Steelhead 70.3 (Page 5)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the Motel 6 in Benton Harbor is beyond shady! It has to be one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had and I didn't even have to sleep there! Here is the story:

Last year a friend and I decided to leave Chicago and spend a weekend training on the course. We got into town on Sat mid-morning did some riding and headed to the Motel 6. For starters, the picture of the hotel/motel on the motel 6 site when I made there reservation was not the hotel I was standing in front of. The website had a normal multi-story newish building. I was standing in front of a numerous one story motor coach. Ok, we thought, we could deal. So I went to check in and had a reservation (as documented on my receipt from the web that I was holding) for a non-smoking, 2 bed room, with a fridge. I was told all they had left was a smoking, king room (1 bed) with no fridge. So while I was in discussions with the desk women, a line of about 5 people formed behind me. In order to deal with them, she told me to take the key and look at the room. I could then decide if I wanted it. Went to check it out and it smelled like a bar and was dirty so I headed back to the desk.

The desk person was dealing with the next person in line. He was wondering if he could go back to his room. I guess that morning, his toilet overflowed and flooded the room. They were suppose to repair it and have it cleaned up by the time he got back. I guess it was cause they told him he could go back to his room.

The next people in line were two women who after returning from shopping came back to the hotel only to find that the hotel had checked someone else into their room. They were wondering where their stuff was and where they should sleep. A second desk person went off to investigate and I was able to get my situation resolved before they came back so I don't know what happened.

The next person in line was wondering if they could take power from their room and to use in their RV that they had parked in front of the window of their room. It appeared that there were about 10 people between the 1 room at the RV as they were all sitting around the RV in lawn chairs drinking beer.

I had an argument about my reservation and I guess I was whiny enough that the desk clerk called around and found me a double room at the Red Roof Inn across the street. And they paid for it.

As I was leaving, the guy with the flooded room was headed back to the lobby not looking too happy.

All of this is true and none of it exaggerated a bit. I am so glad that I am not afraid to complain cause I don't think I would have made it through the night there.

I really hope you have a better stay than my almost stay!

Well, I've had to work in the bush of Alaska using a hole in the ground for a toilet, a river for a bath, and another hole in the ground for a refrigerator (permafrost), so I can probably deal with just about anything.  But, I may try to locate a backup motel just in case.  Interesting contrast of the last 2 posts though   Thanks for the input.

oh you are racing me?!?!?! you are on missy! Too bad that know I won't be able to analyze your swim next weekend

Haha. I can't even dream of racing you... but I'll try Now I have to be on the lookout for traps in my plan

Thanks for the update on the hotel. I appreciate the input, but at this point, there's not much I can do. Last year I stayed in Kalamazoo, and it was a huge pain to have to drive 1.5+ hours to get to the race that morning. I'd rather be within a few miles, even if it means bringing my own sheets

no worries, I would never do that... btw the way the next 4 weeks you don't have to traing much, just take it easy and party; yes I swear that's on the annual plan!

Riiight, I'm pretty sure I read about that in the Triathlete Training Bible...something about Microbrews and periodization....

Hey, if anyone is still looking for a hotel for Steelhead...check out VRBO.com.  They list houses and condos that are for rent.  They had a fair amount of places available about 6 weeks ago...maybe not in Benton Harbor, but within 10-20 min drive. 

Thanks a lot! There are still some available.... anyone interested??

Hey, I am staying at the Motel 6 the night before the race - if we circle our cars like wagons in the old west maybe we can hold 'em off for a while. If I survive the night there, it makes the 70.3 a piece o' cake. You gotta figure 80% of the guests that night are racing, right? How BAD can it really be? Well, maybe really bad but all I need is a bed.

What does not kill us makes us stronger. See you in August.

I'm staying with in-laws, maybe a shady Motel 6 would be safer...

Check these hotels out in South Bend.  They are near I80/90 (exit 77).  From there, go West on I80/90 to US 31 Bypass, which you take North into Benton Harbor.  This would be about 40 minutes to drive.  I live in South Bend and commute to Benton Harbor everyday and intend to drive up race morning.  It's no big deal.

1. Hampton Inn ($129)
2. Holiday Inn Express ($127)
3. Waterford Estates Lodge ($95)
4. Inn at St. Mary's ($124)
5. Hilton Garden Inn ($151)

Edit:  Checked availability and pricing (posted) at time of this edit.

Edited by mbmoran2 2008-06-23 2:14 PM

That is GREAT news! The sand sucked! Now will they put us on ATVs and take us to the swim start instead of having to walk 1.2 miles?

If you know anyone who hasn't signed up yet let me know and save them $50.
Due to unexpected circumstances I cannot make it to this race.

I have the transfer papers and will pay the $25.00 transfer fee!