Practical info about Summer Nationals

[mfp]

What's the Hawthorn Suites like?

Some reviews from Priceline users can be found here:

http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...icID=376.topic

[Mo]

What's the Hawthorn Suites like?

We stayed there the last time. It is nice. You have to drive to the venue but if you don't have a car maybe you can hitch a ride. A lot of fencers stay there.
There is a nice pool and breakfast is really a breakfast. They had good food the last time. My kids could fill up and fence quite a bit.
We are staying there too!! Free cocktails from 5-7 in the bar.

[Peach]

I'll see you there!

[Mo]

Some reviews from Priceline users can be found here:

http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...icID=376.topic

I am really happy that the Priceline people seemed to like it. I've been to so many hotels now that they are all running together. If they had said it sucked i would assume I am fully senile.
It is hard to find a parking spot downtown. We found a much cheaper parking garage on the last day. (Of course)
I remember correctly there are some really good fireworks on the 4th too that can be seen from close by.
The fireworks in Austin were amazing!! We watched them from the roof of the parking garage.
I like Summer Nats....

[foilepee]

What is the parking situation for cars at the Summer nationals? What about a place to lock up a bike?

Thanks!

[demon_fencer]

What is the parking situation for cars at the Summer nationals? What about a place to lock up a bike?

Thanks!

Bike racks are plentiful but parking is a pain in the rear. There are several parking garages that all charge outrageous amounts of money. The two main covered garages nearest the convention center are on 13th Street - one has the entrance on the west side between J & I, and the other has the entrance on the west side between K & J. There are also a few private lots scattered around - look for a tiny parking area between buildings and signs posting the rates. Parking (not a meter) starts at around $6 for the day and goes up from there.

More non-fencing stuff to do is the farmer's market Wednesdays from 9am-2pm at Cesar Chavez park (bounded by 9th, 10th, J & I Streets) flowers, fruits, veggies, nuts, breads and lunch carts selling Chinese, Mexican, sandwiches, and kettle corn. It gets really crowded around 11:30-12:30 with people on their lunch breaks from the surrounding offices.

Best cookies (in my opinion) are at Goodie Tuchews (1006 10th St - between K & J on 10th St). Provided that the baker isn't off in France again, the store is open from 10am (I think) to 2:30pm (and will close earlier if everything sells out). You can call in an order or hope that your favorite isn't sold out. I LOVE the chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

[ra2000a]

How's the Hyatt Regency Hotel?

[fencerbill]

How's the Hyatt Regency Hotel?

THS did not have my dates for Hyatt. I called directly and got a super senior rate of $119.

The knees are shot. Have to be close.

[MarinT]

[QUOTE=Inquartata]Any recommendations on not-too-expensive hotels/motels close to the venue? I know, I know, I'm stupid to have put it off this late, but there you are.

I don't know if this will help, but I have two extra rooms at the Hyatt in Sac. on the 4th and the 5th. I'm asking $200 per room for both nights, and that is a great deal especially this late. I am willing to be flexible if someone is in a really tight situation because it would be great to get these rooms filled. Let me know if your in need.

Thanks,
Marin

[mfp]

For those still headed to Sacramento and roomless, we just picked up the Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel for $85 a night for Thursday and Friday night by bidding on Priceline for a 4* property in the downtown zone (only).

A separate Priceline bid of $42 a night bid for a 2.5* property in the downtown zone got us the Hawthorn Suites for Saturday night.

[darius]

Hey, the Local Organizing Committee missed a biggie when it comes to transportation -- there's a public bus that runs from 11th and L Street to the airport. $1.50 each way, and it takes the same 20 minutes that the Super Shuttle took.

darius

[Inquartata]

[QUOTE=MarinT]

I don't know if this will help, but I have two extra rooms at the Hyatt in Sac. on the 4th and the 5th.

Thanks for the very generous offer. Alas, I did not arrive in Sacramento until the 6th. Ended up in the Vagabond Inn. I hope it worked out OK for you...

[sabreteur]

I'm going to recommend they change it from the Vagabond Inn to either the Bedbug Inn, or A Fine Place For Bad Refs Inn.

As of this morning the bite count was over 55 and a total of 9 bedbugs captured/killed.

The management was bewildered when I brought them a generous selection of the little bloodsuckers.

[Capt. Slo-mo]

Like bedbugs? You'll love this!

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...3_bedbugs.html

[Welted 24/7]

The management was bewildered when I brought them a generous selection of the little bloodsuckers.

The refs, or the bugs?