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Posted by: JStroud Feb 11 2014, 05:27 PM

Once a location is picked we need to decide on a Hotel. Location: Tahoe

Which hotel?

Who is going to contact them? Brett/Steve

Posted by: JRust Feb 11 2014, 10:27 PM

For a hotel. I'd recommend one int he location we want to be based at

Posted by: sgetsiv Feb 12 2014, 12:16 AM

I'll talk to the hotel as soon as we settle on time and place.

Posted by: sgetsiv Feb 12 2014, 12:23 AM

I've scoped out a bunch of hotels on line. Seems like quite a few options. What's the tolerance for room rates within the group?

Brett, did you check out any hotels last weekend? Let us know.

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 12 2014, 01:45 AM

This last WCR rooms were about $100 a night by the time taxes were added in. I set up a rate and everyone had to make their own reservations. Worked well and no one was on the hook for a guarantee.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Feb 12 2014, 09:09 AM

I looked at a couple in south shore. Lakeside Inn would be the cheap option and while the hotel is pretty old, it's not too bad. I worry about having enough parking there sicne it's one of the smaller parking lots.

Anything at Mont Bleu, Harvey's, Harrah's would have plenty of room and they are usually nice about blocking off an area just for us. We might be able to get Mont Bleu to block off covered parking near the top of their parking garage.

If we are interested in North Shore, I can look into places there too.

Posted by: JStroud Feb 12 2014, 09:13 AM

Sounds like we've decided on Tahoe, and everyone seems in agreement on the weekend before memorial weekend.

Steve said he would call hotels, maybe when he gets it narrowed down to ones that will work someone local can go check it out.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Feb 12 2014, 09:24 AM

Ok, I'm happy to check them out.

The Pepper Tree Inn seems like a decent place in Tahoe City...don't know anything about it other than it's right in the $100/night range for that weekend, has a decent sized parking lot and gets good reviews.

Posted by: sgetsiv Feb 16 2014, 12:22 AM

I'll make some calls in the next few days...

Posted by: ConeDodger Feb 16 2014, 04:18 PM

Being basically a local now, I can give you guys that aren't a little insight into the area. Basically, the trip around the lake is about 70 miles. Each portion of the lake has a different character. South Lake Tahoe is very highly commercialized and the ski resorts are prominent. The East side of the lake is basically Incline Village which is nice, but the only show in town so to speak as far as a hotel is concerned is the Hyatt Incline Village. I'm not sure what if any decent rate could be had from them. The nice thing about Incline Village is there is almost no real commercial presence. The houses right down near the lake belong to the ultra rich, such as Larry Ellison but the houses up from the lake are generally modest though expensive to buy. I'm not sure there are any hotels in Incline other than Hyatt. North Lake Tahoe has a more rustic feel to its accommodations. Not as many polished casino operations. In that way it is nice but the hotels are pretty small too. This might be great, but then again, it might create a problem. Some of the really cool stuff is on the North Side of the lake. Sunnyside which has the wooden boat festival every year, and a breakfast place that is small but fantastic. Tahoe City is pretty heavily blue collar up away from the lake and I have a friend who is a Placer County Sheriffs Deputy who tells me they are over represented in the county crime stats. I think though that they stay away from the area where the tourists are. The East side of the lake is not so commercial. In fact, some years they haven't even plowed the roads. Not sure that is true any more. I know some of the really uber rich in Sacramento have homes on the lake there.
I'd suggest North Lake area if you're looking for 'different' than last time. Not sure what the objection from some about Harvey's Montbleu besides the tourists because they were very accommodating. But you guys decide. I would pinpoint the location soon. These guys will want to make their reservations.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Feb 17 2014, 12:06 PM

I can go up and check out places in 2 weeks...not sure if that is too late but at least I can make sure there aren't any surprises.

I'm fine with anywhere around the lake. Rob made most of my points, South Shore= more crowded but more commercial options, North Shore=less options but quiet.

I have Hyatt status so I can check what rate I can get. Crazy enough, Hyatt just changed all of the points required for their hotels and only 3 places in the world went down in price and that Tahoe Hyatt was one of them.

Posted by: ConeDodger Feb 17 2014, 02:08 PM

Two weeks might be a bit long. I'd like to see an announcement by next weekend...

