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When is the best time to start booking? for the convention of course..xD

#1 User is offline   Wingypoo 

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Posted 22 July 2012 - 08:03 PM

This next year should hopefully be my first year going to ACen. When is a good time to start booking a room? What's the latest time? I know some hotels don't even book that far ahead right now so i'm assuming nov/december? Idk @@ From what i've been reading alot of these hotels fill up so any sort of suggestions would be great.
I've been looking at doing doubletree or Embassy suites (preferably this one).
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Posted 22 July 2012 - 10:13 PM

Shouldn't be too hard, I was able to get a room at the Hyatt off of someone who couldn't go, and then at the last minute the forum filled up with requests for people to stay in their rooms.

It's not like an in-demand concert where you have to camp out and wait in line for a ticket.

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 12:19 AM

Simple answer:As soon as possible?
The ACen site (this one) announces when the rooms are available for booking at the Hyatt. The hotels around fill up pretty quickly as well, so no later than March-early April. I've booked a hotel room at the last minute, but even then I had to switch rooms every night because they didn't have one room available for all three nights. So yeah.
Just get it done as soon as it's available to you and you have the funds.

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#4 User is offline   Wingypoo 

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 04:42 AM

ok, Thanks ;)
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Posted 23 July 2012 - 09:29 AM

The Embassy Suites is actually the hotel that fills up on 3 night stays the fastest for us. Mostly because their rooms usually have 3 beds, a mini fridge, and microwave so it's a great deal along with their awesome breakfast. So if you're looking for that hotel we highly suggest booking them as soon as they open or not long after. It's always -possible- to get cancellations but of course there's no guarantee.
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#6 User is offline   Wingypoo 

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 05:29 PM

View PostBloo09, on 23 July 2012 - 09:29 AM, said:

The Embassy Suites is actually the hotel that fills up on 3 night stays the fastest for us. Mostly because their rooms usually have 3 beds, a mini fridge, and microwave so it's a great deal along with their awesome breakfast. So if you're looking for that hotel we highly suggest booking them as soon as they open or not long after. It's always -possible- to get cancellations but of course there's no guarantee.


Okies. Ty. I figured as much. from what i've read they seem pretty damn nice. :) I'll keep an eye out then :3
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#7 User is offline   James 

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 07:24 PM

Hmmm, is it fine for me to drive there daily or for two days? Gunna be my first convention and I am quite broke (which college student isn't? Well, maybe if you go to Harvard or those family connection schools). Is the parking location going to be packed? Takes around half an hour driving assuming no traffic...

This post has been edited by James: 23 July 2012 - 07:26 PM


#8 User is offline   The Fujoshi 

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Posted 23 July 2012 - 08:58 PM

View PostJames, on 23 July 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

Hmmm, is it fine for me to drive there daily or for two days? Gunna be my first convention and I am quite broke (which college student isn't? Well, maybe if you go to Harvard or those family connection schools). Is the parking location going to be packed? Takes around half an hour driving assuming no traffic...


What do you mean? You mean drive from your house to ACen and back all three days? Or just two days?

Parking is normally for the hotel guests and you have to pay for it. Even parking near the CTA line you have to pay.
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Posted 24 July 2012 - 05:25 AM

View PostJames, on 23 July 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

Hmmm, is it fine for me to drive there daily or for two days? Gunna be my first convention and I am quite broke (which college student isn't? Well, maybe if you go to Harvard or those family connection schools). Is the parking location going to be packed? Takes around half an hour driving assuming no traffic...

I would say no. Parking is quite expensive and as stated previously, usually just for guests of the hotels. Any non guest parking fills up quite fast.
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Posted 24 July 2012 - 09:02 AM

View PostJames, on 23 July 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

Hmmm, is it fine for me to drive there daily or for two days? Gunna be my first convention and I am quite broke (which college student isn't? Well, maybe if you go to Harvard or those family connection schools). Is the parking location going to be packed? Takes around half an hour driving assuming no traffic...

If you can swing it, public transportation may be a better option.

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 10:27 AM

I mean driving back and forth. I might go for two or three days. Want to know if there's parking available. Basically it.

