Author Topic: Official choice of place and time for AMG 2015 (Read 102965 times)

Basquo · « **Reply #50 on:** January 09, 2015, 08:41:51 pm »

Quote from: DANIELtakashi on January 09, 2015, 10:43:42 am

Hi from Japan.
Jeff has just told me you are planning to meet in MEMPHIS.
I would like to join you if I can manage my schedule.
I can take DELTA from TOKYO to Detroit and go down to TENN from there.

Yay! The more the merrier! Tokyo to Detroit sounds like a long flight, but it would be well worth it!

anniebc · « **Reply #51 on:** January 10, 2015, 04:21:50 am »

It is a long flight from Japan. I have been travelling from NZ to the AMG for 8 years now..and Basquo is right, it's definitely worth it.

Hope to see you there Daniel.

Aroha
Jan

aztecan · « **Reply #52 on:** January 10, 2015, 12:28:19 pm »

Hey Daniel,

As the others have said, it would be wonderful if you can attend. It is quite a trip for you, but I think you would really like it.

HUGS,

Mark

aztecan · « **Reply #53 on:** January 12, 2015, 11:57:55 pm »

Hey Gang,

I am going to propose we close the voting for location. I think the choice is pretty clear.

The final vote, if I close today, would be:

Memphis - 16

Philadelphia - 3

Nashville - 0 (Jan changed her vote)

Anyone who objects to closing the vote now should make their concerns known quickly, please.

If not, I propose to close the vote for location today, since I think the tally is pretty much a mandate.

Now, I would also propose we set the dates for early August, specifically, either:

July 30th through Aug. 4

or

Aug. 6 through Aug. 11.

Preferences?

HUGS,

Mark

aztecan · « **Reply #54 on:** January 13, 2015, 01:12:26 am »

Quote from: aztecan on January 12, 2015, 11:57:55 pm

Hey Gang,

I am going to propose we close the voting for location. I think the choice is pretty clear.

The final vote, if I close today, would be:

Memphis - 16

Philadelphia - 3

Nashville - 0 (Jan changed her vote)

Anyone who objects to closing the vote now should make their concerns known quickly, please.

If not, I propose to close the vote for location today, since I think the tally is pretty much a mandate.

Now, I would also propose we set the dates for early August, specifically, either:

July 30th through Aug. 4

or

Aug. 6 through Aug. 11.

Edited to add: I checked and the Elvis memorial wing ding is Aug. 10th through the 16th. At the risk of overlapping, I would suggest we choose July 30 through Aug. 4.

Opinions and considerations?

HUGS,

Mark

anniebc · « **Reply #55 on:** January 13, 2015, 01:44:16 am »

Thanks Mark.

The dates that would suit me better are the 30th July to August 4th, but will go with whatever is voted on.

Lets get this AMG started.

Aroha
Jan

Dachshund · « **Reply #56 on:** January 13, 2015, 07:37:43 am »

Quote from: aztecan on January 13, 2015, 01:12:26 am

I imagine hotels are already booked during the overlap. Elvis week is HUGE. People from all over the world descend on Memphis to worship their God EP. If you're coming you better check room availability soon.

WillyWump · « **Reply #57 on:** January 13, 2015, 03:00:18 pm »

Aug 6th - 11th.

bocker3 · « **Reply #58 on:** January 13, 2015, 05:08:15 pm »

Oh -- I like July 30 - Aug 4. Sid and I will celebrate 25 yrs together on 8/2 -- how fun to celebrate with a bunch like you all!!!

Though -- I can do either set of dates.

M

Jody · « **Reply #59 on:** January 13, 2015, 07:51:20 pm »

Quote from: Dachshund on January 13, 2015, 07:37:43 am

I imagine hotels are already booked during the overlap. Elvis week is HUGE. People from all over the world descend on Memphis to worship their God EP. If you're coming you better check room availability soon.

So Dachsund, which specifically is the overlap week...I gather it would be Aug. 6th to 11th when there might not be hotel rooms available. So should Mark just dump that week and we would go July 30 to Aug.4???

Jody

Jody · « **Reply #60 on:** January 13, 2015, 08:06:38 pm »

I think it would be prudent to eliminate Aug. 6 to 11 as too close to the Elvis ceremony.

