As someone who has not only attended conventions, but covered conventions for major media outlets, it is always best to stay at main comic book convention hotels. While the cost is typically higher than staying at a satellite hotel, the benefits pay off considerably.
Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare
What Are Main Comic Book Convention Hotels?
Comic book conventions will typically make deals with various surrounding hotels. There will be one hotel, though, which the convention will house the celebrities and top artists who are appearing at the show. This is usually the nicest hotel in the area, or the closest starred hotel to the convention hall. In the cases of a convention which is held at a hotel convention center, the main hotel is the hosting facility.
The Celebrity Opportunities at Main Comic Book Convention Hotels
Chances are good that you are going to stand in a line to meet your favorite celebrity or comic book creator. You might be paying a dear penny for a signature, sketch, or a picture with whoever you came to see. What would you pay to sit down and have a drink that that person? What would you give to have the opportunity for a private conversation with the celebrity or comic book creator? Staying at main comic book convention hotels offers some these opportunities.
Opportunities with Vendors at Main Comic Book Convention Hotels
Instead of speaking with a celebrity or comic book creator, you might find yourself speaking with a vendor who has a booth set up at the convention. Many of the dealers try to stay at main comic book convention hotels for various reasons ranging from wanting to see celebrities themselves to wanting to schmooze with those which can afford to stay where they want. Sitting down with a vendor might open a door for a discount the next day at the booth or you might find a dealer who has a specific issue you are looking for.
Main Comic Book Convention Hotels Which are Hosting
If you are staying at a hosting hotel, you are making the right move. In this these cases, the main comic book hotels are the properties hosting. Sometimes, conventions give deals to those staying at the hotel. Even if they do not, you are still going to have the opportunity to sit down with celebrities and creators and vendors and anyone else who happens by if you are outgoing enough. Plus, you have the opportunity of dropping off your purchases in your room if they are getting bulky or stop in to take a quick nap or shower. The possibilities are endless.
