NAC B Hotels

[Phincer]

Just thought I'd start a new thread-we found this hotel, 1 mile from venue, and the website says they offer free parking, and free shuttle service to convention center. $119 a night.

Dallas Marriott Suites Market Center

Sorry, I would have put a link, but it kept logging in to my account.

[JMcC]

Originally Posted by Phincer

Just thought I'd start a new thread-we found this hotel, 1 mile from venue, and the website says they offer free parking, and free shuttle service to convention center. $119 a night.

Dallas Marriott Suites Market Center

Looks interesting, but the official USFA host hotel (Hampton Inn Downtown West End) appears to have a free full breakfast included in its daily rate.

And this Marriott's "Complimentary Shuttle service with in (sic) a 5 mile radius" might in actuality translate to "yes we have a shuttle van, but it just left for (fill in the blank) and it won't be back for a while."

[Phincer]

Originally Posted by JMcC

Looks interesting, but the official USFA host hotel (Hampton Inn Downtown West End) appears to have a free full breakfast included in its daily rate.

And this Marriott's "Complimentary Shuttle service with in (sic) a 5 mile radius" might in actuality translate to "yes we have a shuttle van, but it just left for (fill in the blank) and it won't be back for a while."

Yeah, a shuttle is always "iffy", but the free parking is the thing-after foregoing having a car at SN b/c the parking fee (valet only) at the hotel was $25 a day (+$10 at the venue). This hotel is 1 mile from the venue-and I never count on public transportation to get me anywhere (rapid transit). My luck that's the weekend they decide to do track repairs or something.

If you're staying all four days, the cost is the issue-this was close and reasonable for a short stay.

Oh-and check the time of the free breakfast on the weekend (this goes for any hotel). Sometimes weekend breakfast times aren't early enough for those who have to get to the venue for an early registration time. BTDT.

[oso97]

As I promised in this post, I'll be happy to provide info on any of the hotels in Dallas from a local perspective.

Dallas Marriott Suites Market Center is in the Medical Center/Market Center district, just northwest of downtown. Its across the highway from Parkland Hospital and the Dallas World Trade Center. There IS a rail connection there, but it is across the freeway from the hotel, and would be difficult to get to, unless the shuttle takes you there. Assuming the hotel shuttle is dependable, that is actually a very very good way to go. You'd be able to go directly to the Convention Center itself via train, with a single connection.

Its also a "nice" hotel, with plenty of good "Marriotness" if you know what I mean. A good choice. However, the biggest issue is going to be transportation to the convention center during the rush hour on Friday and Monday. It is not going to be easy to drive that particular stretch of freeway, as it gets quite backed up. And unless you know what you're doing, the odds of getting tangled up in the freeway exits is highly probably (even Dallas natives get confused downtown sometimes!). Plan to take a taxi from that hotel to the convention center, and allow yourself PLENTY of time (like 45 minutes) to make the trip during morning rush hour.

And I don't know where you got the idea that this hotel is 1 mile from the convention center. Its not.

[Phincer]

Originally Posted by oso97

As I promised in this post,
And I don't know where you got the idea that this hotel is 1 mile from the convention center. Its not.

Hotel Website.

This is a very good option for us, since we won't be there but for one night, which will be on the weekend. Those staying the entire four days should consider something else.

[oso97]

Originally Posted by Phincer

Hotel Website.

This is a very good option for us, since we won't be there but for one night, which will be on the weekend. Those staying the entire four days should consider something else.

Its more like 5 miles, actually (through a dizzying array of highway interchanges). Trust me, I work across the highway from that hotel at the medical center. For just one night on the weekend, good idea. Be sure to bring taxi fare, and allow about 20 minutes to get from the hotel to the convention center on a weekend. Good luck to you!

[teacup]

Is the Hampton Inn definitely within walking distance? If not, is the Adolphus hotel any closer?

[oso97]

Originally Posted by teacup

Is the Hampton Inn definitely within walking distance? If not, is the Adolphus hotel any closer?

Alright, let me say this again, in case it was missed - THAT PART OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS IS NOT PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY. Sorry for the caps, but I know I've said this several times.

However, the Hampton Inn is next to a stop on the light rail. And on the same line as the Convention Center (www.dart.org). The Adolphus Hotel is a very nice, very swank hotel. Further away from said rail line. But if you can afford to stay at the Adolphus, you can afford the taxi to the venue...

[JMcC]

Originally Posted by oso97

However, the Hampton Inn is next to a stop on the light rail. And on the same line as the Convention Center (www.dart.org).

Thanks for the knowledgeable local info, but a question about the closeness of the Hampton Inn to a light rail station.

You say that the Hampton is "next to a stop" on the DART light rail, but the DART map appears to show the Hampton about equidistant from both the Akard Station and the West End Station (perhaps a little over 2 blocks; Akard being one stop further away from the Convention Center).

