FanimeCon 2026 Forums

So as always we like to have a survey of where you stayed and what you liked and disliked!! Keep in mind that this will help us con-goers next year!

Please Use the following Format:

Hotel Name:
Would You Book Next Year:
Pros:
Cons:
Special Notes to Share:

Thanks all!

Hotel Name:St Claire!

Would You Book Next Year: Heck YAH!

Pros: I'm right in the center of all the convention fun stuff! If I step out, to my left I can go to the Fairmont Events, to my left and across the street I am open to the rest of the convention as well as the Civic Center

Cons: The bed is firm, and the pillows are too soft, but I brought my own pillow, so I was okay.

Special Notes to Share: IT HAD A FRIDGE AND IT WORKED!!! The internet is a little slow, but understandable that everyone was on it. What is also awesome is that the hotel holds your stuff when you check out, and they have seperate room that is locked for security! It's pretty awesome. The hotel is just everything I need and want in a convention hotel, I hope they keep the con rate at what they have, so next year I can book again!

Hotel Name: Mariott

Would You Book Next Year: Yes

Pros: Pretty much everything. Nothing particularly special or standout, but the customer service was really good.

Cons: Small rooms. Lack of mini fridge. No biggie though since we had a cooler. Free WiFi in the lobby, but not in hotel rooms? Was I doing something wrong here?

Special Notes to Share: Was really awesome having a smooth hotel check in, as well as not having to deal with a huge depost/credit card hold and obnoxious staff like I did at the Fairmont for two years prior. Elevator situation wasn't nearly as bad as people made it out to be, and being connected to the convention center itself was a huge convenience.

Hotel Name: Marriott


Would You Book Next Year: Certainly. I've stayed the past.... 5 cons?


Pros: Super nice, efficient, comfortable rooms, SUPER COMFY BEDS, great room, hallways weren't too noisy, right at the con center, right by the panels

Cons: Low shower pressure, and my friend  thought the water temp was too cold, and that weird number print they have framed in every room. I really hate that picture.


Special Notes to Share: They were extremely accommodating in our special requests and got us into the just PERFECT room for our needs. They were patient with the fact we repeatedly checked on the room as well. They gave us options. It was an incredibly easy stay. The few times I took the elevator it wasn't actually that bad either. I know people have problems, and I have in the past, but it was pretty easy this year. I did take the stairs most of the time. I liked being able to cruise by the panels on my way down.

Hotel Name: Fairmont
Would You Book Next Year: YES! With the fury of a thousand burning suns YEEEEEEEEEES

Pros: For one thing, the hotel is GORGEOUS. The rooms are huge, mine had a double bed, dresser, flat screen tv, couch, chair, and desk.  There's a vanity with lighting and a magnification mirror for applying makeup, ample closet space, the bathroom is also a major plus, the shower and bath are separate, there's actual floor space, and the toilet is behind a separate sliding door.  They also provide bathrobes.  Other pros? The elevators are FAST (well except on checkout) also the Bijan Bakery is right next door, delicious and BEAUTIFUL sweets.  For a pretty fair price too.   The staff was also, in my experience very friendly and accommodating.

Cons: To some, the Fairmont may be considered "far away" but really it's not that much of a walk, I enjoyed it in fact.  Also when I say the elevators are fast, I mean they're FAST. I could literally feel my body being pushed down when I went up, and each time I was on, my ears popped.  No mini fridge, though you can rent one for $25 a day. (just get a cooler :p) also, I didn't have to deal with it, but apparently parking is EXPENSIVE.  Best to find another place to park your car.

Special Notes to Share: 1. Beware the mini-bar/refreshment center. It's automated and if you move anything you WILL BE CHARGED.  It happened to me once, but they waived the fee without question when I told them I had just moved things to see what they were.
2. I thoroughly recommend joining their President's Club. There are different levels, but even the basic (aka FREE) package will get you perks.  For example you get free internet (instead of paying a fee) and you get to have your own line for check in and check out.  

Hotel Name: Hilton
Would You Book Next Year: Definitely Yes.

Pros: Half priced parking! (though they didn't charge us at all throughout the weekend) Mini-fridge. Starbucks. Very easy check-in and check-out. Pool and spa.

Cons: The mini-fridge in our room took so long to cool our drinks. Their big bathroom doors swing wide and no hang bars to hang anything. Our TV didn't want to connect to my laptop when I had all the cables.

Special Notes to Share: Very accommodating when I asked for the 3rd floor. I have a friend who has a very bad knee so she can't walk up the stairs too much.

