BCA National Meet - July 25-29 of 2007 - Seattle WA

[Guest GS70Stage1]

Bellevue Hilton is taking reservations. Phone is 425.455.1300. Dates are Jul 25-29, 2007. I have attended nats where I stayed in the host hotel and at a different one and staying at the host is a lot more fun.

[Centurion]

Ken, thank you for posting this; you beat me to the punch today. Make certain that you specify that you are part of the Buick Club group in order to gain the discounted room rate.

The Bellevue Hilton is a spectacular facility in a great location with excellent Interstate highway access. The hotel is the venue for registration, banquets, meetings, the car display, the swap meet, and tour departures, so you'll want to book your space there early.

[Bill Stoneberg]

What is the rate ???

[Centurion]

Bill, the room rate is $109 plus tax. The committee recognized that this is somewhat higher than room rates at the midwest locations of recent national meets. Seattle has a long-running real estate boom, and rates for top-flight hotels in the metropolitan area reflect the area's high real estate prices. The facility is excellent, and the discounted rate is a substantial reduction from the regular nightly room rate.

By the way, the initial versions of the registration form in the Bugle may say that this is the Doubletree Hotel, but the hotel has recently become a Hilton.

[BUICK RACER]

By the way, also, the initial version of the registration form have the address for the Hilton wrong, it's

300 112th Avenue SE

Bellevue, Washington

The form says NE, it's really SE, there is no NE! I've already contacted the powers to let them know.

[Centurion]

Thanks, Roberta! Would you mind making this topic a "sticky"?

[Centurion]

I just received word from an Ohio friend who made his reservation early this evening that the reservations people said that the hotel rooms are going VERY FAST! If you want to be in the host hotel, please don't delay in making your reservations.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

I was told parking is free for BCA. Internet is $10/day. Something about you can either use your laptop or they provide a keyboard wired to the TV.

[Centurion]

Regarding the parking, yes, some of the large hotels have begun charging a daily parking fee. Obviously, that's not workable for a car show, so Mr. Earl is correct: There is no fee for parking.

[Bill Stoneberg]

Mr Earl,

You going to make it this year ? I made my reservations today.

109 is not bad for a urban area... I paid 109 for a Holiday Inn Express down by the beaches in Alabama.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mr Earl,

You going to make it this year ? I made my reservations today.

109 is not bad for a urban area... I paid 109 for a Holiday Inn Express down by the beaches in Alabama. </div></div>

Nah, I'm just gonna scalp my reservations come next July. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest my3buicks]

I got mine, although plans are to stay with friends about 20 minutes away, still wanted a backup plan though.

[Guest imported_Thriller]

I'm in, although the group rate didn't apply for the 26th...regular rate of $199 applied...I guess I'm going after all.

Now I gotta figure out with what...I don't have the cash for another quickie like the Wildcat <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Centurion]

Derek, the group rate most certainly applies to the 26th, so, if this is the date you meant in your post, you need to get back in contact with them.

[Mr Riviera]

There seems to be some confussion as to the rates and rooms available. I made my reservations yesterday and was told that the Special Rates start on Thurs. the 26th. and go thru to departure on Sun. the 29th. . Seattle Chapter is working on this and we MAY get more days to open and overflow Hotels will be announced. I would make reservations as soon as possible once this is firmed up.

[FireballV8]

I made reservations last night and was told that the group rate was sold out on the 25th.

and was quoted four different rates and ended up with $189 for the 25th and $109 the other nights.

Someone needs to call the hotel.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mr Earl,

You going to make it this year ? I made my reservations today.

109 is not bad for a urban area... I paid 109 for a Holiday Inn Express down by the beaches in Alabama. </div></div>

Nah, I'm just gonna scalp my reservations come next July. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

</div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I made reservations last night and was told that the group rate was sold out on the 25th.

and was quoted four different rates and ended up with $189 for the 25th and $109 the other nights.</div></div>

See there, I'm makin money already!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

edit) y'all know I'm just kiddin I hope. I hope to make it this year!!

[Guest imported_Thriller]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">edit) y'all know I'm just kiddin I hope. I hope to make it this year!! </div></div>

What's with this hope stuff? Just bite the bullet and make the call. Of course, if Rita has other plans... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just kidding...we weren't sure until a couple nights ago and we decided to reserve the room...that's the first step at least.

[Centurion]

I'm out-of-town on vacation, but had a chance to check in here from my hotel. I'm sorry to learn that there's a problem with the hotel reservations. The $109 room rate should apply continuously from the 25th to the 29th, but it sounds like this snafu is being worked on. I know that the Chapter folks in charge were in contact with the hotel last week to ensure that there would be no problems with reservations. I'll follow up with the Chapter next week and let you know if the problem has been resolved.

[BUICK RACER]

Click here! Pictures of hotel and more info! Check it out!

[BUKE]

Hi Guys.i just made mine and got the 109.00 for all the dates.

Frank

Have a great BUICK day

[Guest wildcat62]

Frank-did you also make a reservation for Wednesday?

I made mine last night and was quoted $214 a night for Wednesday, $139 all other nights.

The gal on the phone seemed to have quite a bit of trouble finding the block under the Buick Club. But I'm thinking I will not be heading out until Thursday night or looking for a cheaper hotel for Wednesday.

[BUKE]

hI Kris.No i didn't I olain on getting there the 26 to the 29.sorry about the mix up

frank

have a great BUICK day

[Centurion]

Kris, I have forwarded your comments regarding difficulty with the hotel reservations to our National Meet folks. I will let you know when I receive a reply.

The Red Lion Hotel, located directly north of the Hilton, has now opened up an additional 125 rooms to us for the entire duration of the meet. The contact information is provided on the website for the National Meet. I have asked for confirmation on the BCA room rate at the Red Lion.

