Pros and Cons of Staying at the Exam Site Hotel

When I stayed at a race host hotel for the CNO Financial Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis yesterday, November 9, I quickly realized how easy it was to get caught up in the energy—and nerves—of everyone around me. As I sat down for breakfast, just an hour or so before the start of my half marathon race, I couldn’t help but notice runners in their finisher shirts from other big-name races. Listening to people talk about their training plans and paces left me questioning whether I’d done enough myself. (I hadn’t, but, of course, I didn’t want to reminded of that!)

This experience reminded me of something I often hear from bar examinees who stay at hotels located at the exam sites: the feeling of being surrounded by other test-takers can either fuel your motivation or heighten your nerves.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if staying at the exam site hotel is the right choice for you.

The Pros

Convenience: Staying at the exam hotel takes out the stress of commuting. You can wake up, have breakfast, and walk right to the testing room without worrying about parking or traffic. This convenience can give you a smoother, more relaxed start to your exam days.

Familiarity: Staying in the same location as the exam helps you get comfortable with the layout. You’ll know where to find the testing rooms, bathrooms, and quiet spots, making the exam days feel less intimidating.

Consistent routine: With the hotel breakfast just steps away, you can easily stick to your routine. Imagine having a hot cup of coffee and some eggs just as you might on a regular study day. The familiarity can help put you in a focused mindset.

Less risk of delays: By staying at the exam hotel, you avoid the potential for last-minute and unexpected travel disruptions. Whether it’s traffic, weather, or a late Uber driver, you won’t have to worry about unpredictable delays when you’re already where you need to be.

The Cons

Seeing other examinees: Just like seeing marathoners in their impressive finisher shirts, spotting other examinees at breakfast can be a double-edged sword. Some will be flipping through last-minute notes, others talking about how many hours they studied. And yes, you’ll spot people who seem well-prepared or perhaps overly confident (whether warranted or not). The pressure of seeing others can start to chip away at your confidence.

Chatter about performance: At my recent stay, I overheard people chatting about their “paces” and “PRs” (personal records), and even saw a Boston Marathon finisher jacket—a race that’s notoriously difficult to qualify for. Imagine that kind of chatter, but exam-related. The constant comparison can lead to questions like, “Did I do enough?” or “Did I miss a topic?” This might not be the ideal headspace the night before the bar exam.

Distractions: While host hotels are convenient, they can be a bit chaotic, especially with examinees discussing strategy, reviewing notes, or flipping through their commercial bar review outlines at all hours. These interactions can feel overwhelming, especially if you prefer calm or solitude before an exam. This environment may be unsettling for those who need quiet time to mentally prepare.

Cost considerations: Host hotels can sometimes be on the pricier side—after all, you’re paying for the added convenience. If you’re looking to budget for other things, consider whether the added expense is worth the convenience. Sometimes, a hotel or an Airbnb just a block away can offer the same advantages without the intense “exam day” atmosphere.

For some, the convenience and reduced travel stress of staying at the exam hotel outweigh the cons. For others, choosing a nearby hotel with a bit of distance from the “exam crowd” provides that extra peace of mind. If you’re someone who might get affected by seeing others like I was with marathon runners, consider whether staying nearby but not at the site itself might help you keep your cool.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a setup that helps you feel grounded and confident on exam day. You’ve trained for this moment—run your own race.