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RESUMING LIVE PIR - 8/13/2021
Please note! Changes to this guide happened in October 2017. Tickets are now issued for all guests, and all guests must have a ticket to enter base. A separate parking pass is no longer needed to drive on to base for parking.
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PIR for sailors staying in Great Lakes
Just came back from an unbelievable weekend with my son following PIR and wanted to share a few tips. Because he didn't have to travel to A school we were able to spend the weekend with him. Thanks to a tip I read here weeks ago, I booked a room at the Navy Gateway Lodge which is right on base. It was actually only a parking lot between his ship and our lodge. A short walk to pick him up. He could go between us and his new ship to unpack as he wanted. No driving and waiting at gate. A nice restaurant right next door. We were able to move around the base and become a little familiar with his new surroundings (like the Navy exchange where we bought all the things he now needed) We booked a suite with kitchenette for 55.00 a night. Very clean and comfortable. Also, if you are staying for the weekend and want to leave base but not hit up the concrete jungle of a shopping plaza, check out Libertyville, quick ten minute ride. Nice downtown for window shopping with some really nice eateries! My son is there through February and I am hoping to do the trip one more time. You will need to fill out a form via email to pass security clearance to stay on base. Very worth it if you are there for the weekend. Enjoy your visit.
Views: 4943
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by jnatelb6 on
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Thanks for the great information. How to I get the form for the clearance. I did book a room for the Navy Lodge for my SR's graduation... I did not realize anything about clearance forms. Will I need to drive to the graduation, or is it close enough to walk? Thanks for your information.
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Permalink Reply by Susan06239 on
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I didn't realize it either until I called a week later with an unrelated question. Call the Gateway Lodge and they should put you through to the person who handles it. She works Monday thru Friday, business hours. Yes you will need to drive or take a shuttle to the graduation, Sarge has a great rep. The RTC base is separate from the base where the lodge and A school are. We saw our son for about 30 min after the ceremony and then he left and took a bus to the A school. It was a good four hours before he was free after that. He was able to call our cell and we walked over to his new ship and signed him out. Write again if you think of anything else.
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Permalink Reply by amom3 on
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Hi, We are staying at the Navy Lodge too for my sons grad on July 12th..I think we can pay for a shuttle if I don't want to drive ...though I think it is close
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Permalink Reply by lemonelephant on
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The Navy Lodge is about 1.9 miles from the RTC and yes, they will give you info on taxi and shuttle service avaiable in the area or you can use Sarge. See the info at the top of PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you decide about driving or using a shuttle.
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It is about 1.9 miles from the RTC, but it is NOT a safe walk.
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Permalink Reply by AaronsMom on
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Susan, this is different from the Navy Lodge right? Did anyone in your group have military ID? I called to make a reservation this morning and since my son-in-law still has his military ID, I think we can clear the security clearance part. If not, where did you email to get that? Did you have a nice stay? Thank you for the heads up on this and after searching the web for a map, where exactly is Gate 5? Thanks for your help!!!
Dianne
(AaronsMom)
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No I think Gateway is the Navy brand. No military ID. I think the issue was that my son being in basic training wasn't able to make the arrangements; which they did not tell me when I booked. It was two weeks later when I called about another issue that the form came up. Easy email and they were very helpful. I would call and ask just to be sure. The stay was great. We got a suite. Sam Adams pub/grille is right next door. We were able to ride down to the rec area of the lake. Remember that your sailor hasn't spent anytime on this part of the base which is separate from RTC, so it's learning and exciting for all. Look on the map for the visitor's center It is the gate right beside it. That is the main gate that will take you to lodge and A school. It sits in front of the historic building with the clock tower. Write again if you think of anything else.
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Thanks so much for the info. Glad to know Sam Adams is next door. I will call them again in the morning just to make sure we are ok on the clearance part. And thanks so much for posting the original, I had no idea this was available.
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hi does any one have the web address or phone number for the navy lodge and/or the navy gateway?
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They are in my reply of June 21, 2013 below.
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Permalink Reply by d2b2707 on
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My daughter will be leaving 7/17/13 from Sacramento MEPs, so I'm trying to get everything in order. Her PIR will be the first trip ever out of state for me (have never left California) so I am trying to get everything in order. I googled all the hotels that were recommended and was disappointed to see most of them had bad reviews, I was so happy after reading your post, you're information was wonderful! I called Navy Gateway Lodge and was given this information as well: civilians can stay but do need to go thru a mini background check (goes for anybody 18yrs old that will be staying there) & reservations are taken 30 days in advanced.
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The Gateway Inn and Suites is what you are both talking about. The Navy Lodge is a different place.
The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main part of the base, about 1.5 miles from RTC. Go to http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Great-Lakes or call 877-NavyBed (877-628-9233). Your recruit/Sailor can be your sponsor if you do not have a military or dependent ID, but you must have a background check, so be sure to make your reservations about 4 weeks before PIR to give time for the background check. There are restrictions on where you can go on base without your Sailor being with you. Taxis and shuttles pick up and drop off at the gate, so it is better if you have a vehicle if staying at the Gateway Inn and Suites. If your Sailor will be staying at GL for "A" School or training, s/he will have to get a deviation chit in order to visit you there. There are standard rooms, rooms with a kitchen, and suites. All rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wifi. A continental breakfast is available. (d2b2707, your Sailor will not need the deviation chit since she will fly out to "A" School.)
The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from RTC and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there since your recruit/Sailor will be your sponsor. Go to https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=05 or call (847)689-1485. All rooms are non-smoking. They also have some family suites that include a kitchen. All rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wifi. They have a breakfast to go that you can take with you to PIR. The Navy Lodge permits pets.
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