3 posts tagged “cheap hotels”

The closest most of us get to Olympic glory is huddled in our living room and tuning into the opening ceremonies. This season with the Olympics only being a hop, skip and a jump away in Beijing China (sarcasm) the chance of any of us getting to partake in the excitement of watching the worlds best athletes live is more than likely not going to happen. However, if you are a track and field fan then fret no more. The U.S. Olympic team trials for Track and Field are being held in Eugene Oregon at the legendary Hayward Field. Get your tickets to witness one of the most prestigious pre-Olympic events and be a part of history in the making as the roster for team USA is selected for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Trials have just started and the last of them will be held Sunday July 6th. Trials will also be held on the the 4th of July including fireworks. If you can't make it to the trials or Track and Field just ain't your cup'O tea; the city of Eugene simultaneously has several unique and amazing events including: The Eugene Festival (concerts, arts, food, entertainment, fireworks on the 4th and more), the Oregon Bach Festival, the First Friday Art Walk, Cottage Grove Speedway Wall of Fire & Fireworks and more. Check out the calendar for more events.

If you are more the outdoorsy type then a trip to Eugene will definitely be right up your alley. You can raft the Mckenzie river, spend a day at the Wild Woods Falls and Lagoon, choose from an assortment of camping options, Oregon Coast tours, Willamette Valley Winery tours and more.

Due to the events, there are a number of hotels that are already sold out, lucky for you however, I have the inside track on hotels that should still be available. Also, since Eugene is a college town (the University of Oregon) you have the unique combination of upscale hotels and cheap stays all within a couple of mile of each other.

Where to Crash:
The Valley River Inn is a great stay. Situated on the Willamette River this hotel represent quintessential Northwestern rustic charm and elegance with towering wooden beams, warm inviting fireplaces, beautiful gardens and local artwork. If you are looking for a pleasant get away that is that is centrally located and reasonably priced then look no further.
Price: around $149-$159 per night

If you are looking for a cheap solution or a place to just call base camp then check out the University Inn and Suites or the Econo Lodge. Coming in at around $60 a night they are a decent place to rest your head and recoup for the next days adventure.

So that special day is coming up where we cast aside our whining, do the dishes and take out the trash without being told and make sure that the lovable lug in our life has quick access to a fresh cold one and of course the remote. The conundrum thus far unanswered of Fathers Day is; "what the hell should we do?" Well, frett no more my esteemed colleagues as I will present to you some ideas that are sure to keep the big man happy and pre-occupied.

The 2008 Washington Brewers Festival: Hooray fer Booze!

Situated near the Lake Washington shoreline in the pristine 316 acre Saint Edward State Park the glory that is the Washington Brewers Festival boasts a ridiculously massive list of the best and most unique micro-brews know to man from the Nottie Nelly Golden Ale of the Pike Brewing Co to the Blueberry Creme Fruit Beer of the Norther Lights Brewing company. This festival is sure to satisfy any thirst and challenge the pallet of any beer connoisseur. Remember however, as desperately as the big guy may want to (myself included) I would strongly advise against trying every tempting concoction strewn about the festival grounds.

The Festival includes a wide assortment of live bands and entertainment including (on Saturday and Sunday) over 200 beers on tap, tastings, a root beer garden (for the little ones and DD), keg toss contest, craft market food and more. Truly an event for that the whole family can enjoy while allowing Pa to run around like a kid in a candy store.

When:
Friday, June 13th 5pm - 9pm -- 21+ only
Saturday, June 14th, 11am - 8pm -- All Ages
Sunday, June 15th, 11a, - 8pm -- All Ages

Where:
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

Tickets:
$15 in advanced
$20 at the door
$8 for the designated driver

Where to Rest Your Throbbing Head:
Residence Inn by Marriott
A solid and reasonably priced standby to comfortably suit the whole gang.

Courtyard by Marriott:
Another good choice in the Marriott family this charming hotel is priced to book and is situated only 4 miles from the festival grounds putting you out of earshot but allowing escape quick and easy.