Hotel Name:  Hilton

Would You Book Next Year:  Absolutely

Pros:  Quality Linen; Mini-Fridge; Easy-to-use TV hookups for PC/gaming; Spacious room and bathroom

Cons:  No cabinet to store snacks

Special Notes to Share:  The front desk staff were very patient and helpful.  They put all of my rooms on the same floor... across the hall from each other, actually.  My only real gripe came from other anime fans running and screaming up and down the hallway after 10:00 p.m. and vomiting in the plants.

Quote from: Freight on June 02, 2011, 11:30:48 AM
Hotel Name:  Hilton

Would You Book Next Year:  Absolutely

Pros:  Quality Linen; Mini-Fridge; Easy-to-use TV hookups for PC/gaming; Spacious room and bathroom

Cons:  No cabinet to store snacks

Special Notes to Share:  The front desk staff were very patient and helpful.  They put all of my rooms on the same floor... across the hall from each other, actually.  My only real gripe came from other anime fans running and screaming up and down the hallway after 10:00 p.m. and vomiting in the plants.

Were you on floor 4 too? I had the worst experience ever because of just about everyone else on my floor...

Our fridge barely got cold at all, so they gave us another one which also didn't get cold. As for snacks we kept ours in the dresser drawers, those things are super deep and we got everything in one drawer.

Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on June 02, 2011, 11:36:59 AM

Quote from: Freight on June 02, 2011, 11:30:48 AM
Hotel Name:  Hilton

Would You Book Next Year:  Absolutely

Pros:  Quality Linen; Mini-Fridge; Easy-to-use TV hookups for PC/gaming; Spacious room and bathroom

Cons:  No cabinet to store snacks

Special Notes to Share:  The front desk staff were very patient and helpful.  They put all of my rooms on the same floor... across the hall from each other, actually.  My only real gripe came from other anime fans running and screaming up and down the hallway after 10:00 p.m. and vomiting in the plants.

Were you on floor 4 too? I had the worst experience ever because of just about everyone else on my floor...

Our fridge barely got cold at all, so they gave us another one which also didn't get cold. As for snacks we kept ours in the dresser drawers, those things are super deep and we got everything in one drawer.

My group was on Floor 4 of the Hilton too. I only remember the yelling being a big problem the first night, though maybe we were too exhausted and slept right through it.

My only issue with the room was that the AC did not work very well for us. We had it cranked as low as it could go all weekend, but the room never got very cold. And since there were times all 4 of us were busy putting on cosplays, some more ventilation would've helped. Also, I was surprised and disappointed the bathroom had no ventilation fan of its own.

Yup, we were on the 4th.

Every night was some yelling and racing up and down the hall.  It was pretty irritating since we were working so hard to keep our voices down after 9:30 and still have fun.  Every time we were fed up, we were about to call and the sound vanished.  It was like a 90's heist film:

"We have 2 minutes to freak before they're on to us!  Aaaaaaannnnnnd... go!"

We had some trouble with the AC on Day 0 until we turned the fan from "AUTO" to "HIGH" and that was solved. 

The cabinet is more of a preference.  I actually claimed the dresser for my clothes and bought/won items, so it was taken, too... and we had a LOT of snackage.

Overall, the Hilton has my respect.  It does well in a stressful environment.

This was the first year I had any issues with the Hilton, and I'm likely to stay there next year too, but man... My roommates went and cussed out whoever was having the party Friday night. They were 3 doors down and sounded like they were right next door. These guys were obviously drunk and tried to invite my friends in for the party, even though they were in their pajamas and giving them death glares.

There was a party on Thursday night too, but when asked to be quite they did and even came by to apologize the next morning. One of them was dressed as a character from Princess Jellyfish. If you're reading this thanks again for being so considerate. 

I walked by a guy who looked like he was having a bad acid trip waiting for the elevator. Curled up under the table and hyperventilating. He jumped when I asked if he was okay and wouldn't answer me.

Someone left a burrito on the table one day when I was headed down, and when I came back up someone else had thrown it all over the foyer for the elevators.

Even people on other floors knew how bad it was. My boyfriend ended up riding the elevator all the way up then back down on Monday for check out, and when it stopped on 4 everyone groaned and said 'What the hell is wrong with this floor? It's a new noise and mess every day.' Apparently we rivaled the 7th floor who had people puking out the windows.

However there was the most adorable little girl staying in the room next to mine. She was dressed as a Little Sister from Bioshock and was such a sweetheart.

All the staff were super nice and very accommodating. They all seemed to have fun looking at the cosplay and seemed genuinely interested in the whole affair. 

