Residence Count to Predict BOYL 2015 Accommodation Plans
- Thread starter weazil
- Start date
Fimm McCool
Lord
Skarsnik & Old Lead":1iijhnmq said:
Yes please.
weazil
Moderator
Hi all
Just an update on this - I've not even had a chance to consider BOYL 2015 yet, what with the idiotic reality of real life. I have taken Skarsnik up on his offer to investigate the accommodation, but I will start setting up the event in February, which is about the right time (experience shows) to start leading up to the show. That said, in true oldhammer community style (which is the way anarchy should be), I suspect the large bulk of this is already under control and the only thing we'll need, as always, is the marriage of tables to games.
Just an update on this - I've not even had a chance to consider BOYL 2015 yet, what with the idiotic reality of real life. I have taken Skarsnik up on his offer to investigate the accommodation, but I will start setting up the event in February, which is about the right time (experience shows) to start leading up to the show. That said, in true oldhammer community style (which is the way anarchy should be), I suspect the large bulk of this is already under control and the only thing we'll need, as always, is the marriage of tables to games.
Crucium Giger
Serf
My other half (Amy) was just asking about this as she wanted to get somewhere booked in advance, probably the Premier Inn, as it's cheaper the sooner you do however we'd prefer to stay where the majority of people are and if there's a discount then bonus. Good to see that it is being sorted now as sooner is definitely better than later.
weazil
Moderator
Righto
So, I've gained a newfound respect for travel agents...
The picture in Newark seems bleak (or rather, indifferent to last year). This is what I have discovered in my quest for accommodation:
The criteria I used when discussing rates with people was 20 rooms, being 10 with double beds and 10 with two single beds (to allow room sharing), paid as close to the booking cutoff as possible. I derived the number 20 from the survey on this thread.
Now, unfortunately, it seems that unless you're a government delegation or a high profile rock band on tour, one just can't extract a discount from these people. Even in those circumstances, it seems unlikely. Their position (universally) is that the rates are competitive enough and because we're scheduling a summer date, they won't struggle to sell these rooms. In some cases the price actually goes up for a group booking (because we lose the individual special rates that each hotel is allowed to offer).
So, it seems to me that there are three choices in Newark itself:
1. The Premier Inn
2. Millgate House
3. Best Western Deincourt
The obvious choices are marked out on the map as follows:
Considering our desire to be as central as possible, I feel that Premier Inn just doesn't have enough to offer, leaving us with Millgate and Deincourt. I can't say much for the difference between the two, apart from the fact that Millgate seems to have more rooms with two beds than Deincourt, meaning more people can share a room to cut cost.
Other things to think about:
There are many smaller hotels and B&Bs in the area that one might be able to arrange for smaller parties to occupy, although I can't see the rates being much lower as a result.
If we are considering staying out of Newark, but 'all together' as it were, does that raise questions about staying in Nottingham itself? I don't know if the price will decrease, but it seems like there are more options (although probably no parking).
So.... thoughts? Does anyone else have any suggestions or advice?
So, I've gained a newfound respect for travel agents...
The picture in Newark seems bleak (or rather, indifferent to last year). This is what I have discovered in my quest for accommodation:
The criteria I used when discussing rates with people was 20 rooms, being 10 with double beds and 10 with two single beds (to allow room sharing), paid as close to the booking cutoff as possible. I derived the number 20 from the survey on this thread.
Now, unfortunately, it seems that unless you're a government delegation or a high profile rock band on tour, one just can't extract a discount from these people. Even in those circumstances, it seems unlikely. Their position (universally) is that the rates are competitive enough and because we're scheduling a summer date, they won't struggle to sell these rooms. In some cases the price actually goes up for a group booking (because we lose the individual special rates that each hotel is allowed to offer).
So, it seems to me that there are three choices in Newark itself:
1. The Premier Inn
2. Millgate House
3. Best Western Deincourt
The obvious choices are marked out on the map as follows:
Considering our desire to be as central as possible, I feel that Premier Inn just doesn't have enough to offer, leaving us with Millgate and Deincourt. I can't say much for the difference between the two, apart from the fact that Millgate seems to have more rooms with two beds than Deincourt, meaning more people can share a room to cut cost.
