Hotel for 2013 rally?

[TimWalter]

Sorry if this has been posted somewhere, but is it too early to book the hotel connecting to the rally location? Last year I booked it but had to cancel due to other conflict. I am determined to make it this year, and have found that at conventions, etc it is worth the usual higher price to stay right at the event...for a number of reasons (convenience, interaction with other attendees, etc). So, anyway point me to an official listing of the 2013 rally and the hotel to book, etc? Thanks in advance. Tim

[Casey H]

It's best to wait until Taxi announces that the special rally room rate is available, probably some time this summer. When that announcement comes out, you shouldn't have any problems getting a room. Just don't wait until the very last minute.

See you there!
Casey

[remmet]

Did I read somewhere that the Westin would be offering the 4th night for free? Could that possibly be true?

Richard

[Casey H]

Did I read somewhere that the Westin would be offering the 4th night for free? Could that possibly be true?

Richard

Only for Serious Musicians.

Seriously, AFAIK that's a general promo the Westin is running but since we get the special rally rate you wouldn't be able to take advantage of it-- probably can't combine special offers. Not 100% sure but it's a strong guess.

Best,
Casey

[johncolumbo]

Hey Guys,

I'm planning for the big event and was wondering if the 'special hotel rate' that y'all mentioned above has been announced yet and if so where do I go to get it?
Also, are there any meals included in the tickets we all have or are we on our own for food?

Gotta ok all these expenses with the wife you know and she has lots of questions.

Thanks,

[kclements]

Hi John -

AFAIK, the hotel rate has not yet been announced. I think Michael said announcements would becoming in the next month or so. You won't be able to miss it - there will be many people linking to it, and it will be on the Taxi Road Rally page.

As for eating - you are on your own. There is the Mentor Lunch for an additional fee, that includes lunch at the hotel and a series of Mentors that move from table to table to talk and answer questions.

There is a Subway, Denny's and McDonalds within walking distance from the Hotel, and a couple others I think. There is also a nice restaurant in the hotel itself that a lot of us eat at when we don't feel like walking. There is a station where you can buy breakfast treats and coffee each morning as well.

Cheers -
kc

[Casey H]

Hey Guys,

I'm planning for the big event and was wondering if the 'special hotel rate' that y'all mentioned above has been announced yet and if so where do I go to get it?
Also, are there any meals included in the tickets we all have or are we on our own for food?

Gotta ok all these expenses with the wife you know and she has lots of questions.

Thanks,

Hi John
I don't believe there have been any announcements yet regarding the rally hotel rate. Just keep an eye on your Taxi emails. They always make a point of letting us know in plenty of time.

Meals are not included (unless you break into Dave Walton's room and raid his mini-bar )... The hotel has an excellent restaurant but it's rather pricey. So many of us eat most of our meals at the local Subway, Denny's, Taco Bell (eat at your own risk), and The Internet Café. All those places are a very short walk from the hotel. In the mornings there is a Starbucks stand in the hotel lobby for much needed caffeine, bagels, pastries, muffins, etc.

Your wife sounds like mine. A tough but fair Chief Financial Officer.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Casey

PS Posted at the same time as kc... Great minds... Yes, I forgot to mention the mentor lunch. Especially if it's your first time, I recommend you sign up for one of those. I think it's $30 or $35... You get a good meal and get to meet tons of mentors, many who are actual Taxi screeners.

[johncolumbo]

Thanks KC and Casey, fantastic information... I'll be on the lookout for the special rates email.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the usual difference in room price? Right now the cheapest room rate I could find was $122 a night.
Yes Casey, my wife is an awesome chief financial officer... I'm the spender. This is why I'll have a strict allowance while there LOL

Thank you both for the super helpful insight.

[Casey H]

Thanks KC and Casey, fantastic information... I'll be on the lookout for the special rates email.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the usual difference in room price? Right now the cheapest room rate I could find was $122 a night.
Yes Casey, my wife is an awesome chief financial officer... I'm the spender. This is why I'll have a strict allowance while there LOL

Thank you both for the super helpful insight.

I've seen the special Taxi rally rates vary from the low $120's to the $140's. $122 is an excellent rate for that hotel. Did you call the hotel and ask for their Taxi road rally rate? You probably wouldn't get much better than $122. If it's refundable (if a better rate comes up), nothing wrong with snatching that one.

[johncolumbo]

Thank you for the great information Casey!
Just to be sure, am I looking at the correct hotel here http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/pr ... rtyID=1005

Thanks again,