USMA visit question

I'm new - first post - and I have a question:

My son would like to visit West Point in the fall. (BTW is it "West Point" - two words, correct?) Our plan is to fly into Newburgh and catch a taxi as I understand you can do that. Is there a hotel where we can stay that we won't need a car while we are there. We would like it to be just a quick in and out trip with just the two of us. Is it possible to do this without renting a car or is there a better way? Your sage advice would be most helpful. Thanks!

You can stay on West Point at the Thayer and you won't need a rental car. It's a pricey hotel, especially if you go during a busy time, though.

New@This said:

I'm new - first post - and I have a question:

My son would like to visit West Point in the fall. (BTW is it "West Point" - two words, correct?) Our plan is to fly into Newburgh and catch a taxi as I understand you can do that. Is there a hotel where we can stay that we won't need a car while we are there. We would like it to be just a quick in and out trip with just the two of us. Is it possible to do this without renting a car or is there a better way? Your sage advice would be most helpful. Thanks!

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Depending on the weekend in the fall, the Thayer Hotel could be pretty pricey. There are a couple of other hotels in Highland Falls but if it's a home football weekend, they will be full. Depending on how much you like to walk, you could get by without a rental car but West Point is hilly and you will be spending a lot of time walking. I would hunt up a good deal and rent a car at Stewart Airport---that way if the closer hotels are full, you can stay out a little distance (Fishkill, Newburgh, etc.)

Make a reservation to take the 2-hour tour through the West Point Visitors' Center. It gives a wonderful look at WP and its history. If it IS a football weekend, go ahead and get some tickets and plan to see the Cadet Review on the Plain in the morning. Football games are a lot of fun there.

And you are correct, it is 2 words....West Point. United States Military Academy at West Point.

There are two army hotels, one inside the gates, and one just barely outside the main gate. I believe they are now open to general public. There are busses that travel around the base, so you just have to hop on. I have not stayed in the army hotels, but I have two bookings for later this year. What I have been told is that they are the equivalent of a red roof inn, or super 8, but the location is incredible. You may want to consider them.

Great - thanks for all your helpful comments.

Really and truly, you need to rent a car. While technically you can walk from the Thayer, it's a LONG, uphill walk. Since you are flying into SWF, that is the easiest in/out airport. You can land, claim bags, and rent car all within 10-15 min. It's a very easy drive w/ no traffic or tolls to West Point (15-20 min). Then, you can go out for dinner, etc...and drive around the post. I would really consider renting a car...for what you will pay for 2 cab rides, you can have a car for the duration of your trip. It's not scary at all, I promise (I get being scared of NYC airports...this one isn't scary in the least).

mom3boys said:

Really and truly, you need to rent a car. While technically you can walk from the Thayer, it's a LONG, uphill walk. Since you are flying into SWF, that is the easiest in/out airport. You can land, claim bags, and rent car all within 10-15 min. It's a very easy drive w/ no traffic or tolls to West Point (15-20 min). Then, you can go out for dinner, etc...and drive around the post. I would really consider renting a car...for what you will pay for 2 cab rides, you can have a car for the duration of your trip. It's not scary at all, I promise (I get being scared of NYC airports...this one isn't scary in the least).

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I agree. It's way too much to walk.