AMG 2014: San Diego Time of Year Thread and Thoughts on Hotels

[Lou-ah-vull]

It helps when someone gets decisive!  Thanks Mark!

Gary

[wolfter]

Awesome.  We have a date!  Hopefully we can figure out an area and I'll see about group rates.  As I've mentioned, I have a family member who does this as part of her position. 

Once we have a general area, she can produce a couple of options.  She does wonders whenever we have family functions as we all live all over the place and usually require a huge block of rooms.  It'll actually be kinda cool to see us all on the same floor, next to each other.  I've always enjoyed when we had the floor to ourselves as it was easier to find the late night parties with no one complaining about excessive noise.

OH, and if I bring a victim date back, don't be knocking unless you're bringing something to the event.   

[Irish Eyes]

as for hotels, i'd boycott the Manchester Hyatt, Harbor Dr. San Diego.
He was a big doner to DADT.

[aztecan]

as for hotels, i'd boycott the Manchester Hyatt, Harbor Dr. San Diego.
He was a big doner to DADT.

Thanks for the heads up. We will keep that in mind.

HUGS,

Mark

[David_CA]

July 17-22 is preferable for me but either week looks open right now.  David was going to get back to us about the hotels I believe.

Jody

Jody,

I'm most familiar with the Hillcrest (gay) area of San Diego.  The hotel there that I've stayed in is Studio 819 - so much is within walking distance of it.  I did a mini review of it in an earlier post.

As for dates... maybe we need more of a spread.  In other words, don't we want to consider August?  We also need to check and see what's going on those dates; that can have a HUGE bearing on hotel availability, prices, etc.  I know San Diego's Pride weekend is July 18-20.  This might influence the dates somewhat.   

So, let's look at what's going on before pinning down dates.  I'm not sure of the best way to go about this other than perhaps contacting some of the hotels to see what dates they're booked; that'll knock out some dates entirely.  Then again, knowing what areas to concentrate on will help.  I've generally stayed in Hillcrest or Hotel Circle and have done lots of fun things - the waterfront, gay areas, the zoo / Balboa Park, etc.  My driving has been minimal, and these places seem to be well-served by public transportation.  For those who want to visit other cities in the area, there's an absolutely gorgeous Amtrak route from LA/OC that's very cheap.  I've also found car rentals to be inexpensive here, too, in case any need that option. 

On a side note... I'll be in SD for Pride this year regardless of AMG dates; it's a 1.4-2 hour drive or train ride from OC, and I've got friends there I can stay with there!   Have I said how much I love SoCal? 

[aztecan]

Hey David,

Since nobody was moving forward, I just went ahead and proposed the dates.

The first few weeks of August would be difficult for me, so I proposed July and set a deadline because, as I know you know, if you don't it can go on forever.

We can check about activities coinciding, but we do need to get a move on. It is February already and we need to nail down some particulars so people can start planning and scheduling time off from work.

I don't know the areas of San Diego, but I know in Chicago, we were right downtown, in D.C., we were in Virginia, etc. I think we will be fine wherever we end up.

Since you are there, could you check on local events? It might be easier. I will see what I can find on line.

Talk to you soon.

HUGS,

Mark

[mitch777]

Hope you all can figure this out soon. It is doubtful that we can attend due to my disability hearing and other personal matters but I understand the need to get your asses moving.

Last year was our first year and the lack of input frustrated me to no end. Despite that, we managed to pull together and had the time of our lives and I would encourage anyone that has the opportunity to attend to speak up and get involved. Don't be shy!!

m.

[David_CA]

I'm still going to push for the Hillcrest area, as it is so (gay-)friendly and convenient.  I know there are other areas, but they aren't nearly as walkable.  Remember, San Diego is a big and very spread-out city... I'm always amazed at how non-citylike most of the areas in SoCal are.  I'll try to see what's going on when.  The good thing is that the weather is still nice in August, so if we happen to do late August, we'll be fine. 

Hey David,

Since nobody was moving forward, I just went ahead and proposed the dates.

The first few weeks of August would be difficult for me, so I proposed July and set a deadline because, as I know you know, if you don't it can go on forever.

We can check about activities coinciding, but we do need to get a move on. It is February already and we need to nail down some particulars so people can start planning and scheduling time off from work.

I don't know the areas of San Diego, but I know in Chicago, we were right downtown, in D.C., we were in Virginia, etc. I think we will be fine wherever we end up.

Since you are there, could you check on local events? It might be easier. I will see what I can find on line.

Talk to you soon.

HUGS,

Mark

[wolfter]

This shouldn't be so much work   we're all friends so lets fig it out

[Jody]

I vote for Hillcrest.  We have nightlife and restaurants there and we can get to the beach, zoo and other venues from there.

