Hotels, Car-Rentals, and Flights

Dylan7130

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Good morning everyone,

My parents and I are discussing our future trip to Annapolis for I-Day, and are running into some trouble finding the best hotel, and if we should be renting a car.

Coming all the way out from California, we are deciding to catch a morning Tuesday flight and spend Tuesday/Wednesday out in Annapolis before saying our goodbyes until PPW. The trip is racking up in expenses already, and we don’t have a very large budget to work with; i.e already dipping into savings. We are trying to minimize expenses so they can afford to attend PPW as well. What hotels are the best, and is renting a car a viable option, or is everything generally within walking distance?

Also, we have their return flight scheduled at 2000 on Thursday, I’m sure that is enough time from the end of the I-Day Ceremony to going back to the airport. Any insight is appreciated, we aren’t ones to travel much at all so this is new to all of us. Thank you!
 
This link might help a little. Of course, you will need to call the places you are interested in and confirm the prices. Keep in mind the prices on this site are per night for each hotel/inn. Basically, the closer to the Yard, the more expensive the hotel.

https://www.expedia.com/US-Naval-Academy-Hotels.0-l6077390-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels

You might also want to check other travel sites such as trivago and priceline, etc.

For DS's I-day and PPW, we stayed at the Comfort Inn on Old Mill Bottom Rd-you would need a rental car to travel to USNA from there. It's about a 20 minute drive to USNA. Quiet, clean rooms, free internet/wifi, free breakfast, and cheaper than staying right across the street from the Yard. And you get hear millions of frogs croaking in the early evening-fun to listen to as you walk across the parking lot. There is a swamp/forest/something on one side of the parking lot.

Oh, the roads around Annapolis are very curvy/twisty. Just MOO, but it seemed very few of them are laid out in straight lines. We were very impressed with the number of trees and how very green everything was, with thousands of flowers in bloom everywhere. If your family has any type of GPS system bring it with you. It is worth asking if the rental car already has one.

Once the doors of Bancroft are slammed shut (deliberately) after the last row of plebes marches up the stairs, I-day is over. BWI airport is about half an hour from the Yard, but remember thousands of people will be heading to the airport after the end of I-day.Your parents mightwant to consider staying over until the next morning if budget allows.
 
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Renting a car makes sense if you have a place to park it. Parking in Annapolis is tough. I know a lot of people park at the stadium and take the shuttle over. This may cause an issue getting to the airport for a 2000 flight. Swearing in is around 6pm. The march back into Bancroft close to 7.

There are better options for hotels than downtown Annapolis as those are pricey. The further out the lower the costs and then a car becomes necessary.

I would suggest if you can, come in on Wednesday and your parents return on Friday. That way they aren't wrapped up in making their flight.
 
Good morning everyone,

My parents and I are discussing our future trip to Annapolis for I-Day, and are running into some trouble finding the best hotel, and if we should be renting a car.

Coming all the way out from California, we are deciding to catch a morning Tuesday flight and spend Tuesday/Wednesday out in Annapolis before saying our goodbyes until PPW. The trip is racking up in expenses already, and we don’t have a very large budget to work with; i.e already dipping into savings. We are trying to minimize expenses so they can afford to attend PPW as well. What hotels are the best, and is renting a car a viable option, or is everything generally within walking distance?

Also, we have their return flight scheduled at 2000 on Thursday, I’m sure that is enough time from the end of the I-Day Ceremony to going back to the airport. Any insight is appreciated, we aren’t ones to travel much at all so this is new to all of us. Thank you!

I highly recommend plowing back through the USNA forum for the dozens of I-Day threads that touch on hotel ideas, travel, the day’s routine, suggestions. Use the Search function with “I-Day,” “hotels,” “Induction Day.”

First, you may be cutting it way too close with a 2000 flight. Family will say goodbye to plebe, then get back to rental car, which may be at the off-Yard Stadium parking lot, which means family has to wait for a shuttle bus along with the families of 1100-1200 other plebes, and compete with them to get off the Yard and out of town. Even taking Uber or shuttle, it’s a mass exodus of a few thousand people from one location into a small town with small streets.

