Hotel on/adjacent to field in northern tier states?

flyingcheesehead

flyingcheesehead

Touchdown! Greaser!
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iMooniac
I'm heading to Seattle soon for a family function, so I'm taking my family, and I'm thinking it might be a good idea to split it into two days worth of flying. I'll be going KUES-KBFI, 9-10 hours total.

Since I have a two-year-old, getting an Uber, taxi, or rental to a hotel would be somewhat of a production - Installing car seats and such - And I'd rather avoid it if possible.

Is there an airport anywhere in the Dakotas or Montana that's either right next to some aircraft parking (a la the Oshkosh Hilton), or maybe right across the street - Something that's walkable with a two-year-old and enough crap for a night?

Thanks!
 
Billings was a hotel shuttle as is KRAP.
 
EdFred said:
Billings was a hotel shuttle as is KRAP.
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I'm trying to avoid taking the car seat out of the plane, installing it in something else, taking it out, installing it again for the trip back to the airport, taking it out, and installing it in the plane...

Are the shuttles of the seat-belt-free variety?
 
I have pretty good luck finding out if there is a hotel near an airport by using the Nearby button in Google Maps.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
I'm trying to avoid taking the car seat out of the plane, installing it in something else, taking it out, installing it again for the trip back to the airport, taking it out, and installing it in the plane...

Are the shuttles of the seat-belt-free variety?
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The shuttle from WestJet (KRAP) to the downtown Holiday Inn was the type like you'd find at any big airport. Like a mini bus, no one was wearing seatbelts. It was like this one but about 20% bigger (NOTE: this is a from a different hotel).

The-Rushmore-Hotel-Airport-Shuttle_9555.jpg


When we asked the gal at WestJet to find us a nice hotel she came back with the downtown Holiday Inn at around $100/night (breakfast not included). We were thinking just another Holiday Inn, ho hum. Actually, it was not a typical Holiday Inn :) I think your family would like it.

The problem with rides from KRAP to downtown is that it takes at least 15 minutes or maybe a bit longer. There are hotels a bit closer to the airport though.
 
When I was in Wall (SD) this summer I looked to see and the airport isn't too far of a walk into town but with a 2yr old I would skip that one.

Custer is a nice airport but too far from any hotels w/o getting into car.
 
Sinistar said:
When I was in Wall (SD) this summer I looked to see and the airport isn't too far of a walk into town but with a 2yr old I would skip that one.
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LOL - We've actually done that one, including the walk with him, last summer when he was about 20 months old! We went to Wall Drug for food and to run around for a bit. If we end up trying to do this in a day, we'll probably do that again. It's really not so bad... But maybe longer than we'd want to walk with overnight stuff. Certainly worth considering though, thanks!
 
flyingcheesehead said:
Is there an airport anywhere in the Dakotas or Montana that's either right next to some aircraft parking (a la the Oshkosh Hilton), or maybe right across the street - Something that's walkable with a two-year-old and enough crap for a night?
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In Fargo, ND the Candlewood Suites is a stone's throw from the airport fence and a public tiedown field. The issue is getting through the fence as the flight-school/FBO that was at that was located there just closed.
 
weilke said:
In Fargo, ND the Candlewood Suites is a stone's throw from the airport fence and a public tiedown field. The issue is getting through the fence as the flight-school/FBO that was at that was located there just closed.
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I was looking at that, because it's *right there*... But it doesn't look like there's any way through the fence there, and the FBO is nowhere near that.

Best options I've found so far (from east to west):

1) Paynesville, MN KPEX: Cheap fuel, and just across the highway is the Paynesville Inn and Suites. Still a half mile away, but if I can get a shuttle, probably close enough since it's not on any major roads. $100/night... And $3.99/gal 100LL, though I wouldn't need all that much by this point.

2) Olivia, MN KOVL: Sheep Shedde Inn about 0.2 miles/4 minute walk from the FBO to the east.

3) Sioux Falls, SD KFSD: They have the AeroStay hotel right next to the terminal, not far from Signature. Downside: $ignature. Upside: Signature is usually open late and has vans, so probably wouldn't need to walk at all. $88 isn't too bad. (Well, it probably is in SD but compared to here...)

4) Spearfish, SD KSPF: There's a bed and breakfast pretty much at the end of the driveway from the FBO. $85/night.

5) Kalispell (City Airport), MT S27: Hilton Garden Inn *right* next to Montana Air Adventures/Red Eagle Aviation. Not quite clear if there's even a fence there, but this is probably the closest hotel I've seen to an airport that's even remotely along the way.

Any other ideas?
 
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By the way, if you ever want to go to Bellingham, WA (BLI), there is a relatively new hotel right across the street from the terminal and FBO.
 
