Dateline: 04-16-2005

Hotel Update

Here is further clarification on the smoking question now that the new law has gone into effect. Smoking is allowed inside the rooms of guests at the hotel. There can be no smoking in the corridors. For poolside, smoking is prohibited from happening on walkways, in corridors, on balconies or patios. Yes that's right, all smoking must be inside the rooms. The hotel has established outside smoking areas which by law are 25 feet from the entrance. We're told that while that sounds far, in reality, 25 feet is not as far as it seems.

As we have in previous years, we're asking all smokers to be aware of these rules, and continue to do their excellent job abiding by them. We also ask the smokers to help police their smoking areas in the convention's common spot, which is the consuite. Don't let your friends wander out of the room with burning embers, please, and help out our consuite staff by emptying ash trays and keeping things tidy. We'll all appreciate it and benefit from it.

As has been noted elsewhere, we are experiencing unprecedented party interest this year. We've been graced with so many requests we've created a "satellite" party zone. While poolside is a terrific party space, it can sometimes be distracting to less boisterous parties. To that end, we've created a zone to help facilitate a quieter party experience. Located on the 4th floor of the south tower, just around the corner and up the stairs from poolside, this realm is for parties which depend less on the circus atmosphere and prefer something a little more sedate. If you're looking for a quieter time or simply need a break from the madness seek out the satellite zone and see what they have to offer. As always, CONvergence extends its gratitude to those who have chosen our convention to throw a party and are especially pleased and grateful to those availing themselves of the satellite party zone.

Our occupancy of the hotel proceeds apace. With PR2 now in homes, we anticipate a steady stream of room requests. As of this writing, the hotel has reserved enough rooms to fill about 68% of our room block. Last year this time we were almost at this point, and we almost filled the hotel. We know we are at pace to fill our room block, and actually hope to hit last year's occupancy rate. Be advised that as we come closer to the convention date, exact preferences become harder and harder to fill. Already in our initial room block we have less than 18% of the king beds left to assign. Once done, we will likely look to fill everything else, and then let the hotel know we are going beyond our initial 425 room commitment. So if you're planning on staying in the hotel, forward a room request now to help ensure getting the room of your choice.

Lastly, we enjoy exclusive use of the pool late night. In order to do this, we need late night lifeguards, people who will volunteer to sit poolside and be available, just in case. Such volunteers must have a valid lifeguard certificate that can be presented to hotel security when the time comes. If interested, please contact hotel@convergence-con.org.