Where to stay.....

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Permalink Reply by Kristina DIV 220 on May 14, 2009 at 2:37am

did you already get your Grad packet ? there are lots of hotels to choose from...I know lots of people stay at the Navy Lodge and I've heard alot of good things about Homewood Suits and the Marriott.

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Permalink Reply by gmotm2008 on May 14, 2009 at 5:00am

If you are retired military or have someone in your group that is active or retired military, the best-ever place to stay is on base at the Navy Lodge. If not, the previous reply is correct-the Grad packet has a lot of info and comes in plenty of time to get reservations. I had resigned myself to the fact that i was not going to be able to go to PIR because of finances. My daughter was just returning from a 15 month deployment to Iraq and she had driven to Texas from Georgia to see us. When she got here on Monday and found out Bubba was graduating on Friday she said 2 words-"start packing". I had been to her graduation, and she was going to see to it that I didn't miss her brothers. We left the next morning-driving because last minute plane tickets are outrageous. After so long without her, it was nice to spend the time driving from Texas to Great Lakes and catching up. We took her 3yr old daughter with us (we had taken care of her while mommy was in Iraq) and gave Bubba the biggest surprise, he had not expected me, least of all his sister and his favorite niece. I was great.

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Permalink Reply by Cindy (Austin's Mom) on May 14, 2009 at 5:14am

Thanks so much for the information. No, I have not received the Grad Pack. It should be coming soon. Do you know of anyone that has stayed at the Navy Lodge? I am so excited, I just want o hurry up and get the reservations!!!! I can't wait!

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Permalink Reply by Lily AJ on May 14, 2009 at 11:37am

I went to PIR on 05/08/09 and stayed at Homewood Suites, in Lincolnshire, it is about 17 min from base but an easy drive. Though there are alot of hotels closer to the base but not as nice, so just depending on how much you want to spend. I think it was 89$ a night for us at Homewood Suites.....they have a full breakfast and kitchenettes inh the room.......very nice.
Get to the base early on graduation day......it is very busy. The train to the city is right near the base if you choose to go to the city, we did on Sat. only.

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Permalink Reply by Cindy (Austin's Mom) on May 14, 2009 at 11:43am

Thank you soooooooooooo much! I really appreciate it. I will check it out! Congratulations on PIR!

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Permalink Reply by Jeri L. Davis on May 16, 2009 at 5:05pm

Cindy,
My son is scheduled for PIR 6-5. We chose the Ramada at Gurnee. It is about $80.00 a night and has a shuttle to the base for the graduation. They also have a meet and greet on Thursday night.
Jeri(PNM to John)

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie on May 18, 2009 at 12:22pm

Do all recruits have a meet and greet the night before?

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Permalink Reply by Gina T Rodriguez on May 20, 2009 at 11:32am

My son graduates on June 12th, We will be staying at the Americas Best Value Inn first night is $75.00 and then it goes up to $95.00 for the next 2 nights. It is about 4 miles to base. They also have a shuttle that will take you to Base. I went ahead a got a car rental it is $ 80.00 for June 10th to June 13th. That is for the mid size car. I thought that was really good.

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Permalink Reply by Gerry *Proud Mom* Dan DIV195 on May 21, 2009 at 3:38pm

Hi, my son just had his PIR on 5-15. We stayed at the Springhill Suites and they are beautiful and worth the money. If you belong to AAA, mention that b/c you will get a discount. Mention you will be at any hotel for the PIR and get a discount.

The night before your PIR, take your camera and put it with all the items going to PIR. BRING BINOCULARS. I forgot my camera and did not bring binoculars and I was sorry.

Enjoy the day, make sure your recruit buys the DVD of the PIR. Ger

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Permalink Reply by Cindy (Austin's Mom) on May 21, 2009 at 9:29pm

Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it! Congratulations to your son! I love them all!

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Permalink Reply by mkgayle on May 21, 2009 at 7:03pm

My son Eric in in Div 930 and is set for PIR 6/12. I have made reservations at the "Navy Lodge" which is right on Meridian St (right outside the training center). The following information I share is to help anyone who has wanted to stay at the "Navy Lodge" but saw on the website that is requires a military ID.

First, I have heard the term "Navy Lodge" referred to....about two different facilities in Great Lakes. The one on base that requires a military ID for check in, is actually called "Navy Gateway and Lodge" and the one with the proper name of "Navy Lodge" is right next to the RTC and does not require a military ID. It took some digging and some time on the phone to finally get the information straight but I am glad I did.

The information I have shared about the different facilities comes from the lady on the reservation line who does resevations for both. She was not only very informative but she has lived in Great Lakes and her husband is a drill instructor in the Great Lake RTC. She stated that there are Navy Lodges all over the world and that when we can, we should try to make use of these when we want to visit and support our loved ones. When our military person can make the reservation and do the proper check in...then that opens more choices for us. Lastly, she said that the "Navy Lodge" at Great Lakes is the only one that does not require a military ID, but I did have to furnish the Rank, Name, and PIR date of my recruit.

The "Navy Lodge" on Meridian has 2 queen beds, nonsmoking, and a kitchenette for a price (and no tax) at an extremely reasonable rate. The only deal I found better is the Navy Gateway and Lodge (on base) which is half the cost....but since I or my spouse is not in the military...it is not available to us.

I am still checking rates and waiting before I make our plane reservations....we will be flying from Houston.

Lastly, I would love to hear from anyone who has a recruit in Div 930. Eric has written some detailed letters about his division, the job assignments....what they are and who has them, etc..... so if anyone would like to share.... I look forward to hearing from you.

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Permalink Reply by Jonie on June 21, 2009 at 9:01pm

Cindy,
My son will be graduating on July 31st and I have been researching every blog and comment on the PIR experience. How did yours go and do you have any tips you can pass along? I hear alot about staying at "the Navy Lodge".
Thanks.
Jonie

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