Hotel Name: Fairmont
Would You Book Next Year: Absolutely
Pros: Very nice and spacious hotel rooms. There was enough room for approximately 10 of my friends to chill during the day, and there was more than enough room for 3 of us to sleep during the night. The bathroom was very lovely, and the vanity mirror came in handy for wig styling and con-prep. The hotel staff were very nice and accommodating, and even let my mum check in when she was still travelling to the convention. Overall, it was a very nice stay; better than last year, I might say.
Cons: There are only three big things that stand out. One is that we asked for two rooms next to each other, and we got them in completely different halls. I'm glad they were on the same floor, but they even told us they were a room apart. Another is the fact that room service was slow Saturday morning and it made us late to the convention by almost an hour. The third and final problem is that the hallways smelled like marijuana. Again. I have friends who stayed on the same floor last year, and the same hallways, same rooms, same floor, smelled of weed. It was not fun.
Special Notes to Share: I liked having most of the shops on the street behind us. It was definitely helpful to have Johnny Rocket's, Subway, Walgreen's, and Ross not too far away.

Quote from: acostory on June 02, 2011, 04:21:27 PM
The third and final problem is that the hallways smelled like marijuana. Again. I have friends who stayed on the same floor last year, and the same hallways, same rooms, same floor, smelled of weed. It was not fun.

Crowne Plaza had that problem too.

and one of the rooms/floors at the Marriott.

DEAR POT HEADS. - SMOKE YOUR WEED OUTSIDE D<


Hotel Name: Hilton
Would You Book Next Year: yeah 8D
Pros: mini fridge, nice shower, staff was great. gave me and a friend directions around Downtown whenever we needed it.
Cons: it wasnt a problem for my but my grandma /otl/ complained about lack of towels. and for me; for some reason the bathroom makes my skin look REALLY red. (i was soaking my feet and they looked like i had some weird disease that made my foot like SUPER bloody D:;;)
Special Notes to Share: i LOVE the super magnified mirror the hilton has in the bathroom <3 it's like the best mirror ever :D

Hotel Name: Fairmont
Would You Book Next Year: Yes, if Hilton and Mariott are full
Pros: Really nice quality room, clean, not as crowded elevator situation as hilton and mariott
Cons: A bit of a walk from the con, staff at desk seemed kind of smug.
Special Notes to Share: My main priority is convenience, and while the Fairmont rooms are nicer than the Hilton and Mariott, I really would have taken a lesser room to be attached to the convention center.  That being said, if I do have to stay somewhere with a walk, I'd take the Fairmont over any of the other non-attached hotels.  I've stayed at them all over the years.

Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza

Would You Book Next Year: Yes!

Pros: Quiet atmosphere, wonderful and polite hotel staff, comfortable beds, clean room, lots of cabinet space for me and my friends to place our stuff, no crowded elevators, within walking distance of many eateries, relatively cheap Wi-Fi, discounted parking!

Cons: The handle on the bathroom faucet came off at one point (we screwed it back on, lol); was given a double-bedded room instead of one with a king-size bed and sofabed like we'd booked (we had no huge preference in any case, but it was still a mix-up); no mini fridge in the room (wasn't necessary since we brought a cooler, but it was a little perk my friends and I were hoping to have since we'd gotten one in our room the year before at the same hotel)

Special Notes to Share: In all, I really do like the Crowne Plaza due to its location and its atmosphere.  It's never overcrowded in the way I've seen it at the Hilton and the Marriot, particularly around the elevators.  My friends and I have stayed there for the past three years and we've never been disturbed during the night.  (Whether it's luck on our part so far I don't know, lol.)  One thing to note is that the outside doors to the hotel are locked from 6:00pm to 6:00am; if you want to get into the hotel between that time period you have to have your room key card to unlock the doors.  Don't ever forget your room key and get locked out!  You never know how long it will take before someone will come around to let you in. XD

Hotel Name: Doubletree
Would You Book Next Year: Maybe
Pros: Free internet for the weekend, the staff was super nice, the rooms were amazing, free shuttle.
Cons: Far from the con and the free shuttle took forever to pick us up and couldn't hold many people.
Special Notes to Share: I really do love this hotel. It is further then the rest, however it's cheaper and can be worth it. The only thing that kind of ruined it was how annoying it got waiting for a shuttle.

Hotel name: Fairmont
Would you book next year: Yes
Pros: Away from the Con enough that generally there are no noise issues. Fast elevators, accommodating staff, convenient to food, presidents club= free wifi, spacious rooms, key card access only after dark (the south tower is particularly secure), and very centrally located if interested in the b&w ball so no walking around in your fancy outfit outside.
Cons: about six minutes away walking depending on the lights, get stopped by people asking if there's an event going on, expensive parking (though the guys that work in the garage are awesome), bellhops can take a while..... no fridge

Hotel Name: Marriott
Would You Book Next Year: Marriott or Hilton
Pros: Very comfortable beds, actually a bit too comfortable to the point where I slept in Monday morning and missed the Momoi Q&A. Very friendly staff especially the front desk who helped me through my situation of the incidental charges and hooked me up in the end.
Cons: THE ELEVATORS. Also no complimentary internet with the room this year, but I had a backup plan.
Special Notes to Share: As much as I've been booking at the Marriott for the past 4 years, I might try the Hilton next year. We'll see if the prices are the same before making said decision, and I do like the self-parking price for the Hilton versus the Marriott's valet parking.

