Happy New Year to everyone! Time to start looking into plane and hotel reservations for our probable trip to USMA. Our son is a Principal nominee, so while not guaranteed an appointment yet, we have been told to start planning. I know there are several airports in the area and we dont mind driving from any of them, so any suggestions as to which one might be best? Also hotels.....I know I have seen some suggestions in the past, but dont recall recent discussions about any good/bad hotel experiences. Any input is welcome!
Planning for R Day
- Thread starter parker1
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mom3boys
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Much of your decision is based on where you are flying from and how much you want to spend. We prefer flying into Stewart (Newburgh) because of its proximity to WP. White Plains isn't a bad drive (doesn't involve NYC traffic). My GPS took me on a crazy route from Newark, but I hear there's a better one.
Hotels are cheaper further out than closer to the academy (it's about 20-25 min to Newburgh). I like staying in Highland Falls because I like to be close by. I have stayed at the Econo Lodge and had no problems; however, others found it not to their liking. In HF, you have limited options. Two will be expensive (Thayer and Holiday Inn). Central Valley has a few more options. Major weekends have a similar theme: gouge the parents. You have plenty of choices, it just depends what you want to do.
Hotels are cheaper further out than closer to the academy (it's about 20-25 min to Newburgh). I like staying in Highland Falls because I like to be close by. I have stayed at the Econo Lodge and had no problems; however, others found it not to their liking. In HF, you have limited options. Two will be expensive (Thayer and Holiday Inn). Central Valley has a few more options. Major weekends have a similar theme: gouge the parents. You have plenty of choices, it just depends what you want to do.
By my understanding, for R-Day, your appointee can fly up the day before, stay in a hotel, then be bussed to USMA on R-Day, all at the government's expense. This is the option I'm using to report on R-Day. There will be details on your Candidate Portal after you get the Appointment.
By my understanding, for R-Day, your appointee can fly up the day before, stay in a hotel, then be bussed over to USMA on R-Day, all at the government's expense. This is the option I'm using for R-Day. There will be details on your Candidate Portal after you receive the Appointment.
Dodgers_fan
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You actually have your airplane ticket paid for by the government, but you have to pay for the hotel. Its like 150-something dollars that you send to the Academy. I just filled out that Grey Card on my portal.
mom3boys
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Make sure you discuss all the options with your parents. Rday was our first visit to USMA. There are many activities for the parents all day, including a very informative briefing by the sup. We met parents that day that we still keep in touch with. After the quick goodbye, we played "Where's Waldo" the rest of the day, and actually found him once. I am glad we made it a family event.
Dixieland
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I agree. If parents have the means to attend R-Day, it is a memorable day. There were free tours and plenty of other interesting things to do. Just seeing our cadet in the Oath Ceremony at the end of the day made the travel and stress worthwhile. Helped us make it through the next six weeks.
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We live in NJ and really could have gone up that morning for a 9a report time, that being said, we went up on Sunday and spent the night in Newburgh at the Homestead Suites. We found this very comfortable (it had a full living room and kitchen) and also not far from the Academy. My daughter felt less stress knowing that she was the there in the area the day before. I can tell you that if there is a good chance your son/daughter will be attending R day, book a hotel room now for both R day and A day weekend!! We booked ours in November prior to R day (she had a very early LOA) and we watched the rates go up from there, not to mention hotels filling. Its a very busy time up there, and you want to alleviate as much stress as possible .... also, for A day weekend, if you can get a place with a full kitchen, it is nice, so your plebe can hang in the room and sleep and eat without the hassle of waiting in long lines at local restaurants!!