Where we stand with SDCC hotels

 14 APRIL 2025

Today you found out how you fared in the SDCC hotel lottery last week. How did you do? 

Hardly anyone I know got a room. I did - not a good one. Despite getting in very quickly twice, both those sessions got Wyndham Bayfront (a hotel that carries an ominous vibe for me because I associate it with Windham Earle from Twin Peaks. But I'm sure it's a fine hotel.) 

Then a friend who got in about 2 minutes later than I did got the Palihotel and another got the Sofia. (Both closer.) Kind of annoying, but not nearly as annoying as those people that posted things like, "I got the Hard Rock and my husband got Marriott Marquis! Which one should we keep?" 

Not that I'm bitter! I love all of you lucky winners; I love you so much that you should give me your Marriott Marquis room.

So here's where we are. First of all, if you didn't get an email today, you didn't get a room. You don't need to wait for the Dear John email tomorrow to accept your reality. But what's even more important to accept - and I know no one wants to read this - you probably are not going to score the Hilton Bayfront or Omni or other primo hotel in the general hotel sale on April 24. You'll get a hotel, sure. You might even be that rare bird who does snag a great hotel. But most likely you'll get a non-downtown hotel or one of those hotels that are technically downtown but not in friendly walking distance.

I'm saying this because I saw a lot of people today expressing dismay with their meh-but-still-downtown hotel and saying they were going to let it go to find something better in the general sale. That's a bit risky! I know you don't want to commit to Embassy Suites and then spot Hilton Bayfront ripe for the picking - but that probably isn't going to happen.

But you make the decision that's best for you. Who knows, you might hit the right place at the right time.

First-timers - if you didn't know, you can transfer your room to someone else or have one transferred. It's generally easier to do this before a deposit is paid.  I won't list the entire process here but I can help if you need it. As for requesting a transfer or trade? Generally speaking, most trades happen when people want what the other has. You might find some generous soul who has something to give away but they will be in demand. 

Then there are people like me who booked downtown backup rooms on their own. Generally people will transfer these closer to the Con, like May or June, after they've exhausted all other options. But it is something to watch out for. 

So if you don't have anything, hang tight and try to focus on the Con itself. As long as you're on a shuttle route, you'll be fine.