BLT...I don't think anyone was questioning your integrity. CBR was simply trying to explain what he knows about Topeka through his personal life experiences.

Here is what I did yesterday. I called every hotel in Topeka and asked about room availability and rates. Most are charging $89/night. A couple of the higher end establishments topped out at $119. Yes...there was one that I gave a piece of my mind because they should have been in the $89 range (or lower catagory and were charging $100). The Visit Topeka group does a pretty good job policing this...however there are a "few" opportunist out there, as there would be anywhere the State Tournament is hosted. If I were in your shoes and I thought I was being taken advantage of, I would not give these people my business. There are other options in the Topeka and surrounding communities that will accommodate you. They will soon get the hint. Nobody I called came anywhere close to $200 or $250 a night that you mention.

Availability...most said that they are full for now; but they all anticipated rooms opening up today. Wednesday night was a common deadline for clubs with "blocks" of rooms reserved to be either released or paid for. No hotel I called required cash payment. Only a few required a two night stay. So if you are still looking for rooms I would suggest calling again today. Many of the hotels were placing people on lists to fill the rooms vacated by other clubs with "blocks" reserved...but I would still try. I travel a lot through the year for wrestling, baseball, and football...so I know the drill. Get in early or late for the best location and deals. Early is the best bet, but if you chose to book late don't give up. I am sure rooms will open up. Lancer Lou's suggestion is a good on too. Topeka is a 30 minute drive on 4-lane interstate to Lawrence and 45 minutes to the west side of KC. They both have hotels with rooms available. Heck I have been on trips to Wichita that took me 30 minutes to get across town...and there are places in Wichita I wouldn't stay with my family.

There is a lot of hear-say going around on this board. If you have specific complaints or need help I am willing to either help or get you in touch with the people who can. I do not have the time to be your travel coordinator...but I am proud of my city and I am willing to help if needed. I can't do anything about hear-say...but it is a bid year as Will has pointed out and it is natural for one to question the motives behind any second hand information.

Mark Stanley
jrvikingwrestling@yaoo.com
785/224-5161