IMLP 2012 Lodging Ideas
Hi - I'm considering signing up for LP in 2012 and wanted to see if people had lodging suggestions and when the best time for booking would be. I'd like a bigger house type rental if at all possible to house a few triathletes and my kids at least. I want to make sure logistically I can work everything out before I sign up in order to get a gauge on the total expense. Thanks - also any suggestions on flying out there - I plan to drive out but may need to fly my kids one way out there the day before the race because they can't come with me when I plan to drive out there. Would like to fly them as close to the race as possible and not too familiar with the airport situations out there. Thanks for any and all advice! Lisa
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Lisa,
I've never rented a house there so I'll leave that to others to comment on, but with several other triathlete's this should help the cost some.
Lake Placid is not the easiest place to get to and the closest airport I believe is in Albany around 2.5 hours (one way)then Syracuse at around 4 hours . You could also fly to Montreal quebec (2hours 45 minutes) but then there are border crossing issues depending upon how old the kids are, so this is probably not a good option.
On a side note I did the race in 2004 and my wife flew in to Ottawa (around 4 hours drive one way) and I did the drive which you have to factor in to your planning, bike drop off, special need bags (I don't remember when these have to be in, ride or run that day etc. The 8 hour drive while not difficult in itself takes a toll and I did it on Friday. You might consider having them fly in on Friday to give you Saturday to hang out and take care of race stuff. Although with the kids there they may want to do something.
Edit: these times are according to mapquest so you could probably make it a little bit faster that the times I noted.
Gordon
I grew up in Upstate New York and own a small vacation home in Lake Placid (our main residence is about 5 hours away in Rochester, NY). I have done IMLP 7x before and will be signing up for 2012. Feel free to e-mail me any ?'s you have or post here. My direct e-mail is walterfamily@me.com.
1) If you are looking to rent a house or condo, you will get the best selection if you book early. All of the real estate agents in town can help with booking IM week rentals. They all cross list with each other so it doesn't really matter who you talk to. If you need a name, my agent who helped me purchase our house is named Kevin Goachee who is with Engels and Volker and his phone # is 518-651-7406 and his e-mail is kevin@lakeplacidrealestate.com. Expect a minimum stay requirement and stricter rules and higher prices for places in town, on the water, etc. While others rant about the cost, as a property owner, I can see it from both sides. As an IM athlete we would ideally like something like a Thursday to Monday rental, but since this basically kills 2-weeks of rental time for the owner, they are loathe to do this. Best hotels are the Mirror Lake Inn (Pricey, but thoroughly excellent), High Peaks Resort, Crowne Plaza, and Golden Arrow. Also good, but slightly lower amenities are the Comfort Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. Also a variety of smaller motels that are absolutely fine. Many will book up for next year immediately during this year's race (assuming the race popularity isn't diluted by IMNYC and IM Tremblant).
2) The best airport to fly into is probably Burlington, VT with Albany, NY as second choice. Both are about 2.5 hours away. (Burlington is technically closer, but requires a ferry ride across Lake Champlain which takes some time, but which is fun). There is a small commuter flight that flies into Saranac Lake (8-miles from LP) which was previously branded as Continental Express, but I could never get that to work for me in terms of connections. It flies from Boston. Montreal is also an option at 2.5h away, but requires a border crossing that can take variable amounts of time and hassle, particularly if you buy anything.
In the end, the logistics will sort themselves out. Hope you decide to enter. I am looking forward to returning to IM racing next year at LP after a 3-year break and am going to try to entice as many EN members as I can to make the journey with me. We (my wife and 2 daughters who will be 11 and 8 next year) can definitely smoothe the way for you.
I did IMLP this year and stayed at the Lake Placid Club Lodges. We really enjoyed the condo--it slept up to 8 people. These condos are pricey though--good luck with your search!
Thanks all! I did end up finding a house that sleeps 18 so hope it works out ok! Its hard not knowing anything about the area. But it sure does seem they jack up the prices like crazy during race week!! Congrats to those of you who completed this years race!! Thanks again!