National hotels

Has anyone booked their hotel for the National yet? I was checking them out and found out that I can get a cheaper rate for the Crowne Plaza going through their website than what you can get through the National convention.

I'm still trying to figure what is going to be the best hotel. I like Embassy Suites but they don't have a room safe, which most of the others seem to have.

Jay,

I was going to start looking into the hotels this month. I'm a poor slob, so those places like the Embassy Suites are much too rich for my blood. Motel 6 is a little too high end too.

Alan

I'm going to be looking soon as well, now that I'm relatively certain I won't be work relocated before August.

The last time the National was in Chicago I made the mistake of staying in downtown Chicago. I got a real taste of the city with a river boat tour, nice restaurants, and even got to see where Dillinger was killed. I didn't get anything at the show though, as it became a vacation more than a card buying experience.

I'm not as enthused as I was last year. Baltimore is a magnificent venue with the inner harbor, Camden Yards, etc. I suspect the show will be better, but once the show is over we'll be out in the middle of an airport essentially.

This is my one big trip of the year, so I suppose I should just make the most of it, and be thankful I won't be seeing Cleveland again for a few years.

I need a decent place to stay because the missus is coming and she wants to be in a nice place that has a gym and pool.

The Crowne Plaza may win out because it has cheaper parking and an in room safe.

sabrjay wrote: she wants to be in a nice place that has a gym and pool.

CONFIRMED...she's too good for u

I've stayed at Crowne, Doubletree, Embassy, and the Sofitel (now Hotel O'Hare or something) and all were fine. Any one of the first three would be my pick--they each have their advantages.

BigGuy219 wrote:I'm going to be looking soon as well, now that I'm relatively certain I won't be work relocated before August.

The last time the National was in Chicago I made the mistake of staying in downtown Chicago. I got a real taste of the city with a river boat tour, nice restaurants, and even got to see where Dillinger was killed. I didn't get anything at the show though, as it became a vacation more than a card buying experience.

I'm not as enthused as I was last year. Baltimore is a magnificent venue with the inner harbor, Camden Yards, etc. I suspect the show will be better, but once the show is over we'll be out in the middle of an airport essentially.

This is my one big trip of the year, so I suppose I should just make the most of it, and be thankful I won't be seeing Cleveland again for a few years.

I agree with Chris is this is my big trip of the year too, so I try to combine the National card show experience with a mini vacation. I would stay in downtown Chicago, but the hotel prices are higher, but, more importantly, I like to park physically close to the show venue for logistical reasons (lugging stuff to the car, changing clothes for dinner, etc,...).

As for Cleveland, I'm one of the few who actually likes the National there. It's easy to drive right to the front of the venue (no garage, no long walking, etc,..) plus it's easy to drive downtown & there are lots of nightlife options in the evenings.

Alan

Any updates here? I'm probably looking to book right after these next few auctions, and then initiate my spending freeze.

I found that you can get a cheaper rate for the Crowne Plaza by going through their website than through the convention site. What's up with that? I thought convention rates meant cheaper?

sabrjay wrote:I found that you can get a cheaper rate for the Crowne Plaza by going through their website than through the convention site. What's up with that? I thought convention rates meant cheaper?

I have never used a convention rate. Last year I used Priceline.com. I stayed at the Sheraton, if I recall. Roundtrip airfare from Jacksonville to Baltimore, plus 4 nights (Wed-Sat) in the hotel were $455ish including taxes and fees. I was pretty happy with that. From what I've seen so far, looks like it'll cost me $600ish this year, which is fine.

Does it look like there'll be a dinner again this year? Despite all the Minnesota Twins talk, it was a highlight of my trip last year.

We are definitely getting together for dinner on Saturday night. We haven't determined a location yet but I am open to suggestions.

Folks,

I've just booked my flights to attend the National this year - first time for me!!!

I'm stoked. I intend to meet you all and fully enjoy everything this event has to offer.


I thank you for the hotel advice in this thread.

I'll be there from the night of the 2nd until mid-day on the 8th.

I'm wondering whether you guys think it is worth the VIP admission pass ($129), or is it better to buy 5 of the day passes @ $18 per.

I'm leaning towards the VIP for: half-hour early admission every day and bypassing the lines. What say you more experienced guys?

sabrjay wrote:We are definitely getting together for dinner on Saturday night. We haven't determined a location yet but I am open to suggestions.

One thing to remember this year is to tell them in advance to split the checks. There was a moment there if I recall where Lee was handed the bill for all our meals.

No need to split the check. The Full Count Forum will be paying for dinner.

sabrjay wrote:No need to split the check. The Full Count Forum will be paying for dinner.

great gesture right there jay! take some pics, would be cool to see 15-20 fullcount members having a good time.

my advice on the nat'l is if you're actually planning on picking up cards (vs the whole experience/atmosphere/meeting collectors) then get there wednesday afternoon and try to find a dealer friend, borrow his pass and browse the convention floor early. 80% of the good deals to be had will be picked off from dealers by other dealers before the show even starts. once the door opens you'll find the odd deal here and there but all the good deals will be gone.

When I used to set up at shows dealers hated me because I would never sell them anything before the doors opened. The '87 National is where I told Mr Mint I wasn't his wholesaler and promptly doubled the prices when he tried to clean me out of Mantles and other key cards he was looking for.

sabrjay wrote:No need to split the check. The Full Count Forum will be paying for dinner.

Jay - Are you serious ?

Yes I am. The dinner is going to be invite only, but you are definitely on the list.

As usual, I'm out on my own on this...just booked at Aloft Hotel. One block from the convention center. Best rate I could find today...$99 per night.

Incredibly generous offer, Jay. Sorry that I won't still be in Chicago to join you.

The hotel looks very cool. Where did you find the $99 rate?

sabrjay wrote:The hotel looks very cool. Where did you find the $99 rate?

Hi Jay,

That is the rate through the website for the National...I tried other sites (including Aloft's own site) and was quoted b/w $125-175. So I thought $99 was darn good!

Just booked a room at the Aloft. Looks like a nice place and the wife likes the fact there is a pool and gym.

Blair, thanks for the info on the Aloft...I hadn't seen that one.

Brian