Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread
Posted by: rob
Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 15/04/2006 12:32
Here's the hotel situation. We've chosen the Holiday Inn just north of Cambridge as our base - you don't *have* to stay there but it'll be nice to have most people staying at the same place. We're renting a minibus for the duration of the meet and this will be the place from which shuttles will depart. Also, it's nice to hang out with other empeg types at the bar and at breakfast. I took a look around the hotel (which was formerly the Posthouse) and can report that it has excellent facilities, nice bedrooms, and an impressive fitness centre (including a large pool with spa bath).
Their rack rate is around £100 per night at weekends and we have been offered a group rate of £80 per night including breakfast, payable on checkout. However, because the meet is several months away, they have pre-pay web specials right now at £60 per night. They won't lower our group rate because they claim there are only a few rooms at the special rate and if a group our size books online most people will end up paying more than the group rate. They will also give us group check-in facilities and access to lounges for meeting up etc.
So here's the deal. It's either every man for him or herself (take a risk on the web pricing) or we place a group booking. Rob and I will need to sign a contract so we're not going to go the group route unless everyone agrees to it. Of course some of you may have Priority Club points and wish to make your own booking anyway.
So here's the poll to see what everyone wants to do. To stay at the Holiday Inn you're either in the group, at £80 a night including breakast, or you're not. I've also included categories for those who prefer to stay at a different hotel (to get a cheaper room, to be in central Cambridge or for some other reason) and for those who don't need a hotel at all (because you're local, staying with friends, only coming for the day etc).
Please submit your vote whether you are definitely or probably coming to the meet. This is not a commitment, but the data will guide what we offer when the booking form goes online next month.
Posted by: mlord
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 22/04/2006 18:55
Mmm.. activity in this poll/thread seems to have died down. Do we have a consensus on the Hotel booking, now?
Cheers
Posted by: rob
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 23/04/2006 06:08
We need to see a bit more activity really. We may need to commit to 30 rooms for the group booking, so if you're planning on coming to the meet, please be sure to complete this poll soon!
Rob
Posted by: rob
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 09:39
As we're only up to 14 rooms we can't take advantage of the group rate, so I am going to ask you all to book your own rooms at the Holiday Inn Cambridge. I would recommend booking at their web site as soon as possible, as the current rate of £60 may go up significantly as the hotel starts to fill up.
Full hotel details and online booking at this link:
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/6c/1/en/hd/cbgimI suggest that those who wish to find another owner to share a room post to this thread and make arrangements between yourselves.
Rob
Posted by: mlord
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 11:05
Booked. Thanks, Rob!
Posted by: sein
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 11:49
Quote:
I suggest that those who wish to find another owner to share a room post to this thread and make arrangements between yourselves.
I want to be staying for one night (check-in Saturday, check-out Sunday). Anyone want to share? PM ASAP.
EDIT
Hey, I just went ahead and booked that room. Nothing really to lose, as a twin is the same price as a single. So, anyone who wants to share a nonsmoking room with me, just let me know in the next couple of months and give me 30 pounds on the day. I will reply to this thread once that offer has been taken.
Posted by: Schido
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 12:19
I want to stay for the full monty (check in Friday, check out monday), someone want to share with me? (frog51 can vouch for me not snoring (much) :P )
Posted by: robricc
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 12:30
I also booked. Holy crap, that's expensive!
Posted by: rob
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 14:27
Quote:
I also booked. Holy crap, that's expensive!
What rate did you pay? The £60 a night they were listing when I looked is incredibly cheap for Cambridge, and amazing for a luxury (ish) hotel. That's almost the same as the travel lodge where you don't even get shampoo.
Of course I'll grant you that hotels in the US are incredibly cheap!
Rob
Posted by: andy
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 14:29
Quote:
Of course I'll grant you that hotels in the US are incredibly cheap!
Oddly, the US Holiday Inns appear to actually be more expensive than the UK ones (though you are probably getting bigger rooms).
Posted by: boxer
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 15:08
I'm booked up, I have a spare bed available, fri & sat, but, be clear, I do snore (ask Cris, or, of course, Mrs. Boxer)! I'm quite happy to have the room by myself and pay for it, so I'd treat it as a backstop.
Posted by: robricc
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 15:44
Quote:
Quote:
I also booked. Holy crap, that's expensive!
