Hotels USNA Annapolis 2016 I-Day PPW Parents Weekend Commissioning Week CVW

At present, I am procrastinating on an "A" project, therefore I am telling myself it would be useful if I started an easily searchable thread with current where-to-stay information for Annapolis. I will seed the thread and hope it grows with one-stop shopping info. I live here, have formed my own impressions from waves of mid parents over the years, but haven't stayed at any, so - over to Fearless Readers.

My best advice: book early, if it's for an occasion for an entire class. Also, any football weekend.

Those with relevant experience can amplify with useful info:
- shuttle availability
- walking distance to Yard
- special "USNA Friends and Family" discount codes
- parking for B and B's, any parking issues
- free breakfast or meal deals
- websites
- rate strategies (Priceline.com, etc.)
- recommendations, additions, pros and cons

Apologies if any links not correct. I did this on iPhone off top of head.

DOWNTOWN ANNAPOLIS (DTA) CHAIN BRAND HOTELS

Marriott Waterfront - full-service hotel, easy walk to USNA, commands high prices at peak times.
http://www.annapoliswaterfront.com


Loew's
https://www.loewshotels.com/m/annapolis



O'Callaghans
http://mobile.ocallaghanhotels.com/annapolis/



Westin
http://www.westinannapolis.com
Walk to stadium.


DTA LOCAL HOTELS, INNS AND B&BS


Gibson's Lodgings. B&B. Adjacent to Gate 1 walk gate. Has its own off-street parking.
http://www.gibsonslodgings.info


Scotlaur Inn. B&B. Above Chick 'n' Ruth's Deli on Main St. Across alley from Hillman City Garage.
http://www.scotlaurinn.com

Historic Inns of Annapolis
http://www.historicinnsofannapolis.com/?utm_sourceyelp&utm_mediumlisting&utm_campaignyelp_listing_ms




GREATER ANNAPOLIS HOTELS

Courtyard Marriott
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwian-courtyard-annapolis/



Marriott Residence Inn
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwira-residence-inn-annapolis/



SpringHillSuites (Marriott)
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwisu-springhill-suites-annapolis/


Hampton Inn (Hilton)
http://m.hilton.com/mt/hamptoninn3....n-inn-and-suites-annapolis-ANDMDHX/index.html



Hilton Garden Inn
http://m.hilton.com/mt/hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/index.html#banner



Doubletree Hotel (Hilton)
http://m.hilton.com/mt/doubletree3....NPDTDT/index.html?un_jtt_redirect=un_jtt_iosV




Holiday Inn Express
http://www.annapolismdhotel.com



Country Inn & Suites (Carlson)
http://hotels.countryinns.com/md/annapolis/hotels_annapolis_md_mdannap.html


Sheraton Annapolis
http://m.starwoodhotels.com/sherato...IS.COM_1266_DEACT&city=Annapolis&stateCode=MD


OUTSIDE ANNAPOLIS/BWI AIRPORT/KENT ISLAND (just across Chesapeake Bay Bridge)

Hilton Garden Island Kent Island
http://m.hilton.com/mt/hiltongarden...ton-garden-inn-kent-island-BWIKIGI/index.html



HOUSE CONDO RENTALS

Annapolis Accommodations
http://www.stayannapolis.com

Airbnb

VRBO



MILITARY LODGINGS

Navy Lodge, NSA Annapolis
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=23

Navy Gateway Inns and Suites Annapolis. This is the old USNA BOQ.
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/nd...and_lodging/navy_gateway_inns_and_suites.html

Ft. George G. Meade Army Hotels
https://m.ihg.com/hotels/armyhotels/us/en/hoteldetail/zyeaa

Great idea, Capt MJ! I will provide some information about the Westin when I go back and check the rate that I got for parent's weekend. I also believe that Loew's offers a USNA parent's club, but someone would have to do some checking on that as well. We stayed at the Sheraton across from the mall for CVW but I now see that it is closed. I will provide what info I can and I'm sure everyone on this board appreciates you starting the thread!

There is lots of great info scattered amongst various threads, and I feel boorish saying "search," when the best search terms might not be immediately apparent to complete newbies. Often the hotel stuff is tucked in a thread on I-Day or other event topic.

I am sure the community will deliver excellent info.

Edit to original post: Sheraton Annapolis is closed. I didn't know! I went to many wedding events there, and it was a successful property for many years. After some internet checking, it is now an IHG (Holiday Inn) Crowne Plaza.

Crowne Plaza Annapolis
https://m.ihg.com/hotels/crowneplaza/us/en/hoteldetail/anpam

Make sure to ask if onsite parking is available and if there is a charge. Many assume there is onsite free parking like you find in most other cities, but that is generally NOT true in the downtown Annapolis area. This a city parking garage, but helps to know the logistics to avoid surprises. Also know that 'within walking distance' means lots of different things depending on who you ask, so don't assume it is just 'across the street' from USNA.