KHLN
Park at Vetter aviation and walk a few blocks to the Hampton By Hilton?
Free Overnight parking and there’s a good pilot lounge at Exec Air, fuel isn’t too bad either.

Looks like KGTF has a walkable hotel too. No experience there with FBOs personally.

If you’re feeling like a sightsee, there’s Seeley Lake (23S) and there’s a BnB right there, no fuel.
 

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Bellingham. that was the flight (AA) where the guy next to me told me how impressed he was by the landing when the wind was right down the runway. He even pointed out the windsock. (dork)

8 months in Bellingham. circa 2006
 
flyingcheesehead said:
I was looking at that, because it's *right there*... But it doesn't look like there's any way through the fence there, and the FBO is nowhere near that.
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Fargo Jet center is very accomodating. If you buy fuel, they may send a line tech or fuel truck to buzz you in and out through the man-door across the street from the hotel. I used to live in that hotel during work weeks and just walk over to go flying.
 
Magnus P.IFR said:
KHLN
Park at Vetter aviation and walk a few blocks to the Hampton By Hilton?
Free Overnight parking and there’s a good pilot lounge at Exec Air, fuel isn’t too bad either.

Looks like KGTF has a walkable hotel too. No experience there with FBOs personally.

If you’re feeling like a sightsee, there’s Seeley Lake (23S) and there’s a BnB right there, no fuel.
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KGTF is a good stop. Holman Aviation have fantastic people. I don't go anywhere else at GTF. There are a number of hotels within reasonable walking distance with a child...EXCEPT...they are all on the other side of Interstate 15 which runs along the airport perimeter, so quite a barrier.

Kalispell City Airport (S27) might meet your criteria for hotel proximity in walking distance (Hilton Garden Inn), but that might be too far west for your flight planning? The larger airport at Kalispell, KGPI, is too remote to hotels.
 
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flyingcheesehead said:
I was looking at that, because it's *right there*... But it doesn't look like there's any way through the fence there, and the FBO is nowhere near that.

Best options I've found so far:

1) Paynesville, MN KPEX: Cheap fuel, and just across the highway is the Paynesville Inn and Suites. Still a half mile away, but if I can get a shuttle, probably close enough since it's not on any major roads. $100/night... And $3.99/gal 100LL, though I wouldn't need all that much by this point.

2) Sioux Falls, SD KFSD: They have the AeroStay hotel right next to the terminal, not far from Signature. Downside: $ignature. Upside: Signature is usually open late and has vans, so probably wouldn't need to walk at all. $88 isn't too bad. (Well, it probably is in SD but compared to here...)

3) Spearfish, SD KSPF: There's a bed and breakfast pretty much at the end of the driveway from the FBO. $85/night.

Any other ideas?
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Paynesville just might work. I have flown in there a couple of times and our largest fun flight group (8 planes) went there last spring. The walk isn't too bad. You need to walk up over a overpass and then back down to the hotel on right. The walk would definitely be closer than the walk in Wall SD to a hotel. The path/sidewalk is on the other side of the road so to be on a path/sidewalk to the hotel you'll need to cross a not so busy road twice. I think there is a McD, Subway and a less than inspiring A&W nearby. Actually there is American Legion right next to the hotel and we all ate there and had great food.

There isn't much to the Paynesville airport building and I think the car is stored in a hangar so a bit of a hassle. I would be surprised if their hotel even has a shuttle - especially to the airport. If its cold when you are traveling that will be a cold walk.

Another suggestion might be Olivia (KOVL). Right near the end of the runway is a the Chatterbox Café. Walk another block or so is the only hotel in town called the "Sheep Shedde Inn". The name sounds like it something from Plains, Trains and Automobiles but seems to have some decent reviews. I think fuel is $4.50/gal but maybe if the hotel is cheap it will make up for it.

If you find yourself needing to stop or a hand we are at KGYL (same general area) - just say the word. Unfortunately no hotel shuttle. There is a crew car but that means digging out your child seat. A policeman drives through every 2hrs or so. Fuel is $4.28/gal. No hangars though if you need one.
 
Seeing your departure point and in the Mooney I would think the nearest you will overnight will be Rapid City area or somewhere in MT or northeastern WY.

EDIT: Isn't Sheridan basically halfway for your first day.
 
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Sinistar said:
Seeing your departure point and in the Mooney I would think the nearest you will overnight will be Rapid City area or somewhere in MT or northeastern WY.

EDIT: Isn't Sheridan basically halfway for your first day.
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We don't need to go halfway the first day - We're planning on possibly leaving tomorrow early evening after my wife is done at work, so we'll have more day available on the 2nd day.
 
