I always take overall expense into consideration for those who are traveling any distance. The two hotels were chosen for overall cost and proximity to the venue. Last time we stayed at that Red Roof, the rooms were very acceptable. We stayed down the road at Quality Inn in Clayton once. Their rates this year were $110 with group discounts. The Comfort Inn just across from Red Roof was $159 and Sleep Inn behind Applebees was $145.
Applebees was used previously as was Red Roof when we did the Warwoman and The Rattler, which ended up being the same route used this year. Applebees was chosen because many like to have adult beverages during the Saturday evening dinner. It was close enough that people could stagger back to the hotel, if needed. I have used the Stone Ridge Tavern on 2 previous visits, but we stayed about 1/2 mile up Brevard Road at The Hampton, Fairfield or Country Inns each time. Stone Ridge is a great restaurant.
I totally agree with Pat about not verifying routes, whatever form they take. Varying from the planned route can cause us to not make our restaurant time or in some cases, hotel check in time. Fuel and restroom stops may not be available on the newly chosen path. Also, in the case of using QR codes or other mapping systems, those who do not use the chosen system may become totally lost if separated by a stoplight or stop sign. Referring to the printed route sheet at that point is totally futile.
That happened once when we stopped for a break and several decided to go off to a different location for some souvenirs. A bunch followed suit, thinking it was the group leaving. They got left behind, didn't look at their route sheets, and just came straight back to the hotel.
As it was, I'm glad that the detour was one of the time-tested routes and that everyone made it to the destination on time.
