Getting In Costume For A Pop Culture Convention? 4 Things To Look For In A Hotel

Today's pop culture fans are becoming more and more interested in costuming while attending their favorite conventions. No matter what your favorite genre — from elaborate fantasy to fun anime to movie-accurate scifi or complex steampunk — attending in costume can make any convention more fun. But it also means developing a hotel strategy to make things as easy as possible.

Here are 4 things to look for in your hotel for a costume convention.

Walking Distance. Ideally, you should try to stay as close to the convention site as possible. While it's not necessary to stay in an official hotel, look for one that's either within walking distance or reachable by a short train or bus ride. Avoid a long car ride so that you have extra time to get your costume ready and you can keep it as wrinkle-free as possible.

Accessibility. Many costumes can also create their own mobility issues. Costumes with wings, items carried suspended from the shoulders, or large fake weapons usually need more space inside the room when preparing in the morning. Ask for a handicap accessible room near an elevator for the easiest time getting around both inside and outside your room. If that's not available, ask for a layout with a larger empty space to move around in and a larger bathroom.

Food. Costuming can make for a long day, so you may not feel like schlepping out to a restaurant for food afterward. And if you're busy getting prepared in the morning, you may not be able to even go down for a bite in the breakfast room. Make sure your room can provide some meals. Even a small refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave may be enough if you pack a few snacks and pre-prepared small meals. 

Other Fans. Being in costume is best done as a group activity, so try to stay in a hotel near other fans attending the convention. If you stay too far away from the convention site, you may save money but find yourself limiting the fun you can have from getting all dressed up. If traveling alone or with just your spouse, look for online or local groups in your chosen fandom that also do costumes. Make friends with them and find out where some of them are staying. 

By finding a hotel that fits your needs both as a convention attendee and as a costumer, you're sure to have more fun at any convention and make plenty of fun new friends, so keep these tips in mind as you look at places to stay in your destination city.