Taking bikes into the hotel...

[Blue_Fedora]

I tried the search function but didn't find anything so I'm starting a new thread

DH and I are doing our first century ride this weekend and it's about 3hrs from home. We've booked a room at the local Mariott for 2 nights and I'm curious what others have done regarding their bikes.

We're definitely unwilling to leave them on the bike rack of our car in the parking lot... I'm assuming it's ok to bring our bikes in and leave them in our room. After all it's not contraband (e.g. drugs) and not against hotel policy (e.g. pets) so I can't imagine the hotel would have an issue... especially if we're discreet about it.

What have others done in this situation?

Thanks!

[Veronica]

Brought them in the room.

Be careful not to mar up the walls.


Veronica

[tulip]

I've never had any problems. I usually use the side entrance. I definitely do not ask--just do it. Don't use hotel towels to clean your chain or anything!

[pumpkinpony]

I've taken my bikes into plenty of hotels. The only place I got some dirty looks was at a Marriott in downtown Chicago. I was on one of the upper floors, so was having to take the bike up and down via the elevator.

[OakLeaf]

I've washed my bike in the shower at a Super 8 after a particularly wet and gritty day.

Used TP and shampoo to clean up afterward, didn't leave any stains.

[shootingstar]

We tend to ask.

We've done alot of bike trips and staying at hotels, motels.

99% of time either in rm. allowed or a secure area is provided by hotel. It may be abit awkward but not impossible.

In Copenhagen now: Our bikes are in a conference meeting area which is currently unused. They are double locked to one another.

In Karslruhe, Gemany: in an inner courtyard. Bikes double-locked to one another. Area was near front reception where it was always staffed. Guests had to ask for their rm. key each time they were instructed to leave with reception when leaving hotel for a few hrs.

In Freiburg, Germany: in a near medieval like basement that was retrofitted but had locked door for bike storage areas.

In Cesky Krumlov, Czech: in a storage supplies area of a store owned by hotel operator. We had to be REAL careful not to knock over retail figurines. They had another couple with bikes too. So 4 bikes in store. Store is staffed when open all the time. Their hotel staircase was too narrow.

In Strasbourg: in our hotel rm.
In Prague: in our hotel rm.

In some places, the staircase or elevator is just too narrow, so a cyclist just has to deal with hotel's options. Particularily true in Europe or heritage buildings.

[Thorn]

We tend not to ask, just do. Like others have said, use the side entrance and stairs, if possible so as to not inconvenience people needing the elevator. Treat the hotel room like your house--make sure to put something between the bike and the wall so you don't leave a mark.

The way I look at it, my bike is no dirtier than most people's wheeled luggage. And, if I'm careful with it in the room, my bike is cleaner and less damaging on the room than some people's children.

That said, if I stay in a smaller hotel or a B&B I always ask. In that case we've used the garage or a locked conference room. But, big hotels? My bike stays with me.

[ColoKate]

Doesn't hurt to ask - sometimes they'll offer private locked storage.

[Zen]

Just do it.
Sometimes forgiveness is easier than permission

[katherine]

When we stayed at a Mariott (I assume the rules are the same for all Mariotts) last winter we had the bellmen lock our kids bikes in the bell closet and we brought our mountain bikes, dirt, grease and everything to the room. Through the lobby and up the elevator daily. No one seemed to mind, we did have to resist the urge to ride over the golf course greens, I don't think that would have gone over very well.
Enjoy your trip and good luck on the ride!

[Veronica]

DH and I are doing our first century ride this weekend and it's about 3hrs from home. We've booked a room at the local Mariott for 2 nights and I'm curious what others have done regarding their bikes.

What century are you doing?

Veronica

[Blue_Fedora]

What century are you doing?

Veronica

It's the Fiesta Metric Century down in San Diego.
I've done 58.5 mi at one stretch before so I'm not all that worried about the distance... it's more the terrain that concerns me.

[loopybunny]

I've never had an issue, but there were also many other guests at the hotels with their bikes.

The last time I did this, someone left a pretty nice Cervelo on their roof rack in Santa Rosa. I was actually surprised the bike was still there in the morning. However, I'd never leave my bike out of my eyesite like that.

[Veronica]

It's the Fiesta Metric Century down in San Diego.
I've done 58.5 mi at one stretch before so I'm not all that worried about the distance... it's more the terrain that concerns me.

Have fun! I was curious about what ride it was since we like going "away" for rides and So. California qualifies as "away." Alas, I have a tri this weekend.

It looks like it's only in it's second year, so let us know what it's like.


Veronica

[OakLeaf]

Whenever I've stayed in a hotel in connection with an organized ride like you're doing, there have been many people taking their bikes in.