Hotel cost too much.... :(... and I don't really see a reason to live in a hotel when it takes only around 25mins driving (assuming regular traffic... if none I could most likely be there in 20)

I seriously hate taking public transportations when I can drive.... I mean... hell, one hour on the subway (assuming regular train schedule) and changing trains? Without blasting my music?

This post has been edited by James: 24 July 2012 - 10:33 AM


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Posted 24 July 2012 - 12:17 PM

View PostJames, on 24 July 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

I mean driving back and forth. I might go for two or three days. Want to know if there's parking available. Basically it.

Hotel cost too much.... :(... and I don't really see a reason to live in a hotel when it takes only around 25mins driving (assuming regular traffic... if none I could most likely be there in 20)

I seriously hate taking public transportations when I can drive.... I mean... hell, one hour on the subway (assuming regular train schedule) and changing trains? Without blasting my music?

If its not full then yes there is.
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Posted 24 July 2012 - 01:27 PM

View PostJames, on 24 July 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

I mean driving back and forth. I might go for two or three days. Want to know if there's parking available. Basically it.

Hotel cost too much.... :(... and I don't really see a reason to live in a hotel when it takes only around 25mins driving (assuming regular traffic... if none I could most likely be there in 20)

I seriously hate taking public transportations when I can drive.... I mean... hell, one hour on the subway (assuming regular train schedule) and changing trains? Without blasting my music?


Yeah, driving yourself provides quite a bit of freedom..but parking around the con can be expensive and a complete hassle. Many people park it early and leave it sit. I come and go from parking because I am a Hyatt guest and it still can be a pain.

#14 User is offline   The Fujoshi 

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 01:54 PM

View PostJames, on 24 July 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

I mean driving back and forth. I might go for two or three days. Want to know if there's parking available. Basically it.

Hotel cost too much.... :(... and I don't really see a reason to live in a hotel when it takes only around 25mins driving (assuming regular traffic... if none I could most likely be there in 20)

I seriously hate taking public transportations when I can drive.... I mean... hell, one hour on the subway (assuming regular train schedule) and changing trains? Without blasting my music?


Driving has good points and bad points but as stated parking in Chicago is expensive in terms of parking; 20-50 dollars an hour or so many hours. The discounts come from the hotel and even then it's between 10-20 dollars. You wouldn't have time to really enjoy yourself without having to move your car. Also don't sneak and park in hotel spaces. You can and will get your car towed. It has happened to my cousin before.

You can't room up with anyone? That would be cheaper than driving back and forth. The con is in 2013 in May so you have time to try to save some money and room up with someone for like 50 dollars or more rather than do this method.

This post has been edited by The Fujoshi: 24 July 2012 - 01:57 PM

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Hero from SMT: DS2, Emmet/Kudari from Pokemon Black and White, Roppi Izaya from Durarara, Hitoshura human form from SMT.

All the random avatars this time are from LJ and I don't own any of them. Some of the avatars are credit to aristocracy, Taku ♫ arthursandwich, noxjustxnoin, imperial-code, dojicons, narrante, dino-cookie, shiroyuki_kun, takerzmuse, and ushitora_icons at LJ. I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE ICONS.


Currently into and playing: All Megaten games, Blazblue series, and P4MU. Waiting for: Pokemon BW2 and BB3.

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 03:59 PM

Hmm, experienced parking in a hotel before (for prom, soloed and parked... cost me some 24 bucks or so)...

that said, went on Hyatt's site.
It said:

Quote

Self-Parking Cost:
0-10 Hours: $20.00
10-24 Hours: $27.00
Overnight guests of the hotel: $22.00


I am assuming that parking for a day would cost me 20-27 bucks. Unless, of course, they jack up the price for the con >;o

According to the convention center website

Quote

General Information
6 halls
Ceiling heights from 16 to 26 feet
Unlimited floor loads (except Hall G)
Freight access: 7 drive-in freight doors; 16 depressed docks
Flexible traffic patterns; lobby entrance
30,000 square-foot lobby with ample area for registration
Camera surveillance security system
Permanent concession stands
Parking Garage Rate $13 for a 24hr. period


So... if I park there, it's 13 bucks per day. Of course, assuming I can get a space and they don't jack up the price...

