<p>I'm annoyed with myself for waiting as long as I did to reserve for Parents Weekend (9/29-10/1). Rates were quite reasonable when I first checked them out in January (except for the Marriott, which kept showing a rate of $999 for a standard room - I think they were trying to prevent folks from reserving until their Parents Weekend rate was set). They are now more expensive than I recall them being last year - about $200 at the Embassy Suites, $259 at the Marriott, $169 at the Courtyard, and $209 at the Loews. I'm surprised at that last one still being so low, and I'd reserve a spot there if it weren't for using the rewards program at one of the other hotels.</p>
<p>My d is moving in a week early, but the rates don't seem to be much different from those for the official move-in weekend. I think that's Saturday, August 19th for freshmen, and the next day for everyone else. Our hotel's lobby scene was quite a zoo during move-in last year, so I suggest getting a reservation booked as soon as possible.</p>
<p>I suppose it's too soon to book for a 2009 graduation?</p>
<p>I don't know about other brands, but I have Marriott Rewards and always try to stay in the Courtyard or the Marriott. I couldn't get into the reservation system for May 06 until the beginning of June 05 despite trying online and by phoning the special Rewards service #. I strongly suggest reserving as early as possible for graduation. It's starting to get pretty exciting for those of us with 06 grads - Senior Class Day Speaker remains unannounced, but the timing has been altered to accomodate the speaker and our recent postcards lead us to believe (based on security rules) that it is someone with a Secret Service detail</p>
<p>Just to make it clear to anyone else reading, if you are willing to drive and park in one of the offcampus garages (during parent events, you'll usually get a pass), you can get hotels outside midtown Nashville for much less that $100/night.</p>
<p>feenotype is absolutely correct; I stayed at the Fairfield Inn by the airport during move-in last August for $59 + tax. Graduation is probably the one time when it is a big plus for being close by because of the many activities and the close proximity allows for easy changes of clothing, etc.</p>
<p>Hampton Inn Green Hills is only about ten minutes from campus and walking distance from Green Hills Mall, restaurants, etc. It's currently booking at $150 / nt for Parents Weekend unless you have AAA or AARP ($135 rate). It's a relatively new facililty and very nice. Also has free breakfast and free parking.</p>