Hotel Name: Marriott
Would You Book Next Year: I'm planning on it.
Pros: I was in a junior suite, the room was very spacious, the miniature seating area/sofa bed were a nice touch, and the layout of the room was very nice. (I was finishing a cosplay in it on Friday.)
Cons: Elevators as usual, so I just took the stairs. No lock on the bathroom, safe is small, so I had to angle my laptop to make it fit.
Special Notes to Share: I've stayed here the past few years, but have always been happy. Requested a low floor and they gave me the 8th (o_O Really? That's a a low floor?), went back down and asked if it was possible to get a lower floor (I'm a rewards member with them) since I'd be carrying a large prop up and down the stairs to help with the elevator situation. They moved us down to the 5th floor.

Only other "issue" was the idiots who pulled the fire alarm around 12-12:30 on Sunday evening/Monday morning. Had never seen the bay doors to the elevators close, so it was quite the surprise. (I was standing waiting for the elevator at the time.)

The Marriott is my hotel of choice, simply due to the location, and when I visited a friend at the Hilton a few years back the hallways and rooms just seemed too dark. If it wasn't for the distance though, I'd try the Fairmont.

Hotel Name: Doubletree
Would You Book Next Year: Nope
Pros:
Free Internet
not crowded
close to store like Target/grocery stores
easy access to car
Free shuttle
Pool and Hot Tub were very nice
Cookies~
Clean and Spacious rooms
Good Price
Cons:
LOCATION! 8 huge blocks away
Shuttle - see notes
$5 Dollar water (I think this relevant to all hotels)
Special Notes to Share: Absolutely hated the shuttle; people would cut, there would be a long wait, we had to wait in the rain at some point and absolutely no room for props. I wish they would run at least 2 shuttles. Because of the shuttle dilemma I honestly won't be returning to the Doubletree. I'm hoping to get a room at the Fairmont for 2012.

Hotel Name: Marriott
Would You Book Next Year: Possibly, if I needed to stay at a hotel again.
Pros: Close to con for easy resting, a very decent room (floor 23), room service was delicious.
Cons: We were in a room that was part of a mini suite (meaning we had separate doors which led to a shared door that could be closed), which meant that the noise was pretty loud when they had people over.
Special Notes to Share: Honestly, the elevators were not terrible for us, but we only used it at certain times of day and we didn't have giant bags with us, nor were we in cosplay. So I guess the trick there is to only go back to the room when you really need to and prepare well for the rest of the day.

My stay at the Fairmont was pretty meh to be honest. Here's my review

Good:
Check-in and check-out was pretty painless this year
Costs were what I expected
No fire alarms pulled, no loud noises
Fanime-themed key cards

Now on to the bad:
Bellhops (no help whatsoever, we waited for almost 15 minutes after asking politely when we'd get some help for an actual response)
Bedbugs (got mad bedbugs and bites in the bed, the bites were all over my body after the first night)
Staff (called the staff below with questions and comments, including informing them of the bed, they were very rude and offered no help)
The room itself wasn't as nice as the rooms I've stayed in over the Fanime years
No hot tub in the pool area T___T, last year the Marriott had one which is great for soaking a sore Fanime body, no luck with Fairmont (sad, sad face)

All in all I rate it a 2/5, I'm never staying there again. I'd rather stay at the Marriott and have the fire alarm pulled to be honest.

o_o Sorry you had such crappy luck, for me the Fairmont was amazing, the staff was polite and helpful, the room was large, spacious, and clean, and not a single bite.

Quote from: Melly on June 02, 2011, 06:10:03 PM

Quote from: acostory on June 02, 2011, 04:21:27 PM
The third and final problem is that the hallways smelled like marijuana. Again. I have friends who stayed on the same floor last year, and the same hallways, same rooms, same floor, smelled of weed. It was not fun.

Crowne Plaza had that problem too.

and one of the rooms/floors at the Marriott.

DEAR POT HEADS. - SMOKE YOUR WEED OUTSIDE D<

Ouch. If something like that happens again, call the front desk ASAP. I'm sure considering they're supposed to be non-smoking and pot's illegal that they would've gladly sent someone up to deal with it. Hell, there were people at my hotel calling security just for noise complaints and they were more than happy to comply. Security came up and roved around until they found the problem.

