<p>When I made my plans for parents' weekend the only hotel that had available rooms was the Budget Inn on 2nd. While it is no Marcus Whitman, it was clean, quiet and convenient to campus. I was pleasantly surprised.</p>
<p>swdad1, there seems to be a bunch of economically priced places to stay in Walla Walla. I stayed at the Walla Walla Vineyard Inn, which I imagine is pretty similar to the Budget Inn. It was clean and had everything I needed for a very reasonable price. It’s on East Main directly across the street from the campus. The Travel Lodge was next door, it looked a little newer. I love not having to rent a car. I walked everywhere and enjoyed it immensely.</p>
<p>We’ve stayed at a range of places over the years, including Bed and Breakfasts and it is nice to be close to campus. Somehow we waited too long to reserve this year and wound up at the Super 8, out on Isaacs a mile from campus toward the airport. It was simple but fine, definitely cheaper than the Marcus Whitman and the breakfast room (with waffles) was packed with Whittie parents, grandparents and random other travellers and quite fun. I went from being disappointed we were not downtown to thinking it was just learning about another face of Walla Walla. Getting out there you pass the New York Store, a riding and ranch gear store, that is not to be missed if you need boots, jeans, cold weather gear, hats, moccasins or just a chance to visit a well-stocked authentic western store. Also L & G Ranch Supply nearby is a great real hardware store and a much better source for practical items than KMart in my opinion. Similarly, the Athletic Supply store on Alder downtown is great for sports gear. I guess I just like these local independent merchants too, as they give great customer service.</p>
<p>We will be heading up there in the spring to check out the place, if my daughter gets accepted. Has anyone stayed at any of the RV Parks or Campgrounds? Depending on the time of year, hookups are appreciated!</p>
<p>The Marcus Whitman is a nice hotel and not expensive compared to comparable big city hotels, and it is very close to campus. It has a killer breakfast included with the room cost. However, it is not the budget way to go, and next time I’ll check out cheaper digs. Thanks for the tips above.</p>
<p>Anotherparent: sorry, I have no idea, but good luck to your daughter.</p>
<p>After 4 years of visiting my daughter throughout the year we settled on the Best Western. Close enough to campus to walk if you have to, not too close to hear the fraternity parties and a nice breakfast in the morning. The rooms were really quiet. </p>
<p>Walla Walla Inns is a nice option downtown. They are small apartments on the main street above the shops and have a full kitchen. Nice if your child wants to come over for a home cooked meal. They are more expensive though.</p>
<p>Over the years that my kid has been visiting/enrolled, the downtown inns have gone from dicy to ok and back to nasty and back to ok.
I always stay out on the edge of town at the holiday inn express. Yes, you have to drive there. But it’s always nice. There’s another new hotel next door (Comfort suites?)
My take: the Marc is way overpriced for what you get. </p>
<p>For grad weekend, we have booked a house through [VRBO</a> is Vacation Rentals By Owner](<a href=“http://www.vrbo.com/]VRBO”>http://www.vrbo.com/) Cheaper than putting the grandparents and us up in a hotel, plus a yard for a barbeque grad dinner.</p>
<p>I’'ll let you kow how it goes.</p>
<p>[VRBO</a> is Vacation Rentals By Owner](<a href=“http://www.vrbo.com/]VRBO”>http://www.vrbo.com/)</p>
<p>Here’s a link for RV options. [Walla</a> Walla - RV Parks](<a href=“http://www.wallawalla.org/rv_parks.cfm]Walla”>http://www.wallawalla.org/rv_parks.cfm)</p>