Magnus P.IFR said:
KHLN
Park at Vetter aviation and walk a few blocks to the Hampton By Hilton?
Free Overnight parking and there’s a good pilot lounge at Exec Air, fuel isn’t too bad either.

Looks like KGTF has a walkable hotel too. No experience there with FBOs personally.

If you’re feeling like a sightsee, there’s Seeley Lake (23S) and there’s a BnB right there, no fuel.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

Unfortunately, KHLN is kind of a hike from the Hampton - 25 min/1.2 miles according to Google . KGTF has an interstate in the way, making only one hotel accessible and it's still a mile/21 min.

I'm not seeing anything on Google for the BnB at Seeley Lake... Do you know what it's called? That might be a good stop for us to have the boy run around and expend some energy on the way out, though!
 
Having a hard time finding it. Last I knew it was adjacent the airport...

It is an awesome airstrip and at 4000’ a real easy grass/backcountry strip. Been through there with a full 182 and had no issues on a warm summer day getting out, in fact there’s a guy I know who flys there in an M20 regularly for the lunch burger at Lindey’s.
 
Quick and dirty list of hotels, suitable for import into foreflight:
0S5,Nez Perce Hotel,46.23528,-116.241
14S,Breakers Boutique Inn,46.895651,-124.104988
1B5,Franconia Inn,44.1988956,-71.7540661
29D,Candlewood Suites Grove City - Outlet Center,41.1434444790525,-80.1657284046581
2G8,Mt Madison Inn and Suites,44.3968027085066,-71.1944472044706
3MY,AmericInn by Wyndham - Peoria,40.7980290113564,-89.6099031754631
3W2,The Black Squirrel Bed and Breakfast,41.63919,-82.82491
4G7,Quality Inn,39.44722,-80.165159
4S1,Wild Chinook Inn,42.4144817,-124.4207311
4U7,West Fork Lodge,45.8620910644531,-114.217781066895
56S,Pine Cove Motel & Trailer Court,46.0112609863281,-123.910148620605
65B,Eastland Motel,44.8356009183853,-67.0261064669983
66S,Coolin Motel,48.5230412,-116.8227826
6G8,Super 8 by Wyndham Brooklyn,42.09729,-84.2455267
6K8,Burnt Paw and Cabins Outback,63.3305636777311,-142.94792175293
6T2,Best Western Premier,41.6526413,-83.5319366
7M2,Dogwood Motel,35.8621864318848,-92.0952072143555
91C,Skyview Motel,43.294817,-89.759401
BCT,Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott,26.3803653717041,-80.1097869873047
BFA,Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa,45.163337,-84.929641
BHB,Acadia Sunrise Motel,44.45177,-68.36679
BID,Old Town Inn,41.17245,-71.57723
BLH,Wileys Well Rest Area,33.5781326293945,-114.635063171387
BRW,King Eider Inn,71.2879349,-156.7721875
CMH,Hampton Inn Columbus-Airport,39.9993677,-82.8920008243222
CPX,Casita Tropical,18.3143259294711,-65.3022113442421
CYS,Fairfield Inn & Suites Cheyenne,41.159319,-104.807274
CYZP,Sandspit Inn,53.2531,-131.81768
CZO,Red Eagle Lodge,62.5642919496907,-144.670444899536
D88,Hazen Manor,42.15346,-79.68347
DFW,Hyatt Regency DFW,32.8974473,-97.0392351
DRM,Bear Track Inn,46.0113754,-83.7382278
IAH,Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental,29.9866555775978,-95.3420376777649
IFP,Landmark Aviation,35.1584434509277,-114.556022644043
JSV,Super 8 by Wyndham Sallisaw,35.437736,-94.805687
KDK,The Bancroft House B&B,57.8053579310458,-152.370297078114
L35,Cathys Cottages,34.2596969604492,-116.855125427246
LLJ,Pioneer Motel & RV Park,44.521966,-114.2168195
LRJ,Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Mars,42.7784119,-96.188223
M70,Cottonwood Inn,36.2433967590332,-90.9587097167969
M93,Southernaire Restaurant,36.31511,-87.91916
MCO,Hyatt Regency Orlando Int'l Airport,28.4314181011481,-81.3068821320736
MDT,Fairfield Inn & Suites Harrisburg Int’l Airport,40.19724,-76.760036
O46,Weed Rest Stop,41.4775,-122.454806
ORD,O'Hare Cotel,41.977603,-87.904112
ORS,Kangaroo House B & B,48.70946,-122.90732
PFC,Pacific City Inn,45.1994285583496,-123.961418151855
RAW,Rigby Bunkhouse Suites,38.350262,-93.341036
S03,Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites,42.186803,-122.662906
S21,Discover Sunriver Vacation Rentals,43.8743538,-121.4530552
S27,Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell,48.1804272372052,-114.304350134116
S37,Spruce Lane Lodge & Cottages,40.040542,76.206225
S50,Royal A Motel,47.32589,-122.22097
SCC,Arctic Caribou Inn,70.20092,-148.46282
SEZ,Sky Ranch Lodge,34.84974,-111.78883
SGY,Mile Zero Bed & Breakfast,59.4590810973029,-135.314038585664
SJU,Best Western San Juan Airport Hotel & Casino,18.439553,-66.001793
SQL,Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott,37.5132549,-122.2537437
STT,Carib Beach Resort,18.334306595525,-64.9703712670106
SZP,Harvard Motel,34.34772,-119.06617
T82,Hangar Hotel,30.24494,-98.90791
TGI,Bay View Inn,37.8270493,-75.9955215
TKA,Talkeetna Hostel International,62.32472,-150.0972899
TNCM,Mary’s Boon Beach Hotel & Spa,18.0405485493272,-63.1047387670532
TSP,Ranch House Motel,35.1309127807617,-118.440528869629
TTW,Backwoods Lodge,63.3916667,-148.9508333
VJI,Truck Rest Area,36.6833500186633,-82.0306531754499
VLL,Homewood Suites by Hilton Detroit-Troy,42.5442930551846,-83.1753444671631
W29,The Inn,38.97857,-76.32611
W91,Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast,37.1051102,-79.5931931
WHP,Valley Motel,34.2587814,-118.4148026
Y43,Grand Motel the Anita,41.4413795471191,-94.7705459594727
 