Jody

[Hellraiser]

You guys are talking but not organizing.  Pick a couple of Dates and a couple of areas.  Choose one of each, then find a good affordable hotel and call it a day.  David you seem very interested in a certain set of dates and area, why don't you organize since no one else seems to care?

Edit:  Do I need to get one of y'all to hold the goat?

[aztecan]

You guys are talking but not organizing.  Pick a couple of Dates and a couple of areas.  Choose one of each, then find a good affordable hotel and call it a day.  David you seem very interested in a certain set of dates and area, why don't you organize since no one else seems to care?

Edit:  Do I need to get one of y'all to hold the goat?

That was kinda what I was doing, sorta. (Oh, I will hold your goat for you, if you like. Never heard it called that before. )

OK, so, how about this:

Proposed dates:

1. July 22- 29

2. Aug. 14 - 19

I would like to give everyone a week to consider this, investigate the possible happenings, etc. and then set a deadline of Feb. 14 (that is St. Valentine's Day, for those who don't know it) to cast their ballots.

I would also like to propose we choose the Hillcrest area for our base. We already have some voicing support for it and it is centrally located with access to fun things like the beach and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Also Sea World is there somewhere.

So, that is what I would propose.

Speak up, dear AMG people, if you think I am all wet. 

HUGS,

Mark

[wolfter]

So it appears we don't in fact have a date settled.  Since I went ahead and made preliminary plans based on the previous stated dates, I'll wait and see what's decided on before determining my course. 

This isn't in any manner meant to be catty, but I had to let another person know of my plans so he could schedule time off.  And since I already gave him the dates, I'll have to stick with that unless he can reschedule on shorter notice.

[Hellraiser]

Neither of those dates is particularly grand for me (both during vacation blackout periods for work).  However I already have plans for July 4th so I guess the August 14-19 would be best for me since it is further from that date.

[Hellraiser]

(Oh, I will hold your goat for you, if you like. Never heard it called that before. )

As in "Who's fucking this goat?" (You are) "That's right so just shut up and hold the damn horns".

[Jody]

Hillcrest

Aug. 14-19

Jody

[klassykitty]

July 22- 29

Because I just found out that The Peach Music Fest is during the august dates. 

If the zoo and Sea World are near the Hillcrest place then I guess there. 

Michelle

[Basquo]

July 22-29. I will be very close to California in the days leading up to that time so I might be able to swing a few days in SoCal 

[pozniceguy]

Hillcrest   July  22-29

Nick

[bocker3]

July 22-29

[pozniceguy]

Hotels in SD
  HELP!!!!!  been  checking the  various  sites  for  hotels in SD   we need help... the ones closest to  Hillcrest  all say  sold out for the  period   tried  moving the  dates  around by a week or so  in each  direction   still  nada   maybe just  a few rooms available
tried the  aug  dates as well ..   other parts of town  seem to be in $200+ range  and still low availability

any of the  locals got a  suggestion..../


Nick

[Lou-ah-vull]

Everyone,

I am off the coast of Columbia heading towards Panama Canal on day 7 of an 11 day cruise...limited and slow internet.  Following this with interest of course.... I love Hillcrest but fear that the hotel selection may not be enough for us.  San Diego, like David said, is all spread out and it makes it challenging.  If someone knows someone in the travel business, this is our best bet as they will have an idea what to do with a group our size.

Not germane to the topic, but now on my fifth cruise (eternal thanks to Bocker) I still think this is an IDEAL AMG venue.  Maybe some day....

I return late on the 14th and will be able to weigh in and even help.

Keep working!

Gary

[J.R.E.]

I'm just going to throw this out there.  A friend of ours was just out in San Diego a couple of months ago.

He stayed at the Days Inn. He siad it was ok, maybe someone in the area can check it out.

Just google:

"  1919 Pacific Hwy San Diego "    -----  and click on maps you can get down to ground and look around.

I think this place was about 5 miles North and west from the Hillcrest area.  Not positive on that though.

He did say there were better hotels along that particular stretch. Anyway,...A I said I am just throwing it out there.


Ray

[Irish Eyes]

I believe days inn mentioned above is more of a motel. Jst south of it is the wyndham san diego bayfront, $160 listed on site, but more hotel-like.

[Denver Toad]

I'll jump in here. San Diego is a tourist town. Your lodging prices are going to reflect that reality, especially with the dates chosen. You're smack in the middle of the prime tourist season.

I'm unsure of the number of attendees, but perhaps renting a house may be a better choice. It wouldn't be too hard to find a beachfront in the 3500 - 4500 per week range. Split 10 ways the cost is less than a hotel. Admittedly using a rental home raises transportation challenges. San Diego is spread out, and if you do the traditional tourist type thing (Zoo, Seaworld, similar) you'll need wheels. Little in San Diego is within walking distance of anywhere else. If you want to lodge close to vacation/tourist center you're going to pay for it. And you'll still need wheels to see much. This is So Cal.