Jody

weasel · « **Reply #61 on:** January 13, 2015, 08:48:31 pm »

Quote from: bocker3 on January 13, 2015, 05:08:15 pm

Oh -- I like July 30 - Aug 4. Sid and I will celebrate 25 yrs together on 8/2 -- how fun to celebrate with a bunch like you all!!!

Though -- I can do either set of dates.

M

July 30th to August 4th

I love annaversary parties

Weasel

P.s. It's very exciting !

Jeff G · « **Reply #62 on:** January 13, 2015, 09:27:42 pm »

30th July to August 4th. This date is what works best for Jan and Jen too and they are working with a pretty tight schedule if they are to attend .

Dachshund · « **Reply #63 on:** January 14, 2015, 09:24:40 am »

Quote from: Jody on January 13, 2015, 07:51:20 pm

So Dachsund, which specifically is the overlap week...I gather it would be Aug. 6th to 11th when there might not be hotel rooms available. So should Mark just dump that week and we would go July 30 to Aug.4???

Jody

Yep, the 6th-11th would be the overlap. It's just an overlap of a few days but I still think it would make room availability difficult. Plus I'm sure room rates are higher prior to the 16th.

anniebc · « **Reply #64 on:** January 14, 2015, 04:13:41 pm »

Looks like the 30th -4th is the best date then.

Should we start looking for hotels?

Coming Hal to the courtesy phone.

Aroha
Jan

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #65 on:** January 14, 2015, 05:03:29 pm »

I add my voice to the group suggesting the earlier week. How about some guidance about where we want to be located. There are a very small number of choices in immediate walking distance of Beale Street. The obvious one..the Peabody will almost certainly be too expensive for most of us. We could also look for a riverfront location but then would need shuttle/taxi to get to Beale Street. More opportunities for affordable lodging there. I do believe we want to stay in town versus the outlying suburbs. Thoughts? Ideas? We can begin to ascertain what type of group rate might be available to us. Knowledge of group size will be essential when we contact hotels. In years past, the range of 10-15 rooms has been about right. This may be too small for some hotels' group rates.

Keep the ideas coming!

Gary

anniebc · « **Reply #66 on:** January 14, 2015, 06:11:00 pm »

We stayed in a nice hotel in Memphis, just can't recall the name, I remember in was opposite a Baseball Club, was it the Memphis Redbirds?, or Cardinals? something like that, I think the park was called the AutoZone Park. I know it was within walking distance to Beale street because Jeff, Jen and I walked home from there one night, and it didn't' take us long at all.

Jeff can you remember the name of the hotel?

Aroha
Jan

Dachshund · « **Reply #67 on:** January 14, 2015, 06:15:10 pm »

Here's a video that came out in the NY times today on what to do in Memphis. Memphians will all disagree on who has the best BBQ, but that's a discussion for another day. Any downtown hotel will be in walking distance to Beale Street, Civil Rights Museum etc. If you plan excursions out of downtown Uber or Lyft is the way to go. Taxi service is awful.

http://www.ilovememphisblog.com/2015/01/36-hours-memphis-video-today-nytimes-com/

Click on the link what to do in Memphis for a more detailed information.

Dachshund · « **Reply #68 on:** January 14, 2015, 06:16:10 pm »

Quote from: anniebc on January 14, 2015, 06:11:00 pm

We stayed in a nice hotel in Memphis, just can't recall the name, I remember in was opposite a Baseball Club, was it the Memphis Redbirds?, or Cardinals? something like that, I think the park was called the AutoZone Park. I know it was within walking distance to Beale street because Jeff, Jen and I walked home from there one night, and it didn't' take us long at all.

Jeff can you remember the name of the hotel?

Aroha
Jan

Y'all stayed at the DoubleTree across the street from the Peabody.

Jeff G · « **Reply #69 on:** January 14, 2015, 06:58:08 pm »

Quote from: Dachshund on January 14, 2015, 06:16:10 pm

Y'all stayed at the DoubleTree across the street from the Peabody.

Yep, thats it . The rates there are 189 a night with no haggling . I need to look again but I think the Marriott is a good choice and close to where we where to be . I also found a better range of prices on Priceline or expedia than the hotel websites . Year before last when Jan, Jen and I stayed at the doubletree I was rather surprised at the lack or bargains in the area near Beale street but I do hope we can find a hotel within walking distance that everybody can live with because it is the best location in my opinion .

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #70 on:** January 14, 2015, 09:13:32 pm »

I will add the Doubletree to my search. In that area there is a Holiday Inn as well and a Hampton. The last time I checked the internet rate at the Hampton was over $200 for that timeframe. Holiday Inn was around $150.