Quote from: foester on June 04, 2011, 02:50:59 AM

Quote from: Melly on June 02, 2011, 06:10:03 PM

Quote from: acostory on June 02, 2011, 04:21:27 PM
The third and final problem is that the hallways smelled like marijuana. Again. I have friends who stayed on the same floor last year, and the same hallways, same rooms, same floor, smelled of weed. It was not fun.

Crowne Plaza had that problem too.

and one of the rooms/floors at the Marriott.

DEAR POT HEADS. - SMOKE YOUR WEED OUTSIDE D<

Ouch. If something like that happens again, call the front desk ASAP. I'm sure considering they're supposed to be non-smoking and pot's illegal that they would've gladly sent someone up to deal with it. Hell, there were people at my hotel calling security just for noise complaints and they were more than happy to comply. Security came up and roved around until they found the problem.

i probably would of, but i wasn't staying at those hotels :/ which kinda doesn't give me the right to report it you know D:?

Hotel Name: St. Claire
Would You Book Next Year: If Marriot or Hilton are taken already.
Pros: Mini Fridge, Free Wifi in rooms, Only $50 a night deposit, they let me check in at 10am rather than 3pm, very nice staff good location. Our room was right in front of the elevator.
Cons: There was no lock on the bathroom :/ our towels were not changed, I had to go ask them about it. They didn't tell us they take the full price of the hotel and the deposit at the same time. It wasn't an issue but it gave us a scare. Elevators were small and so was the room.
Special Notes to Share: It wasn't a bad stay overall.

Hotel Name: Fairmont (2nd time in 5 years)

Would You Book Next Year: Yes (Only if the Hilton/Marriott is full first)

Pros: Very luxurious hotel with lots of space in the rooms, a great bar, and not completely packed elevators (sans the last day).

Cons: Not being connected to the con and having to walk. Walking is fine but if I want to be "at fanime" I want to say "at fanime." The only ACTUAL con would have been the fluctuating water temperature. I would want hot water and it would go cold then go into warm then into HOT. It was frustrating.

Special Notes to Share: We had a VERY long hallway from the front door to our room to where the bathroom/closet were. We easily could have fit another 2-3 people there. It was pretty awesome.

Hotel Name: Fairmont
Would You Book Next Year: Most definitely will be!!!
Pros: OMG ROOM SPACE!!! Large bathroom with seperate toilet door and a vanity area ^-^ made it easy for multiple people getting into cosplay. Very nice staff, at least those that I dealt with were super nice. Save for check out time, no elevator traffic. Very close to a lot of food places and a movie theater. The Fanime hotel keys!!
Cons: High Incidental Fees -__-
Special Notes to Share: The walk from the con to the hotel was only a few minutes and even really late at night I felt pretty safe walking to and from the hotel. The girl we had at check in was very very very patient and understanding with me when I had to call my friends multiple times to get someone to help with the hotel fees due to not knowing what they were beforehand (My fault for not calling ahead). My group had been at the Mariott for the 2 years previous and we were very happy with the space we had in the room it made us feel less cluttered and more relaxed when we came to sleep, we could've fit a couple more people in there as well. We were also very happy with the uncrowded elevators ^-^. We had A LOT more positive experiences and such with this hotel, but I don't want to blabber for forever.

Hotel Name: Marriott
Would You Book Next Year: yes (we're looking at the Fairmont for next year, but it's not because the Marriott was necessarily bad)
Pros: Good-sized rooms, convenient to con, cooperative staff.  We managed to get the bill split between multiple cards, which made things more convenient, and they let my friends check in early when they got on site earlier than I would.  Hot tub (once we finally made it there!) was marvellous.
Cons: Elevators were much better than previous years but still not good, though that's more the fault of attendees than others.  A line isn't that difficult of a concept, people; would it kill you to let those who've been waiting longer than you go first?  Honestly, that was probably my biggest complaint.  I also wish the bellhops had let us take the cart instead of insisting they bring it.  Asked for a low-floor room earlier and got put on the 8th -- and we checked in around 11am, to be told all the rooms had already been assigned and they couldn't change it.  8th =/= low.  (I managed to avoid having to go up the stairs, which is good 'cause it probably would've killed me dead, but roomies weren't so lucky.)
Special Notes to Share: We managed to miss the worst of the elevator snafus (I heard two of them were down for a couple of hours?), so I'm not sure how that would've impacted the elevator status.  Looking at the Fairmont next year because of the space and the lack of elevator traffic -- which probably wouldn't be so much of an issue without cosplay -- but probably wouldn't mind the Marriott again.

Hotel Name: Hilton

Would You Book Next Year: Yes because it's one of the cheaper hotels.

