Tallahassee Fan Guide: Rooms Filling Up Fast
With the marquee matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and Florida State Seminoles approaching faster than you probably realize, Rich from FSU blog ChantRant.com has graciously agreed to offer up some tips for OU fans looking to make the trek to Tallahassee.
Rich has had FSU football season tickets for more than 30 years, so I can't think of a better tour guide. First up, Rich gives the lowdown on accommodations, which appear to be in short supply. His advice after the jump.
If You Snooze, You Lose A Chance to Doze in Tallahassee
I don't have to tell Sooner fans that it ain't so easy to book a room anywhere near the stadium on a football weekend. Tallahassee is a bit larger than Norman (181,376 versus 110,925 population in the 2010 census), but rooms are limited and fill up fast -- especially for big games. And our showdown on September 17 looks like the biggest of the first half of the season.
So be forewarned: if you don't have a room in Tallahassee yet, bring a bed roll or plan on driving many miles beyond the capital city.
OR jump on one of the motel suggestions below. I randomly called several today – all with good ratings on the Trip Advisor site – and found a limited number of vacant rooms at each. I've included phone numbers so you can dial direct instead of taking your chances on-line or calling an 800-number. The rates are no bargain – plus there's a 12.5 percent local motel tax – but it's the price you pay for being in the same area code as Doak Campbell Stadium.
(Note: I don't have an arrangement with any of the following motels, so there's no quid pro quo here. Also, all require a two-night minimum stay.)
Staybridge Suites
1-10 East (850) 219-7000
5 or 6 rooms left @ $235.00 per night
I was quoted a Studio Suite/1 Queen Bed @ $518.12.
Comfort Suites
1026 Appalachee Parkway (850) 224-3200
Three King Bed Suites and nine rooms total left at the hotel.
I was quoted $289 with a two night minimum.
Howard Johnson's Express Inn
2726 N. Monroe St (800) 446-4656 (Sorry, couldn't find a local number)
$220 per night, but offered $165 per if I booked right then.
Baymont Inn Tallahassee
3210 N Monroe St. (850) 562-4300
11 rooms left. I was quoted $169.00 per night for a king bed suite non-smoking room.
Quality Inn and Suites
2020 Appalachee Pkwy (850) 877-4437
Two king suites left at $299 per night.
Final Note: If you want something more upscale it may be too late. I checked three cushy and/or botique downtown hotels -- The Duval, Governors Inn and the new Aloft -- and found no rooms available at any of them.
In my second installment (coming soon), I'll have a strategy for fans who CAN'T find a room in Tallahassee.