Just a comment as I know that scheduling will trump all other considerations. Late July and August are the ONLY times of the year when San Diego's weather is less than incredibly fabulous. The heat and humidity may make you think you're in the Midwest.
Thanks all - keep the suggestions coming.... I'm sure we are going to end up in the idealpositionlocation.
BTW, there is the Beach Village at the Del on Coronado Island - it is only $1,900 a night ;D (anyone want to be my sugar daddy and take me there?)
' with good Mexican food, margaritas, etc for $4,
Studio 819 http://studio819.com/ is right in the heart of Hillcrest. Parking is an extra charge, but most won't have cars. The rooms are small but very clean, and each room is an efficiency. The regular rate is around $90 per night. The Lafayette Hotel www.lafayettehotelsd.com/ is very nice and reasonably priced ($95). It is probably the cleanest hotel I have ever stayed in, and it has a gorgeous pool area. It's a bit of a walk to Hillcrest, but I've done it a few times. A cab from there to Hillcrest is about $9... not bad when it's split among several people. http://www.shellhospitality.com/Inn-at-the-Park is also nice, in Hillcrest, and is a bit more at $130, but that's without any group discounts.
Besides Wumpster is bringing his speedo...nothing else needs to be said. ;)
YES!
Love the Lafayette but whats up with the "application to stay" it's like applying for a mortgage, lol. :P
Cant wait to see yall and Bonnie!
See, at least someone appreciates my raw beauty. ;)
Wolfer,
The Ocean Beach Hotel has all of the above PLUS a beach and an ocean.
Gary
The link to this hotel (with also a nice description of the surrounding beachfront area) is http://obhotel.com.
Gary
Just hoping for a hotel with a patio and pool.
Just no skinny dipping until after dark. 8)
Some info on hotels (some previously listed)... rates listed are based on July/August dates.... Feel free to add to the list and/or comment...
Studio 819 has some questionable reviews on Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/studio-819-san-diego) and only one review on trip advisor. Rates are $70 - $100 (with a $10 surcharge for weekends). Hotel website: http://studio819.com/
Lafayette Hotel Mixed reviews on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80618-Reviews-The_Lafayette_Hotel_Swim_Club_Bungalows-San_Diego_California.html ) and Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lafayette-hotel-san-diego) . Rates seem to be around $125-$145. Hotel website: http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/
Inn at the Park No availability June thru September (can you believe it?) Great reviews on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80266-Reviews-Inn_at_the_Park-San_Diego_California.html)
Ocean Beach Hotel pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d226619-Reviews-Ocean_Beach_Hotel-San_Diego_California.html). Rates are a bit pricey: $178 - $230
Country Inn and Suites, San Diego-North Good reviews on Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80735-Reviews-Country_Inn_Suites_By_Carlson_San_Diego_North-San_Diego_California.html) Rates: $155 - $190 Hotel website: http://www.countryinns.com/san-diego-hotel-ca-92121/casdiego
Old Town Inn - Good reviews on Trip Advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80255-Reviews-Old_Town_Inn-San_Diego_California.html) ((neighborhood might be questionable) Seems like it is close to many attractions and not too far from airport. Free parking. Rates: $133 - $195 Hotel website: http://www.oldtown-inn.com/
Can I ask what AMG is? Heck, I can't even seem to find a thread explaining what AMG stands for? Perhaps a tread explaining to newer types what the event is, what goes on, the advantages etc?
Did we arrive at a date yet?early oct (2-5) is the US Conference on AIDS
Did we arrive at a date yet? Since I'm planning a duel vacation, I need to let my nephew know when to put in for vacation.
Wolfie
OK, I am going to throw out a some dates. Everyone please take a gander and let me know.
I proposed either the week of July 17th through the 22nd, or the 22nd through the 29th.
Let's give everyone until Jan. 31 to make up their minds which they like, or to proposed something else. Then, the date with the most votes will be it.
HUGS,
Mark
as for hotels, i'd boycott the Manchester Hyatt, Harbor Dr. San Diego.
He was a big doner to DADT.
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
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
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?