Pros: High shower pressure, refrigerator, easy access to stairs, no elevator problems, parking cheaper than con, late night room service for extra towels reasonably fast.

Cons: None significant to mention.

Special Notes to Share:  Timing is everything.  I heard drama from congoers as I walked the stairs.  One person was crying.

Hotel Name: Fairmont
Would You Book Next Year: Yes, but...(See Special Notes)
Pros: Big rooms, friendly service and staff, fast non-crowded elevators, large bathroom, nice comfy beds.
Cons: no fridge, no coffee pot in my room(last year it had one but I probably could have asked for one)
Special Notes to Share: I been going to Fanime for 2 years now and I been staying at the Fairmont all the time but next year I want to try the Hilton or Marriot if rooms are available. I carry quite a bit of photography gear and I can't carry a backpack because of my camera's strap gets on the way and I want to be able to drop all my purchases from the AA and the DR somewhere close by instead of having to run all the way to the Fairmont. Other than that I would love to stay at the Fairmont again next year.

Hotel: Marriott
Book Again: Yes (stayed there ever since the con moved to San Jose and wouldn't stay anywhere else)
Pros: Price, location, TV hook ups.
Cons: No room fridge

Bring back the room keys next year!  This was a great addition. :D

Hotel Name: Doubletree
Would You Book Next Year: Only if the hotels near the Convention Center have been booked by the time I decide to make my reservation.
Pros: Inexpensive
        Free Internet and TV access and printing (especially helpful due to a lack of a printed schedule)
        Within walking distance of various restaurants such as Denny's and McDonald's and the Metro
        Spacious rooms (Able to fit 10 with little or no difficulty)   
        Free shuttle/Metro ticket (see notes)
        Complimentary cookies and coffee           
Cons: Distance from the Convention Center
         Infrequent shuttle service especially during the late afternoon and evening
Special Notes to Share: For my first hotel stay for a convention, I felt that the Doubletree had nice accommodations and features. It was the shuttle that really irks me. There were even points where some of us had to take tokens for an all-day Metro ticket if we wanted to get to the convention as soon as possible instead of waiting for the next shuttle. However, one of my roommates had a slight problem with the token he was given on Day 2 where it would be constantly denied by the ticket machine at the station but was eventually resolved.

Hotel Name: Fairmont

Would You Book Next Year: Depends on where my other friends are staying.

Pros: Clean hotel, friendly and helpful staff, and I actually liked the short walk to the hotel since I did artist alley and was sitting down most of the day.  Also, when I checked out they told me about (and let me sign up for) their free President's Club so I didn't have to pay for internet usage.

Cons: Having to pay the entire bill plus a deposit up front with no warning.  Please see the special notes section.

Special Notes to Share:
I've been going to conventions since 1998.  I can say pretty confidently that the "entire stay plus deposit" policy is not standard practice at hotels. Last year I was at the St. Claire, which doesn't charge like that, so I really had no reason to expect it this year.

I want to be clear, I have no problem with the hotel having this policy.  They've probably been burned before.  But in the entire booking process there wasn't even a hint of it.  I had no reason to call about a possible deposit, since the confirmation e-mail said "Deposit Policy: Credit Card Guarantee or Check Deposit of 1 Night's Room & Tax."  I ended up having to call my mom at 11 PM her time to send me some emergency money since my roommates weren't there and hadn't paid me yet, plus we needed an extra $100 per night deposit, and we were staying for five nights.  (We drove in from out of town and didn't want to drive tired.)

Hotel Name:
Hilton [Was supposed to be Ramada]
Would You Book Next Year:
HELL YEAH.
Pros:
It may not be close to all the main events, but at least its quieter on the Hilton side. Plus the gaming hall was nearby.
We were able to check in at 10am rather than 3pm with ease!
Bellhop guy was really nice to us!! [I bet he felt awkward seeing a box of cup noodles being brought to our room..]
Bathroom had such beautiful lighting and it was super clean!
Mirror is large and there is a smaller mirror for upclose magnification.
Closet sliding doors have mirrors on them too so you can see your whole body.
King Bed was super comfy with tons of pillows and extra blankets in the closet!
There's a red sofa/chair thing in the room that we let my little cousin sleep on so we didnt have to worry about extra bedding for her.
Having a mini fridge was super nice, especially when we'd come back and be dehydrated.
On Saturday [our first day], we went back downstairs and passed the autograph schedule stand and saw that Yuya was having an autograph session that day *__* if we werent at the Hilton I wouldn't have even known about it!
We got a free night + decided to spend another night at the Hilton so it cost = 116$ for two nights.
Not to mention parking was 9$ but they only charged us one night of parking. :DD
Cons:
Eh...this isn't much of a complaint and it's not the hotel's fault either but our room was supposed to be connected to another room and had a locked door. On one of the nights we were so tired we tried to sleep, but the people next to us were shouting and playing games for a few hours but they eventually stopped LOL.

