Lahti 2009 housing already booked up? Try other options
One of my masters moles writes about next summer’s world masters championships in Finland: “I understand from my sources that there are no more accommodations available in Lahti and the best ones have gone to the Germans and other Europeans. Official website says bookings will be available online on 8/30. (An) email to me from travel agency says fill out form and will get back to you this autumn. There is a group of Americans trying to get group housing, but I don’t think there is a leader making it happen. Too late. We are screwed. (It takes) 45 minutes to 1 hour ride after you get to the train each way everyday.â€
The situation may not be as dire as this, however.
At least one American athlete has arranged to rent a house near the track, and similar efforts may prove fruitful. In earlier years, Tom Jordan leveraged his WMA vice presidency to get nearby housing for North American athletes through his own tour group (an egregious conflict of interest). But Tom’s tour isn’t in the mix for Lahti. Bruce McBarnette, the lawyer/Realtor/high jumper, has arranged tours to worlds in the past.
I’ve heard of several British tour operators in recent European worlds, so that may be a way to go. Also possible is simply using Google to find rentals in Lahti as any other vacationer would.
If anyone out there has a suggestion, feel free to post a comment here.
7 Responses
Robert Thomas and I have been trying for a couple of months to get several apartments and/or cottages in Lahti. The communications have not been good, to say the least.
I have already previously compiled a list of people who are interested in housing. So, I will email them, as I have been doing already, as soon we get any more news
I doubt that all the housing is booked up at this point. What probably has happened is that the hotels and apartment hotels are being held by the LOC and group operators who are advertising them. Whatever there is – it will be expensive. Frankly I am not going if I have to stay 20-30k outside the city and rent a car or wait for a shuttle. As much as I would like to go to the WMA in Lahti – there is always the NSG in Stanford. The money saved by going there might go for a trip to Sidney and the WMG. Who knows – it is 10 months out for Lahti – hotels all booked up – right! – I don’t think so.
BTW – I sat and watched the little thing spin onmy browser- waiting for the LOC travel agency website to open – never did – may try again sometime when I want to watch paint dry.
Meanwhile – look at the neat YouTube that Tom Fahey put up on the forum of the stadium and the ski-jump – pretty nifty. We can all get a jump on the competition by starting a race at the top of the ski-jump.
I contacted the Lahti travel service listed on the website. They sent me an email saying that I should fax them the housing form and that they would send specific booking information in a few weeks.
I also got a response to an ad I placed on Craigslist. I was told to contact annya@travelade.net for information on local housing.
let’s see, very expensive trip to Lahti and you may get a place to sleep OR Clermont Nationals where there’s no shade…I’m now leaning back stateside..
Hey Simpdog,
…..Lahti or Clermont ?
How about what I’m gonna do: Stay home and compete openly !
Unfortunate, but true for me. Pricing and total inconvenience is too off-the-hook for me….Shame on top officials who feed on us & provide little, and hip,hip hoorayyyy for the individuals who fight for us everyday.
Saladin (Sal)
If the Americans are complaining about price and availability of accommodation in Lahti, what must we ‘poor’ southern hemisphere athletes say – we estimate Lahti will cost double Riccione !
Sorry to say, but many South Africans are considering Sydney as an alternative !
Viva Lahti which may just be a 2nd Euro Vets Champs !
Hi
If any of you are interested…. We have hotel accommodation for Lahti check out our web site all details are on there
I have already made reservations for a number of USA Athletes.
All of apartments in Lahti are gone but we have an option 30 minutes away.
web site; http://www.grandprixsport.com or email me; anne, info@grandprixsport.com
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