<p>There is a thread on this but its from 2009, wondered if anyone had any updated advice on where to stay? My S is auditioning 12/14, we’ll be arriving on Friday. I would like to stay as close as possible (getting lost on the way to the university is just not a stress I need at this point LOL).</p>
<p>We stayed at the Hampton Inn Princeton. We flew in and out of Newark and took the train to Princeton Junction (very easy) and a cab to the hotel. However the cabs in the area charge over $25 for every trip, not metered, so that was an unpleasant surprise. The next time we went (after D was accepted, to see a show and meet some faculty), D auditioned at Muhlenberg and Wagner that same trip so we rented a car.</p>
<p>Just be sure and add up your costs and make the best choice for you. You could also call the hotels and see if the cab situation has changed since last winter.</p>
<p>The Hampton Inn has a shuttle, but it didn’t run on the weekend and the audition was on a Saturday. So check the shuttle service as well.</p>
<p>The closest hotel/motel is Red Roof Inn, but it did not have inner doors, so I was not comfortable staying there by myself. There are so many places to stay and it is really easy to navigate the main roads ( I rented a car in Newark). I did like the Comfort Inn, also very close by, we have stayed there twice.</p>
<p>Comfort inn and Red Roof Inn are the closest, but I really like the Hyatt Place Princeton, which is set back on US 1 a few miles further (behind Macaroni Grill/PF Changs). Free breakfast and a shuttle to from train or campus on weekdays (you may be able to request weekends – but call hotel to ask). There is also a big full-service Hyatt also off US1 that is undergoing renovations that has good deals on Priceline.</p>
<p>We always stay at the Courtyard by Marriott on Scotch Road. It’s just two exits south and very convenient in and out. There’s also a Springfield in the same general area. </p>
<p>I do NOT recommend staying at the Red Roof. While it’s very inexpensive, it’s hard to get in and out. It’s on a divided road/highway so you can only exit the hotel one way. And, when returning from the college you have to travel past the exit loop over the highway and back to the hotel. The entrances onto this highway are extremely short and precarious. BTW: I’m a crazy LA driver and I think it’s scary. ;-)</p>
<p>Also, Philadelphia is a great airport option as well. I actually prefer it to Newark. The distance to Lawrenceville is exactly the same and it’s a straight shot. The car rental access is more convenient. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>MrP</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I am driving from Pittsburgh PA to Lawrenceville NJ. </p>
<p>MrP - I did notice that route to/from the Red Roof. I mapquested driving directions from the hotel to the university and thought “what the heck?”</p>
<p>Agreed about Philly airport – very easy! And agreed about Highway access to Red Roof. Similar issue with all spots along US1 though – you’re always going a little further and having to U-turn back to get in and out of all the shopping centers and businesses. Have fun at your audition!</p>
<p>Last year when D was a freshman we drove the 12 hrs from IN and stayed at the Comfort Inn due to close proximity and free breakfast.
Last spring Frontier started jet service into the Trenton/Princeton airport which is only 5 miles form Rider. They fly to several cities and use Trenton as their east coast hub.
“Frontiers total nonstop destinations served from Trenton-Mercer Airport to 11 cities: Atlanta; Charlotte; Chicago-Midway; Cincinnati; Columbus; Detroit; Fort Lauderdale; Fort Myers; Orlando; Raleigh-Durham; and Tampa”</p>
<p>We fly my D home (Chicago) for a one way fare of $59 last May.
I hope this helps others the way it has our family.
We will be visiting in December and were able to find round trip 138.00 tickets.</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy Rider!</p>
<p>Thinking about staying at the SpringHill Suites Ewing Princeton South, it received good reviews and looks like I’d avoid the on and off US1. Anyone ever stay there?</p>
<p>My S is very excited about Rider. He is a singer, dancer some argue he’s a dancer, singer so the opportunity to work with Robin Lewis is thrilling to him!</p>
<p>Springhill Suites is good. Everything you’d expect from a Marriott.</p>
<p>One more question</p>
<p>What is audition day like? Should I plan to stay over Saturday night as well, wasn’t sure how late we’d get out. I know some schools are pretty much the full day. I’d rather not drive in the dark if I don’t have too.</p>