Okay - decision time, and we have to work quick.
I've called around to a bunch of hotels. I'm focusing in Mechanicsburg where there's a bit more to do, closer to Hershey for those who might want to visit, and closer to the highway junctions.
A few problems encountered: lots of hotels are already booked. In fact, most don't have double-rooms available (meaning 2 queen beds.) Also, rates are somewhat high, though it's not really unusual.
Here's the breakdown of my options:
Courtyard/Mariott West Harrisburg - $129 a night. Only Single King Bed rooms are available, though the rooms have pull-out sofas that - if you ask when reserving - they'll have opened and made up before you arrive. This is a NEW hotel - it was built while I was living in the area. It's further West from where we've stayed (If I still lived at the same place, it'd be walking distance for me!) Quiet street, ample parking, nice place. (They offered us a $20 nightly discount - reflected in this price.)
Best Western New Cumberland - $109 a night. Only single king bed rooms available. No pull-out sofas. Might be a problem for those bringing families. This hotel is I think right in front of where we've stayed in the past. Not sure on parking (but we could always usurp the lot of the original hotel!) They offered us a $10 discount.
Comfort Inn Capital City - $99 a night - DOUBLE AND SINGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE. I asked for 4 doubles, 8 singles since most of us only bring spouses. Rate is for either room. This hotel has a huge lot, and is nestled back near a retirement community/business park. It's near the Courtyard listed above (and oddly even closer to where I used to live.) I'm thinking this is our best bet - honestly. They offered us a $10-15 discount, if I recall correctly.
Best Western Plantation Inn - $80 to $89 a night, Single's and Double's available (respectively) - NO BLOCKS AVAILABLE. I called asking for a block, and I THINK the guy I was talking to said, "I have not many rooms open..." So take that as you will... If you want to stay there, it'll be first come, first serve. It does have ample parking, and is tucked behind a Cracker Barrel restaurant, just off route 15. There was no discount offered.
DUE TO THE TIGHT SCHEDULE as far as availability, I'm going to have to make a decision by this Wednesday - I'd even like to book tomorrow if possible. If you want to stay with a bunch of the CC.C folk, please vote in the poll. Whichever is winning by Wednesday I'll reserve (unless it's the last one, of course, in which case CALL NOW.)
Once we have a block I will of course post all the contact/code info in the hotel thread. (Note that taxes aren't included in any of these rates...)
Thanks, guys. Lookin' forward to a good weekend!
Jeff - a.k.a. ViperMan!
