SDCC 2014 Hotelpocalypse … Let’s Go!

So Hotelpocalypse is tomorrow April 8, 2014 starting at 9 am PST.  Getting the places you want can be determined down to the second you get on at 9am PST.

This article will be shorter than the others, because this one is going to just be giving you some additional tips and personal advice I’ve had. The most important things, like refund dates, hotel prices, hotel listings, shuttle information is listed on their hotels page, and I can not emphasize the importance that you read this page thoroughly, and then look at the list of hotels to make your own list.

Ok so now that you have dutifully read the page, I will list you some tips and tricks that I’ve picked up over the years.

1. Team up during the buying process! Even if you’re just using your roommates to help you, every second counts. I know, they recommend you not to, but it has always helped us out in the past years. 
2. If you want to stay downtown, ONLY list downtown rooms in your listing. If you don’t make it in the first minute mark, change one to a not downtown location, but if you do make it in, keep your top 6 near the convention center.
3. Read reviews of hotels during SDCC through WhenNerdsAttack.com, they have a good amount of hotels around San Diego.
4. Be patient. As I’ve learned from the badge purchasing, when you get onto the page, stay there. The white screen of death is not bad but actually good. A good rule of thumb is to have two browsers open, or two computers. It increases your chances of getting to make a choice.
5. Make your list of 6 hotels now. This goes without saying, but it is important to just go over what are your top choices with the other people you’re going with. They require you to have six hotel choices, so remember to list them based on preference.
6. Go with other people. For many of the places, single bed rooms and double bed rooms cost the same, so save yourself some money!
7. Comfort is something you want! We’ve had over seven people in a hotel room before, but when emotions run high and people get stressed out, it can be the biggest party pooper. So if you can, try to stick to the 4 people a room standard. I personally like sleeping on a bed at the end of the day and relaxing my body, but if it’s not financially viable for you be aware of how large rooms are in certain hotels.
8. Be aware of refund dates. Just be aware. The worst thing to be screwed over by is a deadline.

As for personal hotel reviews, I’m going to write up two brief ones. No where near as detailed as When Nerds Attack (WNA).

For a Downtown hotel, I prefer Hilton Bayfront overall. I like the Omni as well, but personally the Marriot is quite far from the registration lines and the Hilton is right next to the sky bridge. The only downside to the Omni is that it is across the street and you have to fight through crowds to get to the other side. Hotels across the street add on a wait time for crossing the street, which during SDCC is like a 20 min wait. The Bayfront has a bunch of awesome services that you can see on the WNA page.

For farther shuttle hotels, my favorite is the Courtyard by Marriot in Mission Valley. This was the hotel that I stayed at for my first two years, and other that distance, it was perfect. The beds were incredibly comfortable with way too many pillows. The rooms were very spacious and wonderful. They have pool and hot tub, which was great for our sore shoulders from a day of carrying swag. But literally, the best part of it, was the food. Their bistro was so reasonably priced, the food was delicious, their lobby/dining area was so comfortable and inviting. By far one of the best hotels in Hotel Circle. The ride from the hotel to the center by shuttle was about 15 mins, so not bad at all. Though we did have to cross the sky bridge to get to the con (but I only lament that because I’m lazy).

Anyways, enough of my rambling, good luck and may the odds ever be in your favor on April 8, 2014 at 9 am PST.  Again, we will be on twitter to help @nerdophiles.