[Centurion]

I see that the National Meet website addresses the problem of the room availability for Wednesday night at the Hilton.

If you plan to arrive on Wednesday and were unsuccessful in gaining the $109 room rate, you might consider reserving at the Red Lion next door for $109 per night.

Here is the relevant page from the website:

http://www.nwbuicknational.com/page6141.asp

[Centurion]

I understand that the number of rooms available on Wednesday at the Hilton has been increased, so, if you did not obtain the appropriate rate for that night, it's worth trying again before booking elsewhere.

(Evidently, the Hilton had changed sales manager and the outgoing sales manager failed to make a proper hand off to the new sales manager, who then proceeded to book rooms for a conference at nearby Microsoft headquarters on Mon. - Wed. More information than you needed to know, but that's what has created the problem for Wednesday.)

[Guest John Chapman]

Well...

I just booked and WED is only available at $169, and $109 for the rest of the nights. I spoke with the Hilton Bellview reservations manager, who in turn spoke with sales and group managers for the BCA event. They have already increased room availability once (more than doubling the original contract number) and have sold all the rooms. There are apparently no plans to increase again. WED at $169 is it.

Cheers,

JMC

[Centurion]

Thanks for the feedback, John. I've just received an e-mail from the host chapter person who is working with the hotels. She's confirming that the $109 rate is sold out for Wed. night at the Hilton, but is still available for Thurs. - Sat.

She pointed out again that the $109 rate is available at the next door Red Lion for all nights of the meet, including Wednesday.

[BUKE]

Hi Kris. just to let you and everbody else know.I just maid res. for 07-25-07 at the Hamption Inn south center.It is 10.05 miles from city center.I paid $79.00 plus tex for one night at aaa or arp. rate the address is 7200 so 156th st phone 3 1-425--228-5800.I think it might be a good place for one night.It is part of the HILTON hotal

frank

Have a great BUICK day

[Guest wildcat62]

Brian-thanks for checking on that. I'll look into Red Lion also.

Frank, appreciate the update. That may be a good option as well.

[Centurion]

You all may have noticed that the September and October Bugle advertisements for the National Meet highlight a couple of the tours planned. I thought some of you might enjoy checking out the websites for these first two tour destinations that we've advertised.

The LeMay Automobile Collection (tour planned for Thursday, July 26):

http://www.lemaymuseum.org/

The Museum of Flight (tour planned for Wednesday, July 25 in the afternoon):

http://www.museumofflight.org/Portal.asp?Flash=True

Be certain to check out the museum's Exhibits page. I think that the "Personal Courage Wing" is one of the highlights of the museum.

[Centurion]

A few of us met yesterday with the owner of the XXX Root Beer Drive-In to nail down details of our massive dinner cruise to the restaurant on Thursday evening during our National Meet.

There are probably not many restaurants who would be enthusiastic about hundreds of cars and several hundred people showing up all at once for dinner. This place thrives on it! He said that the team spirt and energy in that kitchen are incredible during events like this.

This is going to be a blast. We'll have a disc jockey, giveaways, media coverage, etc.

We posted the website link to the restaurant previously, but we'll make it a part of this topic.

http://www.triplexrootbeer.com/

[Mark Shaw]

Centurion...

Regarding http://www.triplexrootbeer.com/ Check out the menu for take out orders.

You might ask the owner if it is a good idea to order take out meals prior to leaving the hotel for this event. There might be very long lines and the cook might appreciate some orders ahead of the big rush for dinner....

[Centurion]

Mark, that's a great idea. We'll check it out. Thanks!

[Centurion]

I understand that the Hilton is now fully sold out for the National Meet. Please direct folks who are still making hotel reservations to the Red Lion next door. Room rate is $109/night for all nights of the meet.

Red Lion Bellevue Inn

11211 Main St

Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 455-5240

(800) Red Lion

[BUICK RACER]

Just a thought, kinda late. One of the problems hotels have is when you call them "after hours" like after the first shift goes home, the reservations people don't always know about rooms being blocked or how to even access them in the computer. I have had this problem with rooms I have blocked for Buick Raceday, the GS Nationals and other events. So it it best to call between 7AM and 3PM when the event reservation coordinator person or manager is available. It is also good to have a contact name at the hotel because they usually have a clue.

The other thing that happens when rooms are block is the clueless person(not their fault, management's fault for not communicating) is that they will see in the computer that the hotel is full, when it isn't but blocked for an event, and like I already said they don't know how to get to reservations in the block. This is a recurring problem in alot of cases.

BTW, it won't happen in 2008 in Flint as the Flint Visitors Bureau and Convention Center will handle all reservations like in 2003, and they already have the feelers out for prices, availability etc! Just a thought, to think about in the future for other shows and events.

Now for me to call the Red Lion in the morning, also remember the time difference! LOL

[RICK YOUNG]

Hey all,

Looks like the Seattle group is really doing a great job.

I wasn't even thinking of going, but am reconsidering after seeing

there website and activities.

RY

[Centurion]

DRAGNRIK, I hope you'll come. There's still plenty of room at the Red Lion hotel immediately next door to the Hilton, and we'll have some of our meetings at the Red Lion. (See the website for hotel information.)

We'll do everything we can to help you have a fun time. This would be a terrific, once-in-a-lifetime driving adventure for you and your Buick. I'd love to see that '63 LeSabre out here!

[Guest gecco]

I just made reservations at the Red Lion this evening - had no issues getting the room or the rate. I had been a little worried since so much time had lapsed.

[Centurion]

Great, Kevin, we'll look forward to seeing you in July! Any possibility you'll be bringing that beautiful '55 Buick? Since our National Meet logo was based on the 1955 Buick porthole design, we'll be presenting a special "porthole Buick" award at the National Meet.