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.

Where we are with SDCC hotels

 24 APRIL 2024

2 days after we got our hotel assignments - or rejection letters - most of the dust has settled. You've rejoiced over your room, traded or begged for a better one, or come to terms with your lack thereof. Or you're in that weird bardo where someone might have a room at the Hyatt for you but they have to check with one person first and now they've gone silent and you're down to your last atom of hope.

It's rough out there.

A few points:

• The deadline to lock down your room, deposit and all, is Thursday night at 9:59 pm PST. If you're still hoping for a trade, it's definitely easier to do that pre-deposit - but don't wait much longer. Follow up with people and get a firm answer by tonight if you can.

• If you do trade, understand it's a transaction of trust. It works best when you can both make it happen in real time and everyone communicates quickly and clearly. Why? Because there will be some back and forth until email addresses, passwords, and whatnot get changed. Also - you'll eventually need to phone OnPeak to change occupant names. Don't worry, they've done it a million times and they are unfazed by our strange behaviors.

• Now - if you got an okay room but haven't made a better trade/arrangement yet, still put down a deposit. You can reclaim it (minus 3% fee) until May 8 which means you can...

• ...Spin the wheel of hotel fortune on May 2. Yes, it'll be grim at first with thousands of people trying to grab rooms. But there will be good rooms available! I have gotten Hilton Gaslamp (love that hotel) and the Hyatt in years past. I don't think there will be an abundance of downtown rooms but there will be some. And more will continue to pop up.

• Whatever you do - do not abandon your Comic-Con plans! I have actually seen several people post this and I can't tell if they're serious or if it's a manipulative ploy for a top-tier room offer. For god's sake, you have a badge to San Diego Comic-Con. Everyone wants to be in your shoes. So you're at Humphrey's Half-Moon Inn - you'll ride the shuttle, so what? You'll barely be at the hotel and you'll still experience all the magic and splendor of Comic-Con.

• As always, I urge you to consider splitting up your nights. This probably depends on how elaborate your hotel nerd campsite is. But if you travel light, don't be afraid to grab 2 nights at your dream hotel and spend the other 2 or 3 at the undreamy hotel you have currently. I don't mind changing horses mid-stream but I know this is not for everyone. Still, consider it if you really dislike your hotel. You may not be able to grab all 4-5 nights at a great hotel, but you might find one opening up for Weds-Friday or Saturday-Monday.

I still have friends looking to upgrade/get rooms so I will be in the mix on May 2. If you are currently undomiciled, keep the flame of hope alive in your little nerd heart and network. That's really the best way to find rooms at the end of the day. And if you don't have an SDCC network? Now is the time to join a community or several and make some friends. It really does make all the difference not only at Comic-Con, but throughout the year when you now have people to talk to and keep that community spirit alive.