new old venue

[hummingbird]

Just saw ML's email that the Rally has been moved back to the old location. I've never been to the old location, so I wonder what is there outside the hotel? Is there anything to see or do (other than the Rally)? I was planning to bring my mom to CA again but if she's just going to sit in a hotel by the airport & not have access to tours & stuff, I don't think she'll be thrilled. Can you PM or post any info?thanksHummin'bird

[davewalton]

Quote:Just saw ML's email that the Rally has been moved back to the old location. I've never been to the old location, so I wonder what is there outside the hotel? Is there anything to see or do (other than the Rally)? I was planning to bring my mom to CA again but if she's just going to sit in a hotel by the airport & not have access to tours & stuff, I don't think she'll be thrilled. Can you PM or post any info?thanksHummin'bird That's both good news and bad news. Personally I liked the Hollywoood venue better overall than the airport venue and of course some of that has to do with the location, nothing musical. The plus side to the airport venue is that it's not nearly as spread out (actually, not spread out at all) so seeing and meeting people is a LOT easier, to the point where you can't help but see and meet people. The shuttle from the airport is free (if I remember correctly) and of course it only takes a few minutes to get from airport to hotel.Specifically for mom, there's nothing for her to do in that area. It's a nice hotel and it's not a bad area but no one would go there from anyplace else "to see the sights".

[hummingbird]

So who were all the members who wanted to go back to the old venue? I haven't met any. The fact is that the old location is going to cost more for me... as I stayed near the Rally at a slightly lower cost hotel with a kitchenette, and could make some of my meals... and walk over. There were also lots of cheaper choices than eating at the Rally Hotel (where pancakes for breakfast were $15 US). And we were near the subway, beginnings of tours, etc. I'm disappointed that it has been moved.Mind you, Mom said she'd like to go to some classes again this year... but I don't think she's ready to breathe, eat, talk & sleep music (sleep?) like the rest of us. However, I think she'd like sitting by the pool, having room service, and stuff like that. Sigh.

[mazz]

I guess I didn't see the e-mail that ML sent out. He intimated last year that the hotel in Hollywood was not happy with TAXI due to people jamming in their rooms and in the hallways, etc. The old venue (my first rally in 2004) was totally cool with us taking over the whole place with all night jams in the lobby and so on so I bet they're happy to have the Rally back.On the upside, the hotel is right by the airport so no long expensive cab/shuttle rides to the place. The downside is there's not much out there. There's a few places to eat within walking distance but nothing like Hollywood Blvd. It's more like the real LA. I bet there's some relatively inexpensive places to stay nearby if you do some research. Since it's so close to the airport, I think there's plenty of lodging within walking distance of the Rally site.It'll be great fun anyway!See you there,Mazz

[stick]

I've never been to the Rally, but I know LA, after having lived there for 7 years. The LAX area isn't great, but you're not far from Santa Monica to the north, and lots of cool beach towns to the south... Manhattan Beach is fun, and right there by the airport. Lunch at Sloopy's!I'm not sure what I'm going to do... maybe find a friend's place to crash at...

[matto]

Vikki,I have to confess I didn't like the Hollywood venue the first year, coming off several Rallys at the LAX venue. It seemed so spread out and the "Rally Spirit" seemed very much diluted by all the tourists and "Hollywood types". It was difficult to just "run into people", which you'd do all the time at the old place. Also, at the LAX venue there was jamming going on everywhere, particularly the lobby which was pretty much "comandeered" by the Rally crowd. It had a great vibe!Not to mention the "Rally Cats". I REALLY hope they're bringing them back this year...However...last year I had a really great time in Hollywood so I kinda changed my mind...now I don't know whether to be happy to be back at the old place or sad not to be in Hollywood anymore... I think the old venue is better for meeting lots of people and "conducting business", so to speak, the Hollywood one better for entertainment, and more interesting and appealing to out-of-towners. There won't be anything for your mom in the immediate (walking distance) vicinity of LAX, but if you can befriend somebody local with a car (or rent one), there are some cool places nearby (as mentioned by stick). Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach (which is very close and has lots of good restaurants) come to mind. I do know people who stayed at other nearby (walking distance) hotels to save on lodging, but I don't know if there's anything as great for the price as the "you know which" place in Hollywood.matto