(Oh, I will hold your goat for you, if you like. Never heard it called that before. 8))
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.
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. :o
with extra allowances for our train arriving and departing confreres.... 8)
Gary
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 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
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
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 ;)
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
Hey all, I just noticed that you designated San Diego for the next AMG. I've lived in SD for the last 9 years, so i can help if you need any information. I've been to the AMG in SF a couple of years ago, so i know a few people from there. Studio 819 is not a dump but the rooms are like 10 feet wide and that's all, it's a dump to me. Don't do it. If you want to stay in the hillcrest area then get a room at the Lafayette hotel. Downtown is NOT gay friendly. Hillcrest is a gay area but has no real gay friendly hotels except the Lafayette. OB/PB are NOT gay friendly either.
Sorry, i'm a Newbie,
Hey folks been tracking Hotels for SD looks like rates drop dramatically starting
aug 5..... several hotels quoting from $85 to $ 126 / day anyone in the area willing to check them out?? all in the Mission Valley / Hotel circle area mostly 3 and four star ratings with 80% reccomended by people who stayed there
Using the Hotwire.com site to check ...used several dates but so far the week Aug 5 to aug 12 seems the best break
I havent verified about groups reservations till we get some one to check them out
Nick
Since nobody seems to be heading this up, I say we decide on a date so we can get firm prices and so people can plan. I propose we select from the following dates (I'm using Thurs through Monday, since that's when many tend to attend).
1) Aug 7 - 11
2) Aug 14 - 18
3) Aug 21 - 25
After we decide on a date (hopefully, a quick decision!), I'll contact the two hotels I've mentioned for firm pricing and to see if we can get any sort of discounts.
Actually, we DID vote on a date ages ago, then you came in and decided it wasn't good and it was thrown out. I have stayed out since while July was a possibility for me to attend (our original date), Aug is not. However, I can not NOT call out that we HAD made a decision, so please don't make it look like you are the only one stepping up.
Again, Aug is out for me, so I won't be helping to organize, but I will remain on the Grants Committee.
Mike
First, let's not be a prick. We DID vote, but the rates were too high and the supply of rooms were tight (not a lot of availability). I did NOT decide it wasn't good. I'm sorry that an entire month is out of the question for you; most of us are a bit more flexible. I live 2 hours away and anytime is good for me; I honestly don't care when we go. If you'll think back, several agreed that we should change due to availability and price. I don't recall you making any calls to obtain rate or availability info or making any other suggestions. I'll read back, though, just in case.
I'm not making it look like I'm the only one stepping up, although I did decide to not let another week go by without us making some progress. Fault me with it if you like, but I'm just trying to pin down a date that works for _most_ people. Mark and Nick have been trying to get things moving along, too, and a few others have made comments and suggestions. Again, I do NOT want to be in charge of anything and will gladly let somebody else handle any or all of this.
Thanks for your usual positive outlook on things; it's more than helpful.
[edited for a typo]
I AM NOT GOING !
My 60th Birthday BASH is in Las Vegas ;D
My plans were made for AMG in July .
I'll try to attend next year's years AMG , Hope you all have a great time :-*
Weasel
P.S. Next year I hope all voting goes a little smoother :)
So...um...is it late August? I am looking to attend this year.
Sounds good Mark. Thanks for pushing this along. It looks like Studio is the best location.
Jody :)
How do you think a newby would handle amg? Just curious.
How do you think a newby would handle amg? Just curious.
Recently diagnosed individuals have attended in the past and didn't seem to faint ;)
There hasn't been a hazing death in years now .
Well hope I didn't kill that conversation lol people the longer we wait, the more rates go up, the less time people will have to book for cutoff dates etc.
Has anyone else contacted the hotel? You don't want multiple people calling in about it or else they can raise rates if they don't know it's the same group, they'll flag it as a "compression weekend" which means that there's people looking for rates, generally if more then 3 calls are received for a time period.
I have pm my opinion of Studio to Abso.
Ganted it is in the middle of Hillcrest, and overlooks a freeway (it's practically on the freeway) and on a drive by, I honestly recon it operates as low-income temp housing, but welcomes guests.
