Lodging at Great Lakes for PIR

[SHIP 4 DIV 822/ PIR 10-8 AWSOME]

I know I have seen the lodging information somewhere in here, however, now, that I need it I am unable to locate it. Where can I find the listing of Hotels and their proximity to PIR lacation ?

[diannep]

The Recruit Training Command site gives a website to go to.
www.mwrtravelplus.com
Just put in Great Lakes and you can leave the rest blank if you just want to see what is in the area.
We stayed at the Residence Inn Waukegan....wonderful stay...separate bedrooms, kitchen. But a bit pricey now (cheaper when we went in the winter). It is about 4 miles away and has the shuttle service to/from the base ($3/pp each way---sailor can return with you). There is a Courtyard down the street that my friend stayed in. Wonderful and it has a pool. The Ramada is where the Meet and Greet is always held the night befor PIR. From comments I have read, it is an "ok" hotel, but convenient. There is also the Navy Lodge, the closest to the base. Be sure to tell them that you are coming for PIR since only military families can stay there, I believe. The site recommended above will give you other hotels. Also, when you get your form letter, I believe there is supposed to be a list of the hotels in there. However, my letter didn't have that. I actually found my hotel just by searching on line but was so glad I did. It is also a pet-friendly hotel in case any pets are going with you. I'm sure others will post here, but I hope that this helps a little. Book EARLY if you can...some of the hotels fill up. I was able to cancel right up to the day I arrived if I needed to, but someone else posted on the site that they had to give a non-refundable deposit to the Ramada????

[Dustins_Girl (Ship 10 Div 251)]

How did you book your hotel? Did you call or do it through something like priceline? Also, I won't be getting the paperwork with all of my sailor's info because I'm sure he sent it to his mom instead of to me. (Even though she's not going) I have heard it's a lot easier to take a shuttle to the base rather than drive because they can drop you off at the gate instead of you having to find parking and all that. Any tips?

[diannep]

Dustin's Girl: I booked our hotel onine directly with the hotel (Residence Inn), but you can go through something like Priceline, kayak, etc. I used my AAA discount.
I liked using the shuttle. It was easy and cheap. $3/pp each way, and he can ride back with you. Others like to drive and have their own car, so it is really up to you. We signed up the night before at our hotel for the 6:30 shuttle. We were in our PIR seats by 7 a.m. Already some people were there. They sell food/driniks there, sourvenirs, and there are bathrooms. So I suggest whether you drive or take the shuttle, get there early (PIR starts at 9). The parking lots for the cars aren't bad, I heard, but sometime there is a line of cars to get inside the base, depending on when you leave. The shuttle goes around that and right in. The shuttle (really taxis) will take you back to the hotel up until noon I think. After that, you may have to call a cab. But we were off the base by 11:30 and had no problem getting the shuttle.
To find the hotels in Great Lakes, google Great Lakes hotels. In their description, they will mention the Navy grad and shuttle, most likely. Some names to look at are the Ramada (where your PIR Meet and Greet will be), Residence Inn, Courtyard, Navy Lodge (call them directly and tell them you will be there for bootcamp grad---only military can stay there), Springhill Suites, and some others ones. Depends on how much you want to spend. Also, go on the boot camp site and ask the moms there. They will all have input for you. Good luck!

[shane's mom ship 14 div 277]

My sons graduation date is August 13 2010. Ship 14 Div 277. Just booked our room at the Navy Lodge. Reasonable prices and looked real nice on the website. Also read other comments from other people that stayed there and got good reviews. Is 1 1/2 miles from the base.

[Lion55's mom]

Comfort Inn was nice. Had a nice breakfast and free shuttle to PIR. Your sailor can ride in the shuttle with you back to hotel after PIR too. That was a nice perk. When you are at PIR get a seat at the top of the bleachers. You can see everything and you have something to lean back against. My son PIR in March and it was quite cold outside. The main thing my son wanted to do was have some down time, take a nap and use his cell phone. Our group of moms all wore a red scarf in order to find each other. It was fun to see all the ladies that were my life line during the wild boot camp ride. One other note. When my son called from boot camp, he was pretty emotional. That was the hardest part for me. All his letters were upbeat and that helped. I am just so proud of my son and all of your sons and daughters! Talk about stepping up, they all certainly are! Pledge of Allegiance has a whole new meaning to me now. Also, my son tells me that strangers thank him when he is off base in uniform...I have always done that too and now to think that it is my son they are thanking just puffs me up like a peacock! I am a proud mom of a United States Sailor!