Am I misreading the DART map?

[teacup]

Originally Posted by oso97

Alright, let me say this again, in case it was missed - THAT PART OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS IS NOT PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY. Sorry for the caps, but I know I've said this several times.

However, the Hampton Inn is next to a stop on the light rail. And on the same line as the Convention Center (www.dart.org). The Adolphus Hotel is a very nice, very swank hotel. Further away from said rail line. But if you can afford to stay at the Adolphus, you can afford the taxi to the venue...

No, could only afford to stay at the Adolphus if we were able to save money by walking and not using taxis or renting a car and paying for parking. There isn't any point if it isn't within walking distance.

Also it is nice to give freedom to teenagers to go back and forth on their own but it doesn't sound like that will be an option.

I am sorry, but I didn't realize you meant that there are absolutely no hotels available within walking distance. I know you said it before but what exactly is the reason for downtown Dallas not being pedestrian friendly, safety, no sidewalks, just curious? It is hard to believe that the only way for to get around if you don't use the public transport or rent a car will be taxis.

It is hard to understand why the USFA would pick a place for this particular NAC where you have to rent cars and hire taxis to get around since most of the competitors are under 19. It would have been better for the Div II/III/Vet NAC in March or the one in December.

[Phincer]

Originally Posted by oso97

Its more like 5 miles, actually (through a dizzying array of highway interchanges).

I'll see your Dallas interchanges and raise you the eastern New Jersey interchanges. Oh. My. Gawd.

[sleepyweasle]

Originally Posted by teacup

No, could only afford to stay at the Adolphus if we were able to save money by walking and not using taxis or renting a car and paying for parking. There isn't any point if it isn't within walking distance.

Also it is nice to give freedom to teenagers to go back and forth on their own but it doesn't sound like that will be an option.

I am sorry, but I didn't realize you meant that there are absolutely no hotels available within walking distance. I know you said it before but what exactly is the reason for downtown Dallas not being pedestrian friendly, safety, no sidewalks, just curious? It is hard to believe that the only way for to get around if you don't use the public transport or rent a car will be taxis.

It is hard to understand why the USFA would pick a place for this particular NAC where you have to rent cars and hire taxis to get around since most of the competitors are under 19. It would have been better for the Div II/III/Vet NAC in March or the one in December.

the one time we were in Dallas we were shocked and amused to discover that NO ONE walks anywhere. We were staying at some hotel and decided to eat at a certain restaurant so we asked the concierge whether it was in walking distance (being from NY/LI walking distance covers a lot of ground). "Oh no - nobody would walk to that restaurant," she claimed and ordered us a cab whick picked us up and drove 5 or 6 blocks and dropped us off. "That's ridiculous!" we exclaimed and vowed to walk home only to discover that there were NO sidewalks anywhere and most of our trip home involved dodging through parking lots and underpasses. Believe me - it's not worth the risk to your lives to try and walk in Dallas.

[oso97]

Originally Posted by sleepyweasle

the one time we were in Dallas we were shocked and amused to discover that NO ONE walks anywhere. We were staying at some hotel and decided to eat at a certain restaurant so we asked the concierge whether it was in walking distance (being from NY/LI walking distance covers a lot of ground). "Oh no - nobody would walk to that restaurant," she claimed and ordered us a cab whick picked us up and drove 5 or 6 blocks and dropped us off. "That's ridiculous!" we exclaimed and vowed to walk home only to discover that there were NO sidewalks anywhere and most of our trip home involved dodging through parking lots and underpasses. Believe me - it's not worth the risk to your lives to try and walk in Dallas.

Yep, that just about covers it.

Originally Posted by JMcC

Thanks for the knowledgeable local info, but a question about the closeness of the Hampton Inn to a light rail station.

You say that the Hampton is "next to a stop" on the DART light rail, but the DART map appears to show the Hampton about equidistant from both the Akard Station and the West End Station (perhaps a little over 2 blocks; Akard being one stop further away from the Convention Center).

Am I misreading the DART map?

Its not so much that you're misreading the map, its just that the map is a little confusing. The West End is the singluar area of downtown where it is feasible to walk a couple of blocks. And the other day, I actually took the light raildown town and looked at what hotels were in the area and how easy they were to get to from the light rail. The Hampton Inn will work quite well. You basically go out the door, turn right and walk about half a block to the West End Station.

[bichetteepee]

Our club has booked some rooms at the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Market Center for $79.00 night ---(free "hot breakfast" and complimentary on-site parking).

It is supposed to be 2.1 miles from the Dallas Convention Center.

[Fencing Mom]

Originally Posted by teacup

what exactly is the reason for downtown Dallas not being pedestrian friendly, safety, no sidewalks, just curious? It is hard to believe that the only way for to get around if you don't use the public transport or rent a car will be taxis.

Chevron....Exxon....BP....

