[GenCon] Hotels in Indy

[Power_Word_Wedgie]

Right or wrong, I'm planning on staying at the Days Inns on Washington St. (4 blocks away from the Convention Center). Though it is a little of a walk, a non-smoking room with a king-size bed was only $70 per night, and they have parking.

As for not getting a hotel close to (or within walking distance) to the RCA Dome, I'll just say that last year I did that (a hotel far from downtown) because I chose to go last minute. Let's just say that the road construction was less than be desired. I took a normally 30 minute drive to my hotel a 1 1/2 hour drive because all of the roads were closed. Maybe it will be better this year.

As for parking, just before I read JediSoth's response, I was thinking to myself that it was too horrible. I was thinking it was around $8 per day. it looks as if that is correct. (of sorts)

 

[RodneyThompson]

Anyone know if Embassy Suites has high speed internet access, either free, or for a fee?

They have wireless internet access, high speed of course, for a fee. It's pretty expensive, as I recall -- somewhere in the neighborhood of $15-20 per day. I splurged on it last year so we could post a report on the SWRPG seminar from the convention and I felt it was highway robbery.

 

[Buttercup]

Bumping this so others can find it.

 

[The_Universe]

Thanks for the hekpful info!

My wife and I are planning to go to GenCon for the first time this year, and we're looking for all the info we can get.

I just hope we can afford to stay somewhere relatively close to the Con.

 

[buzz]

Thanks for all of the great info in this thread, everybody!

For various reasons, the little group I'm going with decided on the Westin. I've already ordered my badge and gotten my reservations.

This will be my first GenCon, much less major RPG con of any sort (ENWorld game days are all I've managed so far). Any suggestions on event registration or generally planning out my days? I've heard that it's not a bad idea to block out a day for the dealer hall and/or auctions. Thoughts?

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

This will be my first GenCon, much less major RPG con of any sort (ENWorld game days are all I've managed so far). Any suggestions on event registration or generally planning out my days? I've heard that it's not a bad idea to block out a day for the dealer hall and/or auctions. Thoughts?

Last year was my 1st GenCon, and I overbooked myself a bit. I had originally signed up for 2 games each day, but ended up dropping out of 1 each day so I could attend seminars that I was more interested in than the games. Many seminars and games aren't scheduled when the signups originally go live, so it may be worth waiting to see what else gets posted. There will be plenty of pickup games going on, so you can always finds something to play. The dealer hall is enormous, I spent a good portion of each day wandering around, talking with people, and playing demos of games (all kinds of games-rpgs, ccgs, cards, video, etc). One last piece of advice-if you want to see the KODT Live Reading, sign up in advance! I missed out due to lack of space in the room where it was scheduled, and won't do the same this year!

 

[Hand of Evil]

Last year was my 1st GenCon, and I overbooked myself a bit. I had originally signed up for 2 games each day, but ended up dropping out of 1 each day so I could attend seminars that I was more interested in than the games. Many seminars and games aren't scheduled when the signups originally go live, so it may be worth waiting to see what else gets posted. There will be plenty of pickup games going on, so you can always finds something to play. The dealer hall is enormous, I spent a good portion of each day wandering around, talking with people, and playing demos of games (all kinds of games-rpgs, ccgs, cards, video, etc). One last piece of advice-if you want to see the KODT Live Reading, sign up in advance! I missed out due to lack of space in the room where it was scheduled, and won't do the same this year!

It is very important to build a timeline for each day, put in those games you have to go to, but always have a plan B and put into time for yourself.

 

[Quickbeam]

Buzz:

I will say that leaving time for seminars, demos and the dealer hall is sound advice. Last year was my first GenCon, and I booked two games for each of the two full days I was in town, which left me wanting more time for the aformentioned other items. I'd suggest registering for one game each day and leaving the rest up for grabs unless you don't mind living by a strict agenda.

I will be happy to share other tips during next weekend's Chicago Gameday, and Barendd Nobeard is probably a fountain of wealth on the subject.

 

[John Crichton]

Thanks to all for the advice so far. Keep it coming. I'm planning on going for the full 4 days. I'm just hoping at least one of my buds can make it so I don't have to spring for a hotel myself...

 

[diaglo]

Last year was my 1st GenCon, and I overbooked myself a bit. I had originally signed up for 2 games each day, but ended up dropping out of 1 each day so I could attend seminars that I was more interested in than the games. Many seminars and games aren't scheduled when the signups originally go live, so it may be worth waiting to see what else gets posted. There will be plenty of pickup games going on, so you can always finds something to play. The dealer hall is enormous, I spent a good portion of each day wandering around, talking with people, and playing demos of games (all kinds of games-rpgs, ccgs, cards, video, etc). One last piece of advice-if you want to see the KODT Live Reading, sign up in advance! I missed out due to lack of space in the room where it was scheduled, and won't do the same this year!

i signed up for one session per day. all 4 cancelled on me. the DM never showed for any of them.

i attended as many seminars as i could fit. they were great. for no other reason than to heckle the powers that be.