With a group we may get a good break but we will need a minimum number of rooms to get that rate. Historically, that information has been hard to come by when we plan AMG without Dennis. Last year I was so overwhelmed with moving and starting a new job that I just could not devote time to help get a group for San Diego. I am going to try to be proactive this time. We must celebrate our 10th anniversary... Rocky in Heaven is insisting!

Gary

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #71 on:** January 14, 2015, 09:23:55 pm »

The Doubletree is an ideal location. The internet rate is $189. We can do better with a group rate. It looks like the minimum for a group is 10 rooms but I will find out during business hours.

The Holiday Inn Select is just a bit further away but walkable. The internet rate there is $154. No information about group rate but I will try and find out.

The Hampton is $218. I am curious how they can have such a high rate for what is basically a Hampton. It is nearby though and well reviewed.

The key for us is some concept of our group size. Some will want to share rooms but we are going to need a minimum, I believe, of 10 rooms. Will try and find out...the sooner we get set up the better.

Gary

WillyWump · « **Reply #72 on:** January 14, 2015, 10:29:03 pm »

I cant do the entirety of the earlier date but I will definitely fly in that 3rd or 4th to see everyone!

pozniceguy · « **Reply #73 on:** January 14, 2015, 11:44:11 pm »

put me in for the july 30 date... would consider driving my car if anyone from Dallas area is willing to share drive time

?

Nick...

weasel · « **Reply #74 on:** January 15, 2015, 03:02:10 pm »

Has anyone booked a room yet ?

I'm getting nervous , rooms are going quick .

Weasel

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #75 on:** January 15, 2015, 03:38:33 pm »

Weasel,

For AMG, this is quite early! There is nothing to book yet as we have not even agreed on a date. We will try to get a group rate with a block of rooms (somewhere between 10-15 rooms) and then give people a chance to reserve. We will need to choose a hotel from a list (most likely three) and be attentive to any mandatory minimums. We were not able to organize this last year but I am optimistic we can this year. In short, too soon to reserve...stay attentive to this forum!

Gary

aztecan · « **Reply #76 on:** January 19, 2015, 01:10:53 am »

OK, I did some checking and these are some of the hotel choices I came up with at Hotels.com

The prices seem to vary a bit. If those who are familiar with the city could take a look and possibly make some recommendations, that would be great.

Springhill Suites By Marriott Memphis Downtown
85 West Court Avenue Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-573-4235

Downtown Memphis

      0.03 miles to City center
      0.44 miles to Beale Street

      $154

DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown
185 Union Ave Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-925-4159

Downtown Memphis
      0.27 miles to City center
      0.23 miles to Beale Street

      $179

Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
250 N Main St Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-925-867

Downtown Memphis
0.42 miles to City center
0.84 miles to Beale Street

$155


Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center Midtown
1180 Union Ave Memphis, TN, 38104 United States, 866-538-1314

Midtown
1.8 miles to City center
1.8 miles to Beale Street

$107

Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
160 Union Ave Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-538-6252

Downtown Memphis
0.25 miles to City center
0.22 miles to Beale Street

$154

Residence Inn by Marriott Memphis Downtown
110 Monroe Ave Memphis, TN, 38103 United States, 866-711-3751

Downtown Memphis
0.15 miles to City center
0.29 miles to Beale Street

$159

Best Western Plus Gen X Inn
1177 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN, 38104 United States, 866-538-0157

Midtown
1.8 miles to City center
1.8 miles to Beale Street

$100

HUGS,

Mark

anniebc · « **Reply #77 on:** January 19, 2015, 04:30:47 am »

Thanks Mark.

All of the above are fine with me, although the hotels nearer to Beale St would be ideal, but I will wait and see what the others think and I go with them.

Aroha
Jan

Jeff G · « **Reply #78 on:** January 19, 2015, 08:07:56 am »

I like all the ones that are walkable to Beale ...

Residence Inn by Marriott Memphis Downtown

Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

weasel · « **Reply #79 on:** January 19, 2015, 10:06:40 am »

I have stayed at the Double Tree before .

It is a block from Beale and the trolley is right there .

Hotel has a rooftop pool

My #1. choice

Weasel

Not sure if there is a bar ?

