Of the thousands of curiosity seekers who will be in southern Illinois this week for Monday's total solar eclipse, many are out-of-towners, who booked hotel rooms months ago.
Full hotels translate to an influx of cash also spent at local restaurants and in stores, a dream event for local business.
There was a concern initially that SIU's return to fall classes early next week would overlap the eclipse effect, meaning parents would be looking for rooms at the same time as eclipse chasers.
However, the university has asked students to move into university residences and apartments early -- this week -- instead of the weekend.
So hotels, in particular, benefit from two high-draw events.
Kelly McMillin, manager of the Comfort Inn in Marion, said rooms have been sold out this weekend for more than a year.
"We still have a few rooms available for Friday and Saturday," she said.
McMillin said the room rates are elevated this weekend based on demand. Normally, the cost of a room is about $120.
This weekend, they are $250.
Although McMillin concedes that SIU has taken steps to separate the two events, "it would have been less stressful" if there were at least a week between them.
"And it probably would have been more beneficial for businesses if it were two weekends rather than one," she added.
Matt Monchino, manager of Holiday Inn Express in Marion and Carbondale, said all 205 rooms combined are pretty much spoken for. He defended the higher prices hotels are charging this weekend as a widespread industry practice.
"Because there is no reliable history for an event like the eclipse, other businesses cannot predict volume or busy times," he said, adding that hotels, unlike other venues, are limited by their number of rooms no matter how big the event.
Shari Sizemore, general manager of the Hampton Inn in Carbondale, said the hotel has been booked since early 2017.
The Hampton has up to 80 available rooms and their three-night packages for the eclipse weekend are $499 per night.
She's pretty excited that some NASA people are staying there, too.
The Hampton is giving all guests eclipse eyewear, plus snacks, drinks and information provided by Carbondale Tourism.
The Fairgrounds Inn in Du Quoin has been sold out since April.
"We've had cancellations here and there but would then fill it right back up in a short time," said front desk clerk Tommie Miller.
"Our busiest night will, of course, be Sunday, but we also expect to be nearly full on both Saturday and Monday nights," she added.
Miller said all 59 rooms are going for $299 per night this weekend. The normal rate is $89.