Posted by: sgetsiv Feb 20 2014, 12:46 AM

So the short list is Hyatt Incline Village, Mont Bleu, Harvey's, Harrah's, and maybe another North Shore option. I say we pass on Tahoe City - too far from the lake.

The Hyatt looks awesome. That would be my vote based on reviews and hotel amenities.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Feb 20 2014, 12:35 PM

I looked and the best rate I can get is $159/night at Hyatt. Mont Bleu is ~$65, Harrah's is $169 and Harvey's are ~$100.

These are non-group rates. I'll see if I can get a hold of them for group rates.

Posted by: ConeDodger Feb 22 2014, 01:48 PM

We weren't able to produce the numbers they wanted for group rates last time. And of course, we cannot under any circumstance make any promises, particularly signed promises.

You can try Hyatt Incline Village. Their parking lot is kind of wooded. It's rustic and amongst the trees. Their time-share area is great but I think $800/night.

There are a couple more 'intimate' locations on the North Lake side.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 1 2014, 09:24 AM

I finally heard back from Hyatt. We need to reserve at least 10 rooms to get a group rate, and then it's about $15/night cheaper. They did not say if we have to financially commit to that amount of rooms or how that works.

I think we could need 10 rooms but ????

Posted by: sgetsiv Mar 1 2014, 09:43 AM

Why can't we just decide to do it at the Hyatt and then as soon as we get 10 people signed up we'll get the discount applied?

Steve

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 1 2014, 05:58 PM

we prefer to get non-committal group rates...ask McMark why :/

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 3 2014, 03:17 PM

So do we want to make a call on the hotel? It would be nice to get a group rate but I won't commit to anything in writing.

Posted by: JStroud Mar 3 2014, 08:28 PM

My only concern is if we have it at Hyatt incline, that's $160 a night, with no other option near by, will everyone pay $160?

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 3 2014, 09:33 PM

Historically a notoriously cheap group. Is Incline $160 after the discount is applied?

Posted by: JStroud Mar 3 2014, 09:53 PM

Brett had said best price was $159, group discount, if we get it $15, still $144, what's the groups price range.

I personally don't mind, but I'm just trying to think of the group, we want as big a turnout as possible over a hotel choice I would think.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 4 2014, 03:21 PM

Jeff's numbers are correct.

$159/night normally

$144/night if we commit to 10 rooms for a group rate.

These prices do not include taxes and there is also a resort fee of $28.75/day, I just found out. The resort fee kills it for me, should we start looking at South Shore?

I just did a mock booking for the 3 nights of our weekend:


Average Daily Rate
159.20 USD ( 3 Nights / 1 Room )
Subtotal
477.60 USD

Additional Fees & Taxes
occupancy tax
62.09 USD

resort fees

84.75 USD

Total Per Room
624.44 USD

Posted by: sgetsiv Mar 4 2014, 03:57 PM

Agreed. Let's find something cheaper.

Harvey's is the place for a cheap rate - $124.33/night with taxes and resort fees.

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 4 2014, 05:37 PM

I believe Montbleu would be the cheap place...

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 4 2014, 09:50 PM

From Expedia for that weekend:

Mont Bleu: $67/night
Harveys: $92/night
The Ridge: $63/night
Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort: $75/night

Should we just pick a place to hang out and let everyone choose where they want to stay?

Posted by: JRust Mar 4 2014, 10:04 PM

Man I don't care. I'd prefer better than a motel 6. I also would rather keep it under $100 a night with taxes.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 4 2014, 10:24 PM

Sounds like Mont Bleu it is:)

They actually have a big parking lot and a large parking structure that I think has views of the lake on the top level.

I'll call them tomorrow, who knows. Maybe they can give us a deal

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 6 2014, 08:06 PM

Montbleu has had car things in the past. A few years back the Brit car guys even had an autocross in the parking lot of a casino across the street owned by Montbleu...

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 12 2014, 01:53 PM

On my way to Montbleu with Yopu to see if there is a group rate and if we can get a private portion of the parking lot.

Posted by: JStroud Mar 12 2014, 02:34 PM

You're the man Rob....

