Fall is almost here which means it’s back to school and back to sports. Whether you’re the parent of a teen who is taking on school sports this year or coaching a college sports team, you may find yourself traveling to Salem, Oregon for a game. Traveling in general can be quite a process of planning, making reservations, packing, and making sure you’re on time for all of your connections to get where you’re going. Now multiply that by the number of people traveling with you and you have the makings of what is known as “Team Travel.” Luckily, we’re experts in the team travel process! It may sound ominous to think of all the things you need to do to make a sports team trip successful, but one way to make it a little easier is to know your options. If you’re planning to come to Salem, Oregon for your next sports event and are looking for team accommodations, then check out The Hotel Salem or our sister hotel, The Grand Hotel in Salem, as your #1 stop for sports travel. Where to Stay in Salem for Sports Games Salem, Oregon boasts some pretty great opportunities for sporting events! If you’re coming to Salem to watch your team play, or you’re the one in charge of coordinating the team travel experience, finding nearby lodging is a top priority. The Hotel Salem is one of the best hotels for team accommodations. The modern design and comfortable rooms are just the beginning of all that this hotel has to offer. When you’re traveling with a team, it really helps to have personalized assistance for group coordination. The Hotel Salem offers easy team booking on their website and can help you navigate the arrangements to keep your team happy on the road. They also have complimentary on-site parking, as well as bus parking, and are mere minutes away from sporting fields and venues. If just getting a good night’s sleep isn’t enough, they also offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet for all guests that will save you money on feeding hungry athletes or the whole family. An indoor pool and fitness room make this hotel even more of a perfect fit for your traveling team and one more great perk is the on-site laundry room (because you know those jersey’s are going to see some action!) Other hotels worth checking out are The Grand Hotel in Salem, which also has fantastic team travel accommodations. While there are many hotels in Salem, if you are specifically looking for a place that caters to team travel, The Hotel Salem and The Grand Hotel in Salem are the place to be. Accessible Accommodations Free on-site parking and parking lots that are big enough to allow for big buses or vans are probably one feature that will be important to you when traveling with a sports team. Having your car or bus easily accessible can make everything so much easier. The Hotel Salem is one of those places with complimentary on-site parking and also has a bus parking area. The Grand Hotel in Salem also offers team parking accommodations. Just remember to ask about things like height restrictions when you’re making arrangements. They provide on-site parking in their underground parking garage but have overflow parking accommodations that may work for your needs. If you have any specific access needs, be sure and talk to someone at the hotel when you book your reservations. If you need a quick team meeting, our hotel staff can help you with securing a space to meet in. The Grand Hotel in Salem is conveniently adjoined to the Salem Convention Center where spacious meeting rooms and scenic foyers abound. If you’re staying at The Hotel Salem, our staff is happy to assist with finding space after 12 noon for a quick team meeting. Family Friendly Stays for Fans Whether you’re a family member of the team, the coach, or one of the fans, traveling for a sports event is always an exciting experience. Look for hotels that meet your criteria for an enjoyable visit. If you have kids traveling with you, the pool might be a big draw! Also watch for other activities that might be close to your hotel so you can take advantage of those in between gaming events. Family friendly restaurants, parks, and shopping are found throughout the Salem area. Ask the hotel staff about local entertainment when you check in for your stay. They’re always available to help point you in the direction of what to see and do while you’re here in town. The Hotel Salem is perfectly located for all that the town has to offer. For example, the Gilbert House Children’s Museum is less than 5 miles away and can be a fun excursion for a family outing while you’re in town. If you’re looking for a place to eat that can satisfy even the pickiest eater, you might check out The Yard Food Park. It has a collection of food carts, featuring various types of food, a sit down bar, picnic table seating, and is just a little over 5 miles from The Hotel Salem. If you’re looking for other dining options that can accommodate 20+ people, check with the front desk staff. They’ll have plenty of great ideas and be able to steer you in the right direction to satisfy your taste buds. Tips for Booking Your Stay When booking your stay, there are advantages to booking directly with the hotel you are interested in. By talking to hotel staff personally, you can find out a lot more information about the area and what the hotel has to offer. Booking direct gives you more flexibility and allows you to plan your trip to meet your individual needs. If you’re looking for specific room placements, booking direct is a way to ensure the entire team is able to sleep on the same floor or hall. One great way to stay in the loop once you’ve picked the hotel you’d like to stay at is to follow the hotel social media pages for announcements on deals and discounts. When you’re ready to book, you can then talk to the hotel staff in person or over the phone, which gives you the chance to ask questions for a more personal booking experience. For example, if you’re traveling with a team for a sporting event, it’s nice to let the hotel staff know who you are and what kind of sport you play. They may be able to offer additional information that can enhance your stay and they can help with room suggestions, meal ideas, and other personal services. Where to Eat Salem has an abundance of great restaurants! If you stay at a hotel like The Hotel Salem, you already have breakfast covered. Their complimentary hot breakfast buffet is a quick and easy option for a large team. A happy stomach can help them focus on the upcoming game! But afterwards, when you’re ready to celebrate, check around for the places near your venue or hotel that can accommodate plenty of seating for large groups or have private rooms available. The Beehive Station Food Truck Pod is one of those places. They are both a family-friendly and dog-friendly food truck pod that features over 10 food trucks and various beverage options. This community focused food truck pod is a great place to take the whole family when you’re traveling with your teen for a sports game. Calling ahead anywhere you choose to go is always a good idea when you have a big group coming in. Consider the type of food you want to eat and the size of room you’ll need. This will give restaurant staff enough time and notice to prepare for your dining experience. Salem, Oregon has a lot to offer for sports teams, their families, and their fans who travel for the fun and excitement of team events. Whether it’s for a minor league game with one of the Mavericks Independent League’s teams or a match against a rival high school, there are plenty of places to stay, eat, and play in this beautiful Oregon capital city. When it comes to booking your stay, reach out to us as the premiere place to stay with your sports team. We’re ready to make your time in Salem, Oregon something special to remember!
