Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

just watch the forum for instructions at 8:00 EST on thursday

hm$

I'm here and waiting!

Chris Bublitz

I've been here a while, too, Chris.

stefan

Me too, well maybe we can do it next week.

guys, i am sorry. i miscalendered for 8:00 CST.

hm$

Howard, will we do it tonight?

stefan

any word on the next opportunity for a lauch window?
rick

Reset time is Wednesday at 8:00 EST.

hm$

How critical will it be to be online during the window, versus a couple of hours later? And based on your advice in other years, Howard, is this still too soon to get the best deals?

Thanks,
Tom

If we can get that Westin Grand in the $120 range I'm all for going for it. Will there be a different rate if we check in on Thursday as opposed to Friday?

I plan to check in Thursday, check out Sunday...

Me too. I'm guessing hm$ and the entourage are coming in on Friday like they usually do.

Alas, we will be sans entourage this year. Lisa will be my only date.

The best deals will come later, but with less to choose from because its cherry-blossom weekend, we should try to book early (i.e. this week).

The way it works is that I will book first and then post what I get and instructions on zones and prices. Everyone else can book if they want until priceline runds out of rooms. There may be 2 rooms at the hotel I get, or there may be 20. No way to know.

hm$

The Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is on April 4 this year. I think that means the hotel situation will be a little tougher this time. I believe the parade and other related events were on the second weekend in April when had the convention in DC in 2007.

Checking on Hotwire the prices for April 2-5 were $119 for 4 star in Dupont Circle/Embassy Row zone, $119 for 4 star in Kennedy Center/GW University zone, $109 for 3.5 star in Georgetown zone and $79 for 3 star in White House/Capitol Hill zone.

Chris Bublitz

You are correct, Chris, last time we were there on the first weekend of cherry blossom week.

Just info.

Georgetown has no Metro stop. So if you stay in that area prepare for cab fares. Or driving. Good Luck.

Dupont Circle is a hoot.

Not sure where Charlie Palmer is. MANY decent eateries there, we've walked from DuPont to Adam's Morgan (you should try Madam's Organ if you like jazz) and it's nice. Across the bridge from there to Woodley Place Metro, Calvert-Woodley Wines is right there.

Charley Palmer Steak House is at 101 Constitution Ave NW, Alch.

stefan

...right near the Capitol, we had our Saturday night convention dinner there two years ago. The food and service were excellent.

Charlie Palmer is walking distance from Union Station.

I like the Metro, but people seemed to favor cabs over Metro last time. Perhaps because of lack of familiarity. Fares weren't too bad then.

Well heck!

If it's that close to Union Station then post Metro stops.

Far cheaper that cab fares.

I saw the hotwire choices too. Unfortunately at this point, I don't have even a guess as to the identity of those 2 hotels.

hm$

??
Metro stops at Union Station. Yes, much cheaper than cabs. I would prefer a hotel near a Metro stop, but I'm not fussy.
Alch, you should join us.

Alch, if you come to the convention I'll pour you some 2005 Burgundy.

anyone else here???

We're here, HMS.

go to priceline, login, choose your dates (I chose 4/2 - 4/5), Washington DC (as your city), select Georetown-Foggy bottom zone ONLY. Select the 4-star hotel option only. BID $120.

I got into the westin for these dates and price a few moments ago.

hm$

ok let me try...

How many stars?

4 stars only, sorry

Worked like a charm, Howard. You be da man!

Thanks,

stefan

I'm in!
Piece of cake.
Great job, HM$!

HOTEL BWE is the Westin Grand!

great!

Be sure to click 4 stars, everyone!

I am in Thursday thru Sunday
As always thanks Howard

Now I need to decide if i am going into Dullas or BWI on Thursday afternoon because I use SWA

Rick

Excellent, Rick, looking forward to seeing you and Kathy!

A question for you locals

Is there a local train into DC from BWI or is it only Amtrac
is it worth even thinking about getting on train into DC Thursday afternoon or just get a cab/car

If I recall cab/car is only way from Dulles

It is $20 cheaper flight to/from BWI so flights are about a wash..............I might check National as it is certainly easier but usually more expensive

rick

I'm in at the Westin too. Thanks, Howard!

Chris Bublitz

Looking good, Chris.
I hope as many BWEers sign up ASAP, because this deal may be limited.

I got it too, arriving Thursday, checking out Sunday. Great work as usual Howard, thanks!

thank you, thank you, my adoring fans.

you shouldn't, really.

no, please, enough.

well, if you must.

hm$