Kansas motels

[Cammie Czuchnicki]

Hi all,

Bit of advice needed if possible. Me and my boyfriend are flying from England into Kansas on the evening of Friday 4th June and are thinking about pre-booking a motel for our first night's stay.

We are not used to driving in the States so were thinking it's probably best to get ourselves out of Kansas and into slightly quieter territory where we can concentrate on kitting out our car and getting ourselves prepared for the 3 weeks ahead of us on the Plains.

Also, we are ordering some equipment from the States and we have been advised to have it sent direct to a motel where we can pick it up on arrival. Does this sound like a legitimate idea and can anyone recommend any motels they think may be suitable around the Kansas area but not to close to the City?

We had originally thought about getting the equipment sent to a UPS drop off point, but unfortunately these aren't open on a Saturday and if our flight is delayed at all we may be without our goods until the following Monday.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Cammmie

 

[Mike Peregrine]

I've been to London and know all about feeling out of your element! There are a couple of things you could do. I'm assuming you're flying into Kansas City?

There is a hotel in Wyandotte County (which is practically outside the city, it's on the extreme western edge) ... it is a straight shot down I-435 from the airport and it's a really cool place. It's called Great Wolf Lodge, but you'll want to try right away, because if it's a race weekend, it will be booked. It's near a super raceway. Another possibility is driving up to St. Joseph. It's 30 mins. north of the airport, and there's a hotel I really like up there called Stoney Creek Inn.

I'm trying to think of what might work for picking up your materials. You'd even be welcome to send them here, and I'd take care of them till you got here, as far as that goes. Don't know if you're keen on that idea or not, but thought I'd throw it out there. Otherwise, you could speak with the hotel and see if they would do that for you (I'm sure they would). Feel free to email me and I'll be happy to help you with your plans.

St. Joseph sounds like it might meet your needs. It's close to the city, but not too close, and it has plenty of hotels. The airport itself actually sits just outside the city to the north, so any of the hotels near it are perfectly fine. If you're wanting to get out into Kansas as soon as possible, you might consider Lawrence, which is a university town with lots of hotels.

I guess one thing that could happen -- if you're flight is into KC on a chase day and I have to miss a trip to Oklahoma or something (which would suck, but I'd get over it). Anyway, feel free to email me and I'll be happy to provide whatever advice you are looking for.

Have a great trip!

 

[Cammie Czuchnicki]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the above. I have just PM'd you.

Cammie

 

[Mikey Gribble]

Have your packages shipped to a Fedex Kinkos location. They hold packages for pickup there and they are open on Saturday and Sunday. Which town are you flying into. I assume it's Wichita or Kansas City.

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

If looking for a "rural" area with newer and cleaner motels, I would maybe recommend Concordia KS...Clean little town with enough amenities, and a location on Major highways (HWY 81 & Midway between I80 and I70) that come early June put you in a prime spot...

There are MANY towns across the KS/NE area that most consider small (6-20K) that offer great amenities and a clean and friendly rural setting!

 

[Paul Knightley]

Cammie - when we flew into Denver last year we booked the 1st night's motel (I always tend to do this anyway, as it also gives you an address to put on any paperwork on entry to the US)...I had ordered some equipment to be sent to our motel, and it was there OK. Depending on what you like, I can recommend Comfort Inns or Sleep Inns, although I tend to stay away from Quality Inns.

 

[Scott Bell]

Cammie,
Which city are you flying into? There are typically several hotels right around the airport and both Kansas City and Denver's airports are outside of the city so you are in a more rural area already.

Scott

 

[Nathan Edwards]

I've had no problem delivering equipment direct to the motels. I'll usually email ahead once I've confirmed booking to alert them. I do sometimes worry that there'll be a delivery delay, but there's not much you can do if it's broadband equipment etc, as you'd only have to pay for extra days if you want it to be shipped with plenty of time. A first night booked hotel appears to be essential when filling in you ESTA Application these days also, so make sure you have all the paperwork done!

 

[fplowman]

Im in the Kansas City area Cammie, If you need help you are welcome to stay here for a day or two. My wife and I have a guest room and can receive packages for holding.

Let me know if I can help you with any of your logistics

ETA: Just read Mikes post. We know each other and it looks like he offered the same. He is a good guy as well. Let either of us know and we will be glad to help.

Fred

 

[Mike Peregrine]

Well I'd vouch for Fred & his wife too ... good peeps (and he makes his own beer!) ...

 

[Cammie Czuchnicki]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to this thread. Yes, we are flying into Kansas City and now have a bit more of a 'feeling' as to what kind of area we will be flying into and due to all the above info, are now armed with some place suggestions and some motel suggestions, so thanks for all for this.

Fred - that is such a kind offer and yes, your friend Mike has been equally as generouos in his offer to help which we have taken him up on and been PM-ing in regards to details.

It would be fantastic to meet up at some point, if convenient, and the home-made beer is an added bonus!

Gratitude to Stormtrack once again.