Ericsmom

Thanks for the traffic reminder, as we're heading there to see the show this weekend. The few times we've flown into RDU (which is a cheaper flight from here), we've not had too much trouble getting to Elon. On parent's weekend, there was definitely much construction along that I-40 route, but it didn't slow us up too much.

I can tell you, though, that toward Greensboro we've often run into heavy traffic, including the times we've driven to Elon from home. On our audition day a year ago, we were flying home late Friday out of Greensboro to get back for a Sat. choir competition, and the traffic going from Elon toward Greensboro was at an absolute stand still! I was so fortunate to have met kaysmom and daughter the night before, seeing Elon's Westside Story, had her number in my phone, and was able to call kaysmom who walked us through the alternate route to get to the Greensboro airport. Otherwise, we would have definitely not made it home on time - it was the last flight. (I think I posted about this once before - CC friends can come in handy in all sorts of ways!!!).

BrownSugar106

Bumping up for us parents of the HS class of 2008! So for those of us who prefer chain hotels that we can book online, which is preferred - Hampton Inn? Country Suites? Which is more convenient? And is the Hampton Inn in their online database yet? Thank you!!

nydancemom

We have stayed at the Country Suites on several occasions and have always been happy there. We were unable to book a room there for parents weekend (the end of this month) so are booked at the Hampton Inn. It is not ideal for me since it doesn't have a refrigerator and microwave in the room like the Country Suites does, but I've heard it is very nice. And it is new, and is on the Hampton Inn website. DON'T stay at the Best Western in Graham NC!!!!!! I've heard the one in Burlington isn't very good either, but have only stayed one night at the one in Graham and it was so awful we had to switch hotels!
Both Country Suites and Hampton are convenient to the Campus--five to ten minutes drive. The Hampton Inn is across the highway from the Country Suites.
There is also a Marriott Courtyard next door to the Country Suites. We have not stayed there, but it is convenient and I see plenty of other people coming and going who look like Elon parents/kids.

rhy

We have always stayed at the Marriott courtyard (to get the points) and it is fine. Just like every other one in the country. I would recommend asking for a room facing the back of the hotel to avoid the highway noise.

Ericsmom

For us, Acorn Inn is always first choice, walking distance, about one short block from campus. All others are driving distance.

Second choice - Country Suites.

(This one and the next few are one exit down from Elon, exit 141 from I-40, in Burlington.)

Third choice - the new Hampton Inn right across the highway (only a little farther away than Country Suites), and very nice - we just stayed there on move-in weekend. It is nicely decorated and new, but I like the breakfast better at Country Suites.

Fourth choice - Courtyard by Marriott next door to Country Suites.

There is a Comfort Inn next to the Hampton Inn that we have not stayed in.

We know people who like the Best Western in Burlington, now that renovation is completed.

If you want a fabulous highly rated hotel, go to O'Henry in Greensboro, and they have Elon special rates. I think they are 22 miles from campus. We've stayed there when our favorite Burlington hotels have been booked up.

Ericsmom

PS - Don't let Hampton Inns confuse you - you are looking for the one in Burlington. There are older Hampton Inns about 10 or 12 miles both east and west of Burlington, but the cities have other names. You would be looking for the one at Exit 141 off of I-40. See above, though - this is our third choice hotel.

Now, if convenient location (Acorn Inn) or good breakfast / also microwave and refrig. (Country Suites) are not your primary concern, I'd say that Hampton is by far decorated the nicest in the rooms of any of the Burlington area hotels. The only nicer decorated hotel that I mentioned above is the O'Henry in Greensboro - you can't beat this hotel in the whole area.

Ericsmom

One more tiny note - Acorn Inn also offers breakfast and also has a microwave and refrigerator in room.

I think that all of the hotels I listed 2 posts above offer breakfast as part of room price except Marriott Courtyard.

BrownSugar106

Thank you all so much for your incredibly valuable info!! Two follow-up questions:

Would you rent a car to get from the airport to the hotel? If so, is there a particular company would you recommend that is the least hassle?

Also, should we stay over for the night before AND the night of the audition? or is just the night before okay? In other words, how late do the auditions run and will we have have enough time to get back to the airport and make a flight home on the same day as the audition or should we plan on staying over that night and flying home the next morning?

Ericsmom

I would definitely rent a car, and I always use Hertz, because I have a Gold Card. I haven't tried any others in the 2 applicable airports. FYI - check flights into both Greensboro and RDU, because RDU may be cheaper from some cities even though 15 minutes farther away.

Probably best to stay both nights unless you can find an extremely late flight home that night. I understand that sometimes the auditions run late, depending on the number of students auditioning.

When my son auditioned, we ended up having to fly home that same night due to All State choir auditions the following day. We requested an early audition time for him, and he ended up going first that day! Not sure if one would desire such "special" treatment - not his choice!

mhappiness

I love the acorn Inn..it is so close to the school. on audition day you have enough to worry about. The last thing you need is traffic problems and a vague idea of where you are going. We use alamo car rental..you can rent for as little as $17 a day. The drive from the airport is easy. I would reccomend a two nite stay. The night before the audition check out where the audition is...get your bearings. Not knowing exactly where to be the audition day is stressful. The audition can take the whole day. My D wished (hindsight) she would have booked 2 days everywhere so she could have relaxed and looked at the schools after the audition was over. It is hard to get a good look the day of. My D is at Elon now and loves it..she had the feeling it was right for her from the beginning.

MTMama

Bumping this thread for Crtnup who asked about hotels (and hope that I am doing this bumping right!)