Started a poll on the liteside, but would like everyone's input...

Stork · November 7, 2016 12:11PM

My work schedule for next year just got set so it looks like a Spring trip to Baltimore is in the works. I'm curious about which hotel people seem to prefer. I get a discount at Hilton, but Hyatt usually will do a military rate even if I'm just retired. Pricey, but not hideous and it's only one night (planning on a Fri/Sat trip tentatively).

Anyway, I'm taking a poll about hotel preference...and expecting to park a car and carry just enough cash/trading coins that I don't want a long walk so the nearby hotels are what I'm thinking. If anyone would like to add their vote I'd appreciate it

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/971627/which-hotel-would-you-book-in-baltimore-for-the-next-spring-show#latest

Zohar · November 7, 2016 12:43PM

I stayed at the Days Inn across the street for $119 all in.

Stork · November 7, 2016 1:12PM

That's better than the retired military and/or HHonor/Hilton rate...Crossing a street is no problem at all. Was the parking good? I'd rather do it myself than listen to my gears grind with someone else parking it.

Zohar · November 7, 2016 1:22PM

I came by train so didn't have a car. I am sure you can find something there. Lookup www.hotels.com most allow reservation and cancellation the night prior so I booked multiple hotels and made a decision based on price points and location as I neared the date.

CIVITAS · November 7, 2016 4:45PM

The Days Inn and the Holiday Inn right by the convention center are typically the two cheapest Inner Harbor hotels. Both are just fine amenity wise. I rarely stay anywhere else unless I get a super cheap Priceline/Hotwire deal.

pruebas · November 7, 2016 4:51PM

Marriott has a decent Concierge Lounge with breakfast and evening appetizer. It's just across Pratt St from the Hilton.

My corporate rate is $129 + $20 tax, but unlike the priceline, etc. rates, you get points.

LochNESS · November 10, 2016 9:39PM

Hey @Stork if it's not too late, I'll weigh in ... having attended events at Baltimore Convention Center as recently as February and June ... there are two hotels "attached" on either side of the center. But the center is really, really, really big. Hilton is on the west side, and is very much attached where you can enter/exit without stepping foot outdoors. Not an issue if the weather is nice, but if raining or cold it's a concern. Hilton is also on the same side as the light rail stop (it has its own, plus the Camden Yards stop is very close). By contrast, the Hyatt on the east side is extremely nice and recently upgraded. I got a very spacious, luxurious room (nicer than some casino hotels) with a gorgeous corner view of the harbor (east of the BCC). It really helped make my visit relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I did have to walk a ridiculously long distance once inside the convention center to reach the rooms of my event. Normally I wouldn't mind the walk but when carrying a guitar and some bags, it really dug into my shoulders. If there's any way at all for you to determine where in the BCC you'll be wanting to go ... might inform your decision on which hotel to choose. One other thing, the Hyatt is connected by an outdoor terrace / pedestrian plaza thing which requires stairs up and down at various points. It's an easy walk but again, weather permitting, and if you have a cart on wheels that does not do stairs well, etc... .something to think about.

Of course these are all small issues in the grand scheme.

LochNESS · November 10, 2016 9:41PM

PS: the light rail is really cheap and goes to some really nice spots including Mt Washington and, if you like, the airport. The latter is a particularly nice ride. Much, much cheaper and preferable to a taxi or Uber IMHO

Stork · November 10, 2016 9:55PM

Thanks! I'm doing advance planning for the Spring 2017 Whitman show...so plenty of time. The practical side says to take one of the lower priced places across the street. The less practical side wants to be spoiled and stay at the fancier place. I have an HHonors membership so the Hilton would be logical--plus a covered connection would be nice. The Hyatt is (I think) a little closer to the rooms being used by the show (at least going by the last time I was there). But, not far.

I won't be doing the wheeled bag thing, but just the idea of carrying a bit of bullion, cash and trading coins makes me want to do one of the closer places. I don't mind a walk, just not if I'm feeling 'robbable'. Plus, it was a valet service for my car and the young man had a hard time with my manual transmission. I wanted to pull his lungs out through his eyeballs.

Still not sure if I'll have a car or take the train. NO PLANES. NO. I hate the drive (4.5 hours) BUT going back to the 'what am I carrying and do I want to be on a train that long' vs. driving and getting to stop by a military base to stock up on cheap necessities (booze, socks, toothpaste etc). Shoot one year I picked up a TV .

I'm leaning towards the Hilton, but March is a bit far away. The times I use a hotel for work it has worked out that the Hilton branded places usually work out. On the other hand a harbor view might be nice too...

Started a poll on the liteside, but would like everyone's input...

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