Speedweek accommodation.

bucketmouth · March 01, 2010, 10:08:45 AM

I've been to Bonneville a No of times before but only with a buddy but this year I've managed to talk a few more into going for the first time. In fact there is 10 of us going. Getting a room hasn't been all that difficult for two guys but a group this big is a different story.
The casinos and hotels are saying that are full but as we know that is their standard line. Can someone tell me what is the trick to getting a room each year without to much fuss as there has to be an easier way.
Only today I got a call from someone saying they got two rooms yet when I rang the girl said we aren't taking bookings until the following day the 1st of march. So I ring back and the guy tells me it's now the 15th of march.
I just don't get it.

39deluxe · March 01, 2010, 12:03:56 PM

Have you tried booking through an online agency like Expedia.com? It might be a way around the phone clerk.

Tom

Beck · March 01, 2010, 03:14:35 PM

I normally stay at Motel 6. When I made the call this year I was told they were booked. I had signed up last year for a room this year. I guess that didn't mean anything to them. I have not tried other locations yet. I may just stay home.

kb426 · March 01, 2010, 06:29:09 PM

I went back in the 90's. It took me three years to get a room. To my knowledge, there is no easy way unless you want to camp at the bend. I ended up at the Peppermill casino I think. And it was a "don't call until the 15th at 9:00am" deals. I tried the toll free number and couldn't get in. I tried the local number and got through. I ended up getting a room for 2 people. My best friend and I took his model a roadster pickup and had a fabulous time. It rained out the first evening and really messed things up. I spent one whole afternoon with Don Vesco talking theories while he worked on his twin engine 'liner. If that name means anything to you, think about what I just said. Anyway, keep trying and don't expect it to be easy. Back then there were about 1400 rooms in Wendover on both sides. Around 5000 people show up.

HotRodLadyCrusr · March 01, 2010, 11:36:38 PM

I "tip" the person at the front desk each year and let it be known that I will "tip" them the following year as well. I have learned to take care of people thru the years that do me special favors time and time again.....and I'm not just talking about money.

purplepickup · March 02, 2010, 12:36:49 AM

I started going in '02 and somehow got a room that year and got on the "room next year" list. Everything went good until '08 when Sue got cancer and I couldn't go. That left me without a room again. Last year I got one at the very last minute from a guy that couldn't make it. But since it was in his name, I'm not on the list to get one this year. I've been trying without much luck. They told me that if a room becomes available they'll give it to me based on my 7 years of history with them.

It' ain't easy. Like kb426 said, there's a lot more people wanting rooms than there is rooms.

Camping is always an option.

Crosley.In.AZ · March 02, 2010, 07:36:21 AM

Quote from: "HotRodLadyCrusr"I "tip" the person at the front desk each year and let it be known that I will "tip" them the following year as well. I have learned to take care of people thru the years that do me special favors time and time again.....and I'm not just talking about money.

hmmmm, I have to watch what type of tip I use since I've been married for 37 yrs.

The past few visits we made to B'ville for Speed week , we had a room in Salt Lake as we just could not find anything near the salt.

the drive each day does get to be a PITA after the 2nd day.

34ford · March 02, 2010, 08:25:02 AM

Quote from: "HotRodLadyCrusr"I "tip" the person at the front desk each year and let it be known that I will "tip" them the following year as well. I have learned to take care of people thru the years that do me special favors time and time again.....and I'm not just talking about money.

COOKIES, LOTS OF THEM !!!!

Charlie Chops 1940 · March 02, 2010, 09:16:37 AM

I camped at the bend the last couple years but that's not such a good option for our off-shore pals. I have given up on the room situation. It seems as though the rules of engagement keep changing. Good luck.

Last year I bought a tent/cot. Turned out to be very comfortable, versatile and dry. I'll be using it more this season although I don't think I'm gonna be able to make Bonneville this year.

Charlie

enjenjo · March 02, 2010, 09:54:47 AM

Last time I went, I did not have a room when I got there. The Motel 6 had a cancellation, and I got a room for the whole week, so it can be done.

bucketmouth · March 02, 2010, 12:00:44 PM

I've always managed to get a room but each time it's been by different means. If it was just a buddy and myself it would be okay it would be a lot easier to work out.
Seems like we're all in the same boat as far as finding accommodation goes.
We'll find something but it's gonna be later than sooner I think.
Charlie we are working on a back up plan if we can't get rooms.
What ever happens I'm still going that place has too much pull to ignore.

I want to see the expressions on their faces when they step onto the salt for the first time and realize they are at Hotroddings mecca.

39deluxe · March 02, 2010, 12:11:56 PM

With 10 guys coming maybe you could just rent a big motor coach. It shouldn't be too expensive spreading out the cost 10 ways.

GPster · March 02, 2010, 01:47:49 PM

Quote from: "39deluxe"With 10 guys coming maybe you could just rent a big motor coach. It shouldn't be too expensive spreading out the cost 10 ways.

And rent a camping trailer to pull in behind it. Just remember that there is no electricity at the bend in the road. Some people have done it with small room air conditioners and portable generators. From my experiences I can't remember his name and he hasn't been around here in a long time but he was an insurance man (or owned an agency) somewhere in Wisconsin and his latest car was an early '50s Chevy convertible with a big GMC six in it and his home shop had the garage door painted with a scene on it of what the inside of a garage would look like. He used to reserve a block of rooms at Motel 6 and you could deal through him. GPster

enjenjo · March 02, 2010, 02:16:56 PM

Quote from: "GPster"
Quote from: "39deluxe"With 10 guys coming maybe you could just rent a big motor coach. It shouldn't be too expensive spreading out the cost 10 ways.
And rent a camping trailer to pull in behind it. Just remember that there is no electricity at the bend in the road. Some people have done it with small room air conditioners and portable generators. From my experiences I can't remember his name and he hasn't been around here in a long time but he was an insurance man (or owned an agency) somewhere in Wisconsin and his latest car was an early '50s Chevy convertible with a big GMC six in it and his home shop had the garage door painted with a scene on it of what the inside of a garage would look like. He used to reserve a block of rooms at Motel 6 and you could deal through him. GPster

Bob Klessig

river1 · March 02, 2010, 02:28:50 PM

Quote from: "enjenjo"
Quote from: "GPster"He used to reserve a block of rooms at Motel 6 and you could deal through him. GPster

Bob Klessig

a few years ago they stopped allowing him to do that :cry:

they may have changes the policy again but i don't know :?

later jim