Lots of older threads on this topic as it comes up every year. Hopefully, anyone computer savvy enough to find this site knows how to do searches.

Loew's Annapolis. Has a "USNA Parents Club." Special discount. Call the property direct and ask for someone in Group Sales.

We have stayed at three and visited one of the Marriott properties in the area. In my opinion, the SpringHill is the best value. Here is an overview:

SpringHill (Army/Navy Football, Patriot Swimming) - Free breakfast, larger rooms, bar area with microwave oven, mini refrigerator, and sink, free parking, bed choices (1K or 2Q, + sofa bed)

Residence Inn (PPW) - Free breakfast, spacious rooms, kitchenettes, free parking, bed choices (1Q + sofa bed)

CourtYard (CVW) - No free breakfast, older property (while you can change décor, room size and ceiling height are more difficult to change), free parking, bed choices (1K + sofa bed, 2Q, or 2D)

Waterfront (dined at Pusser's) - Pricy (2x other properties), parking is an additional charge, within 1/2 mile of the Yard, bed choices (1K or 2D)

Other considerations and tips :

Do you need an extra bed for your Mid?

Book individual days at a time and periodically check the daily rates. This gives you the opportunity to re-book individual dates if the rate goes down or a promotion is offered.

For the USNA Friends and Family discount, you have to call to make reservations. I have found that the AAA discount & promos have been a better option and are available online.

We are veterans of Annapolis' not so friendly price gouging for special events. The hotels bump the rates significantly for all the important weekends. I have always been amazed at the parents that go with the flow and pay through the nose. Granted, there are many families lucky rough to not have to worry about money.

A room at the aforementioned Lowe's will cost you $326 per night for PPW, plus parking.

Don't get me wrong, we love USNA. But, it is a gold mine for the city... and I believe Annapolis could treat the Academy and it's supporters better.

Save all year for you trips to USNA. After the separation at I Day through PPW, they have us over a barrel, and they know it.

Concur with above. Annapolis is like any other destination travel location with a limited supply of lodging.

Another option, used by a surprising number of our sponsor mid families over the years - the nearby KOA campground.
http://koa.com/campgrounds/washingt...er&utm_content=website-link&utm_campaign=Yext

And, I recall many posting in threads through the years about success in using Priceline and other aggregators, if they didn't care about exact property or hotel points. Plenty of 3-star properties competing for the mid-range traveler.

Staying farther out near BWI or Bowie (along US 50) or at Annapolis Junction (near Ft. Meade) usually yields much better than in-town rates.

Great Post for families. We used VRBO on a few occasions (PPW and Graduation). If there are a lot of people the rates work out better than Hotel reservations. Even for a small family the rates are better than Hotel rates in Annapolis. Also Homeaway has some good rentals.

I appreciate all of the great information! I was wondering about PPW-it is on the calendar as August 11th-14th. Does anyone know how early on the 11th or late on the 14th things are typically scheduled? I am trying to decide if we need to plan to fly in on the 10th and leave on the 15th, or if flying in early on the 11th and leaving late on the 14th will still allow us to do everything.
Thank you!

USNA does not always have the same schedule of events as in prior years, so until they post this year's official plan of events, you can't be sure.

I'm looking online to right now to book and wondering: Are we spending our time on grounds at USNA or do we have our kids to ourselves and should just splurge for the waterfront house/nicer hotel?

serendipityRN said:

I appreciate all of the great information! I was wondering about PPW-it is on the calendar as August 11th-14th. Does anyone know how early on the 11th or late on the 14th things are typically scheduled? I am trying to decide if we need to plan to fly in on the 10th and leave on the 15th, or if flying in early on the 11th and leaving late on the 14th will still allow us to do everything.
Thank you!

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If you fly SW into BWI, you can adjust your flights if needed, without a fee, and just pay any difference in fares. Remember 1000+ classmates may have multiple family members, friends, and GF/BF headed to the same small town by the Bay. Establish a beach head, know you are all set for flights and reservations, adjust as necessary. That's just me, though, the complete opposite of a by-the-seat-of-pants travel planner.

If you get there early, that gives you time for Mid Store shopping and doing Yard things you want to do. The minute your plebe can get in the car with you, he/she will want to get off the Yard and not return until required. They will not want to hang out while you shop. They want off. Then, sleep, social media, favorite foods, maybe a movie or a trip into DC/Balt for a change of scenery. No non-mando Yard stuff.

Stay tuned to the USNA.edu calendars and schedules, connect with local USNA Parents Club.

PS schedules tend to come out after spring break, if memory serves, as 2016 readies for graduation, summer staff and detailers are finalized, meetings start happening, and schedules get tweaked and published. April is when the Brigade smells change and the gears start turning to launch a class and bring in a new one.

serendipityRN said:

I appreciate all of the great information! I was wondering about PPW-it is on the calendar as August 11th-14th. Does anyone know how early on the 11th or late on the 14th things are typically scheduled? I am trying to decide if we need to plan to fly in on the 10th and leave on the 15th, or if flying in early on the 11th and leaving late on the 14th will still allow us to do everything.
Thank you!