:|

Why would they tow your car if you are going to their hotel? I mean, you will be paying for the parking when you leave, won't you? I parked at Hilton for my prom and that's what I did...

I don't know... maybe if I can find me some roommates... I don't really know anyone else who's going and this will be my first year :|

#16 User is offline   The Fujoshi 

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 04:21 PM

View PostJames, on 24 July 2012 - 03:59 PM, said:



27 dollars a day which would come out to 54 dollars for 2 days or 81 dollars for 3 days.

I never heard of people parking in the rosemount garage so I have no idea about their policies but so far that's the best option if you go this route and the cheapest. I have only heard about people using hotel parking so my views are slightly obscure.

It's really up to you in the long run. If you want to drive and that's fine with you and the price then go ahead.

Well for my cousin's case she was trying to avoid parking fees so she said that she was with someone else and parked in the only hotel guest garage and ummm her car was towed when they found out that she wasn't there @_@. This doesn't mean it will happen to you but make sure everything is clear before you park any place in Chicago.

A hotel room, if you are rooming up with someone, ranges from 25-100 dollars for all three or four nights depending on the person. I charge 100 dollars for Thursday-Sunday but that's because I usually room up at the embassy, which is more high end with it's microwave and other nifty stuff. It can be cheaper than parking and sometimes you can carpool with your friends or your roommates to avoid more costs.

The hotel block doesn't open til sometime later on this year or next year.

This post has been edited by The Fujoshi: 24 July 2012 - 04:24 PM

ACen 2013 Cosplay:
Hero from SMT: DS2, Emmet/Kudari from Pokemon Black and White, Roppi Izaya from Durarara, Hitoshura human form from SMT.

All the random avatars this time are from LJ and I don't own any of them. Some of the avatars are credit to aristocracy, Taku ♫ arthursandwich, noxjustxnoin, imperial-code, dojicons, narrante, dino-cookie, shiroyuki_kun, takerzmuse, and ushitora_icons at LJ. I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE ICONS.


Currently into and playing: All Megaten games, Blazblue series, and P4MU. Waiting for: Pokemon BW2 and BB3.

#17 User is offline   James 

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 04:48 PM

View PostThe Fujoshi, on 24 July 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:

27 dollars a day which would come out to 54 dollars for 2 days or 81 dollars for 3 days.

I never heard of people parking in the rosemount garage so I have no idea about their policies but so far that's the best option if you go this route and the cheapest. I have only heard about people using hotel parking so my views are slightly obscure.

It's really up to you in the long run. If you want to drive and that's fine with you and the price then go ahead.

Well for my cousin's case she was trying to avoid parking fees so she said that she was with someone else and parked in the only hotel guest garage and ummm her car was towed when they found out that she wasn't there @_@. This doesn't mean it will happen to you but make sure everything is clear before you park any place in Chicago.

A hotel room, if you are rooming up with someone, ranges from 25-100 dollars for all three or four nights depending on the person. I charge 100 dollars for Thursday-Sunday but that's because I usually room up at the embassy, which is more high end with it's microwave and other nifty stuff. It can be cheaper than parking and sometimes you can carpool with your friends or your roommates to avoid more costs.

The hotel block doesn't open til sometime later on this year or next year.


81 bucks for 3 days... still costy but better than spending 24 bucks for 4 hrs :| or spending 11 bucks for 3 hrs when I parked to get my job orientation... Parking in Chicago cost way more... good thing i have a two car garage with extra space in front of it to accommodate one more car...

I don't exactly want to drive (I'm not a fan of driving... but I have experienced driving 105mph down the I94 at night and damn that was exciting) but I just hate public transportation... it's fine if I have no options and I only have to take one train or bus. But changing trains and bringing lots of stuff with me... argh :|

From the site, it seems like you still have to pay even if you park in guest only? Overnight is 22 bucks for guests... and ummm, that's in Rosemont, no? I have received three parking tickets so far in Chicago, contested them and only had to pay one.

I thought a hotel room would cost around $400 for three nights :|... even when splitting wont that end with $200? Hmmm, is the forum a good place to find a roommate? for a heterosexual 19 year old male?

