Instructions for booking BWE Hotel - Revised 1-6-10 @9 pm

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 5:38 pm

Please call 888-Affinia (888-233-4642) and ask for BWE or go to http://www.affinia.com and put BWINE in the group code.

hm$

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:01 pm

The online method does not work, Howard--it gives "invalid group code" using both BWE and bwe. I got something strange calling the toll free number (leave a message?!?!) and called the hotel directly, but they show no group BWE.

BTW: Here is the hotel info

Affinia Chicago Mar 25-28 (Thurs - Sun)
312.787.6000
166 E. Superior St.

stefan

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:22 am

wednesday it should work.

hm$

SF Ed · Post by **SF Ed** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:14 am

I got the same error today trying to book online.

SF Ed

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:40 am

New instructions:

Log on to http://www.affinia.com and use the promo group code BWINE

or

Call their reservations department at 1-866-AFFINIA and mention the Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts Group

hm$

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:42 pm

Hmm. I am wondering about this place, Howard. This is what I get

We apologize. Your requested rate is not available on the dates you selected. However, the following rooms are available:

The old "bait & switch" tactic?

stefan

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:57 pm

Just a few kinks.....

I will work on it again today.

hm$

SF Ed · Post by **SF Ed** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:01 pm

Just worked for me including the $99 rate. Thanks Howard!

SF Ed

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:12 pm

It works!

hm$

Daytonnc · Post by **Daytonnc** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 4:00 pm

I tried booking just now and it told me I had an invalid promo code???????

Susan

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 4:45 pm

Make sure you are using the new code BWINE (not BWE). If it does not work online, call.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:29 pm

I had the same problem with "invalid promo code" until I put BWINE in the "Group Code" box, not the "Promo Code" box. Now I'm booked for the 25th-28th.

Winona Chief · Post by **Winona Chief** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 7:08 pm

Worked for me - in for March 25-28.

Chris Bublitz

dstgolf · Post by **dstgolf** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 7:35 pm

FYI,

Room booked March25-28. Would have worked online however was only showing a king bed option and suite. Since we need a room with two beds we had to book a suite.

Danny

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:04 am

Danny - glad to know we have a party suite!!!

I just booked my room for the 3 days

rick

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:58 am

I was able to book online. Thanks, Howard.

stefan

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:32 pm

Gotta get around to doing this today, been busy the past two weeks.
I'll be there from Thursday to Sunday.

Michael-P · Post by **Michael-P** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 2:35 pm

I am booked into Affinia for Fri+Sat nights.

Michael-P · Post by **Michael-P** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 5:55 pm

I just called to book for Thursday night and they say the group rate is not available?

HMS: can you please advise? Thanks.

Daytonnc · Post by **Daytonnc** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:10 pm

I tried to book on line after I realized I was putting the group code in the wrong place. Well now it tells me there is nothing available for that rate??????????????????????????????????

dstgolf · Post by **dstgolf** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:31 pm

Didn't we have to guarantee that at least 12 rooms would be booked. From my rough count from postings it seems 8 rooms booked. Now some may have been booked without people posting. I must say that I was concerned when I tried to book a room with two queen beds and they had none left for booking this far in advance. Stefans question of the bait and switch doesn't seem too far fetched. How many rooms were being held and what type? Have we exceeded the quota allotted to BWE or is the hotel sold out for the weekend? This could pose a problem.Any further insight Howard?

Danny

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:35 pm

Relax. I just confirmed that the rooms are still showing as available.
There is obviously some kind of glitch.

Please call our service contact as follows:

Michaela "Kila" Rasocha
Conference Service Manager
Affinia Chicago
166 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 312-787-0752
Fax: 312-787-6133

She will handle the reservations for you.

hm$

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:38 pm

or email her: mrasocha@affinia.com

hm$

aimeedogdogdog · Post by **aimeedogdogdog** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 4:02 am

We are booked into Affinia Thur-Mon. Kila was very helpful.

Thanks, Howard!

Werner

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 4:31 am

The online site is showing rooms available with two double beds or one king at $99 for March 25-28. As well as two different suites at $149. Not sure what the problems are.

Tom In DC · Post by **Tom In DC** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:57 am

hm$ · Post by **hm$** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 1:22 pm

Given that a few people are expereincing IT-related problems, I would again suggest that people book by emailing or calling Ms. Rasocha. She is very prompt and helpful. And while you are free to tell her about the IT issues, she did not write the web interface, does not work in Affinia's IT dept., and is doing her best to help us, so don't take out your frustrations on her.

hm$

gmarie · Post by **gmarie** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 2:01 pm

Howard,
Thanks for taking so much personal time to organize hotel and great pricing for this event.
Gail

Michael-P · Post by **Michael-P** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 3:36 pm

Wow! I just called and got me in for Thursday night as well at the BWE rate. Now that got Kila, it was easy as pie.

Thanks!

Daytonnc · Post by **Daytonnc** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:23 pm

Booked from 3/25 through 3/28. Thank you Howard for organizing the Hotel part of this convention! Kila was very friendly and very helpful.

Susan

Tom In DC · Post by **Tom In DC** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:36 am

Online worked tonight!

Thanks, hm$.

dstgolf · Post by **dstgolf** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:53 pm

Howard & Tom,

I agree with hoops you have to go through. After seeing David's post about rooms with two beds available online I checked the site. Put all the info in and submitted but the reservation was turned down! Said incorrect password?? Tried to go through the forgot password route and 45minutes later still waiting. Called Kila who addressed and resolved the problem immediately with apologies. The first time I booked directly the reservation operator informed me they were sold out of rooms with two beds but she'd put me on the waiting list if one became available...! I've never gone through such a process to get a room ever and thank god it's done. The things one will go through for a good drink,a few laughs and long lasting memories.

In the end Howard thanks and to everyone else be patient!

Danny

PS Rick I couldn't convince Danielle to take the sofabed!

Jay Winton · Post by **Jay Winton** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:06 pm

booked. Hopefully, we'll be there.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:19 pm

Howard, don't you just love all the positive feedback you're getting for your efforts?

Of course we know it's not you who is responsible for the Affinia online booking glitches. Thanks for posting the alternative to call directly. Don't want to discourage anyone from coming because of Affinia online hassles.

And even more importantly, thanks for getting us such a great rate at a nice place in a good location.

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:36 pm

...especially with all that competition from the cosmetoligists of America convention....

tim · Post by **tim** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:44 pm

Booked, thanks again for setting this up!

Tom In DC · Post by **Tom In DC** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 8:33 pm

I didn't mean to be so negative, and didn't intend any reflection on Howard other than appreciation for find us such a great rate!

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:49 pm

Howard is da man, looking forward to an epic event in Chi Town!
My only concern is that people will be shut out of the event. Looks like the limit is going to be about 40 and we are awfully close to that figure now, so anyone planning on attending had better get your reservation in... Now!!

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:17 pm

and the location is so good - everyone will like the location for sure

Danny -............. PS Rick I couldn't convince Danielle to take the sofabed!......maybe you should buy her her own Suite

rick

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:51 pm

I'm in!
I think I saw a note that said this offer is good til Feb. 24th or some such notice, so be sure to book now if you're intending to attend. These are always tremendous weekends, and it may be our last convention, who knows, so be sure to be in on BWE's historic return to the Windy City, where it all began!