I'd sleep in my car before I would shell out that much jack just to lay my head down for the night.

 

Thanx everyone for the advice! On a teachers salary I agree with this 100% $200 is outta control. I would also drive back and forth before I would stay @ Knight's Inn after reading these stories. I know some teams won't survive the first few days of thr tourney but staying @ Knight's Inn might insure that, literally!

I'm looking @ Days Inn. A short ride to Rupp and reasonable price. Anyone have any experience with them?

Four Points by Sheraton is 5 minutes from Rupp. Stayed several times. It's pretty nice. And it has a bar/restaurant. $100 on Hotels.com

:scared:

 

I should rent out my house.just 20 minutes from Lexington.

Now this is a travel tip you can sink your teeth into!

 

 

Sure, it sounds weird and unappetizing, yet to keep breakfast free, and while they do also have a large array of continental breakfast choices (danishes, bagels w/ cream cheese, cereal, fruit, juices, coffee, tea), it was sufficient to get some protein in my system because carbs alone just doesn't get it. Well I suppose that you can count the cream cheese, but eggs give a better protein kick. It really wasn't that bad, and the atmosphere was pleasant, bright, and clean.

 

If you require breakfast to be exquisite then sure, this is no frills, but when I'm down there for the Sweet 16 the tourney is the centerpiece of my stay and I just typically fuel up on-the-cheap as long as it adequately gets me going.

 

Some will pay $200 a night when they spend most of their day at Rupp.

 

La Quinta for four nights is under $300 for the entire trip, and with it being adequately comfortable and clean, and in decent proximity to downtown, it makes perfect sense to me to keep things affordable, and it was also close enough for me to catch a between sessions nap if necessary.

 

When I used to go down every year I researched many of the hotel choices and really found La Quinta to work out perfectly.

 

I did stay at the Knights Inn a few times for cheaper, but it continued to deteriorate and become nasty that I couldn't bring myself to do it anymore, and the bed bug on my leg was the last straw.

 

As long as La Quinta hasn't gone down hill, if I were going to attend the Sweet 16 again it's definitely where I'd stay.

For the state tournament the Hyatt or the Hilton is the only place to stay. Preferably the Hyatt if you can get a room. Once you are checked in you really never have to leave. You may pay more but you don't have to taxi, uber, or drive and park. This alone will make up the price difference

The Hilton has the Big Blue Martini

For the state tournament the Hyatt or the Hilton is the only place to stay. Preferably the Hyatt if you can get a room. Once you are checked in you really never have to leave. You may pay more but you don't have to taxi, uber, or drive and park. This alone will make up the price difference

 

No Way...

 

The routine that I described with free breakfast, free parking, and keeping my other meals reasonable, and counting ticket prices (where I always had front row in upper deck at half court for fantastic viewing), I probably did the whole trip for no more than a total of $450 versus anywhere from $800-$1200 that others do doing it the Hyatt or Hilton way not counting meals and tickets.

No Way...

 

The routine that I described with free breakfast, free parking, and keeping my other meals reasonable, and counting ticket prices (where I always had front row in upper deck at half court for fantastic viewing), I probably did the whole trip for no more than a total of $450 versus anywhere from $800-$1200 that others do doing it the Hyatt or Hilton way not counting meals and tickets.

 

Hilton or Hyatt are "the only way" if money is no object.

 

I've stayed at a couple Red Roof Inns in Lexington. Nice, clean, and cheaper. We usually go eat a good dinner while we're there (Columbia or Ramsey's most of the time) and go out for drinks, so we're looking more or less for a clean place to sleep at night.

 

A friend of mine took his family a few years back to the entire tournament (no Sunday games). He stayed at the Hyatt and told me it costs about the same as taking his family to Disney for the same amount of time.

There are obviously cheaper options if that's the route you want. I like the convenience of the Hyatt. I don't have to drive anywhere once I get there and parking is free. I don't have to pay at Rupp or search for parking. I bring lots of food, snacks, and drinks for my room. If I want something different I am within walking distance of other restaurants. I enjoy the atmosphere of the Hyatt lobby/bar. Even better If I don't want to stay for the second game or I want to leave before the game is over, its a 5 minute walk to my room. You can certainly beat the price of the Hyatt but not the convenience. No matter where you stay I cant wait until Wednesday. My pick is Cooper.

Staying at the Hyatt or Hilton is ideal. You can just park your car and leave it. It's especially nice when the W-Th occupants of the room take off on Friday when wives/GFs come into town to watch the QFs and scoop their coach husbands/boyfriends up and take them home, and set you up with a free room with a Tempur-Pedic or Sleep-Number mattress.

There are obviously cheaper options if that's the route you want. I like the convenience of the Hyatt. I don't have to drive anywhere once I get there and parking is free. I don't have to pay at Rupp or search for parking. I bring lots of food, snacks, and drinks for my room. If I want something different I am within walking distance of other restaurants. I enjoy the atmosphere of the Hyatt lobby/bar. Even better If I don't want to stay for the second game or I want to leave before the game is over, its a 5 minute walk to my room. You can certainly beat the price of the Hyatt but not the convenience. No matter where you stay I cant wait until Wednesday. My pick is Cooper.

 

 

No doubt that what you're describing is more convenient, and sure it's all a matter of preference. One thing I particularly like about how I roll is that I do enjoy walking through the streets of Lexington to see the old architecture and the quaintness of the town, as well as experience the friendliness of the people. Aside from attending the games I like getting outside to sight see a bit to feel like I've been somewhere. During the Sweet 16 spring is in the air in Lexington, and it's a friendly attractive place to explore. Staying indoors while there for 4 or 5 days would give me a bit of cabin fever, so to keep things interesting I like to mix it up a little and check out the sights too.

Most desirable hotels are sold out, and prices are over $100 a night.

 

Here is a tip. The Candlewood Suites at Rt 4 (Circle) and Newtown Pike.

Last year I stayed there and it was great, was not sold out, and rates right at $100 a night. You actually take Newtown Pike to Rupp coming in the back.

 

The catch is that it is what it says - a suite, beds and pullout sofa. Also fridge, microwave, stove etc.. They do not make up your room on a nightly basis.

 

At this stage of the game I'd give them a call.

 

Also the Red Roof on Nicholasville Pike normally has rooms available for under $100 and may have some left.

VERY SMALL ROOMS - VERY SMALL

Staying at the Hyatt or Hilton is ideal. You can just park your car and leave it. It's especially nice when the W-Th occupants of the room take off on Friday when wives/GFs come into town to watch the QFs and scoop their coach husbands/boyfriends up and take them home, and set you up with a free room with a Tempur-Pedic or Sleep-Number mattress.

 

And don't forget the hard-boiled eggs buffet!

Thanx everyone for the advice! On a teachers salary I agree with this 100% $200 is outta control. I would also drive back and forth before I would stay @ Knight's Inn after reading these stories. I know some teams won't survive the first few days of thr tourney but staying @ Knight's Inn might insure that, literally!

I'm looking @ Days Inn. A short ride to Rupp and reasonable price. Anyone have any experience with them?

 

Have stayed there for years. Reasonable price, no frills, but pretty clean and they have breakfast in the morning. They have a fridge, bed , TV for NCAA games and free wireless internet. What more do you need? Also have figured out "back" ways from this motel to Rupp to avoid traffic before and after games.

The Hilton has the Big Blue Martini

 

Which will be rocking on Friday night!!