I've been looking over the past week at hotels closer to the fairgrounds than our hotel was last year. If I need to change gears and re-do some things, I will. But let me share with you what I have so far.
I think I have called every hotel in Carlisle and went to all the group hotel services through Yahoo, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. There are a couple of rooms in some of the hotels around but not enough rooms for a large group. So, here are our options....you have a choice of 2: (remember, I can change these and look for something farther away).
Option 1. We have reserved a block of 20 rooms at the Ramada Limited at Carlisle at a price of $112.45/night for two. (prices have risen at all the hotels since last year!)
Ramada Limited at Carlisle
1252 Harrisburg Pike
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-8585
Your room must be reserved by June 6, 2006. There is a 2 night minimum stay and 1 night deposit is required at time of reservation. You must use the name Cuda-Challenger.com.
Continental Breakfast is included.
The 20 rooms are broken down as follows:
10 rooms, Non-smoking with 2 queen beds
10 rooms, Smoking with 2 Double beds
Option 2. I found a website that will give us a great rate on a nice hotel. The rooms normally go for $177.95 and the group desk would give me a deal at $142.36. However, if you purchase this room upfront, you can get it at $83/night, and at the moment has availability. Parking here looks really good, they have an indoor pool, billiard room, and continental breakfast. Because you must purchase when you make the reservation, I cannot book all the rooms myself (I don't have an extra $6K laying around). Each of us would have to go to this website and purchase them as soon as possible before they run out. I can let you know what the website is if this is what we choose to do.
Hotel Carlisle
1700 Harrisburg Pike
Carlisle, PA 17013
Here is a link of a satellite map that lists the two hotel options for this year and the two hotels we've used in the past as a reference.
http://www.ridesthatrock.com/carlisletrip/I personally did not enjoy the long drive out to the fairgrounds from the Fairfield (and the getting lost part!), but I understand wanting the room for our cars and together time outside. Please let me know what you all think as soon as possible.