[Phincer]

Originally Posted by Fencing Mom

Chevron....Exxon....BP....

Maybe-but Dallas is very status-symbol oriented-if you have to walk anywhere, then you must be the riff-raff.

The following is a true story and exemplifies the culture that did not just exist on the TV show "Dallas".

A good buddy of mine went to work in Dallas. His sister worked at a Ford dealership so he got a sweet deal on a Mustang convertible. He's young and single. So he has a very nice ride, and his hobby happened to be SCUBA diving. He had a nice little dive trailer with a custom paint job to pull behind the car.

So he's pulling his little diving trailer through Dallas, and an attractive young lady pulls up on his left at a stop sign, rolls down her window and (his driver side window is down) starts to chat with him about diving...etc. The light turns green and she signals him to pull over so they can chat some more.

He finds a parking lot, but this time, she pulls up on his right side. He leans over and cranks down his passenger window-and she says "No power windows?" He says "No" and she just drives off.

So that is Dallas in a nutshell. It's a beautiful city-but everyone I know from there (born and raised) says the status oriented culture can be too much from time to time.

[twisterfencing]

phincer:


I am from the Dallas area. Born/raised/lived here all my life. I guess you could call that a Native!

With my job, I travel the entire country and could say everything you stated below about every metro area in the country. Choose your words carefully.

Just a note: if/when you come to Dallas, be sure to know that Texans are very, very proud of this state and do not take kindly to criticism about Texas or Texans. I am not warning you about this, just making you aware.

Hope you and all of the fencing community have a great time in our great state:

Gary Spruill

Originally Posted by Phincer

Maybe-but Dallas is very status-symbol oriented-if you have to walk anywhere, then you must be the riff-raff.

The following is a true story and exemplifies the culture that did not just exist on the TV show "Dallas".

A good buddy of mine went to work in Dallas. His sister worked at a Ford dealership so he got a sweet deal on a Mustang convertible. He's young and single. So he has a very nice ride, and his hobby happened to be SCUBA diving. He had a nice little dive trailer with a custom paint job to pull behind the car.

So he's pulling his little diving trailer through Dallas, and an attractive young lady pulls up on his left at a stop sign, rolls down her window and (his driver side window is down) starts to chat with him about diving...etc. The light turns green and she signals him to pull over so they can chat some more.

He finds a parking lot, but this time, she pulls up on his right side. He leans over and cranks down his passenger window-and she says "No power windows?" He says "No" and she just drives off.

So that is Dallas in a nutshell. It's a beautiful city-but everyone I know from there (born and raised) says the status oriented culture can be too much from time to time.

[oso97]

*chuckle* Interesting little story there.

I moved to DFW about 10 years ago to attend graduate school. Never left. I'm originally from San Antonio (also in Texas), and I have to say that when I first got here, I was definitely taken aback by the level of status consciousness that I found in the area. But, and I didn't really ever think I'd say this, the area has grown on me and I definitely call it "home" now.

DFW (and by this I mean the entire North Texas Metroplex) is a study in contrasts. On one hand, it seems as though everyone here is constantly measuring everyone else and seeing where they all fit in status-wise and are quite eager and willing to inform you that you are below their level of status. On the other hand, its can also be a very friendly place that is warm and welcoming to outsiders and guests.

Its never going to be a "pretty city." There's no breathtaking architecture, or vast sweeps of public parks with incredible views. There's no nearby mountains or oceans. But, there are a staggering number of well maintained neighborhood parks and highly visible and used community recreation centers (even in the suburbs), some great museum and performing arts centers. And there are a ton of area lakes great for boating, fishing and swimming.

It takes FOREVER to get anywhere, either in the Metroplex itself, or to drive to anywhere else of note (Texas is BIG). But, if you live near one of the rail transit corridors and work near one of the places they serve, you can't beat the price and convince (way cheap in comparison to some of the similar offerings in other cities). And you can get almost anywhere fairly easy via the airport, due to its nature as a central hub (I've flown direct to every NAC I've attended while living here). And the airport is well designed, modern and easy to use.

There is not a lot of dining available with a high quality/value ratio - it doesn't matter what the level of price you're talking. Not that its BAD because some of the nice places are REALLY nice, but there is a distinct dearth of locally owned, mid price, great service and taste type of places (for this, I REALLY miss San Antonio sometimes). But, there is a wide diversity of choices available for almost any palate.

You can have a good time here, but its a little harder to find than many other places. But, occasionally, it will surprise you and be worth the effort.

[4qtrs]

I lived in a northern suburb of Dallas in the 70's. Alot has changed since then and most of it has to do with expansion. The truth of the matter is, hell, I'll forgive them anything as long as they keep play'in music and keep up the good cook'in.

*Confession* I listen to KZPS almost everyday in my office in Pasadena, CA.
http://www.kzps.com/pages/main/