IMLOU where to stay and the smokey moutains.

gilliatt

 I'm doing IMLOU this August and even though it is months away I still think about where I'm going to sleep.  I've never been to Louisville.  I think afterwards my wife and I are going to the Smokey Mountains via Dollywood (don't ask).  Where have you guys stayed?  Cost?

Dave Tallo

I stayed at the Sheraton across the river from Lou.   I think it was well south of $100 per night.  

I liked it for the reason that it was close to the race site that it was never a hassle to get there and back, but far enough to let me avoid being overwhelmed / consumed by nervous athletes during race week.  Other experiences may differ, but that's how I roll. 

 

 

Coach Rich

Posted By Dan Gilliatt on 29 Nov 2009 02:05 PM

 I'm doing IMLOU this August and even though it is months away I still think about where I'm going to sleep.  I've never been to Louisville.  I think afterwards my wife and I are going to the Smokey Mountains via Dollywood (don't ask).  Where have you guys stayed?  Cost?

 

 

Not sure what your plans are in the GSM's, but it would be worth it to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive towards Asheville.

Balsam Mountain Inn

would be a great place to visit

Unknown

Whatever you do, don't go to Dollywood? Just kidding. Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forger, which is about 5 miles before you get to Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg sits right at the edge of GSMNP. Both towns are FULL of people (GSMNP is the most visited national park and the summer months are the busiest). I live about 2 hours east of Gatlinburg and 85 miles north of Asheville. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both full of "tourist trap" type stores, huge shopping outlets, and plenty of places to eat (especially after an Ironman). One of my favorites, in Gatlinburg, is a place called The Peddler. It opens at 4pm each day and if you don't wanna wait, you better be there at 4pm. It gets busy and stays busy. If you want a hotel with great views, and not too expensive, the Park Vista in Gatlinburg would be good. It has fantastic views of Mt LeConte. Speaking of Mt LeConte, this is a great hike to do (probably not after Ironman though).

I would 100% recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Especially the part from Asheville to Boone to the Virginia border. Beautiful mountains and the air temp is cooler as well. You would love it.

Allan

Bigwavetom

I live 2 hours from Lousiville and stayed at the Galt house for 2008 race. Not original but if you get one of the suites it can be affordable for a family. It also puts you right in the middle of things and can make it easier for your support team to navigate through the weekend. There are several other full service hotels near there including the Seelbach.
If you get a suite try to get below floor number three so that you can avoid the elevator--the bikes slow things down. there is also an unusual hotel called 21 c that is based on a museum concept and has a ton of original artwork in the building. All of these would be in the more expensive range. That said the proximity to the action in Lousiville makes it a fun weekend.
As an aside, there are buses to take spectators out on the bike course (into the town of La Grange) but they were not reliable in 2008 and it was easier for fans to drive.

Bill McKinney

I did Louisville in '08 and stayed at the 21C. It's an "Art Hotel" a la Kimpton with nice rooms and very cool original art. It wasn't too bad in terms of price...maybe $129/night. It was much quieter than the Galt House and only a few blocks from the race. Definitely walkable...I did it.

krisf

I'm from Loueyval (and you gotta learn how to say it right b4 you race it )  Many good places,- Galt house, Mariott is a few blocks away and maybe a bit more affordable, Hilton (Selbach) is only a block away from race finish (a few up from the Galt House).  21C (artsy) and the Brown (historic) also nice- likely on the pricier side of things.  Jeffersonville IN is right across the river and there are several places right on the river that maybe a bit cheaper, not too far but a bit out of the whole anxiety, nervous athlete mix. 

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific places you would like to know abt other than mentioned above...

You'll love Louisville!  It's a great race! 

thewindshop

I raced IM Louisville in 08' and stayed at the Hyatt downtown.  It's in the $120-$130 range and about a half mile walk down to the river for the start.  However, it was very nice crossing the finish line & walking across the street to my hotel.