I can carpool, heck... when I do I usually pay all the fee (my car and I drive)... sometimes they pay a bit but usually it's the guys I carpool with (the girls don't pay jack :|)... I suppose I need to find people in Chicago to go with then? (I have previously carpooled 8 people... six of which are females and damn are they annoying... I suspect I could fit 5 with my trunk having lots of room or 7 with my trunk having little room.)

#18 User is offline   The Fujoshi 

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 06:50 PM

View PostJames, on 24 July 2012 - 04:48 PM, said:

81 bucks for 3 days... still costy but better than spending 24 bucks for 4 hrs :| or spending 11 bucks for 3 hrs when I parked to get my job orientation... Parking in Chicago cost way more... good thing i have a two car garage with extra space in front of it to accommodate one more car...

I don't exactly want to drive (I'm not a fan of driving... but I have experienced driving 105mph down the I94 at night and damn that was exciting) but I just hate public transportation... it's fine if I have no options and I only have to take one train or bus. But changing trains and bringing lots of stuff with me... argh :|

From the site, it seems like you still have to pay even if you park in guest only? Overnight is 22 bucks for guests... and ummm, that's in Rosemont, no? I have received three parking tickets so far in Chicago, contested them and only had to pay one.

I thought a hotel room would cost around $400 for three nights :|... even when splitting wont that end with $200? Hmmm, is the forum a good place to find a roommate? for a heterosexual 19 year old male?

I can carpool, heck... when I do I usually pay all the fee (my car and I drive)... sometimes they pay a bit but usually it's the guys I carpool with (the girls don't pay jack :|)... I suppose I need to find people in Chicago to go with then? (I have previously carpooled 8 people... six of which are females and damn are they annoying... I suspect I could fit 5 with my trunk having lots of room or 7 with my trunk having little room.)


If you carpool with me I will pay you and I am in fact a female living in Chicago. A very quiet one compared to the persona I am here. You might be...intimidated.

Carpooling various but it depends on: Where you are coming from and how many people can fit in your car. Make sure to get everything settled before ACen in terms of price and gas so that there are no mistakes. Also set ground rules; you are the driver and you don't have to drive them. It sounds mean but hey they are not your sister/cousin/etc. Even when I drive with my cousin we are not suppose to be really rowdy and what may have you and we make sure not to distract her.

Overnight varies from hotel to hotel but yes 22 is at the Hyatt you provide. Mind you I don't have a car so I am strictly going by what other people say. The hotel varies; I had to pay around 600 this year (and I didn't end up going,) but hohohoho next year is different. The cheapest hotel is the Hyatt within the con; the best one is the Embassy for stuff (microwave, fridge, suites for all of the rooms, etc.)

For Roommates you can ask here or Bobo or your friend or whatever. Usually after the room block opens is when the roommates request comes out and it's a good idea to find rooms after the room block opens.

I personally can room up with men or women; some girls can only room up with women and some dudes can only room up with dudes. Lurk around after the room blocks open up and see; people should have the prices, if they are male/female, ground rules. if they can room up with guys, etc. Once you find the right one ask tons of questions. Understand the ground rules from the person who is paying the most. You still have rights even if you pay a share. If you have a feeling that they are shady then don't room up with them, period. There was one incident from me giving a room to someone who basically scammed someone else, but usually people are decent on the forums.

Bug the hell out of people in a nice fashion. Be assertive. If a person says 40 bucks for all four nights and no smoking, copy it down and restate that to said person if they say something else or change their mind. Now I have no idea what to do if someone is an 'A word,' but that's what copying/printing is for. Also you can always talk to the mods here if they are like that on the forums, just make sure to get/save any messages/etc. if it comes down to such a point. I never delete messages.

But that's it in a nutshell.
ACen 2013 Cosplay:
Hero from SMT: DS2, Emmet/Kudari from Pokemon Black and White, Roppi Izaya from Durarara, Hitoshura human form from SMT.

All the random avatars this time are from LJ and I don't own any of them. Some of the avatars are credit to aristocracy, Taku ♫ arthursandwich, noxjustxnoin, imperial-code, dojicons, narrante, dino-cookie, shiroyuki_kun, takerzmuse, and ushitora_icons at LJ. I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE ICONS.


Currently into and playing: All Megaten games, Blazblue series, and P4MU. Waiting for: Pokemon BW2 and BB3.

