Host Hotel Rooms Vanishing Quickly

[Dynaflash8]

We heard from a friend yesterday that the host hotel is already sold out in Punta Gorda for the end of February. Only early this week we acquired the information and got a room ourselves. I continue to wonder, as I've wondered for a long time. Shouldn't all hotel information be kept SECRET until about 5 days after the information has been snail mailed from Hershey? With all the information out, it is getting so you almost have to reserve a year in advance.

[novaman]

Another possiblity (rated 2nd to yours)would be to arrange with the host hotel not to make available the block of rooms until a certain date, that being after the date for the release of info from headquarters.

[Dynaflash8]

Yes that is a way, alright. In fact, that's what we did when we set up the first prototype Sentimental Tour in White Stone, VA in 2001. But the main reason we did it that way at the time was because we had such limited number of available rooms in the area.

[Paul Dobbin]

Good idea, Lock em out!

I know poeple who reserve a year in advance an then decide if

they're going. Sometimes they take a rental car or modern iron

and take up space.

If I drag a 1915 Car to a Tour I darn sure don't want MA & Pa

Kettle in a Grand Marquis or Suburban taking up space in the

Host Hotel or the Donut stops. Same goes for the people who

bring a 1981 car to the Tour and leave the real antiques at

home. I like A/C too, but the Winn Dixie Parking lot is

where we see those cars in Florida. I'd rather see a 1932 Ford

with a 1946 Flathead engine (which is prohibited) than all the

rental cars that show up on National Tours.

OK, I'm ready for hate mail now. But, Old car tours should be for

old cars. If you want a local guided tour, take a Bus with your

travel club until your old car is ready to Tour.

[D Binger]

Paul,

Touring Is Not A Spectator Sport.

I agree with you 100%. What is worse are the folks that have no intention of bringing a car to a tour and say their car wasn't ready and then sak to ride with the ones who do bring cars for touring. I have seen these same folks at severeal tours saying the same thing.

Dan

[R W Burgess]

Dan, I would think "riders" would be encouraged. The "touring disease" is very infectious when experienced from inside an antique vehicle. My wife and I have only been on 3 tours, but would invite anyone to ride with us, if they like.

Personally, I enjoy "new" company. Don't tell the wife I said that. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Dynaflash8]

Hi Paul, Merry Christmas. Hey, we missed you in Ocala. Remember you from White Stone, when you got your motor home and trailer stuck in the sand. Remember that? In reference to your post, we have many, many judges who drive long distances modern to the National Meets. We couldn't live without them, and they like to stay in the host hotel too....in fact, I resemble that remark. The problem really stems from having the information out here on the Internet where it gives a long lead jumpstart to those folks who want the host hotel. And, yes, that includes those who reserve a whole block for their Regional friends until they find out who is actually going to go. And your comment about reserving a year in advance and then deciding two weeks before is also a problem as I see it. That couldn't happen if they didn't know the place a year in advance. That said, it isn't goiong to change. So, yes, Novaman did put his finger on what could be a good solution.

[Dynaflash8]

I fogot to mention that on the Ocala Sentimental Tour, a couple from Maryland actually did have a breakdown. We offered them to ride with us for two days, and those were the most enjoyable days on the tour for us. Their company really was fun, and we didn't know them well before that either. So, this is a good way to increase your circle of friends in the hobby I think.

[novaman]

I don't think Dan has a problem with the people asking to ride as much as it is the same ones time after time because "thier car isn't ready".

[Paul Dobbin]

Dynaflash,

Sorry if I offended you about judging. My tyrade was about Hotels and old cars on Tours.

Just Tours, I very seldom do the Show thing. See my rantings on other threads about

shows and trophy's. I understand why it's important but you'll find my there for the

display and the social events, not Trophies. We know judges that drive 1200 miles just

to judge which keep the whole thing going.

For Tours we usually take somebody with us. After all an empty back seat is an invtation

to do to much shopping, so fill-er-up with old car nuts instead.

Thanks for the tow.

Paul

[Dynaflash8]

"I resemble that remark" is a funny referring to the fact that "I do that." It didn't say "resent that remark". An old friend of mine who passed away last year used to always say that to be funny if something said actually applied to him. So, no need to any apologies. Much of what you said was certainly true. Remember this date: Burlington, NC in June, 2008 will be the next AACA National Sentimental Tour. You helped get this tour off the ground, so I'll be looking forward to seeing you in North Carolina in 2008. Okay?

[Paul Dobbin]

We'll be there. We had to miss the one in our back yard in Florida

becuse we were in NC trying to buy land. Living in NC will make easier

access to all the tours around the country.

Five car garage pool home available in St. Petersburg, Fl

[Steve Moskowitz]

There are more rooms available at the AACA rate in the host hotel in Florida! 12/21/06 <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[ppaquet]

What Steve said. We are doing registration for this meet and I spoke with Meet Chairman Larry Kappauf this morning about several things, this thread being one of them. If you call for a room and are told they are sold out, ask to speak to Jeannie at ext 705. She is Group Sales Manager of the month <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> but as of this AM there are 95 rooms available at the host hotel and no doubt plenty at the 3 alternates. Hope to see a lot of you there. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season

[Dynaflash8]

I have emailed the friend in question, passing on this information. Thanks to all.