I am going there on Sunday for a conference and am staying until Tuesday. I was expecting to get a free hotel room from my dh's hilton points, but we only have enough points for a hotel about 20 minutes away. What is the traffic like going south on 71 (from north of the city) and then east/south on the circle freeway? The conference is at the Hilton Easton and I think I'm going to be staying at a Hampton in Sunbury. Are there any better options to investigate? I'm expecting to have to drive in early in the morning, around 7 a.m. and am concerned about the traffic. Plus, I don't know anything about the Sunbury area -- I don't travel much by myself so this feels a bit daunting.

Thanks for responding even though I'm mostly a lurker.

Susan

Me Me Me and alexmom

There is a great deal of construction that is going on where 71 meets the outbelt of 270, so you will run into traffic. The outbelt around the area is under construction.

Your conference is at Easton? You might see if you could stay at the airport Or in Westerville.

Are you bringing your little one too?

There are a couple of moms on here from Columbus, so I'm sure they'll reply. But I do only live 1.5-2 hours away.

I think you'll be fine. From Sunbury (my college roomate lived there) to Easton (I assume that's where the Hilton Easton is) should be no big deal. Both are north of the REAL city traffic. In fact, in Sunbury, you won't even feel like you're in Columbus.

Although it has gotten better over the last 5 years, the outerbelt can still sometimes get really busy during rushhour. I personally dislike driving in rushhour in a strange city. I think it would probably be the busiest between 7:30 until just past 8:00. I don't live up in that area, but would have to agree that the worst part is going to be the 71/270 interchange. If the weather is bad....it's sometimes a mess all over the city.

Thanks everyone. I'm leaving tomorrow. I think it is going to be fine, probably because I really need it to be!!

Susan

Well, I made it there and back! Traffic was not bad at all since I avoided rush hour morning and afternoon. This morning it was raining though, so I was pretty tense getting from Sunbury to Easton, mainly because I rarely drive in traffic and never drive in rain AND traffic IN THE DARK at the same time! Thanks for the input!
Susan