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I wanted to plan for the rally this year. I am making it a point to go and I was wondering if anyone could tell me aproximate dates and cost. I know admission is free(I think) but was wondering about lodging and any other costs I might have. Thanks!

It's usually around the first weekend in November. Plan on transportation costs (airfare or driving or....) to LAX.The hotel that the Rally is held at usually has a special Rally rate of around 150/night. Plan on 3 nights minimum, some folks like to stay the 4th night (usually Sunday) and leave Monday some time, if your schedule can accommodate that. Folks here have found roomates to split the cost if that appeals to you.There may be less expensive hotels in the area, I've never explored that option, I prefer to stay at the hotel where the Rally is held.Food cost is variable, the hotel restaurant is not the least expensive option, for sure. I don't know what the costs would be, that's up to your budget. Same with the bar tab. That's my best guess. Hope this helps you put together a rough budget.Hope you can come.Mazz

Thanks for the info Mazz. I will be there but I wanted to get a rough idea of what it will cost me so I can save up for it. Staying right there where the rally is sounds like a really good idea. A lot less hassle at the end of the day!Again thanks!

The rally hotel, with all the taxes, is in the high $170's per night, if I recall. As LA prices go, that's still quite a bargain price. Many of us eat at an internet cafe/sort-of-fast (but decent) food restuarant a block away. Eating at the hotel, as you would expect, is pricey.A few people have stayed at the less expensive hotel across the street. I prefer to be at the rally hotel (safer neighborhood-wise and a much better rally experience). Some have hooked up with roommates here on this forum to cut room expenses while still staying at the rally hotel.Best,Casey

I have stayed at a different hotel, and I've stayed at the Rally hotel. I much prefer to stay in the hotel that the Rally is at. It makes taking a quick break, dashing to my room between classes, running up to get more CDs, or grabbing my guitar, a lot easier. I meet a lot of people in the elevator, lol. In fact, my first year staying at the Rally hotel, I unexpectedly met a friend (who I knew from the Just Plan Folks forum) in the elevator, and she ended up singing harmony on songs that Casey & I & my friend James Mitchell performed at the open mic. The rehearsing/jamming & the performing is just one of my great memories from that Rally. That wouldn't have happened if I hadn't popped upstairs to my room in the Rally hotel to grab something.

Hi; I stayed at the hotel where the rally was held. It was my 1st rally and I accomplished everything that I set out to accomplish at the rally. They even played one of my songs during on of the panels.I plan on doing the same thing this year as far as attending and staying at the hotel where the rally is held.It's a must attend event and I won't be missing another one. I ate at the buffet in the hotel which cost in the $25.00 range. My room was great and staying there made it easy to take a quick break & or change clothes if needed. Geri Gateswww.taxi.com/gerigates

Hi Everyone. When anyone knows for sure about the date this year, please post up, i'm already trying to sort out my complicated travel plans for this fall/winter. a thought about the hotels- i whole-heartedly agree with everyone for preferring to stay at the rally hotel. i used to live very near by the rally hotel so i never needed to stay at the hotel. last year was my first year away and the pennies were really tight so even though i would've liked to stay at the rally hotel it was worth it to me to save $70 a night by staying at the motel across the street (i'm not much of a roommate type person during the rally). yes it's slightly ghetto but i never felt unsafe. and it too, is full of taxi people so you don't feel isolated. i'd still recommend the rally hotel so you are constantly submerged in the action and interaction, but if you want to save and don't demand anything fancy, the motel is just fine in my opinion. if you want further info about it feel free to PM me.

Yeah we went on the cheap last year for our first one but I can see the benefit of staying on location because you so much running around it's tough staying down the street like we did even though it was only a 10 minute walk. We did a lot of eating at Denny's and Taco Bell That's the only Denny's I've seen with a full bar! This year we'll definitely stay at the Rally hotel.

I'm seriously thinking of attending myself - primarily influenced by what I've gained participating here at the forum. I think its a fair bet the biggest cost savings would be from booking your flight soon as dates are announced.... they just get more expensive closer you get to your departure date. Oh, and pack plenty of Ramen noodles!~Chris

Chris,Believe it or not we usually get our tickets at least 14-30 days prior...no sooner and have been able to get them round trip for $250 or less every year for the past 5 years. Of course we can rarely ever fly out of Cincinnati which is rediculously higher. Not sure if Cleveland has other close options. If you are limited to one airport it might be wiser to get them sooner.And Taco bell has their .89 and .99 cent items right across the street Hopefully we'll see ya there.Tricia