The College Town Crucible: Navigating Graduation Season’s Accommodation Challenges
As college graduation season approaches, a familiar ordeal looms for countless parents: securing affordable accommodations in college towns, often a logistical nightmare.
The Supply-Demand Squeeze
College towns, typically smaller settlements, face an influx of visitors during graduation and other major events. The demand for hotel rooms inevitably skyrockets, leaving parents grappling with inflated prices and a scarcity of options.
The Pricing Predicament
Complex algorithms that govern pricing for airlines and hotels respond swiftly to increased demand, resulting in substantial price increases. As Professor Chris Anderson of Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration explains, “With high-demand events like graduations, the imbalance of supply and demand becomes severe, creating a spike in prices.”
Tips for Maneuvering the Maze
Plan Ahead:
- Reserve hotel rooms a year in advance if possible.
- Monitor university parents’ Facebook groups for updates on dates and availability.
- Be aware of strict hotel policies during high-demand periods, which may include nonrefundable prepayments or minimum night stays.
Explore Alternatives:
- Utilize platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to access alternative lodging options, such as private rooms or entire homes.
- Consider secondary markets, where you can purchase prepaid but unwanted hotel rooms from other travelers.
Secondary Markets:
- Utilize online hotel marketplaces that offer a secondary market for prepaid hotel rooms during peak periods.
Personal Tales of Accommodation Woes
Toni Milbourne, whose daughter is graduating this May, faced exorbitant hotel prices in Morgantown, rising from 0 to over 0 per night.
Shama Diegnan, another parent, was shocked by the ,000 nightly rate demanded by a hotel for Parents Weekend at a Midwestern college, compared to its usual 0 fee.
A Question of Fairness
As Milbourne asserts, “People need to be aware that companies are taking advantage of families during times that should be a celebration.” She believes that hotels should exercise restraint in raising prices, especially for significant events such as graduations.
Alternative Arrangements
For parents who are unable to secure hotel accommodations or meet the inflated prices, alternative arrangements may be necessary.
- Stay with family or friends who live near the campus.
- Opt for Airbnbs or Vrbo rentals in nearby towns or cities with lower prices.
- Explore staying in on-campus dorms or guest accommodations if available.
Graduation season should be a time of joy and celebration, not financial stress. By planning ahead, exploring alternatives, and considering secondary markets, parents can navigate the accommodation challenges of college towns without breaking the bank.
Remember to reach out to university alumni organizations and local businesses for potential discounts or recommendations.