The rental car depot at BWI is off-airport, meaning another shuttle bus ride - and family may have had to stop to put gas in the rental. BWI is a very busy airport, and the non-TSA PreCheck security line can be long. I regularly fly out of BWI, 4-5 times/month, and I always get there a minimum of 90 minutes early. Of course, I have ingrained military habits about stuff like that.

One way to do it is to look for accommodations in the downtown area, use Uber or Super Shuttle from and to the airport, walk everywhere on I-Day. Some of the hotels on West St. have shuttles to the Yard. No problem with finding restaurants, and DTA (downtown Annapolis) will be awash with obvious family groups clustered around an equally obvious Plebe To Be.

Here is the schedule (click on the embedded link) for last year’s Class of 2021. They usually don’t change much from year to year. Your final few minutes and hugs come after the swearing-in at the end of the day. If the schedule is the same, family won’t make a 2000 flight.
https://www.usna.edu/PlebeSummer/_files/documents/2017/I-Day Schedule of Events 2017.pdf

It’s always a challenge coming from CA. You might want to think about a red-eye coming in early Wed AM and ask for early hotel check-in, depart later on Thursday night. Spend Wed walking around Naptown. That cuts out a hotel night. You’ll have more time at PPW.
 
We are flying from FL and I found flying in to Dulles, DC was quite a bit cheaper than BWI- some shuttles give a discount for USNA - most hotels charge a parking fee
 
My son figured out Uber when we were there for CVW and we used that for every trip - even to the airport. It was convenient and quick and we never had to worry about parking, plus it seemed reasonably priced to me. With being such a populated area there was always an Uber car within a minute or two of us any time we wanted one, and all were willing to go where we wanted to - even from Annapolis into Washington DC for a quick trip. I personally wouldn't rent a car as I don't like having to worry about parking. Whatever you all decide I'm sure will work out well!
 
Check out flights to Reagan Airport (DC) -- they are often cheaper than BWI. It's harder to get from Reagan to Annapolis, and I suspect cab/Uber are cost prohibitive, but if adventurous you can take the Metro to New Carrollton and Cab/Uber to Annapolis. I've never flown through Dulles (except international long ago), but believe that is far out of the way.

I've always rented a car to get from BWI or Reagan Airport (DC)., but there is no need for a car in downtown Annapolis. In fact, a car is somewhat of a pain with crowded streets, traffic and limited parking. Hotels in town (walking distance) are more expensive than those farther out, but there are a number of good hotels downtown ...I've like O'Callahan and Westin. I used to love the outdoor Bar at what is now called Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, its the best location in town (on Ego Alley -Spend an afternoon there and you will understand the name).
 
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To piggy back on this post...we are driving in from South Carolina and have reservations at the Bethesda Navy Lodge. (Kind of full circle as this is where father of our plebe to be was born!)
We will be there a couple days in advance of Iday. Suggestions for getting into Annapolis? I saw someone posted parking at the stadium and getting the shuttle in...is this the typical mode of travel onto the yard? Are there any other options? (not that this is a bad one at all, just don't know the particulars.)
 
To piggy back on this post...we are driving in from South Carolina and have reservations at the Bethesda Navy Lodge. (Kind of full circle as this is where father of our plebe to be was born!)
We will be there a couple days in advance of Iday. Suggestions for getting into Annapolis? I saw someone posted parking at the stadium and getting the shuttle in...is this the typical mode of travel onto the yard? Are there any other options? (not that this is a bad one at all, just don't know the particulars.)

Did you try for the Navy Lodge at NSA Annapolis, just across the Severn River Bridge from USNA? Minutes away.

Or the IHG Army Hotel on Ft. Meade, about 17 miles away, NW of Annapolis, easy drive, no Beltway? It’s a new Candlewood Suites.

https://www.ihg.com/armyhotels/hotels/us/en/reservation

The drive from Bethesda can be not too bad to awful, depending on Beltway traffic and weekday rush hour. If I’m going to a med appt there from Annapolis anytime between 6-9 AM or 2-7 pm, during the work week, I allow 2 hours. 38 miles.