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Posted 24 July 2012 - 07:37 PM

View PostThe Fujoshi, on 24 July 2012 - 06:50 PM, said:

If you carpool with me I will pay you and I am in fact a female living in Chicago. A very quiet one compared to the persona I am here. You might be...intimidated.

Carpooling various but it depends on: Where you are coming from and how many people can fit in your car. Make sure to get everything settled before ACen in terms of price and gas so that there are no mistakes. Also set ground rules; you are the driver and you don't have to drive them. It sounds mean but hey they are not your sister/cousin/etc. Even when I drive with my cousin we are not suppose to be really rowdy and what may have you and we make sure not to distract her.

Overnight varies from hotel to hotel but yes 22 is at the Hyatt you provide. Mind you I don't have a car so I am strictly going by what other people say. The hotel varies; I had to pay around 600 this year (and I didn't end up going,) but hohohoho next year is different. The cheapest hotel is the Hyatt within the con; the best one is the Embassy for stuff (microwave, fridge, suites for all of the rooms, etc.)

For Roommates you can ask here or Bobo or your friend or whatever. Usually after the room block opens is when the roommates request comes out and it's a good idea to find rooms after the room block opens.

I personally can room up with men or women; some girls can only room up with women and some dudes can only room up with dudes. Lurk around after the room blocks open up and see; people should have the prices, if they are male/female, ground rules. if they can room up with guys, etc. Once you find the right one ask tons of questions. Understand the ground rules from the person who is paying the most. You still have rights even if you pay a share. If you have a feeling that they are shady then don't room up with them, period. There was one incident from me giving a room to someone who basically scammed someone else, but usually people are decent on the forums.

Bug the hell out of people in a nice fashion. Be assertive. If a person says 40 bucks for all four nights and no smoking, copy it down and restate that to said person if they say something else or change their mind. Now I have no idea what to do if someone is an 'A word,' but that's what copying/printing is for. Also you can always talk to the mods here if they are like that on the forums, just make sure to get/save any messages/etc. if it comes down to such a point. I never delete messages.

But that's it in a nutshell.


Fear not, I am quite as heck myself (no I am not, I am just shy around strangers and does not like speaking nor do I know anything interesting to start a conversation of).

Sounds like it would be a great option to find roommates on the forums. It should be fine for me as long as I don't have to pay 200 for my room and board (I still need some money to buy stuff I might be seeing afterall). Since I don't know any friends who are interested in these stuff, I highly doubt I can find any roommates offline. I'll see how it goes.

If I am to be carpooling, driving and parking there for three nights and three or four days (assuming that I will be able to afford a room), it is fine for me to pay for my own gas (30 minute drive of 20 miles doesn't cost THAT much... I highly doubt I will even need to refill my tank). I don't really care that much if you talk, just keep conversations voice small (but don't whisper, that is even harder to bear) as so I can listen to my music... that said... I don't even know if my music is to your taste (mostly soundtracks, symphonic metal, electronic, those without lyrics or high focus on vocals). Car have an entertainment system attached so if you want to bring sometime to watch in the back, that's fine with me and I can turn off the music too. I'm quite certain I'll go next year (I have already ordered a $130 cast plastic and fiberglass Akumetsu mask, it's costy but considering the material and the difficulty of the mask, it's not that bad) so if you want to carpool, I'm all for it.

It would be best for me that I would be paying for the gas and tolls (if there is any) and my carpool mates pay for the parking seeing as I don't really want to be all picky and calculate the cost of gas. >:D However, we can discuss this afterward.

That said, I think the max capacity would or should be around 5 or 6 people including myself. I own an Acura MDX 2005 with third row seating (it is bigger than the 2007 version) but seeing as those who I am going to be carpooling are most likely going to have luggage, I highly doubt both third row seats could come down. Even if they could, I do not know if it could fit an average sized adult comfortably for a half hour ride. Fitting two adults should be impossible as there would be no room for luggage. Fitting two adults on the first row and three on the second should be the best bet.