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 12 2014, 02:54 PM

Tell them to fix their stupid website and/or answer their phones!*

*I do like Mont Bleu and stay there almost anytime I head up to the lake

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 12 2014, 07:01 PM

Ok, I spoke directly with Carol McClintock the Sales Manager. We have been given Lot C up on the East Side away from the road. It isn't as natural as the lot at Harrah's a couple years back but it will work. If you do a Google Earth it is the side lot next to the road. Rates are as follows, in fact here is her entire follow up email from our talk today. As you can see, the rates go up dramatically on the weekend. I haven't really tried to figure out the deposit thing... But, bottom line, I think you should get this information out there and get people registering for rooms.

Dear Rob:

Thank you for your interest in the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa in beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Guests can enjoy many of our property amenities from our full Onsen Spa to our indoor pool and hot tub which are open year round. Guests can also enjoy our four restaurants from buffet to gourmet or order room service 24 hours a day. For that exercise enthusiast, we have an exercise facility located in our spa area.

The MontBleu also has a 14,000 square foot convention/banquet center where we can hold as small as 20 to as large as 950 people. Our Four Diamond Award winning restaurant, Ciera Steak & Chophouse, is also available for semi-private group dining.

The following are the room rates that we can offer your guests for the dates you are seeking: (May 15-18, 2014)

DELUXE ROOMS:
Sunday through Thursday: $62
Friday: $142
Saturday: $142

PREMIUM ROOMS:
Sunday through Thursday: $92
Friday: $172
Saturday: $172

SUITES:
Sunday through Thursday: $250 to $1,000
Friday: $350 to $1,000
Saturday: $450 to $1,000

Room rates are based on one or two persons, one king bed our two doubles and a minimum of 10 or more rooms per night. A $20 per room deposit is required for blocks of 20 or more rooms per night. The deposit is refundable if 80% of the room block is filled by the 30 day cutoff date; which is 30 days prior to first arrival date. 13% (current) tax needs to be added to all rates. Kids 11 and under stay for free. Extra person charge is an additional $20 + tax per person per night with a maximum of 4 persons per room. Hotel has an $11.29 (current) facility fee per room per day not included in room rates.

Rates are based on our lowest daily rates when contracted. Rooms are not guaranteed on same floor, tower or next to each other. Also, specific rooms are not guaranteed due to occupancy patterns. Rooms are assigned at check-in based on availability. Must be at least 21 or older to check into hotel, no exceptions.

We are happy to offer Parking Lot C for parking cars at no additional charge due to time of year. Not applicable to all dates.

Proposed rates are valid for (7) seven days from today’s date and subject to change thereafter.

Again, thank you for your interest and feel free to call or e-mail anytime if you have further questions or would like me to send you a rooms contract.

Carol McClintock
Sales Manager
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
55 Hwy 50/P.O. Box 5800
Lake Tahoe, NV 89449
800-367-4554
775-586-2077 direct
775-586-2102 fax
CMcClintock@montbleuresort.com

Posted by: JStroud Mar 13 2014, 09:38 AM

Im confused, those are group rates? On their website I can get $49, $129, $129, $307 total before tax,($385 including taxes) seems the group rate is higher. It would be 429.25 total (including taxes) based on her rates, avg. $143.00 night.

Checked harveys website they had the three nights for $277 before tax, If you liked Harveys better maybe we should stay there?

We do need to do something quick though....soooo I guess everyone should voice their opinion, and go with the majority choice?

I think I would vote Harveys, it was stated they took care of us before, Rob said the parking area is better, seems to be cheaper, But I'm the new guy so whatever you want to do.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 13 2014, 12:03 PM

Ya, those are not group rates, it's just the going rate so screw a deposit.

It was Harrah's last time who gave us the lot in back. I'm fine with that again. Hell, we don't really need permission to park there so let's just plan the set up shop there. I really doubt they will mind, especially since they are cheaper and I will most likely being staying there with other people.

We really only need a "base" for the cars to park, etc. People are free to stay where they please.

Posted by: biosurfer1 Mar 13 2014, 12:09 PM

btw, I just went to Expedia and they are having a sale of some sort and staying at Mont Bleu Thursday-Sunday comes out to be $67/night!

I just booked 3 nights for $225 + $30 in resort fees. You can also cancel up to 2 days before for free.

Posted by: JStroud Mar 13 2014, 10:34 PM

Just booked the same thing, guess Mont Bleu is the hotel, I'll edit the thread.