If you have a base access ID, you can park on the Yard. But you have to get there early early and don’t leave your spot.

Easy and free to park at Stadium and take the bus.
 
Usually the rental car is the cheapest part of the trip. Hotels around Annapolis for major events can get pricey. You can stay further away like around BWI and usually costs get better. Sure it’s a drive, 30 minutes or so, but not too bad. Remember your ticket will get reimbursed also (or at least most of it). AirBnB is also something to explore. My parents really had to save for these major events too, so I totally get it. They weren’t staying downtown and flew into whichever airport, BWI, DCA or Dulles was cheapest. Convenience and walking is great with downtown, but not feasible for every budget.
 
I did try to get one in Annapolis. When that was unavailable I selected Bethesda. We have always been happy with Navy Lodge accommodations. As I am sure people have booked rooms that may cancel in the future, I will call weekly to see if any cancelations have been made. For now, we will plan for Bethesda and make the most of it!

I HAVE though been able to secure an Annapolis room for PPW. :)
My husband (retiree) and myself both hold DOD Caac Cards...would this be the base access ID needed to park on the yard or is the retiree ID and Dependent ID sufficient?
 
I did try to get one in Annapolis. When that was unavailable I selected Bethesda. We have always been happy with Navy Lodge accommodations. As I am sure people have booked rooms that may cancel in the future, I will call weekly to see if any cancelations have been made. For now, we will plan for Bethesda and make the most of it!

I HAVE though been able to secure an Annapolis room for PPW. :)
My husband (retiree) and myself both hold DOD Caac Cards...would this be the base access ID needed to park on the yard or is the retiree ID and Dependent ID sufficient?

Retiree ID and dependent ID work. I figured you had one of them if you booked Navy Lodge. When I was on staff at USNA, the general gouge was to get parked by 0530 on I-Day if trying for the Yard. Ongoing construction has further minimized available slots. Staggered report times start not long after 0600.
 
I did try to get one in Annapolis. When that was unavailable I selected Bethesda. We have always been happy with Navy Lodge accommodations. As I am sure people have booked rooms that may cancel in the future, I will call weekly to see if any cancelations have been made. For now, we will plan for Bethesda and make the most of it!

I HAVE though been able to secure an Annapolis room for PPW. :)
My husband (retiree) and myself both hold DOD Caac Cards...would this be the base access ID needed to park on the yard or is the retiree ID and Dependent ID sufficient?

Retiree ID and dependent ID work. I figured you had one of them if you booked Navy Lodge. When I was on staff at USNA, the general gouge was to get parked by 0530 on I-Day if trying for the Yard. Ongoing construction has further minimized available slots. Staggered report times start not long after 0600.

Outstanding...being that early maybe a 2 hour ride in won't be an issue though. Thank you so much for this...as we get closer we can nail down wake and ETD from Bethesda. We won't have a huge entourage with just mom, dad, and one of two mid sibs accompanying the Plebe to be. (probably a blessing the other mid sib won't be traveling with us as that one loves her beauty sleep!)
Thank you so much for all of your guidance. I am sure there will be a lot more questions as we near the date!
 
8 pm is too early for a return flight on I-Day. The main event of the day for parents is swearing-in ceremony and 30 minutes of time with you. That STARTS around 1730. No way will you make an evening flight unless it leaves around 2200. Would plan to leave Friday.

IMHO, PPW is the more important event as you have nearly 3 full days together. If you decide to splurge on hotel, etc. do it then.
 
—You will never make a 2000 flight. Book a later flight or one for Friday morning.
—We love Airbnb. There are some great finds in Annapolis and many of hem are cheaper than hotels. We were able to get 2 br basement apt for I day; we saved a ton of money cooking there versus going out. And plebe to be had her own bedroom.
 
Thank you everyone for your thoughts. Looks like we will have to accommodate for the extra day, look at AirBNB, and call Southwest to change booking information...

Hopefully everything works out!
 
