Regarding cars, either Cass or I (or possibly both) will be driving up from Portland, so that's 1 or 2 more cars. I don't particularly want to drive all weekend long, but I don't mind doing some runners if need be.
The Monaco sounds fabulous and really eager to have us, which seems promising. I am a sucker for pretty.
I'm 90% sure I'm in town that week and can offer a sofa to sleep on if need be.
Kathy, thanks anyway. Hope to get to see you while I'm there.
brenda, I should know in the next few days whether that will be necessary. Thanks so much for offering! Are you reasonably close to public transportation?
Monaco has dropped the double room rate to $179/night from $189 (Single queen suite remains at $169). I say we go with them - they're super eager to work with us.
To recap - changes to the Monaco's offer in bold:
Name : Monaco
Room : 179 double queen or king, 169 single queen
Hosp. : comped if we reach 40 room nights period, otherwise $250/night
Party : 150
Catering : 980
Bar : billed on drinks served
Minimum : 2000
Parking : 40/night
WiFi : free
Name : Crowne
Room : 159 double or king
Hosp. : 300/day
Party : waived
Catering : 1110
Bar : 32/person
Minimum : 2000
Parking : 32/night
WiFi : 10/day
Do it. I say we pull the trigger on this one. I'd love to get my room and flight and everything else booked on this.
[In case anyone else has status with another hotel chain and can use the info: Kimpton has comped me Inner Circle status based on my Platinum status with Starwood. Can't hurt to try! I'm psyched because I really love their hotels and they have them in a few business(ish) locations, so now I won't always have to opt for Starwood.]
Monaco will be sending me the contract on Friday, which will give people here time to weigh in, and then I can post the terms so everyone can see them. ND & Kristin, I made sure to tell her we'll be taking the 2 rooms on either side of the suite.
For those who want to make reservations, please hold off until I get the contract - she made sure to tell me that there's a specific 800 number listed on it that we need to call in order to get this rate.