Capital Challenge...Where to stay?? experiences

[CrossWinds81]

I just decided to go to Capital Challenge next week (for work, I do equine therapy), but have never been to this show. Which hotels/ b&b's have you stayed in before? Which to stay away from...or which areas to stay away from? As a side note, if anyone is looking to share a room I am more than open to that option, just PM me...we can all cut costs where we are able! ;o)
Thanks!!

[serendipityhunter]

If you want to stay in a better hotel or B and B, I would think about staying in Annapolis (30 minutes away) or even Kent Island (45 minutes away).

[mestel]

Well, hate to say it but Upper Marlboro and Prince George's county isn't exactly a nice place. In terms of areas to stay away from - uhhh I dunno, the whole place? But that aside, Bowie isn't too terrible. It's about 10-15 minutes from the horse show and has big chain hotels surrounded by big chain restaurants so in those terms it really looks like any other area. You will hear your fair share of sirens though, even at 5am :)

[JOBEAN]

lots of chain hotels in Bowie. I was there in April /March and didnt find the the area around the horseshow to be bad. Have a great time. I wanted to bring my baby but couldnt get out of work.:no:

[theblondejumper]

If you want to stay in a better hotel or B and B, I would think about staying in Annapolis (30 minutes away) or even Kent Island (45 minutes away).

Ditto.

[MHM]

I've stayed at the Comfort Inn in Bowie several times- no complaints.

As others stated, it's a pretty commercial strip, so there are plenty of chain restaurants nearby.

There are a couple of small, old-fashioned motels quite close to the show. I don't recall the names of them (Sunset Motel, maybe?), but I stayed at one of them once several years ago, and it was fine, as those small places go.

[RAM]

I'll be working at the show this year at the souvenir booth and they are putting me at the Sleep Inn in Upper Marlboro. There are several hotels in that area and as others have said several in Bowie. The Bowie drive can take some time at rush hour but lots of restaurants.

Be sure to stop by the souvenir booth to say Hi - and do some shopping!

[CrossWinds81]

Thanks for your advice! I'm going to check out the Bowie area. Maybe Kent Island for a day too?! ;)

[Sparky Boy]

Thanks for your advice! I'm going to check out the Bowie area. Maybe Kent Island for a day too?! ;)

What type of therapy do you do?

[CrossWinds81]

MagnaWave...I'm based in Lexington, KY but travel to several shows including the WEF circuit.

[fancyfooted]

There's a very nice Raddisson hotel not far from Prince George's =) Just off the freeway!

[bascher]

We stayed at the Hampton near the Olive Garden :) I think it was a Hampton anyway...it was definitely by the Olive Garden and Smokey Bones Restaurant.

[AppendixQHLover]

Prince Frederick is south of the PG Equiestrian center but it is very safe, and has a few decent hotels. There is also Cheseapeake Beach which is about 40 minutes but safe.

I live in St. Mary's County and drive up.

I will be working in the concessions booth outside on the two weekends. I was supposed to work this Sunday but have a clinic.

[Trevelyan96]

If you want someplace nice to hang out when not at the show, I'd also recommend Annapolis.

There's also several hotels in Waldorf and LaPlata, in Charles County, which are about 20-30 minutes south (respectively) of the Equestrian Center on Rt 301,. Although Waldorf has become a little too much like Bowie lately, LaPlata is quiet and safe.

[snaffle2]

You could also stay down at Herrington on the Bay in Rosehaven at Herrington Harbour Marina --southeast of PGEC - it is about 30 min. away - not as close as Bowie but right on the Bay and next to the town of North Beach that has a boardwalk and some good little restaurants!

[CrossWinds81]

Thank you! I love all of these ideas...the Bay sounds lovely!! Maybe I will stay there just before heading up to Harrisburg! :0)