What rate did you pay? The £60 a night they were listing when I looked is incredibly cheap for Cambridge, and amazing for a luxury (ish) hotel. That's almost the same as the travel lodge where you don't even get shampoo.
Of course I'll grant you that hotels in the US are incredibly cheap!
Rob
I got £60 for Friday and Saturday, and £81 for the additional nights. £70.50 average per night = $130 per night. I don't mind having to bring my own Shampoo to a hotel (though it's not that common in the US). Only Red Roof Inn stands out in my mind as having such a policy, but then their prices are usually under $50 per night. It's likely that the conversion rate just sucks...
For Monday night, I booked a hotel near Gatwick for £71 (in comparisson to staying in Cambridge that night for £81)
Posted by: mlord
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 15:50
Quote:
Quote:
I also booked. Holy crap, that's expensive!
What rate did you pay?
My experience, with hotels around the English-speaking world, is that the price is always around 80-120 in whatever the local currency happens to be, regardless of exchange rates.
So, for a room that would be similar to those we had for AUS$85/night near Melbourne, we now have GBP74/night (friday/saturday) and GBP102/night (sunday/monday), double breakfasts included.
The basic 14-day advance GBP60 rate is/was available for friday/saturday, but did not include breakfasts.
Cheers
Posted by: rob
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 16:20
Quote:
For Monday night, I booked a hotel near Gatwick for £71 (in comparisson to staying in Cambridge that night for £81)
At risk of sounding like a snob, Cambridge is a bit more up market than Gatwick! This hotel is also one of the nicest in the area without going 4 star, at a price very similar to nearby motels such as the Sleep Inn. There's no comparison.
Rob
Posted by: boxer
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 16:30
Quote:
Gatwick for £71 (in comparisson to staying in Cambridge that night for £81)
I'd pay the tenner, personally - a lot of those Gatwick hotels are just for transit - never see you again, so we won't push the boat out, sort of thing! - travel agents give them away with packages.
Problem here is that the exchange rate doesn't benefit the US, but where else are you going to get the Empeg experience....you could spend Monday night doing the circuit of the pubs and fall in to bed!
Posted by: robricc
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 16:36
At the risk of sounding like a snob, I've never been in a Holiday Inn that I could describe as being close to 4-star accommodations.
The Holiday Inn Express in Coldhams Business Park (Cambridge) was nice when I stayed there, but it was very "Ikea-like."
Like I said, it's not beneath me to stay at a budget hotel, so I'm not putting-down the chosen location. It's just that my money is getting more worthless by the second (even in my own country). It's gets me a bit annoyed.
Posted by: robricc
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 16:42
Quote:
I'd pay the tenner, personally - a lot of those Gatwick hotels are just for transit - never see you again, so we won't push the boat out, sort of thing! - travel agents give them away with packages.
Problem here is that the exchange rate doesn't benefit the US, but where else are you going to get the Empeg experience....you could spend Monday night doing the circuit of the pubs and fall in to bed!
I'll be getting the "empeg experience" on two seperate occasions this year (July and September), so I don't think saying goodbye on Monday night will be a huge problem.
I also have an early-morning flight and would rather stay near the airport. I'm not a morning person, so the later I can wake up, the better.
Posted by: boxer
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 16:50
Quote:
I also have an early-morning flight and would rather stay near the airport.
Take your point, I'd do the same, take your other point, I hadn't realised you were here in July as well, you'll be fed up with the sight of Empeggers by the time you get to Gatwick!
Posted by: rob
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 19:42
Quote:
At the risk of sounding like a snob, I've never been in a Holiday Inn that I could describe as being close to 4-star accommodations.
This one was the Forte Posthouse until a few months ago. It's 3 star, not 4, but has a brilliant pool and fitness centre, nice outdoorsy areas, large bar, reasonable food and decent service (as far as I can tell). The SONICblue execs used to stay there and they certainly didn't sacrifice their comfort.
I've personally visited all of the hotels we considered for the meet and I have fairly high standards when it comes to accommodation. I had the manager show me examples of the standard and executive rooms and of most of the facilities, and on the basis of that I've decided to lodge our company visitors there in future (in preference to the more expensive Crowne Plaza that we use currently).
The main disadvantage is being on the edge of town, approx 4 miles from the centre (hence renting a minibus for the duration of the meet).
Quote:
The Holiday Inn Express in Coldhams Business Park (Cambridge) was nice when I stayed there, but it was very "Ikea-like."