Consider this, rent a beachfront, stock the cupboard, stock the fridge, and stock the bar. Mix up an umbrella drink, park yourself in a beach chair, soak up the sun and enjoy the view. I'll drop in and teach bodysurfing if you're interested.

I live an hour and a half north of SD, and am down there often in the summer. We beach, we run the dogs and have walked the Gaslamp district a time or two. If there's something I can do to facilitate this come together I'm happy to help.

I'll tell you true... I've been in the background quietly watching the planning and debate. I was thrilled when I saw SD was chosen for AMG. It's never worked out that I could attend any of the prior events. Maybe this time AMG would be close enough I could attend. Maybe this time I would finally meet the faces and people behind the screen names. Maybe this time, for the first time in my life, I would meet another positive person. 

Gay friendly areas? Haven't a clue. Im sure others can chime in and offer wisdom. Great beaches; that I know. Let me know what I can do to help get this off the ground. I'll share this though. Choices need to be made soonest. You're competing with hordes of tourists from both in state and out of state. Chose soon or you may end up in The Hotel California; where you can check out, but you'll never leave.

[J.R.E.]

I believe days inn mentioned above is more of a motel. Jst south of it is the wyndham san diego bayfront, $160 listed on site, but more hotel-like.

And just south of the one I showed is a Hampton Inn. If someone wants to check the pricing on that for the selected time frame :


https://plus.google.com/102090893942155137805/about?gl=us&hl=en


Ray

[weasel]

I'll tell you true... I've been in the background quietly watching the planning and debate. I was thrilled when I saw SD was chosen for AMG. It's never worked out that I could attend any of the prior events. Maybe this time AMG would be close enough I could attend. Maybe this time I would finally meet the faces and people behind the screen names. Maybe this time, for the first time in my life, I would meet another positive person. 

   Howdy Denver Toad !     
                                      I really hope you get to come this year !
   No one can say how wonderful the AMG's are , it's an event you must be there to feel it !
   I have been to a few and LOVE LOVE LOVE them !
   Friends are made for life .   I look forward to it every year now 

    Last year was a smaller group and we had a fantastic time 

    I'll let other's pick the date and time , But i shall be there .

                                                               HUGS ,  Weasel   

[David_CA]

I'm sure one of those dates will work for us. The beaches in SD are not full of affordable beach houses; it's a better bet to go with a hotel. I'm still going to stick with my suggestions of Hillcrest or somewhere at Hotel Circle.  Although San Diego is spread out, most of the stuff we'll likely to want to do is close to either of these areas.

I'm out of town with crappy internet. When I get home, I'll look for availability on and around those dates.

[David_CA]

I just got back from San Diego on Saturday after spending the night at the Lafayette.  It's such a nice place, and the pool is gorgeous.  Of course, we spent time in Hillcrest.  The Lafayette is a bit over one mile driving and a bit under a mile walking.  Cabs are obviously available.  Still, it's hard to beat Studio 819's location.  There are SO many places around that we can easily pick one to meet each night for pre-dinner drinks, etc. 

My suggestion is for whoever is going to negotiate the hotel rates call these two hotels and see what's available, prices, etc for the dates that have been mentioned here.  Perhaps they can guide us some as to alternate dates.  If the prices aren't good enough, there are plenty of hotels 2-2.5 miles or so from the Hillcrest area.

[Lou-ah-vull]

Progress!

Are we still primarily looking at July 22-29 followed by Aug 14-21?  If memory serves, we look for a block with a check in for the group on Thursday and a check out on Tuesday with variances for earlier or later check in and check out.   For a group, they will want definitive dates and then we can discuss whether or not we can have earlier or later check in and check out.  I am fairly certain we will have minimum stay requirements at least three days.

Do I have the date ranges correct?

Gary

[aztecan]

Hey Gary,

Yes, I think you have the right dates. I chose those based on a Thursday arrival and a Tuesday departure, for someone who stays the entire time.

HUGS,

Mark

[Lou-ah-vull]

with extra allowances for our train arriving and departing confreres....   

Gary

[aztecan]

with extra allowances for our train arriving and departing confreres....   

Gary

[pozniceguy]

been  checking  several  hotels  including the  Lafayette   so far  even  with  10 or more rooms   (  they  seemed  reluctant to  discuss  group  since usually  full)  $250/day  was   being quoted  for those  dates...apparently   the  busiiest  time of year  and they want a gaurantee on credit card....
  some were less  but  would not  block  10 or more rooms  in that time....

Nick

[Jody]

Since San Diego has nice weather all year maybe we could consider Sept., Oct., Nov. for AMG'14.  It would not be during tourist season and should be much more reasonable in price.