My only concern regarding the car are:
1. Not to leave trash in the car (I don't clean my car often, I will try to clean it before the con if I am going to be carpooling) but just take your water bottles with you.
2. I don't smoke and really do not like people smoking in my car. Try to stay from smoking for a 30 minute ride.
3. Keep conversations at regular voice level. Try not to have 5 people speaking at the same time. It annoys me.
4. The above three are the only rules... I don't really care about anything else.

What is Bobo?

I don't really have a preference in roommates but it must be up to the person who is booking the room to decide. I don't smoke nor do I drink (I have tried both and the only drink that I even liked is UV Blue with around 70% or more sprite added) so I highly doubt that is a problem. I also don't mind sleeping on the floor if I must (I sometimes snore when lack sleep but I'll try to have maximum sleep the week before the con as to not bother others). As such, I don't really have any preference at all. Just a single room would be fine with me.

That said, I suppose I should look into this more afterward when the hotel block is open.

This post has been edited by James: 24 July 2012 - 08:27 PM


#20 User is offline   Wingypoo 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 05:30 AM

So, with all this talk of having to drive, provided i reserve a room, would it be safe for me to drive down at the buttcrack of dawn the day of the convention? I'm sure my best bet would be getting there the day before. I know some hotels can let you check in prior to the usual time of 11am if they have rooms open. I was able to do that at a convention near me. I just didnt know if it would be bad if i waited till the day of. I live in Appleton wisconsin so it's like a 3hr drive for me. I have no problems driving it. I was planning on leaving like around 4 or 5 am by me so that way i'd be there early enough to register > bring crap to our hotel > w/e else i'd need to do. I've driven to chicago plenty of times before so i'll be ok with chicago driving xD.
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#21 User is offline   rondo 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 06:43 AM

View PostWingypoo, on 25 July 2012 - 05:30 AM, said:

So, with all this talk of having to drive, provided i reserve a room, would it be safe for me to drive down at the buttcrack of dawn the day of the convention? I'm sure my best bet would be getting there the day before. I know some hotels can let you check in prior to the usual time of 11am if they have rooms open. I was able to do that at a convention near me. I just didnt know if it would be bad if i waited till the day of. I live in Appleton wisconsin so it's like a 3hr drive for me. I have no problems driving it. I was planning on leaving like around 4 or 5 am by me so that way i'd be there early enough to register > bring crap to our hotel > w/e else i'd need to do. I've driven to chicago plenty of times before so i'll be ok with chicago driving xD.


Sounds like you'd be heading in during rush hour. Not familiar with Chicago's morning rush, but it sounds like a headache. Also, advertised check in is 3pm for many hotels with checkout around noon. You usually can check in earlier but the earliest I've checked in was around 1pm and they were still cleaning rooms. Can't say I've done an 11am check-in. Day before is definitely your best bet..it is pretty busy that evening as well.

#22 User is offline   James 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 11:14 AM

I'm not familiar with the morning rush either. However, I am familiar with the afternoon rush hour starting at around 12am till 5pm and I can affirm you that you will spend 4 times the time getting nowhere. That said, I90 is always packed... even at night...

#23 User is offline   Smokey 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 11:29 AM

Hi all,

Just adding my 2 cents as a staffer here.

As for booking your room, keep an eye on the forums. As soon as the discount rates are negotiated and the contracts are signed, this will be the first place it will be announced. The first hotel that will be opened is the Hyatt, with the overflow hotels opening when it's fully booked (which usually takes a couple of months.) Some will take your reservation before then, but are under no obligation to give you the discount rate.

Concerning finding roommates, again, keep an eye on the forums. The closer we get to con, the more posts you're going to be seeing for someone to fill empty spaces. And from what I've seen, most don't care about things like age, experience, sexual orientation or number of heads you have. As long as you're quiet, don't tear up the room, don't mess with other people's stuff and pay your share on time, the welcome mat will be out.

As for parking, the hotels don't charge by choice. Rosement requires them to. I can't speak for any of the others since I've only used one of them, but I heard reports that last year Hyatt was restricting parking to guests only, and allowing only one car per room. I don't know if they'll be doing that again this year, so you might want to call them and check when the discount is announced here. Call the other hotels directly to learn their policies (again, wait until the discount rates are established and announced.) If you're just driving in for the day, you'r best option would be the CTA lot just north of the convention. It's open to the public, and as long as you keep the meter fed, you can stay there as long as you like. The only cheaper option is the Remote Lot F at O'Hare. There's a free shuttle from there to the terminal, where you can catch the free shuttle to the hotel. This is also where you should get off if you're coming in by Metra (the O'Hare Transfer stop.) You can ride all the way to your destination rather than schlepping all your stuff a mile from the Rosemont stop.

