Where and When to Book Hotel Rooms for this Spring's Major Marathons
Hotels.com offers marathon runners a guide to the best times to book hotel rooms
DALLAS, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As runners prepare and train for some of the top spring marathons, Hotels.com® has compiled a guide to help them stay focused by taking the hassle out of the travel planning process.
"A good rule of thumb is to book at least three weeks in advance of a trip," said Taylor L. Cole, APR travel expert for Hotels.com. "If travel dates coincide with major events like marathons, it is best to book months ahead, but there are great deals to be found, especially through mobile booking apps, for those who choose to wait until closer to a big event.
Hotels.com offers the following insider tips on where to stay within close proximity to the starting line and when to book based on historical average prices paid.
- Asics LA Marathon | March 15, 2015
Over the course of its 30-year history, the Asics LA Marathon has become one of the largest marathons in the country with more than 25,000 participants. Many of the city's iconic landmarks like Walt Disney Concert Hall and Rodeo Drive provide a scenic backdrop for its popular "Stadium to the Sea" course, which starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes near the Santa Monica Pier.
*When to book: Last year, travelers who booked in the three months ahead of the race paid an average price of $190 per night, but that fell to an average of $154 during the 10-day period leading up to the event.
Where to stay: Hotel Shangri La Santa Monica (4.1 average guest rating; .4 miles from finish area) - Boston Marathon | April 20, 2015
At 119 years old, the Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon. Despite the tragic events that took place in 2013, the marathon continues to be supported by thousands of determined runners, welcoming more than 35,700 participants last year.
*When to book: Book now. This year, 3-star hotels in the downtown Boston area are as low as $95 per night and many with excellent Hotels.com guest reviews ratings.
Where to stay: The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay (4.3 average guest rating; .3 miles from the finish area) - Rock 'n' Roll Marathon | April 25, 2015
The "Music City" edition of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series invigorates runners with the live sounds of country music along each mile of the racecourse. This year, the marathon is celebrating its sweet sixteen.
*When to book: Last year, the average prices paid fell 14 percent from $181 in March to $156 in April and dropped even further to $147 over the two-week period prior to race day.
Where to stay: Try the Omni Nashville Hotel (4.7 average guest rating; .5 miles from finish area) - Cincinnati Flying Pig | May 3, 2015
Named after the 1800's reference to Cincinnati as "Porkopolis" due to its farms and meat packing industry, this race was created by Cincinnati Marathon, Inc. to raise funds for charities, making it a feel-good event for marathoners.
*When to book: Marathon runners were able to find rooms for an average price of $121 per night in the 10-week period leading up to the race.
Where to stay: Try the Residence Inn By Marriott Cincinnati Downtown (4.9 average guest rating; .2 miles from finish area)
Are you traveling to a run in a marathon this year? Follow @hotelsdotcom on Twitter to share your tips and look out for chances to win prizes that will help plan your trip. Don't forget to visit www.Hotels.com and download the Hotels.com mobile booking app to find the latest hotel deals.
*Based on actual prices paid for hotel stays in race markets in 2014.
About Hotels.com (www.hotels.com)
Hotels.com L.P. operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with approximately 435,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.
© 2015 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST # 2083949-50
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150226/178097
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140226/DA72521LOGO-b
SOURCE Hotels.com
Share this article