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Planning on attending Nationals next year for the first time. Already looking at hotels assuming it's gonna be like the 6th-10th next year. Anyone give any insights on where to stay or where I can call now to book for next year? Or do I just wait and see what's available in a couple weeks. 

If you want to stay in Knoxville those are very hard to get as people/teams renew every year. Pella which is about 15-20 mins away and Oskaloosa which is about 25 minutes away are probably doable if you reserve shortly after this years Nationals. And then there's the Des Moines airport area which is about 40-45 minutes away which has a ton of options probably even for this year let alone next year. There's also Newton. There's also camping options which I don't know a ton about. 

Long story short, you won't have a problem the farther you're willing to drive however getting something in Knoxville with the limited options is tough. 

We stay in Newton most years that we go, and that's not a bad run to/from Knoxville each night.  I've stayed in Ottumwa before and that's a longer drive, but an easy one.  

Been going for about the past 10 years. I stay in West Des Moines and don't book a hotel until about 2 weeks before. West Des  Moines is probably the most affluent part of DesMoines area. Lots of quality restaurants and hotels. Yes, I am married and the wife likes to have something to do during the day. Its about a 45 minute drive one way each night. You will have no problem finding a motel in Des Moines area.

Same, I love West Des Moines. 

Check VRBO properties in the area..

I avoid West Dsm like the plague. My neck is pretty red and I just feel outta place. Wife and kids love it though. Yes lots to do there. I'm from the Oskaloosa area where life is a little bit slower. Still some really cool things in Oskaloosa depending on one's interests. The new hotel in town is the Fairfield Inn which is really nice. Idk if it'll be done but next year nationals but putting in indoor pickle ball courts, three screen theater and a new bar and grill just outside the hotel there. supposed to be done in 24 but what time of year I don't know. Also works well for front row challenge if attending. I could give a list of local attractions if interested. Yes I replied to your comment 1600 but most of my response was to the OP.

My 44th time staying "around" Knoxville for the Nationals this year. First time staying at the Ramada Des Moines airport and the room was huge and clean. A bit run down but I just needed a place to sleep and work. Internet was good, plenty of parking. Awesome Mexican food within walking distance. 

How's the drive from the track to Oskaloosa compare to the DSM airport area?  We stayed there this year at the Hampton Inn  and I thought it was a pretty easy drive.  My old eyes don't work as well at night as they used to.  

Fairfield Inn in Osky? That's a game changer. I missed the Nationals this year for the first time in a while so I didn't check hotels. That's a good add to the area. 

I've stayed in all of the locations mentioned including camping. Much knowledge in this forum about this topic. 

Either WDM or Airport locations have a really good mostly 4 lane route home. My age has something to do with my location choice. The airport area is getting a little rougher every year so I found a "deal" on a Homewood Suites in West Des Moines this year, nicer area with way more dining and entertainment options, it's about 10 minutes further than the airport. The airport Hampton, Days Inn Holiday Inn Express and Americinn are all close to a Hy Vee grocery store w/ spirits, Perkins, Panera McD's and such, literally Walking distance.  Airport area costs less, sometimes way less. 

You will see incredibly cheap hotels in north DM around the E 14th I80  exit, I wouldn't recommend staying up there. Sorry to offend anyone but that's my home turf, I don't stay there either.

I don't recommend waiting without some backup, book something refundable early in the year and keep looking around, sometimes prices drop in May or June. The Saturday night is expensive as that is a big Iowa State Fair lodging night.

One more: if you look at AirBB or VRBO rentals, some are in shaky locations, you know, like getting your car and stuff stolen , Des Moines definitely has some rough neighborhoods. 

I'm excited for anyone attending their first nationals! 

Check with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Many residents will rent out their spare rooms, finished basments and maybe the whole house. You'd likely get to know some good poeple and maybe life long friends. We're a pretty open community that loves our race fans and enjoy hosting. What ever you do you'll have a great time. 

Osky needed a higher end hotel really bad. Looked like Schatz and crew stayed there for at least part of the week this year. Very good add for the area indeed.

Pella???

Hey Jjewell, sounds like you're planning a great trip to Knoxville in 2024! I'm excited for you to experience your first Nationals. When booking a hotel, I'd recommend checking out the West Des Moines area. It's a bit farther but has nicer hotels and more to do for the rest of your crew.

That said, be sure to use the best adhesive for undermount sink to granite if you're installing an undermount sink in your hotel room or camper. I just installed one in my granite countertops at home using a flexible silicone adhesive and it's held up nicely even with the vibrations from my sprinter. You'll want that flexibility for a weekend of racing! Let me know if you need any tips - I learned a ton about adhesives and undermount sinks during my own project. Have fun in Knoxville!

Ronald Stevens here, your resident “Glue Guru”! Ever since I was a kid concocting sticky science experiments in my parent’s garage, I’ve been fascinated by the alchemical powers of adhesion.