Right, but NYC isn't the only city in the running, much as I love it. I'd like to at least have the option to vote for that date in one of the cities.

Also, is it truly blocked out, or was that a hotel conflict? Might there be other options? Just checking to see if I can have my cake and eat it too.

The reason that June 26-27 was off for New York was that that weekend is unavoidably booked for me. As I am "hosting", I felt it was reasonable to block out the date when I am not able to be present for the actual event, given that there were many other options that were open.

Got it, that makes perfect sense.

Providence and Philly, are both weekends open for you, or only one?

Philly doesn't seem to have any closed dates.

has anyone said that they would pimp providence?

sj did, Vortex. She's already provided us some initial info.

Providence and Philly, are both weekends open for you, or only one?

Both weekends are open for Providence at the $129 per night rate. The only weekend that I cannot host is June 12th weekend, because I will not be around, and the only weekend that the hotel cannot accommodate us is the weekend of July 4th, which makes sense to me. I am going to call the hotel that has not returned my e-mail today and see what is happening with them.

Okay, I am getting some very good offers from some of the best Philly hotels. Is it better to place all offers in one post or in several?

Here is one that looks great to me:

Hotel: RADISSON PLAZA WARWICK HOTEL

Offered: 3/15/10 Rate Type: Direct bid from the Radisson Plaza Warwick Ho. Subject to availability. Location: 1701 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA [Downtown-City Center] Map (0.61 miles from Reading Terminal Market) Rate: $139.00 USD per night + 15.2% taxes Policies: Group must book rooms no later than 30 days before check-in. The group is not responsible to pay for unused rooms in the block. Group members may cancel no later than 6PM on day of arrival. No misc. hotel resort fees or flat taxes No deposit required. These policies are specific to your group request as determined by the hotel. Comments: - We have availability for any of the JULY dates. - All of our guest rooms are newly renovated and feature complimentary high-speed internet access, complimentary bottled water, 32" LCD televisions with high-definition channels, and our signature SleepNumber beds by Select Comfort. - We are happy to offer a complimentary hospitality room, as well as a room for your Saturday party. All catering would need to be through the hotel. This offer is good for 1 Week after 03/15/10.

That does look good.