More Places to Stay Near Saint Edward State Park:

View Larger Map

Other Ideas:

• Is Dad a sports fan? Why not take him out to a ball game for the all American Dads day out!?
• A bag of clubs and a sweet big boy go-cart. Spend the weekend at a golf resort or send dad out for the day of a solid uninterrupted 18 holes of pure joy and serenity. (tip) The Roosevelt Hotel in New York has an established relationship with Chelsea Piers Golf Course where you can take advantage of privileged tee times, pre-paid ball cards and use of pro-line golf equipment.
• Maybe the big guy is more the outdoorsy type. Get a cabin vacation rental or pitch a tent and get your fish on!

So Lollapaloolza is quickly approaching and even though its still 2 months away this highly anticipated concert fest sells quick and hotels go quicker.

Starting August 1-3 in Grant Park Chicago this musical, cultural community experience is a one of a kind sensory blowing must see adventure. Grant Park takes the center stage to host this massive event and provides the perfect atmosphere for this music extravaganza.

Due to the massiveness of this event tickets go fast and rooms go faster so its best to book early. I took the privilige of checking out a few places to recommend because lets face it, you were probably going to procrastinate, not get a room and end up sleeping in the Clarence Buckingham Fountain in the middle of grant Park. So without further hubba-baloo heres some good stays.

Hotel Allegro and a special deal (I love deals, especially during popular events)!
Price: $182 per night discounted from $260 for July 31st-August 3rd (sweet)
The Allegro is located a convenient 0.8 miles from Grant Park which is perfect for concert going and not having to deal with a the parking mess. A cheap cab ride or a brisk walk (or stumble) will get you where you need to be happily and safely.

Hotel Specs:
The lobby displays theatrical influences with bursts of ruby-red, burnt-orange and forest-green hues offset by granite grays and ocean blues underfoot. A baby grand piano is positioned next to a double-sided fireplace that anchors the lobby's three-story staircase. The hotel's 312 Chicago restaurant captures Old World charm with a menu dominated by family recipes that enrich contemporary Italian flavors. Encore is a lunch venue by day, but transforms into a liquid lounge with two bars by night. Cameo serves coffee, pastries and fresh fruit. The hotel hosts complimentary wine receptions every evening. Art Deco fixtures and oversized windows add interest to the hotel's 14,000 square feet of function space. Wireless Internet access is complimentary throughout the hotel.

Guest rooms:
The 19-story Hotel Allegro Chicago offers 483 contemporary guestrooms decorated in royal blue, mocha-brown and silver-gray tones. Lights cast star-patterned shadows against sky-blue ceilings. Rooms include complimentary wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions and MP3 adaptors. Bed design includes pillowtop mattresses draped with 300-thread count linens and white duvets. Suites boast jetted bathtubs and zebra-print bathrobes. Honor bars are fully stocked. The hotel offers yoga baskets upon request, and the Kimpton yoga channel broadcasts guided yoga sessions.

As an added little bonus, here is the 2008 line-up for you to take a gander at. And yes, its a big one!

Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Wilco, The Raconteurs, Louis XIV, Love and Rockets, Gnarls Barkley, Bloc Party, The Black Keys, Broken Social Scene, Lupe Fiasco, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Cat Power, The National, G. Love & Special Sauce, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Explosions in the Sky, Brand New, Gogol Bordello, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Dierks Bentley, Okkervil River, Amadou & Mariam, Blues Traveler, John Butler Trio, Girl Talk, Your Vegas, CSS, Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves, Battles, Steel Train, Jamie Lidell, Bang Camaro, Butch Walker, The Blakes, Mates of State, Tally Hall, Spank Rock, White Lies, Brazilian Girls, Magic Wands, Chromeo, Electric Touch, Duffy, Innerpartysystem, The Kills, The Postelles, Rogue Wave, The Parlor Mob, The Go! Team, Bald Eagle, Mason Jennings, Krista, The Gutter Twins, Ha Ha Tonka, Yeasayer, Witchcraft, Grizzly Bear, We Go To 11, MGMT, Sofia Talvik ,The Weakerthans, Booka Shade, Santogold, Black Kids, Black Lips, Dr. Dog, Nicole Atkins & the Sea, The Ting Tings, Kid Sister, Office, The Cool Kids, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, The Whigs, Manchester Orchestra, Foals, Uffie, The Octopus Project, Cadence Weapon, Ferras, De Novo Dahl, Noah and the Whale, Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, K'NAAN, Serena Ryder, Newton Faulkner