Other things to think about:
There are many smaller hotels and B&Bs in the area that one might be able to arrange for smaller parties to occupy, although I can't see the rates being much lower as a result.
If we are considering staying out of Newark, but 'all together' as it were, does that raise questions about staying in Nottingham itself? I don't know if the price will decrease, but it seems like there are more options (although probably no parking).
So.... thoughts? Does anyone else have any suggestions or advice?
Attachments
Crucium Giger
Serf
Personally I'd be in favour of Premier Inn myself, never had an issue with them (I'd I've stayed at quite a few due to work) and with the Good Night guarantee if you do have a bad stay it's money back guaranteed. Plus there is always usually and eating/drinking establishment attached to them. I'll admit the the Deincourt is better located with town, especially for pubs/restaurants so we'd be happy there if that's where the majority of people were staying. I'd still liked to get somewhere booked sooner rather than later.
The main things for us are getting a good nights kip, being well fed and watered, and being able to socialise with everyone after a good days gaming (we'll be there Friday and Saturday night).
The main things for us are getting a good nights kip, being well fed and watered, and being able to socialise with everyone after a good days gaming (we'll be there Friday and Saturday night).
Crucium Giger
Serf
weazil":18ksu0np said:
Sounds like the best idea.
weazil
Moderator
Vyper":13v9whde said:
Hi Vyper
Surprisingly, we were not able to get any kind of group discount at any of the vendors in Newark. It seems the business of accommodation is so cut throat already that only entire 'take-overs' will garner any sort of interest nowadays...
So, that does give you the choice if where you want to stay. If you look on page 3 of this thread, you'll see the map describing the break-down of where the venues that we considered are, together with their prices.
It seems most of us will be arranging to stay at Deincourt again, mainly because of price and location (and familiarity, I suppose), although I know that there are some of us booked into the Premier Inn and a few Bnb's in the area.
Fimm McCool
Lord
Shout politely at Harry, I think he was arranging for the Bristol/Dursley contingent but not heard anything recent...
Drew Day Williams
Serf
Before I get a room at the Deincourt just for my own lonesome self, is there anyone who is currently shopping for others to split with?
As I'll be spending a couple grand in american $ flying in from San Francisco, I'll be happier for a few dollars saved, and getting to know some new faces.
As I'll be spending a couple grand in american $ flying in from San Francisco, I'll be happier for a few dollars saved, and getting to know some new faces.
Skarsnik
Vassal
Drew Williams":2hs8j778 said:Before I get a room at the Deincourt just for my own lonesome self, is there anyone who is currently shopping for others to split with?
As I'll be spending a couple grand in american $ flying in from San Francisco, I'll be happier for a few dollars saved, and getting to know some new faces.
Hey Drew
I was planning to travel each day this year, but the more I think about it the more I want to spend at least a night or two staying in Newark. So if you're happy with someone sharing for just a night or two, then I'd be happy to pick up some of the cost.
Drew Day Williams
Serf
Skarsnik & Old Lead":1jpl2o9y said:Drew Williams":1jpl2o9y said:Before I get a room at the Deincourt just for my own lonesome self, is there anyone who is currently shopping for others to split with?
As I'll be spending a couple grand in american $ flying in from San Francisco, I'll be happier for a few dollars saved, and getting to know some new faces.
Hey Drew
I was planning to travel each day this year, but the more I think about it the more I want to spend at least a night or two staying in Newark. So if you're happy with someone sharing for just a night or two, then I'd be happy to pick up some of the cost.
I'll bear that in mind I I make choices this week.
Drew Day Williams
Serf
Skarsnik & Old Lead":3ir6hnfh said:Drew Williams":3ir6hnfh said:Before I get a room at the Deincourt just for my own lonesome self, is there anyone who is currently shopping for others to split with?
As I'll be spending a couple grand in american $ flying in from San Francisco, I'll be happier for a few dollars saved, and getting to know some new faces.
Hey Drew
I was planning to travel each day this year, but the more I think about it the more I want to spend at least a night or two staying in Newark. So if you're happy with someone sharing for just a night or two, then I'd be happy to pick up some of the cost.
Skarsnick, find a PM from me in your inbox.