CGW #3 - Roomshare

[OliNorwell]

I'm all booked up now for CGW #3 next month. Can't wait! Should be an amazing experience by the sounds of it.

Just thought I'd post to say that I'm going to book a hotel room in the next 24 hours or so. Whilst aware that thoughts of 'financial scarcity' are not good for me, I'd kinda prefer to spend as little as possible on accommodation and much more on food and seeing Las Vegas!

So if anyone else is going to Vegas for the workshop and wants to share a room, then let me know. I'm 27, coming alone from the UK. Pretty laid back, would make a great roommate for a few days.

[jcasper]

I've been looking on the couch surfing site to find someone to stay with as well. Thought it would be a good way to get to know more people. But this would work. What days are you planning on Staying? Did you find a hotel yet?

[OliNorwell]

Yeah I'm on couchsurfing as well, although for this I'm tempted to get a room that I'll know is close to the workshop. Would be great to find a couch, but then if it's 5 miles from the venue then it could be tricky getting there each morning.

The Stratosphere is one I'm looking at right now, it's at the end of The Strip so probably a good walk/bus each morning, but its cheap compared to any of the more central hotels. Between $50-$60 per night for the room. It was the cheapest one that was 3* and had pretty good ratings. The Circus Circus hotel is very cheap, but the reviews of that place are pretty poor, and I'm not sure the location is any better.

Is anyone here living in Las Vegas who could suggest the best place nearish to the workshop location but still between $50-60 a night?

I'm thinking of arriving Thursday afternoon (in time for the meetup), then probably leaving Monday morning.

[seeker5]

Originally Posted by OliNorwell

Is anyone here living in Las Vegas who could suggest the best place nearish to the workshop location but still between $50-60 a night?

Yes! Check out the Tuscany Resort: Tuscany Hotel & Casino

It's 10-15 minutes walk to the workshop area and it's really nice hotel. Peaceful with huge nice rooms. I've had a couple of friends who've stayed there and they paid around $50-60 per night.

[Bing Wu]

A warning about the Stratosphere - it's cheap, it's nice, and you may have luck getting the resort fee ($7.50) waived, BUT, it's over 2 miles from the Flamingo so budget 45min+ each way to walk, or a drive/cab fare.

If you can afford it, stay closer, it makes life easier

And depending on the hotel you're looking at, beware of resort fees, which can be upwards of $10 a night. Properties that do NOT charge this include all the Harrah's hotels (Bill's, Flamingo, Imperial, Harrah's).

Imperial and Bill's Gamblin' Hall are both fairly inexpensive, and both are NEXT DOOR to the Flamingo.

That being said, you may enjoy a longer walk to the Flamingo especially if it's your first time in Vegas and you want to enjoy the sights. Me, I'll take a room upstairs from the workshop

[OliNorwell]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll look into something closer.

Yes it will be my first proper visit to Vegas (previously had just spent time at the airport, but even that was an experience!).

[OliNorwell]

Just to update the thread, I ended up booking a twin room at the Stratosphere. It will be decent walk or taxi to the CGW each morning but I'm actually looking forward to that.

I'm booked in from Wednesday 12th - Tuesday 18th. I'm on my own so definitely up for meeting other CGW'ers at every available opportunity.

As I said before I wouldn't mind roomsharing if anyone fancies it. Life in a hotel on your own can be a bit dull! PM/Skype/email me for details, might make sense for someone else on their own and looking for a buddy to wander round Vegas with.

[nhaasch]

Hmm... I'm also looking for cheap accommodations. I'm not sure of my precise plans yet. I'm hoping to road trip with another person from Texas, but i may consider flying if that doesn't work out.

Hmm.. Couch surfing could be fun! ^^

Also, splitting the costs on a room could work for me too.

Nick

[OliNorwell]

I considered couchsurfing, but in the end I decided a good nights sleep would probably help me make the most of the CGW.

I'm in the US for a few weeks though and hope to arrange some couches here and there!

My room is costing on average $65 a day (less on weekdays, much more weekend nights), plus that $7.50 'resort charge'. So would be happy to split it at $35 each a night. PM/Skype/FB me if you think you're interested.

As for the road trip, I might well want to tag along for the return journey! I have a friend in Texas who I'm hoping to visit. Right now am looking at flights/buses, sharing gas would work out less so I'm up for that.

[nhaasch]

Originally Posted by OliNorwell

As for the road trip, I might well want to tag along for the return journey! I have a friend in Texas who I'm hoping to visit. Right now am looking at flights/buses, sharing gas would work out less so I'm up for that.