At least SW doesn't ding you for changing flights. Since you were planning on coming in on Tuesday you could make that Wednesday and your family's time in Annapolis will be the same. You may get a better rate on Friday since a lot of families head out after the I-Day festivities.

A side note. You and the most of the female "Plebes to be" will greet each other in town with a slight nod of the head. You will know each other by the chin length bob.

In case you didn't think about it, cut your hair at home. The barber shop has but a few minutes per head so perfection is not high on the priority list.
 
I've made the trip from Seattle a bunch of times....... RENT A CAR!

We Ubered into USNA for IDAY. We found that UBER, (BWI to USNA) was $110-120 RT, car rental for 3-4 days was around $30-32 a day. Add in that your hotel options are more limited and pricey as you get into walking distance from USNA+ the 2-3-4 incidental UBERs that you end up taking to get something needed or to go to diner and I'd give the $ edge to car rental. My DD's IDay wasn't as hot as PPW (insane not to rent a car for PPW), but, for some Cali guy it will be warm and plenty humid, to the point that walking every where gets tiresome.

I don't work for these guys, but I tell ya, as bad as Alamo is on the west coast they are great at BWI, (price point, location, attitude). Just a really good customer experience. I was shocked at how convenient and pleasant they were when I rented for PPW. Used 5 times since, always great.

OK, watch me get in trouble. If you want to save cash on the trip, just keep the food very basic. Food in Annapolis is better than most mid Atlantic east coast small towns I have visited, but not memorable. I am a fan of the IronRoster, they aren't real fancy but they bring some imagination to their Menu and they execute well (soggy french toast, massive "pop-tart, great chili, DW likes their shrimp and Grits); nice folks too. 'Preserved' also is very good. Other than that, I'd eat at the lower end of the spectrum and save some cash. Think "College Food" sandwiches, crepes (outside G1), or a whole foods pizza (Mmmmm Annapolis Whole Foods does good pizza)

If the budget is really tight, consider single parent trips (boy did DW hate this idea at first). A "Just Dad", or "Just Mom" visit is better than no parents at all. The fact is, we all (DD, DW and I ) have found that we really like single parent visits better. DD has a parent all to herself, the traveling parent has just one set of interests to accommodate. Hotel costs are less (2 beds vs 3), restaurant bills are less, no cost to board a pet at home, only one parent has to miss work, Etc. Even DW has admitted the 1 parent trips are a great option. DD is a 3c; I do a solo in Feb., DW solos in April. If I were in a spot where budget was forcing a choice between IDAY and PPW or really constraining budget, I'd split duty with my wife (one parent to IDay, one for PPW) in a heart beat.

I'd also resist the idea of making IDay a "Family Send Off Celebration". You only have a few days in Annapolis before IDay and there is very little time for Mom, Dad, on IDay, let alone brother, sister, Grandma-Grandpa. Its such a big jump into cold water, some kids are clearly overwhelmed (you will see it). I wouldn't want my kid feeling like they had to maintain a brave face for little brother or Grandpa. I wouldn't want other family members competing for my attention that day. Not because little brother/Big Sister or GrandPa would be demanding, just their presence compels some level of attention that would otherwise be on your Plebe. DS's, /DD's whole life, ,including his relationships to home and parents, change in one huge Step-Function (that fact is clearly messaged to them on IDay). It's your last act as the "Powerful Dad", bracing up a son who will have cause to wonder what he has gotten himself into. When you see him again on PPW he won't need you for that anymore. Ship little brother off to Grandma; promise both a great extravagant visit on PPW, (throw in some time in D.C.---go down the old colonial High Way to Williamsburg or Yorktown).

I know families differ-------- just my put.

Congratulations, to you, your family and your DS.
 
I'd also resist the idea of making IDay a "Family Send Off Celebration"
+ 100 ! Said many times before, but I can guarantee DS/DD is going to be a bundle of nerves. I don't care how tough they think they are. Do the family send off back home. (I know these are different times, and I Day seems to be a bigger deal now than in my day, but my parents just dropped me off at the airport ..).
 
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