[hummingbird]

Thanks everybody. Both Rally's I've attended so far have been in Hollywood. My first Rally was quite overwhelming... but I made some friends, and 2006 was even better (as I got to meet several of my friends here live and in person). I'm still disappointed that there won't be red carpets rolling out for premieres or Hamburger Haven across the street... and for those who are bringing family/friends who don't live & breathe music, it was a better locale. But I will be happy to be running into more of you all.

[augustheat]

Hmmm....Personally, I'm kind of bummed about the location. While my primary purpose for attending the Rally is the same as most, I'm very big on location and ambiance. For you guys in CA, it's probably not a big deal, because it's where you live. However, for many of us, it's quite exciting to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Hollywood for a conference. Frankly, there is nothing exciting about being at an airport location for me...I've attended many conferences, etc., over the years. I must admit (and I'm sure there are other who would agree) I'm not all that interested in attending conferences in locales that are remote, or too far off the beaten path. Especially, since the cost factor will primarily be the same for those of us traveling. Sure, I won't be paying for shuttle service, but what will that really save me? The other costs will remain the same, for the most part...During the past two Rally's, I really enjoyed walking around the area and taking in all of the craziness, once the day's events started winding down. In fact, many of my conversations with TAXI members happened off-site at local restaurants and other locations... Okay, I know I'm whining. I mean no disrespect to TAXI or anyone in the community. I'm just speaking for myself, but I'm not sure I will be attending this year. For me, It's partially about the energy and being in the midst of things. I'm kind of quirky that way...Blessings,

[hummingbird]

Quote:Hmmm....Personally, I'm kind of bummed about the location. While my primary purpose for attending the Rally is the same as most, I'm very big on location and ambiance. For you guys in CA, it's probably not a big deal, because it's where you live. However, for many of us, it's quite exciting to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Hollywood for a conference. Frankly, there is nothing exciting about being at an airport location for me...I've attended many conferences, etc., over the years. I must admit (and I'm sure there are other who would agree) I'm not all that interested in attending conferences in locales that are remote, or too far off the beaten path. Especially, since the cost factor will primarily be the same for those of us traveling. Sure, I won't be paying for shuttle service, but what will that really save me? The other costs will remain the same, for the most part...During the past two Rally's, I really enjoyed walking around the area and taking in all of the craziness, once the day's events started winding down. In fact, many of my conversations with TAXI members happened off-site at local restaurants and other locations... Okay, I know I'm whining. I mean no disrespect to TAXI or anyone in the community. I'm just speaking for myself, but I'm not sure I will be attending this year. For me, It's partially about the energy and being in the midst of things. I'm kind of quirky that way...Blessings, I agree with you Craig. I know the actual Rally part of things will be as good as, or better (how they tops themselves I never know).... the area, the ambience and the access to public transportation is a big thing to me. At the old locale I could hop on the subway and explore in my free time, and it felt safe to walk around because of the activities & tourists in the area. When one is paying big bucks to travel to one of the major cities in the world... the idea of staying at a hotel right by the airport (as nice as it might be) with no access to the subway and little to offer in terms of sightseeing or history doesn't really thrill you.H

[anne]

Actually, that particular hotel is amazingly comfy. Even though the hollywood hotel was nice and gave us a discount, I can't say the room was particularly as nice as the typical rooms I've stayed in at the "old location" hotel chain. And, I'd bet dollars on the fact that it will be a lot more productive being in that enviornment where you are really making connections continually throughout the weekend. Better add up all those airline credit card miles to make sure I can go!