Ok, this works! I'll decide to road trip and you are definitely coming back to Texas with me.

The room accommodations I still need to consider. Primarily if I end up road tripping with someone else to CGW then I would feel inclined to split a room with them. I've posted to FB to check if someone else in Texas wants to road trip to Vegas. If no responds today, how about I split the room with you?

[OliNorwell]

Yeah no worries, if you find someone to road trip over with then you'll naturally want to room share with them.

If not then yeah the spare bed is yours (unless Alicia Keys happens to be attending CGW #3 and wants a room under a different name!).

Being naturally curious I found you on FB then ended up on your website reading about your Polyphasic Sleep. Now that really could make the CGW interesting for you! (not to mention driving in 3 hour slots).

[cacheborn]

Originally Posted by Alex Wu

A warning about the Stratosphere - it's cheap, it's nice, and you may have luck getting the resort fee ($7.50) waived, BUT, it's over 2 miles from the Flamingo so budget 45min+ each way to walk, or a drive/cab fare.

If you can afford it, stay closer, it makes life easier

And depending on the hotel you're looking at, beware of resort fees, which can be upwards of $10 a night. Properties that do NOT charge this include all the Harrah's hotels (Bill's, Flamingo, Imperial, Harrah's).

Imperial and Bill's Gamblin' Hall are both fairly inexpensive, and both are NEXT DOOR to the Flamingo.

That being said, you may enjoy a longer walk to the Flamingo especially if it's your first time in Vegas and you want to enjoy the sights. Me, I'll take a room upstairs from the workshop

Thanks for the tips, Alex.

I have booked imperial from 13th but I got the flight bookings for 12th so I am arriving a day early. Imperial cannot change the booking so I am trying to find another one for 12th night.

[OliNorwell]

I'm booked up from the 12th. Will probably be rooming with nhaasch over the CGW weekend, but potentially he might not arrive until Thursday 13th. Therefore there is a reasonable chance that I'd have a spare bed on the 12th.

[cacheborn]

Originally Posted by OliNorwell

I'm booked up from the 12th. Will probably be rooming with nhaasch over the CGW weekend, but potentially he might not arrive until Thursday 13th. Therefore there is a reasonable chance that I'd have a spare bed on the 12th.

Thanks OliNorwell.
I have told a friend to book. (I don't have a credit card so I could not do it myself.) Will let you know how it goes.

[Joachim]

Originally Posted by OliNorwell

Just to update the thread, I ended up booking a twin room at the Stratosphere. It will be decent walk or taxi to the CGW each morning but I'm actually looking forward to that.

There's a bus stop for the DEUCE right in front of the Stratosphere. One day passes are 7$. You can also buy a three day pass at some special vending machines for 15$. One is located in front of the "Slots'A Fun" about a 5-10 minute walk up the strip. The three day passes need to be validated at that vending machine. They can't be validated in the bus! You also need exact change when buying a ticket.

[Divajules]

I stayed at Circus last time. It is a bit farther down the strip from Flamingo as well but the lower priced room made it worth it to me. So, I just grabbed the three day bus pass and left in plenty of time to get to the workshop each day. It worked out just fine and saved me a lot of $$ on transportation. Definitely well worth the 15 bucks! I rode with kind attendees and walked the rest of the time. It's fun to walk there with so much going on all of the time, there is plenty to see just milling around (especially if you like people watching like I do). No need to pay for a show since there is one for free going on all around you most of the time, LOL!

I am unable to attend this time. Doh! Oh well, I'll be thinking about everyone. Thank goodness for our weekly skype call. Thanks for that Matty!!!

I wish you all accelerated growth and a great time! And, I expect a full report from you. That goes especially for Marc and Oli! Hugs, ya'll!

[mikeschu]

Originally Posted by cacheborn

Thanks for the tips, Alex.

I have booked imperial from 13th but I got the flight bookings for 12th so I am arriving a day early. Imperial cannot change the booking so I am trying to find another one for 12th night.

I'm in on the 12th and have a fold-out couch available if I recall. PM me if you're stuck and I'll see what I can work out.

I'm suprised IP can't change the reservation. Call them directly at the hotel and see what they can do.

[cacheborn]

Originally Posted by mikeschu

I'm in on the 12th and have a fold-out couch available if I recall. PM me if you're stuck and I'll see what I can work out.

