Thanks, Java. I'd actually already rang up and spoken with three in that area - they don't meet the requirements list, unfortunately. I'm a fan of Cow Hollow, myself, but they simply don't fit the criteria as stated by the group. And the hotel at Fort Mason isn't a hotel, it's a hostel.

I think there's a Holiday Inn on Van Ness near where it meets Lombard?

No. It's actually a different chain; they were one of the first places I checked. Group rate for that weekend was very high, and they were very slow about providing anything resembling a bid. The Holiday Inn on Van Ness is the Golden Gateway, and it's actually closer to the mid-srea than north. Also, the bid from the Holiday Inn covered comparisons of all four of their SF properties, and the Civic Center is by far the best deal they can offer.

IOW, they have a nice organised office that balances all their branches against the needs of the client. They took a good long look at the IFB, and put together the $99 bid at the Civic Center that is the main one I'm going to present.

They know price is an issue. I trust them enough to assume they know the best places in their cities for what we're looking for, and capable of negotiating for places they'd actually sleep without pretreating with flea powder, and eat in, without taking anti-biotics.

If their proposals don't appeal, people won't vote for them. If what they come back with appeals, people will vote for them.

That's how I feel about it, too.

Question re: Vegas.

Shold I inquire on Fremont Street (downtown) or keep inquiries based on The Strip?

Shitting Bull Consensus only.

Aimee, since we have a particular Vegas hotel we stay at no matter what, I don't get a vote on this one.

Include downtown. I haven't been in years, but I know I used to like it. Isn't it all enclosed and air conditioned, now? Or was that a myth?

Yes. Do Fremont Street. That area is a load of fun and it's easy to get to the strip either by shuttle or cheap cab.

Haven't been to Vegas in years so I'm good for whatever.

Kay.

Got a note back from The Trop - they are under renovation and aren't accepting IFB's.

I've done a meeting planner thingie with Harrah's and will do one with Treaure Island. I might do one with A Great Big Hotel, just to see.

I'll work on Fremont Street next.

Is No Pool a dealbreaker? (By which I mean for anyone else?)

If Fremont street has fewer slot machines dinging constantly, I'm all for it.

eta: Whoa! for a second, I thought that said "Is no poo a dealbreaker"

Keep in mind the quality of the pools range far and wide. The pool at the Imperial Palace is nothing more than a big cement hole in the ground with no shade except for the building itself. Whereas the pool at Treasure Island is very tropical with cabanas and palm trees, etc.

I would think that if the downtown casinos have pools, they'd either be indoor or on a rooftop.

You can also get a great $1.99 shrimp coctail on Freemont Street.