. Anyone tried it?</p>
<p>Oh what a rowdy bunch we shall be. Quite the party I am expecting. I am thinking I-DAY night. I will bring the wine!</p>
<p>CURIOUS in CA.. Yes! Springhill sounded great. Usually anything Marriott is. And actually I am thinking there or Country Inn for PPW as Loews is so expensive that weekend. But I think I am going to let go of some cash (oh I hate to do that) and stay at Loews for I-Day week since it is a such a short walk to the Yard.</p>
<p>atrmom-</p>
<p>I now understand chopping, thank you, and I will not look at them in utter confusion, when they are squaring corners and not just doing it how I consider normal (but, who said I was normal). </p>
<p>jmwrites-</p>
<p>My kids get generally grossed out at the labor part. Smart alecks!</p>
<p>jmwrites: And, for PPW, we thought we'd stay farther out on Thursday night, drive in <em>early</em> for PEP on Friday, </p>
<p>Just remember that there is no parking on the yard, you will have to park at the stadium and take the bus in. When you leave with plebe after noon formation you will need to walk to the stadium as the bus lines are crazy and your plebe will want to get out ASAP! If you choses to park on city streets near the yard they are mostly 1 hour parking. Brigade walks to stadium for football so if you do not have any elderly with you, most should be able to walk it.</p>
<p>Just something to keep in mind: we stayed (all 24 of us) at the Comfort Inn an Suites- for both I-Day (3 days) and PPW.... the hotel had a shuttle service that took you directly to gate 1 (just ask at the desk)- and then picked us up right at Gate 1 for the ride home (just have to call and make the request- you can even designate a time- ) ... the longest we had to wait for their shuttle to arrive was 15 minutes... we avoided the whole stadium-shuttle thing, which is also doable (however leaving at the end of the day can mean a 30 to 45 minute wait on line)... but heck, I didn't mind that wait either- they had to pry me off the yard after that final good-bye on I-Day AND PPW! :o</p>
<p>Lowes is great- and free popcorn with Old Bay at 4pm everyday!!! :)
Marriot highly overrated, IMHO...</p>
<p>
[quote]
so if you do not have any elderly with you, most should be able to walk it.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>which brings up another thought.... there is a lot of walking, especially on I-Day... and it can get quite hot as well... so if you are bringing someone elderly, like grandma and gramps, if they are in less-than-mobile condition, do consider a wheelchair or motorized scooter.... the walking can be particuarly tough on them- BTDT....having a set of wheels to scoot them around from alumni to hasley to visitor center-back to supes meeting in Alumni- back to midstore- back to dalghren - back to T-Court- back to alumni for shuttle bus.... it's a workout if you ask me!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the weather is very changeable in Maryland in August. We had Hurricanes Charley and Bonnie blow through for my son's PPW so walking anywhere was messy. We did get a break for the parade, PEP and Sunday, but the rest of the weekend, it was soggy. One plan if you're going to stay out is to have one person take the shuttle, get the car and meet the rest of the party outside of Gate 1.</p>
<p>Why not check out some of the fabulous B&Bs in Annapolis? The Georgian House is owned by parents of a Mid. They will most definitely give you all you need to know and I guarantee it is a very short walk to the Yard. Check it out. Most of the operators of the Inns around Annapolis are quite tuned into the events on the Yard.</p>
<p>I strolled through there this summer and they are absolutely adorable! Very close to the gate!</p>
<p>We stayed at the Navy Lodge for 69.00 a night and it is 2 or 3 miles from the academy. However, you have to call them 6 weeks ( I would call to verify the earliest you can call but I think this is correct) prior to I Day they do not let you call any sooner. We called about 7 am in the morning 6 weeks prior and had no problem reserving 3 rooms. We also called 6 weeks prior to PPW and reserved 6 rooms. They are great rooms. Many believe that someone other than your plebe has to be in the military or retired military. That is not the case. We just had to fax over our son's letter of appointment. Also if you reserve 3 or more rooms they waive the requirement that your plebe has to check you in.</p>
<p>Prof Mom2, re: PPW, Although we'll be staying outside of Annapolis on Thursday night, we'll come in early on Friday morning, park at our hotel (Loew's) where we'll be staying on Friday & Saturday night, and not move the car again until Sunday when we exit stage right... (toward Baltimore, and eventually, points north, again). So, I believe I have the logistics worked out. Unless, of course, Loew's doesn't have parking. If that's the case, we're SOL.</p>
<p>Loew has parking, it's valet, although you might be able to self park...not sure. Just tell them your checking in early...really early!</p>
<p>Loews was perfect for us: reasonable and within walking distance. They offer parking and a shuttle too. I agree with Navy2010: the Marriott is overpriced and overrated. The Chart House is an excellent place to celebrate the end of plebe summer. Ruth Chris' is nice too.</p>
<p>Wear cotton or linen. The heat was unrelenting.</p>
<p>Anyone ever stay in the suites at Loews? are they much bigger than the reg rooms?</p>
<p>Does anyone (Zaphod?) know if we should plan for our NAPSter to stay @ the hotel w/ us before I-Day, or if he'll be required to sleep @ the Academy? NAPSters have to report @ I-Day Minus Two this year, but it's not clear if they're just gone @ that point, of if they just have some duties.</p>
<p>Hey NorthernCalMother! Add your name to the 2011 list! Californians all over the place!</p>
<p>Thanks for the nice welcome, MOM2LOLA. I've hesitated to do that because even though NAPS is "2.0 and go," the kids aren't officially appointed 'til final grades and fitness reports in May. S is doing extremely well, but I don't want to jinx anything!</p>