*shudder* Please don't get the idea that the hotel we've chosen has any similarity whatsoever to that place!
Of course as none of the organised events are taking place at the hotel nobody should consider themselves under any obligation to stay there. I can recommend both lower and higher end hotels if anyone wants - just email me. However both Rob S and I believe that it will be beneficial to the general atmosphere of the event if most people are staying at the same place.
Rob
Posted by: mlord
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 19:45
Quote:
it will be beneficial to the general atmosphere of the event if most people are staying at the same place
Agreed!
Posted by: robricc
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 20:29
Quote:
it will be beneficial to the general atmosphere of the event if most people are staying at the same place
Quote:
Agreed!
Thirded!
Posted by: andy
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 04/05/2006 22:23
Quote:
I had the manager show me examples of the standard and executive rooms and of most of the facilities
On that subject, what is the actual difference between the standard and executive rooms. The only difference I can find in any of the descriptions is a free robe, slippers and toiletries...
I did try using the "chat to an agent" feature on the website, but they just quoted me the detail I could already see on the website.
Posted by: boxer
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 05/05/2006 03:13
Quote:
what is the actual difference between the standard and executive rooms
I was always exceedingly mean with hotels in my Company, taking the view that I'd prefer the money in my dividend. The time I got stuck with only exec. available, I was told it had a hospitality area with a sofa: as I fell asleep on the sofa and never got as far as the bed, it was all rather wasted
Posted by: julf
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 05/05/2006 09:57
Booked
Posted by: sein
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 05/05/2006 11:53
Quote:
So, anyone who wants to share a nonsmoking room with me, just let me know in the next couple of months and give me 30 pounds on the day. I will reply to this thread once that offer has been taken.
The space in my room has been taken!
Posted by: rob
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 06/05/2006 14:01
Quote:
On that subject, what is the actual difference between the standard and executive rooms. The only difference I can find in any of the descriptions is a free robe, slippers and toiletries...
The executive rooms are slightly better fitted out than the standard rooms, e.g. slate in the bathroom, nicer furniture, that sort of thing. I wouldn't say there's much between them, especially as you won't be spending much time in there if you join in all the activities 
Rob
Posted by: mlord
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 06/05/2006 14:07
Quote:
you won't be spending much time in there if you join in all the activities
Speaking of which.. are we supposed to formally sign-up for those somewhere now?
Thanks
Posted by: andy
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 06/05/2006 16:14
Booked
Posted by: Schido
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 06/05/2006 21:23
So, nobody else want to share? I guess i'll bring my:
and join godfrey then
Posted by: frog51
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 07/05/2006 12:45
Think I might manage to get SWMBO along with me - will have to leave the two eldest kids with my in-laws, but reckon a 3 month old will get on just fine:)
Posted by: Schido
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 07/05/2006 19:14
OK! Sharing a room with firefox31, so the bed in mr.boxer's room is still available.
Posted by: schofiel
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 08/05/2006 05:53
Not yet.
Posted by: smu
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 21/05/2006 15:48
Hi.
Though my free days aren't yet confirmed by my boss, I would like to share a room with someone from friday to monday. Even if I don't get the free days I need for that, I would pay for the three nights, so if anyone wants to share a non-smoker room with me, please contact me, ideally by mail at
[email protected], since I don't check the BBS very often these days.
Regards,
Sven
Posted by: kjohanss
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 24/05/2006 14:13
Hotel booked!
The Norwegian will be here!
Posted by: boxer
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 31/05/2006 04:22
Seems that the boxer spare bed is probably taken, the daughter is bringing a friend for company (not that the friend is sharing my room, so Mrs.Boxer will have to put up with the snoring!).
Posted by: speedy67
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 02/06/2006 09:53
Mail sent. If i get the days free from work, i'll come from friday to monday.
Polls filled out...
Posted by: mlord
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 02/06/2006 11:50
Quote:
Mail sent. If i get the days free from work, i'll come from friday to monday.
Polls filled out...
So cool! SWMBO would love to meet you, Thomas!
Posted by: speedy67
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 03/06/2006 07:12
Same for me... Hope, i'll get some days free.
Posted by: frog51
Re: Europe 2006 - The Hotel Thread - 07/06/2006 07:36
Sadly we won't be there on the Monday, but the plan is to drive down on the Friday and back up late Sunday. Really looking forward to it.