Where to stay?

[OLD-GTI]

Dearest SOWO Veterans,
It'll be my first SOWO, and we're driving down from MA...just curious what hotels are close to "the action" and/or what spots are better to stay at.

Thanks
SOWO Virgin

[RichScottardson]

The helendorf IS the action

[98LowRanger]

Been the past 3 years so I will give you my take on the places that I have stayed.

1) Helendorf - Wasn't worth the money ($115+ a night when I made reservations) room wise. It is definitely the party spot which can be a plus if you want to do some parking lot drinking/hanging out. To me this is a big downside because it seems like such a hangout that I would worry about my car during the night. It is one of the closest to all the restaurants/shops in Helen though so location is great.

2) Econo Lodge - Hotel was fine, but just too far from where everything was happening. I don't mind walking, but it becomes a little inconvenient when most of the restaurants are on the complete opposite side of the town.

3) Days Inn - Super cheap so the rooms will go quickly, but because of the price you can't expect a 5 star room either. Despite a lot of bad reviews I didn't notice it being that bad during my stay, but that was 2 years ago. Good central location between the restaurants/shops in Helen and all the other hotels. It may have gone under new ownership in the past few months?


This year, I am trying to get a room at the Best Western or Country Inn and Suites. They are both in a great central location to everything going on, just like the Days Inn, only seem to have a little nicer rooms and better parking. Just MY take so I'm sure others will give you their opinions.

[aliendub]

interesting...how are the roads to the surrounding lodges and cabins that are available for rent? we are looking at renting something and driving down from Canada for this event

[OLD-GTI]

awesome feedback

[CCooley@SOWO]

Many of the hotels near the event site are nearing book out. The Helendorf is at less than 50%, here's a link to help you find other places in Helen.

http://www.helenga.org/accommodations

[nolesfan]

Called Country Inn & Suites Friday and apparently some large group booked all the rooms and I couldn't reserve one unless I gave the group's name. I told her we were there for the show along with everyone else, but needed a group name...

[MasterBeauch]

Yeah apparently someone is having a Wedding in Helen on the 19th. I don't think it will be the kind of wedding they were hoping for

[csantimays]

interesting...how are the roads to the surrounding lodges and cabins that are available for rent? we are looking at renting something and driving down from Canada for this event

Unless every car you're coming down with is on air, avoid the golf course Innsbruck. The houses in there are huge and relatively cheap, but the driveways are a nightmare. We had to park all 4 cars out on the street last year. For the most part, the surrounding streets are pretty friendly and in decent condition. Best bet for a cabin or house is VRBO.com or homeaway.com. We just booked ours last week and there seemed to be plenty still available. I sent messages to about 10 places to get price quotes and 9 of them replied back with availibility.

[sikknasty28]

wondering where to stay as im a first timer coming with about 6 people that are all first timers also. wondering about the unicoi state park and lodge, about 5 mins out of town but shows they have cabins for an affordable price. if anyone has suggestions let me know. thanks a lot

[bermankahns]

Yeah apparently someone is having a Wedding in Helen on the 19th. I don't think it will be the kind of wedding they were hoping for

It's only fitting, they want their wedding in a "German" town and now they will be surrounded by German cars. It'll just make it that much more authentic.

[GirlWhoDrivesTheBeetle]

i think all the hotels are sold out already

[Gaets]

Americas best value inn still has rooms available according to their website.

[dandan13]

****...am i too late now? are there some other suggestions?

[RichScottardson]

I booked my room last night! Riverbend Motel and Cabins, they have some rooms left as well as days inn and the econolodge, a four night stay at days inn was like 237

[allklrnoflr]

As with any event, rooms are reserved till the person arrives, I was able the last two years to walk up and get rooms, but with sowo growing the rooms are disappearing. Sowo 5, I stayed at super8 it was $100 a night plus tax last year I stayed at Hampton inn great place, covered parking, that three night stay cost me close to $600, this year I booked a cabin through vrbo. And secured a cabin for a week for $700, so yes the cost to stay, is elevated due to the event, but SOWO is so worth every Pennie

[MrSavvy]

As with any event, rooms are reserved till the person arrives, I was able the last two years to walk up and get rooms, but with sowo growing the rooms are disappearing. Sowo 5, I stayed at super8 it was $100 a night plus tax last year I stayed at Hampton inn great place, covered parking, that three night stay cost me close to $600, this year I booked a cabin through vrbo. And secured a cabin for a week for $700, so yes the cost to stay, is elevated due to the event, but SOWO is so worth every Pennie

Yeaa... I booked 3 nights at Riverbend. Cost around $139 a night. They bumped it up from around $80 to 139 for Sowo.