The front door is always locked (with a big stick on letters saying so) and their signage outside reads daily, weekly monthly.
In San Diego a car is a necessisity.
We don't walk down here in our happy little corner of the country.
Lafayette isn't within walking distance (of Hillcrest), though equidistant from Hillcrest as are all the older 'resort' style hotels in Mission Valley, giving you more options.
Some info on hotels (some previously listed)... rates listed are based on July/August dates.... Feel free to add to the list and/or comment...
Studio 819 has some questionable reviews on Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/studio-819-san-diego) and only one review on trip advisor. Rates are $70 - $100 (with a $10 surcharge for weekends). Hotel website: http://studio819.com/
Lafayette Hotel Mixed reviews on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80618-Reviews-The_Lafayette_Hotel_Swim_Club_Bungalows-San_Diego_California.html ) and Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lafayette-hotel-san-diego) . Rates seem to be around $125-$145. Hotel website: http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/
Inn at the Park No availability June thru September (can you believe it?) Great reviews on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80266-Reviews-Inn_at_the_Park-San_Diego_California.html)
Ocean Beach Hotel pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d226619-Reviews-Ocean_Beach_Hotel-San_Diego_California.html). Rates are a bit pricey: $178 - $230
Country Inn and Suites, San Diego-North Good reviews on Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80735-Reviews-Country_Inn_Suites_By_Carlson_San_Diego_North-San_Diego_California.html) Rates: $155 - $190 Hotel website: http://www.countryinns.com/san-diego-hotel-ca-92121/casdiego
Old Town Inn - Good reviews on Trip Advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60750-d80255-Reviews-Old_Town_Inn-San_Diego_California.html) ((neighborhood might be questionable) Seems like it is close to many attractions and not too far from airport. Free parking. Rates: $133 - $195 Hotel website: http://www.oldtown-inn.com/
It is really sad that it looks like AMG will not happen this year, I was truly looking forward to it and meeting everyone. :/
:( Carl
Without Dennis or Phil to do the planning no one is willing to step up and take over? I figured the boys who pushed so hard for it to be in San Diego would make it happen but it doesn't seem like anyone has any interest in the planning portion so far.
I AGREE !I'm down! Let's do it! Ill help you carl
Moving on ..........
LAS VEGAS IS CHEAP ! The Stratosphere Hotel is cheap !
I got better rates without the AMG code ;D
Lets just get something going !!!!!
Carl
I know we voted for San Diego, but I agree, that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
Tim and I recently chatted about this and both of us are very much interested and we don't like the idea of a "gap" year.
I don't have to point this out to those who have attended, but the location is really secondary.
The real treat is spending time with each other. While we did a lot of the sight seeing things last year, I think the best time we had was in a tiny little bar one flight up from an Armenian restaurant - and on the rooftop terrace where we supplied our own bar and had a very memorable time.
My current schedule doesn't allow me much time to be the planner. But I am very much interested.
Just saying . . .
HUGS,
Mark
At this point Grants committee should be notified as well.
I'll get firm rates for the Lafayette (very nice hotel) and Studio 819 (better location but elevator is still under renovation, I believe). If there are any other suggestions of hotels, we can look into those, too, but I think most will be pleased with these two (I've stayed in both fairly recently).Hotels generally want to see either 10 room nights, or 10 rooms for multiple nights. Just make sure there's no attrition clause, meaning they charge you for rooms you say might pickup, and then don't.
I also think we can get rates down to a bit over $100. How many rooms shall I enquire about - 10? It's great to see some activity and interest! ;)
Here are the two hotels:
Lafayette: www.lafayettehotelsd.com/ (http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/)
Studio 819: http://studio819.com/ (http://studio819.com/)
I am still not clear when (the dates) and where (San Diego?) AMG will be happening.
thnx David... good info I am in for whatever ... it seems that we will need a car in any case if we want to take advantage of many of the sites in the area... so either place is Ok with me..I plan to rent a car
Nick
.....just a premeditated thought
What ..... I have another disease ?
Nancy, you missed nuffin.
AMG San Diego didn't happen.