TARCon 9

[leew261]

Never too early to start planning!

For those who have been before, I know there are a few hotels that TARflies seem to gravitate towards -- could you pass along the names?

Also, since I've never been to NYC before, I'm thinking of coming a day or two before and/or staying a day or two after the main festivities. Is anyone else planning on doing that?

[PepeNY]

The Ramada New Yorker is a good choice.

[emjaytee]

Ditto. We've stayed ther the last 3 tarcons. It's clean, centrally located and lots of other tarflies stay there.

[SeaBreeze341]

I second that. Also, here's a post from Bart Ender to better help with your search for hotels to stay at when you make the trip down to NY.

For those of you looking for hotels, I highly recommend checking out http://www.applecorehotels.com. The Red Roof Inn worked out well for me for 6 & 7, and other folks have stayed in their other properties, with good reports. (The Super 8 Times Square is a couple of blocks away from Planet Hollywood, and only $140/night).[/url]

[rabrab]

I've enjoyed staying at the Chelsea Star. It's small, and quirky, but for spring or summer TARcon's it's great, because it's got a lovely little courtyard where you can sit and schmooze, and meet travellers from all around the world. It's also cheap, with single rooms running between 69 and 79 a night usually, and double and triples from 89 to about 129. The staff is great, and it's sparkling clean. It is a walk-up, though, if that's a factor. It's also about two blocks from Penn Station right on 8th Ave.

[Tribefan]

I hate to even start this speculation now - it's too damn early for date-guessing - but if TAR9 follows the same pattern as TAR7, it would end on May 9. I certainly don't see it going later than May 16.

IF that's the case (and this is a big fat if, so let's not start a debate on the likely finale date!), the rooms at the New Yorker with 2 double beds are already curiously booked up. Queen/king rooms are available though.

[leew261]

Hmm, I was thinking it would be later in May. For my benefit I hope it's later rather than sooner, because I've already got a vacation scheduled the last week in April, and finale date of May 9 would put my two times away from work very close together.

[Tribefan]

If I'm not mistaken, TAR7 premiered on March 1, 2005. The finale was May 10.

IF TAR9 follows a similar pattern of double episodes, TBCs, NELs, etc. - it would make sense that it would end of May 9, since it starts on February 28. Plus, I think they'd want to avoid the AI finale like the plague and, last year, that was later in May.

Personally I'd prefer May 16, but I don't want to start this debate before we really know anything about this season. I know, though, it is important for most of us to have a vague idea for vacation-planning and such. I really, really hope you can make it to this one, leew261!

[leew261]

Thanks, Tribefan, that is definitely my plan, even if the date is May 9, although May 16 would make my life easier.

[ToniW]

My first TARCon, I left at 1 and took the train back home to Jersey. Huge mistake! So many things can happen between 1 and 2 when the venues finally kick us out. I stayed at the Ramada New Yorker once. The rooms are nice and clean and it has large bathrooms. I've stayed at the La Quinta Inn the last four times, though. The rooms are also nice and clean and slightly larger. It also includes a continental breakfast. The room rates were about the same. I'm going to reserve the 9th and the 16th just to be safe.

[PepeNY]

http://www.ramada.com has rooms at the New Yorker with 2 double beds for the night of the 9th and the 16th for $169. Not a bad rate for Manhattan! Especially if splitting it by 2 or more.

[SeaBreeze341]

And furthermore, it's actually cheaper than the Super 8 (and other applecorehotels) currently. Definitely a good deal.

Hmm, I was thinking it would be later in May. For my benefit I hope it's later rather than sooner, because I've already got a vacation scheduled the last week in April, and finale date of May 9 would put my two times away from work very close together.

Hmmm. That's tough. Maybe you could switch with someone (or are you actually going somewhere during the last week in April)?

[yikes]

I just checked the website for the Academy of Country Music Awards. They're airing it on May 23rd on CBS, meaning the 16th is certainly doable. Though I hope we find out fairly soon as I need to book my vacation time ASAP.

[harley]

leew261: I'll be flying in on a pass, which means I have to fly standby. So I'm planning on getting there on Monday (possibly as early as 8:30 am if the only available seats are on the 6 am flight) and staying until Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. So I would be interested in doing some touristy things and/or dinner on Monday with any Tarflies that want to get together. However, if all the flights are full, I'm SOL.

I've been to NYNY a couple of times, but this will be my first TARCON. Squeeee!

[The Australian]

Well, I've just booked all of my arrangements for May 16, so if it happens to be one week earlier I shall not be a happy Aussie!

Don't forget that Rob & Amber's wedding probably took up the week originally planned for the TAR7 finale (prompting the double episode in Africa) that should theoretically be available this time around for the TAR9 finale. The AI finale should be May 23 if based on past precedent, so hopefully everything will dovetail beautifully.

If not, it's not quite the end of the world. I'll just have to give up the Ramada New Yorker and throw myself on the mercy of a friendly TARfly for a few extra days! ;)