IM Wisconsin - places to stay suggestions?

We stayed at the Courtyard/Marriot East - 6 mile straight shot to the race venue, found it very easy and could escape the huge crowds if desired - kids enjoyed the pool and the breakfast was great.  I am racing this year and decided to stay again along with friends and fam that are also attending.  Downtown parking is "reasonable" but that is entirely a perspective based on what you would be used to.  Big City vs. Smaller - I found it very reasonable with just a little searching.  And to top it off the hotel was reasonably priced.  Hope that helps

You can easily drive to the starting line in the morning.  The earlier you get there, the better the parking proximity to transition.  I live on the Far West side of Madison and left my house around 4:45am and was in the transition area by 5am.

Getting around the area the day of the event is not a huge issue.  Your friends can easily see you swim, see you on the bike (Old Sauk Pass/Timber would be great) and still see you multiple times on the run.  It would be wise for your friends map out a few key spots ahead of time so you know where to look for them.  I would be happy to provide suggestions/directions.  I live right off Old Sauk. 

As far as hotels, it depends on whether you mind driving back and forth several times that weekend.  Nothing is particularly far and you can get some decent deals on either the West Side or East Side of Madison.  Downtown is easy because you can walk almost everywhere....e.g Concourse, Hilton (on top of transition basically).  Again if you want actual recos let me know.

I did IMWI for the first time last year and, based on my family's experience, this advice/info is spot-on.  We drove from West Madison into the race site on Friday, Sat, and Sunday.  Never had a problem getting parking, etc.  So don't worry if you choose to stay over there. 

On race morning, we left for the race site at 5 am and were parked a short walk from transition by 5:25, as I recall.

The only significant delay I recall was the line at the restroom...

We stayed at the Staybridge East for the race, but during a practice weekend we stayed at the Residence Inn West in Middleton - really liked that Middleton area and would probably go back there if I race IMWI again. Both were equa-distance from the race site, just opposite sides of town.

Absolutely no issues driving in early race morning, finding a parking garage spot, and walking to the Terrace.

We stayed at the Doubletree both years I've done IMW.  We thought it was great to be close to the action.  No parking worries.  An easy walk to the start.  And remember it's not just the race start...there's registration, expo, bag and bike dropoffs.  And State Street is really fun.  Also, the wife liked being able to have a nearby "home base" to quickly drop into during the race...right along  the run course. 

They probably are sold out now, but there will certainly be some cancellations.  I recall then emailing me a few months before the race just to make sure I was still going to be there.