23 replies to this topic

[crossbred900]

Because I'm in a wheelchair location takes priority over loyalty and, unfortunately price. Tekko 8 was the first time I attended and since the room block was at the (now) Wyndham, 7 or so blocks from the DLLCC, I just couldn't stay there. I ended up staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites which was much closer and the cheaper of my 2 options, the other choice being the Marriott that is right there. I did not even consider the Westin, as we we're advised not to book there that year. For Tekko 9 and 10 I was more than willing to stay at the Wyndam because it was the most convenient and I had developed a loyalty. Now if 11 is at the DLLCC and has a block at the Westin, I will stay there unless the Marriott has a considerably lower rate. If it's at the convention center and there is no block, I will stay at the cheapest of the three I've mentioned. I don't spend time in the lobbies so that is not a factor in my decisions.

[DarkSeraph]

I'll be honest, I want to keep the room block.  I do understand why a lot of people would want to go without it.  Most of my money goes to bills and college so I understand completely about keeping money on a tight leash.  I'm a local of Pittsburgh, and I live about...30 minutes or so away by car.  But I have no car, so I have to find other means of getting to the convention.  I know a lot of other people who have the same problem, and the con experience is unfortunately limited thanks to that.  A room block would make things so much easier for people like me.  Why not shrink the room block?  Take a poll of people who might want it, then base the room block off of that?  Or smaller since there are people who will vote then disregard?  Smaller room block would help money isssues, and prevent a backlash if we get rid of the room block.

[Marika]

Personally, I like the idea of the room block. I don't use it for reasons I'm about to mention, but others do, and it's a good way to keep everyone in one place. The ONLY reason I like it is because I'm 32, and as far as the con circuit goes, I'm considered a dinosaur by some people's standards. And this dinosaur likes her sleep.

Having a room block keeps all of those obnoxiously loud people (and if you come back to your room at 2, 3, 4am and have to run, shout, slam doors, press every button on the elevator, or be generally discourteous, then you are one of those people) in one area and lets the people who might WANT to sleep, and are paying to have a room there so they CAN sleep, well... sleep. No room block means all of those loud individuals are now spread out among other guests, which keeps them up, makes the con look bad in that hotel, and causes major problems down the road. Having to go all infuriated-prop-wielding-Tyrannosaurus-Rex on a bunch of congoers in the wee hours of the morning because they run up and down the halls and shout and slam doors is not really indicative of a good time... because even though I know I'd be enjoying myself immensely, they wouldn't. Thus, I vote YES to hotel block! Even if it's small, it's better than nothing!

[krazehh]

As an Out of State-r (New York based) Artist and Fan, i think Room blocks are super vital for attendees, particularly those of us who aren't so local about Pittsburgh. No offense to priceline/hotel/travel.com people but Some of us are really turned off if the Convention doesn't have a room block or atleast recommend hotels that are con friendly-con connected.

I absolutely LOVE tekkoshocon, I love the City of PIttsburgh as well and I recommended it to all of my Convention friends but the con itself really needs to be inviting for it because there are plenty of people who DO want to come and we unfortunately do not want to spend an afternoon mapping out bus routes from a hotel that god knows makes us feel uncomfortable.

Also if the con makes good hotel connections, an attendee would feel way welcome in a hotel with more friendly and enthusiastic staff.