Modified to say it has a bar/ lounge and resturant !

wolfter · « **Reply #80 on:** January 19, 2015, 10:53:14 am »

Another thing to consider is parking. The doubletree charges $22/night. That's not horrible, but if everything else is similar, free parking would be a benefit. I checked the Doubletree's suites and they're fairly priced.

I would prefer a kitchenette area but couldn't locate a hotel yet that has them.

bocker3 · « **Reply #81 on:** January 19, 2015, 12:35:46 pm »

Quote from: wolfter on January 19, 2015, 10:53:14 am

Another thing to consider is parking. The doubletree charges $22/night. That's not horrible, but if everything else is similar, free parking would be a benefit. I checked the Doubletree's suites and they're fairly priced.

I would prefer a kitchenette area but couldn't locate a hotel yet that has them.

Residence Inn would have a kitchenette area in all rooms/suites, as they are an "Extended Stay" chain. They also provide free continental breakfasts (as does the Springhill Suites).

Personally -- I'd prefer anything in the Marriott family, as that is where we usually stay and I have Platinum status, but I'm good with anything listed here.

M

zach · « **Reply #82 on:** January 19, 2015, 01:13:25 pm »

megabus stops in memphis, super cheap with a ticket booked now, really nice coach buses are much better than the dirty dog, known for keeping a tight schedule

y'all

weasel · « **Reply #83 on:** January 19, 2015, 03:26:34 pm »

Bob just told me the last we stayed in Memphis it was at
Comfort Inn Downtown , close to beale street also .

No resturant or bar

It's cheap ! $160 a night

Weasel

Does have a POOL .

Parking is $8.00 a day

wolfter · « **Reply #84 on:** January 19, 2015, 05:09:52 pm »

Quote from: weasel on January 19, 2015, 03:26:34 pm

Bob just told me the last we stayed in Memphis it was at
Comfort Inn Downtown , close to beale street also .

No restaurant or bar

It's cheap ! $160 a night

Weasel

Does have a POOL .

Parking is $8.00 a day

Restaurants aren't a big deal, but NO BAR!!!!! Scandalous.

aztecan · « **Reply #85 on:** January 19, 2015, 05:58:24 pm »

The Doubletree and Holiday Inn both have bars in them. i checked others but those were the only hotels I could find with a bar in them.

The Holiday Inn also has a restaurant, coffee shop and free parking. It also is a bit cheaper.

I think it is also a bit older than than the Doubletree, for whatever that is worth. We have stayed in a number of older hotels and had wonderful experiences with them.

I would like to narrow the choice of hotels to two or three. That would make it easier.

Also, are we planning on booking ourselves in or are we going to try for a group rate. I don't have much experience with the group rate thing, so advice, assistance, etc., would be greatly appreciated.

HUGS,

Mark

anniebc · « **Reply #86 on:** January 19, 2015, 07:46:43 pm »

Last year the AMG was pretty much cancelled because they needed a credit card to hold Group rooms, and no-one was keen to hand one over,(understandable I guess) at least I think that was the reason, please correct me if I'm wrong.'

If that was the case I would hate to see that happen again, so maybe we could book our own rooms, unless of course someone is prepared to hand over a credit card.

Aroha
Jan

Basquo · « **Reply #87 on:** January 19, 2015, 08:32:09 pm »

If we all booked rooms, say ten rooms, could we then ask them for a group rate? Tell them that their competitor has offered us a group rate?

Jeff G · « **Reply #88 on:** January 19, 2015, 08:56:36 pm »

Quote from: Basquo on January 19, 2015, 08:32:09 pm

If we all booked rooms, say ten rooms, could we then ask them for a group rate? Tell them that their competitor has offered us a group rate?

Thats a great idea . When we choose a hotel one of us can ask about getting a group rate once we book the rooms … I would be happy to make some calls or you guys can pick someone else … pick a hotel and we can go from there .

anniebc · « **Reply #89 on:** January 19, 2015, 09:10:13 pm »

I'm happy with that plan, it could work.

You're a wee sly one Basquo..

Aroha
Jan

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #90 on:** January 20, 2015, 01:20:14 am »

I am going to try and negotiate a group rate. I had pretty much decided to try the Doubletree and the Holiday Inn for sure but would like a third one as well. It might be possible to get a break on parking at Doubletree if we ask. Can't hurt. We have the best chance if we establish a group. I am guessing there is a hard ten room minimum but I am going to try to find that out also. I will be willing to guarantee the group on a credit card but there will be a very clear cutoff date for reservations against the block. In this way, there is no danger of my being charged.

