because I am annoyed with the hotel people.

Oh no! I'm so sorry! That sucks.

I just sent a cranky email to the hotel that has totally ignored my previous emails.

Also, Salem could be a fun day trip for folks who are interested in checking it out. I'd definitely highly recommend that.

(It's on my list. Twice, actually.)

I have been woefully lax in nagging the NYC Visitors Bureau people, who promised to get back to me by the end of July, and have not.

There's a brand-spanking new Holiday Inn Express a few blocks from my apartment, which would be perfect (good rates, free wireless internet, free continental breakfast), except that it's an Express, and has no suites or meeting rooms. Sooo....nevermind. But I'm not giving up! Brooklyn is too cool a place not to be crawling with Buffistas.

we could stay at the Express and have the party someplace else, maybe?

I'm definitely looking into that, yeah. It's in a perfect location -- not right in the middle of everything the way the Marriott is, but (a) much cheaper, and (b) free wireless internet & breakfast. I have a few places in mind within easy walking distance that would make good Prom locations, if we can afford to rent them out.

serial: got off the phone with the second hotel. The hotels here are relatively small and May and June are just too busy with weddings and graduations to accomodate our group at the rates we want. Rooms would be more in the $140-150 range, and we'd likely need to split over 2 hotels. So, unless I hear a clamoring for more info despite this preliminary research, I am pulling Salem from the ring.

If we end up in Boston, though, I'll get back in and try to organize an outing up here.

I can talk to a bar owner I know, Jess.