Jody

[aztecan]

Since San Diego has nice weather all year maybe we could consider Sept., Oct., Nov. for AMG'14.  It would not be during tourist season and should be much more reasonable in price.

Jody

I am good with that. If the prices "in season" are at the levels that Nick quoted, it would be difficult for many of us.

HUGS,

Mark

[Jeff G]

Have you guys considered moving the location to a bigger city like L. A. ? 

[pozniceguy]

I  tried  the discount sites  (  Orbitz, Hotwire, and  3 others)  called several including the  Lafayette    got  pretty much the  same story   typically $250  or more  or  full  "nothing available" .    north of  city  found  a  few  around  $150  but  wouldnt  consider  holding  10 or more rooms without  credit  card payment in advance

[Basquo]

I  tried  the discount sites  (  Orbitz, Hotwire, and  3 others)  called several including the  Lafayette    got  pretty much the  same story   typically $250  or more  or  full  "nothing available" .    north of  city  found  a  few  around  $150  but  wouldnt  consider  holding  10 or more rooms without  credit  card payment in advance

I see the same thing when I look, Nick. I hope we can figure something out one way or another. I'm off that week, planning on being in Vegas for a long weekend until Tuesday 7/22, but it's early enough that I could change my time off from work for another time. Vegas is pretty much a done deal because I have concert tickets for  Saturday 7/19 and Abbey is expecting me so I can meet her baby who is arriving tomorrow. But I seriously can't do $250 per night for a hotel.

[Joe K]

Hello Folks,

Given that the Canadian dollar is at the lowest point in years, like .85 to 1.00 US, Canada could be a viable option.  Montreal is beautiful in the summer and for those who have been here before, Ste. Catherine is now closed to traffic from May to September, in the Gay Village.

Plus you have a couple of members who live here and would be happy to help arrange whatever you may need.

Joe

[Jmarksto]

Montreal sounds wonderful to me, it has been a city that I have wanted to see - in part because I have quite a bit of family history there.  That said - August and September are going to be difficult for me to travel given my work, but perhaps next year.

JM

[Joe K]

Montreal sounds wonderful to me, it has been a city that I have wanted to see - in part because I have quite a bit of family history there.  That said - August and September are going to be difficult for me to travel given my work, but perhaps next year.

JM

I was kidding about Montreal, as we already had one here.  But maybe Vancouver would work and it's nice to have that extra 15% exchange rate bonus.

Joe

[Irish Eyes]

I was jst replying to montreal, battery is dying and I lost my post. TA mate.
Jokes on me

[Irish Eyes]

Skru Montreal. I live in San Diego.
Honestly I don't give a damn my daaaarlings. But really, SD can b a bitch. Firstly, it's always expensive, you def need wheels no matter where u stay, but the sun always does shine.
Thankfully I can go anywhere any time and Montreal sounds good, but can someone volunteer to smuggle my meds and a stash across the border.
My understanding is that the Canadians are more "user friendly' (if u no wata mean) than the yahoos at the our southern border.
A bientôt mes amis.

[WillyWump]

I'm not allowed back into Canada after that nasty 2006 incident.

Otherwise whatever y'all decide is hunky-dory with me. Just tell me when and where to show up.

[Lou-ah-vull]

Oh Will.... I am sure all is forgiven.  I am returning to beloved Montreal the first week of May.  I try to visit once a year...what a wonderful place!  And while this isn't great for Canadians, the exchange rate is extremely favorable now.  Vancouver is similarly wonderful.

I still hope we work out something in San Diego since we voted for it.  I am somewhat surprised we didn't get more interest in Denver especially since the introduction of legal marijuana to AMG would be, well, in a word, interesting!  If nothing else, it would take our drinking and our munchies into a whole new level.

Regardless of location (but with sensitivity to our wallets) the important thing is that we still come together.  THAT is the real point of AMG...the location, while important, is secondary.

Gary

[David_CA]

I'm finding the August dates to be much cheaper.  One motel (not hotel) I checked is $99 per night during the August range and over $200 in July.  Lafayette is down to $125 per night during the August dates, too.  I emailed Studio 819, as their site only lists rates through May.  If I don't get a response, I'll call.

[leatherman]

since the introduction of legal marijuana to AMG would be, well, in a word, interesting!  If nothing else, it would take our drinking and our munchies into a whole new level.

obviously you didn't realize that we were in Seattle during HempFest '11

[Lou-ah-vull]

I recall....watched some of it from the "cruise" a group of us took.  If I recall correctly, the hemp festival still involved illegal, even though tolerated, activity.  Denver (and soon Washington) have now made the activity legal. 

Gary

[Lou-ah-vull]

David,

This is good news about the August dates.  I looked at the Lafayette property and even though not in Hillcrest, it looked like a good AMG site for all concerned.

Hope this works out... I always enjoy San Diego.

Gary