Special Notes to Share:
The hotel was nice overall with friendly staff and friendly congoers! Elevators weren't a hassle at all.
We were originally booked at the Ramada for Sat-Sun but apparently they were overbooked and gave us a free night at the Hilton as compensation, and I'm super glad that they did! We then had the option of returning back to the ramada or staying at the Hilton and we just stayed at the hilton for its convenience. This was my first time booking a hotel and the Hilton made it super simple for us! I'm definitely staying here again next year.

Hotel Name: Hilton
Would You Book Next Year: Most likely.
Pros: Mini fridge, shower pressure was good, had a magnifying mirror for make up, being connected to the center, staff was very helpful (they even gave me a map to all the food places in the area and where Walgrens was at),
Cons: The water was prone to going cold or scalding me if I didn't turn the dial the right way. The elevators on Monday, but it's normal.
Special Notes to Share: When I stayed the first night, I had a bad allergic reaction to the detergent in the sheets. After a day of running around and barely resting in my room, my allergies went away. But when I went back in for a while, they started to come back. So I asked at the desk if they could change the sheets. They did and since then I've had a better time sleeping. Also when I accidentally locked myself out of my room, they gave me a spare key.

All in all, I enjoyed myself.

Hotel Name: Crowne Plaza

Would You Book Next Year: only if the Marriot and Hilton are filled

Pros:
-WONDERFUL Staff! I mean really, best experience with Staff evah!!!
-Easy Elevator Rides
-Beautiful downstairs
-Very nice restaurant area

Cons:
-Note that I mentioned in Pros "Beautiful downstairs and nice restaurant," but didn't mention the rooms. The rooms and hallways of the hotel were actually very cheap looking. The door to our room (staying w/ my husband and our mutual guy friend) actually frightened us. It could be moved left to right as well as a little inwards when pushed. The only reason why I didn't put up a fuss, was because of the two hulking men I had at my disposal. The hallways felt, I don't know, cramped? Maybe it was just the color of the carpets versus the walls...? I don't know, it was just a preference issue for me. It actually made me kind of dizzy and I expected the twin girls from the Shining to show up and ask "come play w/ us". Once in the rooms a couple of things were broken. The bathroom had a fan that didn't work and the toilet was a little fussy (sometimes took two or three flushes for anything to go down.)

Special Notes to Share:
Again, nothing TOO over the top that turned me away. Honestly the only reason why I am changing hotels is because this year I had to walk across the street at night a few times to get to our hotel and it was FREEZING!

-But I also do not want to end this review without mentioning someone in particular. I already called the hotel and mentioned her. The bartender in the Crowne Plaza was AMAZING! I am not much of a drinker, but my husband and friend both drink socially and obviously that includes FANIME lol. She helped me pick through the large menu and found me a reasonably light on liquor drink. She was into anime and we all had a really great time discussing multiple animes with her. She even fit in well w/ "normies" there and we had a lot of fun introducing them to the "fandom."

So in conclusion, if both the Marriot and Hilton were to fill before I could book them for next year's fanime, I would stay here again.

Hotel Name: The Executive Inn (It's now called Caravelle or something..)
Would You Book Next Year: Yes, probably planning on it unless we can find something just as cheap and closer.
Pros: It's was CHEAP. The sheets were clean, and their was plenty of outlets for charging phones. Free internet. It was right across from the Gish light rail. A very short walk.
Cons:There were noises at night, that you really didn't want to here. It was also like an apartment like building so the tenants did stare at us in Cosplay.
Special Notes to Share: Bring your own towels...they don't hold water very well...

Hotel Name: Marriott

Would You Book Next Year: Yes, except we normally switch between the Hilton and the Marriott every other year (just something we do) so we'll most likely be at the Hilton next year unless the Marriott is less expensive.

Pros: I'm a rewards member so Internet was free.  Staff friendly and patient.  Check-in was easy for us, we usually arrive between noon and 2pm on Thursday so not that busy.  Free citrus flavored water in the lobby, very refreshing.  Got extra towels when we needed them.  Room service: pizza and fries enough to share amongst four of us, and not long of a wait for it.  We were in a room just next to the corner (on the fire alarm floor) so we had a little hallway from the door that lead around to the beds, handy for lining up our extra bins and suitcases out of the way.  Marriott is closer to the video rooms end of the convention center, and artists' alley. 

Cons:  Further away from the dealers' room and gaming room.  No fridge even though we checked in on Thursday.

Special Notes to Share: Elevators when we needed them were not bad, we usually walked down to the ground floor to catch it and tried to time it in the middle of big events, rather than in between if possible, to avoid crowds. 

