Post-marathon weekend resort checkout

[blaw2]

It's our first marathon, we're booked at Polynesian Saturday night. We're not the fastest and are worried about checkout times, afraid we'd be pushing it but would really like a shower before heading out. Has anyone had this problem? Are the resorts forgiving of a slightly late checkout? Or is there an alternate site to clean up (spa/fitness center) if we have to vacate our rooms?

 

[cewait]

I know a few folks are able to get a late checkout (later than 11 am). These are the exception and not the rule. It is an absolute no at DVC.

The Poly shares a spa with GF... but the GF spa is closed until later in 2013. There are temporary quarters for the spa and I am sure that you could easily talk your way into the spa with your Poly room key.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Last year, my relay partner for the Chip and Dale Marathon relay was able to get a late checkout of 12:00pm at the Polynesian. One extra hour was all they were willing to give her, so that would not give you alot of time if you are a slow runner. She was finished the race by 10:30am, which worked out perfectly with catching the bus back to the resort and getting cleaned up. Good luck!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

That seems to be near impossible at the resorts. Which is why I think that they should have a race package that allows for late check-out. They don't have to offer it for all the rooms, but just those they allocate for the package. It would be a nice gesture for spending so much money.

You can always ask for a half day rate, because sometimes they will honor that, but most people I know that must stay late end up booking an extra night.

 

[ChrisRuns]

Go for the extra night - you will not regret it.

I hate traveling after marathons and even if you have a wonderful race, moving quickly is not going to be in your game plan. It may not be in Disney's either - they made a whoops with the buses for the Epcot area resorts after the 2012 half and we were in line for a good 30 minutes. We were ticked to miss our breakfast reservation - missing a checkout deadline might cast a shadow over your first marathon glow.

That being said, there's got to be someplace you can shower if push comes to shove. Don't most of the pool locker rooms have showers?

 

[blaw2]

An extra night would be great but just doesn't work (kids have school, DH has work on Monday). Good thought about possible pool showers, and thanks for the warning about possible bus snafu. At sometime closer in, I think I'll call the resort and throw myself on their mercy, see if they have any solutions. Surely we aren't the 1st to have this problem.

 

[cewait]

I think you are on the right track. I would call either 7 or 10 days out (can't remember when CRO sends ressies to the resorts) and beg. I do think there are a few they grant but cannot say if it is based on first requested, length of stay, sweetness... It seems random. I know DVC members can use the workout facilities the entire day of check out. I would also pursue that as an option even if you had to go to another resort.


Just think of the possibilities for cheap income. Selling late checkouts on marathon day. They lose a full night's revenue but build customer loyalty by allowing a later checkout for a fee. I am betting that many folks would pay between a quarter and third room rate for a shower and change opportunity. The best one I have seen was the Kona Hilton where one had to check out on time, but could reserve a room for an hour later that day to shower, change and be airplane ready later in the evening.

 

[mking624]

An extra night would be great but just doesn't work (kids have school, DH has work on Monday). Good thought about possible pool showers, and thanks for the warning about possible bus snafu. At sometime closer in, I think I'll call the resort and throw myself on their mercy, see if they have any solutions. Surely we aren't the 1st to have this problem.

No you definitely aren't the first...but you WILL be one of many. I have a friend who works at Boardwalk and during last year's Wine & Dine, she said there were a ton of people checking out the morning after the race, and most of the guests trying to check out that morning were also trying to request a later check out. The occasional request was something they could accommodate, but not the number they were receiving in just one day. And that was just for a half marathon weekend...the full marathon weekend will likely be even worse with so many more runners. CMs may be able to help you find an alternative solution, but a late checkout may be very difficult to come by. Though, keep in mind, that even an alternative may be difficult as you won't be the only one looking for that also.

At the worst, carry some baby wipes, a rag and a travel size body wash (you can at least do a once over in a bathroom stall), and some dry shampoo.

 

[ChrisRuns]

FWIW, last year I was in corral C, ran the race in 5:04:21 and finished at 10:56 a.m. according to my Garmin. The marathon does start at 5:30, but there's a 5 minute or so gap between each corral.

May not be relevant, but the more you know

 

[John VN]

An extra night would be great but just doesn't work (kids have school, DH has work on Monday). Good thought about possible pool showers, and thanks for the warning about possible bus snafu. At sometime closer in, I think I'll call the resort and throw myself on their mercy, see if they have any solutions. Surely we aren't the 1st to have this problem.

Just because you reserve the extra night does not mean you must stay until the next morning. Race, get back to room at whatever time, shower and relax then head out later in the afternoon. DW and I feel the extra $$$$'s are very well spent.