Circuit Spa - but where do you all stay?

[kybo]

This year will hopefully see my first ever trip to Spa, but where do you all stay?

I imagine there'll be the plethora of motorhomes in the paddock but, outside of the circuit, do you guys all aim to stay at the same place (for increased atmosphere/banter of an evening), same town/village or everyone pretty much scattered across the region?
It would add to the weekend, in my opinion, if there were a few group gatherings.

I'm looking at a Thursday to Monday trip but not wanting to camp if I can help it, unless it's too expensive to rent an appartment/chalet/house etc. (unless I can drum up some interest from friends, to attend).

Your plans, ideas and tips are all very welcome.

Many thanks,
Scott

[Stuart Thompson]

Now we've lost any significant event at Silverstone this could be an alternative event for a PH gathering. I might suggest it to the group I normally go to the 24hrs with.

[kybo]

Stuart Thompson said:

Now we've lost any significant event at Silverstone this could be an alternative event for a PH gathering. I might suggest it to the group I normally go to the 24hrs with.

Hi Stuart,

Sounds like a great idea.

Please keep us informed of progress.

Thx,
Scott

[J H 500]

When we used to go we all stayed at Petit-Coo, Belgium. Great place good food and a nice easy run to the track.

[NeilH]

Depends on your budget really, but staying in Spa itself is the best option IMHO - Some nice hotels (Avoid the Radison !) good places to eat, then into the bars , followed by the Casino , then another bar and before ya know it - the sun is coming up ..

Take the free wheel challenge while you are there - on the final hill into Spa town from the circuit, how far into Spa town can you coast from the top ??

[kybo]

J H 500 said:

When we used to go we all stayed at Petit-Coo, Belgium. Great place good food and a nice easy run to the track.

Sounds good - can you provide any specific details, please?

Thx
Scott

[kybo]

NeilH said:

Depends on your budget really, but staying in Spa itself is the best option IMHO - Some nice hotels (Avoid the Radison !) good places to eat, then into the bars , followed by the Casino , then another bar and before ya know it - the sun is coming up ..

You're definitely speaking from experience, Neil!! Where have you stayed (lower end of budget)? What are food/drink prices like in Spa?

NeilH said:

Take the free wheel challenge while you are there - on the final hill into Spa town from the circuit, how far into Spa town can you coast from the top ??

Sounds like fun!! So, how far did you get?

[kybo]

Plus, while I remember - 1st time abroad in my car

What essential / required items do I need to make sure I have in my car? Hi-viz, triangle, breathalyser, 1st aid kit - anything else?

Plus, do I need to have enough hi-viz for the passengers or are they responsible for their own?

Thanks.

Still looking for as many accommodation suggestions as possible (reasonably priced though)

Scott

[farmeryellow]

NeilH said:

Depends on your budget really, but staying in Spa itself is the best option IMHO - Some nice hotels (Avoid the Radison !) good places to eat, then into the bars , followed by the Casino , then another bar and before ya know it - the sun is coming up ..

Take the free wheel challenge while you are there - on the final hill into Spa town from the circuit, how far into Spa town can you coast from the top ??

Neil,

Would that be Warrens Special Bar? And don't forget no socks!

Big
Paul.

[NeilH]

farmeryellow said:

Neil,

Would that be Warrens Special Bar? And don't forget no socks!

Big
Paul.

Indeed one of those bars I believe is a particular favourite of his - for a couple of reasons .....

Kybo - I am afraid the choice of hotel has never been down to me. If cost is of a concern, there are I believe a few B & B's close to the circuit.
As for your needs - Standard European Driving stuff
- Hi-Viz (must be inside the car with you & not in the boot - some French police get picky on this)
- Spare Bulb Kit
- Warning Triangle
- First aid kit
- The breathalyser is NOT compulsory since the French are having issues enforcing it, but just as easy to chuck one in the car, they are not expensive .

[kybo]

NeilH said:

Indeed one of those bars I believe is a particular favourite of his - for a couple of reasons .....

Kybo - I am afraid the choice of hotel has never been down to me. If cost is of a concern, there are I believe a few B & B's close to the circuit.
As for your needs - Standard European Driving stuff
- Hi-Viz (must be inside the car with you & not in the boot - some French police get picky on this)
- Spare Bulb Kit
- Warning Triangle
- First aid kit
- The breathalyser is NOT compulsory since the French are having issues enforcing it, but just as easy to chuck one in the car, they are not expensive .

Thanks Neil

Would I need a fire extinguisher, or do people carry one of those as a matter of course now, anyway?

I take it I'd also need to get those headlamp beam deflectors, too?

[kybo]

Found a few options available to us, including camping, static caravans and bungalows/chalets, all reasonably priced too. Some on the outskirts of Spa town, which would be handy for the bars/restaurants etc.

I quite like the holiday park outside Sart Lez Spa (good facilities onsite) but my mate fancies the chalet on the outskirts of Spa.

Spoilt for choice, now.

Is it wise to book something so soon? Are the dates for this Spa weekend likely to change?

Thanks,
Scott

[jonnycrash]

Spa...!!- such sweet memories...
Neil- the trick with the Spa hill is to cycle up it and not coast down it- although you can get up a bloody good speed freewheeling down (some say I was quicker going down the hill on my bike than on the track..)
Essential to stay in Spa town if you can, visit the casino,( a beautiful building if nothing else), the gay bar (ask Warren for directions) and visit the spa/bathing pools at the top of the escalator-modern, v. clean and hugely relaxing.
In fact, I think it's time for a return- is big Paul free?

[kybo]

jonnycrash said:

Spa...!!- such sweet memories...
Neil- the trick with the Spa hill is to cycle up it and not coast down it- although you can get up a bloody good speed freewheeling down (some say I was quicker going down the hill on my bike than on the track..)
Essential to stay in Spa town if you can, visit the casino,( a beautiful building if nothing else), the gay bar (ask Warren for directions) and visit the spa/bathing pools at the top of the escalator-modern, v. clean and hugely relaxing.
In fact, I think it's time for a return- is big Paul free?

Well, despite the missus just being made redundant, it looks like I'll have to loosen the purse strings and opt for Spa, then.

jonnycrash said:

Spa...!!- the gay bar (ask Warren for directions)

^
Ah, the truth shall out...

...eventually

[kybo]

Well, just an update...

We've decided to stay on the outskirts of Spa town, about half mile from centre - deposit's paid, just waiting on confirmation it's been received.

The Ferry is booked - Dover to Dunkirk with DFDS.

I know you shouldn't wish your life away but I really can't wait for this weekend, now the details are all hanging together.

Anyone else booked owt yet? Or know where they're staying - anyone in Spa town? Would the town be up for a PH gathering (as in room for cars as well)?

Thanks
Scott

[Stuart Thompson]

Our group have opted for the N24 as an alternative to the Silverstone 24 now so we won't be going to Spa now.

[kybo]

Stuart Thompson said:

Our group have opted for the N24 as an alternative to the Silverstone 24 now so we won't be going to Spa now.

That's a massive shame...

...Alternatively, got any room for a little one?

I'll bring me camera

S

[kybo]

Deposit received!!

Woo-hoooo!

Chateau Sauveniere here we come...

...just need the name of Warren's favourite bar and we're set

S

[farmeryellow]

If i can remember this is the place......

[kybo]

farmeryellow said:

If i can remember this is the place......

Excellent - all set now, for sure!!!