Fed a list of airport lat/longs through the yelp api.
 
KMOT has the Grand hotel across the street from the airport. Granted KMOT is quite far north.
 
AeroStay at KFSD Sioux Falls won out. Still needed a ride because of the airport fence, but it’s on a public road for about 3 seconds. 7 gallons of $5.62 100LL waived the $29 handling fee, but still had to pay $5.23 airport fee and $10.65 overnight.

Pleasant surprise: Chef Lance’s Café and Catering inside Signature. Had an excellent breakfast there before departure, and Chef Lance is a super nice guy. http://cheflancewhite.com/
 
Would you mind sharing your full route both ways...curious how you flew out there and back.
 
Does camping work for the two-year-old?

Some little airports will allow you to set up a tent near the airport building, and use their bathrooms. Find one with a shower, and Bob’s your uncle!
 
Sinistar said:
Would you mind sharing your full route both ways...curious how you flew out there and back.
Click to expand...

Westbound (stops in bold): KUES KEFT KFSD DPR GCC CZI KBYG SHR KLWS SKYKO.EPH8 KBFI. RON in KFSD, minimum fuel to waive fees there. Full fuel at KEFT and KBYG. DPR GCC CZI was for weather, and yes I did get an audio recording of when I requested "direct Crazy Woman" after I passed the weather. :rofl: SHR was for terrain, stop at KLWS was because my son threw up while watching cartoons on mama's phone in turbulence, and I was rerouted direct SKYKO for the Ephrata 8 arrival by ATC.

Eastbound (stops in bold): KBFI NRVNA1.NRVNA ZADON ZELAK ZIRAN KLSEY HITRU 65S (roughly) 57S S59 CTB KMOT KGDB RWF RST KEFT KUES. RON in KMOT. Full fuel at 65S and KEFT, plus enough to get to KEFT at KGDB. Filed KLSEY HITRU out of KBFI, the rest was assigned by ATC. Out of 65S, followed valleys such that I could glide to a road or river through the mountains, added Cut Bank to the flight plan because it was right on the route and gave me a good reference for when it was safe to descend if necessary. Put RWF RST in to make it clear to ATC I was staying away from MSP airspace and thus avoid an airborne re-route.
 
NoHeat said:
Does camping work for the two-year-old?
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Maybe... But not for his parents! :rofl:

Seriously, I've camped at Oshkosh for a long time. I've seen lots of airports where it'd work great, showers and all... But I hate the amount of time it takes to set up camp, and it's just not comfortable for me any more. I'll certainly try to go camping with him at some point, but we're gonna start with the tent in the back yard and mommy and daddy in our normal beds. LOL

Some little airports will allow you to set up a tent near the airport building, and use their bathrooms. Find one with a shower, and Bob’s your uncle!
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Yep, there's a lot of these. Shower availability should be one of the things you could search on for FBOs! I try to leave comments to that effect when I see them, but sometimes I don't get around to posting comments, and you still can't search on that.
 
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