Click to expand...

If they follow the same schedule as 2015, your plebe will have Liberty (where you can actually touch and interact with them) starting Friday after noon formation until 10:00pm, Saturday after the parade until 10:00pm, and Sunday 8:00am until 5:00pm.

Thursday, you are on your own to explore and tour the Yard. In Dahlgren, there are representatives from various USNA business services and departments to answer questions. There is an insiders tour of the Rickover labs, which is not part of the regular visitor tours. If you went to CVW, you may have already done this (another reason to go to CVW). The YPs and ship simulators are also available for viewing. In addition, there is noon and evening formation in T-Court. Plebes will be in their White-Works getting ready for the big show on Friday.

Friday morning there is a parent briefing in Alumni Hall with the Supe, Dant, Academic Dean, and Athletic Director along with a video compiled over the summer. For noon formation (T-Court), plebes will be in their Summer Whites and have Liberty immediately following. You will be able see their room, meet their Company Officer, and eat lunch in King Hall. Plebes must be back in Bancroft by 10:00pm

Saturday morning is a parade. Plebes will march from Bancroft, down Stribling, to Worden Field for official ceremony, then back to Bancroft. Be warned, if they pass-out during the parade, they may loose Liberty! After the parade, Plebes are released from Bancroft and have Liberty until 10:00pm.

Sunday, plebes have Liberty from 8:00am to 5:00pm. There is an evening formation (T-Court) at 6:00pm.

Tips and Recommendations:

Get all your Yard work (shopping, tours, etc.) done on Thursday. Your plebe may want to maximize their time away from the Yard.

Your plebe should be able to tell you (in letters or phone call during PS) where their company musters in T-Court for formations. There are a few companies (on each side of T-Court) that line up just beyond the short wall surrounding T-Court. If your plebe is in one of them, you can stand at the wall and be just 10 feet away. Otherwise, the bleachers offer a great vantage point to see everything. Get there early for a seat in the bleachers or a spot at the wall.

Muster prior to formation was most entertaining. A lot going on as Company Commanders have their plebes reciting various rates and singing popular Navy tunes. Another reason to get there early.

For the parade, you can see the plebes up close as they march down Stribling. We watched them muster in T-Court, followed them to Worden, and sat in the shade (under the trees along Decatur Rd adjacent to Alumni Hall) directly across the field from the official party. From here, we got a behind the scenes look as they attended to those that had issues with the heat.

We stayed at Waterfront. Expensive, yes; but a short stroll to both the Yard and Main St.

Annapolis B&B's, a partial list. A key question to ask is parking. There are some beautiful properties with owners long used to hosting mid families, but there is no onsite parking.

http://www.downtownannapolis.org/_pages/stay/stay_bed_breakfasts.htm

Just my .02 cents. Hotels in downtown Annapolis (DTA) are much more expensive but in my mind if you can afford it go for it as they are very convenient. For both I Day and PPW we utilized the Loews hotel (we rented a suite for PPW). But truthfully any of the DTA hotels would work but we went with Loews and found that the location was great as you do not have to worry about the last minute traffic issues, we walked to the Yard for both I Day and PPW. We utilized the hotel parking so we didn't have to do the whole shuttle from the football stadium routine. The hotel did provide shuttles that we never used, but I am not sure if they still provide that service. The suite for PPW was great and being able to walk with your mid as they have to return to Bancroft each night was a relaxing stroll with a stop for ice cream with all the other families and mids headed back. They are all great memories so make the most of them.

**BTW, Thank you Capt MJ for this Thread!!**

I would add a couple more ideas - (2) TownePlace Suites by Marriott for those who get Marriott Points. We are able to ‘stay for free’ and use the savings to buy those big candy apples at Uncle Bob’s.

1.) 7,500 Pts./ night, TownePlace Suites, Baltimore Fort Meade - only 18.5 miles from USNA - We have been staying at this Suite Hotel for the last two years for tons of WP Tournaments/WP Camps and Visits to the Academy with our DS. It is always “Easy-in/Easy-out” even if it’s Rush Hour. This venue would easily be $225+ a night if were in town. Last year I picked up DS from a Camp that ended on I-Day for Class of 2019, still only cost me 7,500 pts. This one is not far from that gigantic Wegman's with the covered parking lot , which is weirdly awesome for a Grocery Store ;>

2.) 7,500 Pts./ night, TownePlace Suites, Bowie is only 13.3 miles from USNA, same rate as #1 above.

OtB said:

Get all your Yard work done on Thursday.

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Made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that!

Really where you choose to stay is a personal decision based on your finances, how many will be in your party and how many times you think you might be going back and forth to USNA (you really don't want to waste lots of time making 10-15 mile trips multiple times to a hotel), there is no one right answer for everyone. In some prior years, the plebes had overnight liberty, but as I mentioned previously, what they did in some prior year(s) may NOT be the same schedule as this year.