Hotel Name: Ramada

Would You Book Next Year: Yes, unless I can get into Marriott or Saint Claire this time.

Pros: Price, only my boyfriend had enough for a hotel last year and 65 a night was just the best choice.

Cons: Really you kinda get what you paid for, nothing fancy at all. The bed was a bit to firm for me (just personal opinion there) and not a big fan of starchy blankets, but I always bring my own from home anyways. The room was clean, and a nice size for a one bed room. I like that its only three floors so I could always keep an eye on our car parked outside and I didn't get woken up by late comers nearly as much as at the Marriott (think I just had a loud floor in 2010 XD)

Special Notes to Share: The complimentary breakfast isn't amazing, muffins, juice, tea, simple stuff. But hey, its still a meal. I would also try for a room as far from the back gate as possible(they close off the drive entrance at night and have a small gate to walk through if you use your card to get in, beats going all the way around the block) but it is LOUD when it shuts, heavy metal tends to do that. I may just be a light sleeper but it did wake me up quite a few times during the night. Overall though, its a nice cheap place to sleep at night.

Hotel: St. Claire

Would you book next year: Yes!

Pros: QUIET (ridiculously so, actually. It was so nice), friendly and helpful staff, mini fridge, futon available, staff let us check-in early, and they were able to bring our car back for us just to get something out that was forgotten.

Cons: Room was a little small I guess, but really nothing that was inconvenient. It was cozy. People have said that the walls are paper thin, but I didn't notice anything the entire weekend o.o

Special Notes to Share: Being disconnected from the con center is very relaxing! The elevators didn't back up at all, and the walk is only about 10 feet (lol). So you got your fresh air every morning, and felt ready to take on the day's craziness. It's also on the panel/video room side of the convention center (across the street, but you get what I mean), so you can go back and forth in just a few minutes.

Hotel Name: Fairmont
Would You Book Next Year: Yes but I really want to stay at the Hilton or Mariott.
Pros: so pretty and fancy. Big comfy beds. The rooms were huge and could fit all of use, which was four with ease. Huge bathroom. Also there was no noise at night and close to the convention center, a short walk. Conneceted and close to all the food and diners in the area.
Cons: Charges on anything you touch or drink in the frige. The price for all four days was hefty. But you pay well for a fancy hotel like that. Food and room service was a bit pricey as well. Sorry a part time working college student, I was seriouly trying to budjet that year. No bath tub in bathroom. Had a sauna and gym but would have liked a heated pool or Hot Tub.
Special Notes to Share: Great stay, everyone was nice and willing to help when we asked. I would stay there again and again but next year I want something a big cheaper. Great place, great location.  ;D 
 

Hotel: St. Claire

Would you stay there next year: Yes

PROs: Quiet, centerally located to the Fairmont, the Marriott and the Convention Center, easy access, old world charm, very friendly staff, frig's (if you ask) and a lobby area with a fireplace...

CONS: Nothing that stands out for me...

Special Notes to Share: Be prepared to see what a hotel rooms was like before modern box rooms became the norm.  I like the painted cielings and oversized showers.

Hotel Name: St. Claire
Would You Book Next Year: Heeeeeck yeah.
Pros: Spacious room. It was able to comfortably room me and my other two friends, and the bed was huuuuuuge. We all slept in it. The fridge stays cold, the bathroom shelves are well placed, and the water pressure on the showers are amazing. On top of all that, the customer service is fantastic.
Cons: Valet parking takes a while sometimes, but that might also be typical for the opening day, so that's up to you.
Special Notes to Share: If you plan on eating in the room, bring a hot water kettle, because it will be your best friend (ramen, tea, hot chocolate, and a bunch of other stuff). The fridges can be a tad short on room, so don't depend on all refrigerated foods (For example, use the fridge mostly for drinks and whatever special foods may need the fridge).

Hotel Name: Ramada
Would You Book Next Year: Already planned to book actually!
Pros: Well, it is cheap. Which in many cases a WONDERFUL thing! I can get away for the whole weekend between friends with only 50$ out of my pocket is I play my room sharing cards right, while staying anywhere else, well, paying hundreds of dollars a night is not really the place for a starving artist type. It is in a block or two walking distance, just ignore the odd looks from the drunks around the bars while you walk past looking fabulously decked out in costume.
Cons: It is small, and it is cheap. You get 2 beds, a small shower, and a simple bathroom. I now hear there was free breakfast I missed but... still. It can be fussy also with the small distance you need to walk.
Special Notes to Share: I slept in my suitcase 2011, no joke really. The beds were full and I curled up with one pillow on top of my costumes. BUT! I had a wonderful time either way, sleep was overrated compared to the fun.