Hope this clears things up for some of you.
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#24 User is offline   James 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 01:04 PM

Seems like my best bet is finding roommates in chicago and carpool.
Second bet is to find roommates elsewhere and take the train there since if they only allow one car per room, I highly doubt I will be able to park.
Third bet is to find roommates and park elsewhere...
Fourth bet is to go for the con for a few days only and park by CTA lot?

That said, I have a question... is there free wifi available (so I will know if I should bring my laptop or Ipad)?

#25 User is offline   Wingypoo 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 03:27 PM

View Postrondo, on 25 July 2012 - 06:43 AM, said:

Sounds like you'd be heading in during rush hour. Not familiar with Chicago's morning rush, but it sounds like a headache. Also, advertised check in is 3pm for many hotels with checkout around noon. You usually can check in earlier but the earliest I've checked in was around 1pm and they were still cleaning rooms. Can't say I've done an 11am check-in. Day before is definitely your best bet..it is pretty busy that evening as well.


Honestly i've done quite a few trips to chicago with family or friends and we left pretty darn early and it was fine. I'll talk to my friend and see if she wants reserve for the day before as well. Eh, i just like to be prepared. Figured i'd ask the people that have done this before so i kinda know what to do xD
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#26 User is offline   The Fujoshi 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 09:20 PM

View PostJames, on 25 July 2012 - 01:04 PM, said:

Seems like my best bet is finding roommates in chicago and carpool.
Second bet is to find roommates elsewhere and take the train there since if they only allow one car per room, I highly doubt I will be able to park.
Third bet is to find roommates and park elsewhere...
Fourth bet is to go for the con for a few days only and park by CTA lot?

That said, I have a question... is there free wifi available (so I will know if I should bring my laptop or Ipad)?


All hotels charge for wifi and there is no free wifi as far as I know of :/ So it's not a good idea to bring your laptop.
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#27 User is offline   James 

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Posted 25 July 2012 - 10:54 PM

View PostThe Fujoshi, on 25 July 2012 - 09:20 PM, said:

All hotels charge for wifi and there is no free wifi as far as I know of :/ So it's not a good idea to bring your laptop.

Argh damn, I suppose I could only play vns or games that don't need internet then? and laptop is quite heavy :| and big....

guess i'll just bring my ipad... and download some games at itunes before heading out...

#28 User is offline   rondo 

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Posted 26 July 2012 - 04:59 AM

The Hyatt apparently had complimentary wifi last year..though I don't recall testing it out as I was sick as all heck. There is a thread about it somewhere. I cannot speak for the other hotels though.

#29 User is offline   The Fujoshi 

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Posted 26 July 2012 - 12:27 PM

View Postrondo, on 26 July 2012 - 04:59 AM, said:

The Hyatt apparently had complimentary wifi last year..though I don't recall testing it out as I was sick as all heck. There is a thread about it somewhere. I cannot speak for the other hotels though.



Really this is new to me because I heard that all the hotels had to pay when we had another thread like this about wifi.

EDIT: http://www.hotelchat...yatt_Chicago...

found it; it was in 2011 and it was for one day only ^^ Wifi at the Hyatt is 13-20 dollars for 24 hours from what I check on the site.

This post has been edited by The Fujoshi: 26 July 2012 - 12:28 PM

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#30 User is offline   KungPowKirby 

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Posted 26 July 2012 - 01:23 PM

View PostThe Fujoshi, on 26 July 2012 - 12:27 PM, said:

Really this is new to me because I heard that all the hotels had to pay when we had another thread like this about wifi.

EDIT: http://www.hotelchat...yatt_Chicago...

found it; it was in 2011 and it was for one day only ^^ Wifi at the Hyatt is 13-20 dollars for 24 hours from what I check on the site.

There was free wifi last year...but fairly unusuable during the con because of the amount of people on it.
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