I was too busy at work and moving last year to try and intervene and keep the San Diego AMG alive. As it turned out, i couldn't have even attended anyway. I really want this to work so I will step in and see what I can do. After I get the information, we can discuss it quickly on here and make a decision.

We will definitely get a better rate if we have a group block of rooms.

Gary

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #91 on:** January 20, 2015, 01:22:22 am »

... oh and we have to have an onsite bar...it is an AMG tradition and an AMG necessity. What would Rocky say?

Gary

Dachshund · « **Reply #92 on:** January 20, 2015, 09:27:09 am »

The Holiday Inn is older and not as nice as the Doubletree but if it's cheaper (free parking) and you're basically just using it for sleeping, it's fine. It's location is ideal. It's right across the street from The Peabody (the south's grand hotel) and walking distance to all the sights downtown. There are cool bars and popular restaurant, steps from the front door.

Jeff G · « **Reply #93 on:** January 20, 2015, 09:41:02 am »

I love the Holiday Inn suggestion and the free parking will help allot .

Buckmark · « **Reply #94 on:** January 20, 2015, 10:11:03 am »

I'm sure I'd be happy with any of the hotels, but if the Holiday Inn has free parking that will make it a lot easier for those who are driving (I'll be flying). Since Daschsy says it has a good location with bars and restaurants steps from the door, it sounds like a winner to me.

Dachshund · « **Reply #95 on:** January 20, 2015, 10:50:44 am »

Here's some info on the Holiday Inn downtown.

http://www.hisdowntownmemphis.com

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #96 on:** January 20, 2015, 05:37:38 pm »

I have contacted the Holiday Inn and discussed our needs. I will be getting a formal proposal from them very quickly. In short, the group minimum is ten rooms. They have availability for more if we need them. The group rate will be $149 per night plus tax. Someone suggested there was free parking. That information is incorrect. None of the downtown hotels offer free parking. Parking is by valet only at the Holiday Inn and the rate is $22 per night (like all of the other hotels) although here there are in and out privileges. There are other garages nearby but no in and out privileges and higher rates for overnight.

I will also talk to group sales at the Doubletree and the Hampton and we can compare the offers as well.

Any of these hotels are going to require a minimum number of rooms in order to get a group rate. The group rate will almost always be less than any individual rate we could get for ourselves. In order to get a group rate, there will have to be a credit card guarantee on the group. I will be willing to do this but will exercise the no cost cancellation provision if we do not reserve the required minimum rooms.

Hope to have the other hotel information for everyone very soon.

This is progress from last year! Glad to help.

Gary

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #97 on:** January 20, 2015, 05:51:37 pm »

Just got off the phone with group sales at the Doubletree. They will offer a minimum of ten rooms at $179 a night plus tax. They also have valet parking with in and out privileges at $22 a night. I think we can assume this $22 rate is going to be constant everywhere we check in downtown Memphis. They also have more than ten rooms at the moment at this rate.

As we compare, price of course is important, but I would also suggest looking at the reviews, looking at amenities and walking distances. This hotel is somewhat closer to Beale Street and is newer. We can decide whether it worth $30 a night more than the Holiday Inn.

I will have a formal proposal from them in a day or so.

I am also going to check the with Hampton as it is also closest to Beale Street.

More coming!

Gary

Lou-ah-vull · « **Reply #98 on:** January 20, 2015, 06:07:31 pm »

I just spoke with the Hampton Inn near Beale Street. Same ten room minimum. Additional rooms if we need them. Their rate is $194 plus tax. Their parking is self parking (the others are valet) at $17 a day with in and out privileges. Their garage is attached to the hotel itself. Unlike the Doubletree or the Holiday Inn, the Hampton offers a free breakfast every day although it ends at 10 am on weekdays and 11 am on weekend. I will have a formal proposal from them in a day or so.

Are there other hotels anyone wishes me to check? We have three now.

Gary

Dachshund · « **Reply #99 on:** January 20, 2015, 06:20:21 pm »

The Doubletree isn't any closer to Beale than the Holiday Inn. They are on the same street, almost next to each other. The Hampton is basically on Beale Street and I've heard goods things about it.

You should get a quote from the Westin Beale Street

http://www.westinmemphisbealestreet.com

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Author Topic: Official choice of place and time for AMG 2015 (Read 102965 times)