I'm suprised IP can't change the reservation. Call them directly at the hotel and see what they can do.

Thanks a lot.
Turns out I will not be needing it as I cannot make it. I could not get the visa.

[OliNorwell]

Sad to hear you aren't able to attend cacheborn. Fingers crossed next time you can pass the red tape and get clearance to travel.

I think I'm sorted re: sharing with Nick from Texas. Although with these things I guess you can never be 100% sure till everyone turns up.

I had an idea though, those of us staying at the Stratosphere or at that end of The Strip could potentially link up each morning to wander down to the CGW together? There are bound to be a dozen or more of us staying up at that end and a decent morning walk in the sunshine could give us extra time to get to know each other pre each CGW day.

There has been talk of getting the bus each morning. I think I'll probably get the bus pass and use that when I'm disinclined to do the 45 minute walk!

[nhaasch]

I'm up for the walking each morning.

[OliNorwell]

Sounds good. I presume The Strip is fairly quiet at 7:45am each morning? Although I guess there may still be zombies walking about from the night before!

[yoopersmith]

Originally Posted by OliNorwell

Sounds good. I presume The Strip is fairly quiet at 7:45am each morning? Although I guess there may still be zombies walking about from the night before!

The "zombies" on the strip in the morning are chuck full of entertainment value.

During CGW #2, I encountered a still-drunk zombie woman berating healthy people running on the strip...Hilarious!!!

You will also encounter folks handing out "entertainment" cards...which they snap at you to get your attention...I suggest you take some cards...just for the "funny" value.

[OliNorwell]

In an horrendous turn of fate it appears that I might not make it to CGW.

I am stranded in Spain as my flight to the UK (from which I was due to fly today to Las Vegas) was grounded due to the Volcanic Ash cloud.

To be honest I'm in shock right now, I will contact Steve/Erin and hope they will allow me to attend the July or October CGW instead.

As for the roomshare, I don't think I will get a refund for my hotel, so it makes sense for whoever wants it to take my bed in Vegas sharing a room with Nick from these forums.

I'm gutted. Was going to be a great trip.

[Bing Wu]

Oh no Oli! I was looking forward to meeting you - especially after everyone on the Skype call that I missed last week said that you were a whole bundle of fun. That's really rotten. If it's any consolation some of us may be back for the October CGW...

[OliNorwell]

Likewise Alex. I'm gutted at not being able to attend. Was all ready to meet you guys!

Fortunately Erin has said that I can attend either CGW4 or 5 instead, so barring any major new volcano erruptions I hope to be able to make it across the Atlantic later this year.

Until then I'll be active on the forums, and will attend the Skype meetups. I missed last Sunday's as I'm in Spain on a short holiday (the cause of my travel distress!).

For any Europeans heading over for CGW3, keep checking with your airlines. I was promised at lunchtime yesterday that Malaga was fine and all flights were going ahead, only for this to suddenly change. In hindsight I should have stayed in the UK last weekend, oh well you live and learn!

[Gene]

My experience with Vegas hotels are that they charge the first night of your stay to your credit card this is non refundable. If you call them and cancel the reservation or maybe even if you do not show up and sign in you usually would not be charged for the rest of your reservati0on.

It might be worth a call to the hotel.

I hope you are able to make the CGW!

[OliNorwell]

Just to update this thread. I'm now all booked up for CGW #5 in October. Hope to meet many of you there!

Originally Posted by OliNorwell

Likewise Alex. I'm gutted at not being able to attend. Was all ready to meet you guys!

Fortunately Erin has said that I can attend either CGW4 or 5 instead, so barring any major new volcano erruptions I hope to be able to make it across the Atlantic later this year.

Until then I'll be active on the forums, and will attend the Skype meetups. I missed last Sunday's as I'm in Spain on a short holiday (the cause of my travel distress!).

For any Europeans heading over for CGW3, keep checking with your airlines. I was promised at lunchtime yesterday that Malaga was fine and all flights were going ahead, only for this to suddenly change. In hindsight I should have stayed in the UK last weekend, oh well you live and learn!

[OliNorwell]

The Las Vegas hotel (Stratosphere) were great. They gave me a full refund with no questions asked. Can't ask for more than that!

Originally Posted by Gene

My experience with Vegas hotels are that they charge the first night of your stay to your credit card this is non refundable. If you call them and cancel the reservation or maybe even if you do not show up and sign in you usually would not be charged for the rest of your reservati0on.

It might be worth a call to the hotel.

I hope you are able to make the CGW!