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Comic-Con International => SDCC Housing, Parking, and Transportation => Topic started by: Angology on July 23, 2019, 02:08:19 PM

Title: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Angology on July 23, 2019, 02:08:19 PM
Once again, what better way to combat the post con blues than by thinking about next year.

Do any of you have your backup hotel locked in?

Also-don't forget to submit your reviews from your stay this year! I will be posting more obnoxious reminders later today.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on July 23, 2019, 02:54:51 PM
Do we post hotel reviews to the existing thread, or will there be a 2020-specific one?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Requia on July 23, 2019, 03:26:13 PM
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Once again, what better way to combat the post con blues than by thinking about next year.

Do any of you have your backup hotel locked in?

Also-don't forget to submit your reviews from your stay this year! I will be posting more obnoxious reminders later today.
Up until this year MMM was my top choice, but something felt different this time around. I'm thinking MGH or Bayfront for next year as my top choices.

My group had Hyatt, which I had other people use for the double beds since I ended up with a king at the Marriott.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Kira001 on July 23, 2019, 04:12:44 PM
Bayfront has a huge advantage since it's just across the street from the tents and would make camping out at right a lot more easier.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Zero on July 23, 2019, 08:01:30 PM
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Do we post hotel reviews to the existing thread, or will there be a 2020-specific one?

https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=6079.msg151076#msg151076

The existing thread for hotel reviews, which I have linked above for reference, is fine.  Please use the formatting in the first post so that we can keep things organized and easy to read through.  ^__~

[member=364]Angology[/member], as forum moderator of this area, will be cataloguing all hotel reviews in her very awesomely compiled List of Hotel Reviews of SDCC (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=5513.msg133938#msg133938).  We are so grateful to have her assist in this for the forum community.  (Thank you so much, Angology!)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TheNeck on July 24, 2019, 08:23:38 AM
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Bayfront has a huge advantage since it's just across the street from the tents and would make camping out at right a lot more easier.
2016 we stayed at the MMM, and while its right next to the CC, its on the opposite end of the tents which we found out is not as close of a walk as we thought it was.

2017-2019 we have stayed at the HBF, thanks to kindness members of FOCC helping us get this amazing hotel. fingers crossed i can get HBF again next year.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: RustyPonds on July 24, 2019, 08:50:08 AM
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Up until this year MMM was my top choice, but something felt different this time around. I'm thinking MGH or Bayfront for next year as my top choices.

I would advise against MGH. It's the worst "downtown" hotel and the miles really add up on your body as the con wears on. And the last few years they've avoided any sort of branding on the elevators or any cool touches to make it feel like it's part of the campus. There's a reason that MGH pops up the most on the Onpeak site when people are still looking for a place to stay.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on July 24, 2019, 10:05:40 AM
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I would advise against MGH. It's the worst "downtown" hotel and the miles really add up on your body as the con wears on. And the last few years they've avoided any sort of branding on the elevators or any cool touches to make it feel like it's part of the campus. There's a reason that MGH pops up the most on the Onpeak site when people are still looking for a place to stay.

Well, shoot.  If you get MGH and don't want it next year, please give it to me.  ;)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Darth_Primus on July 24, 2019, 10:47:39 AM
I stayed at the MGH this year and arrived on a Tuesday.   The initial room (standard 2 double beds) they put me in was on the 5th floor looking at the corn hole roof activity area.  It was really bad as it was a place used for smokers. The left over cigarette butts were dropped within a few feet under our window.   And the people hanging out on in this area could look right into our room.   It was very unsightly for me and my family, as well as uncomfortable with strangers having the ability to look directly into our hotel room.

I ended up calling guest services and requested another room.   They offered an upgraded room overlooking the convention center for an additional $25/night.   I jumped at that offer as I really couldn't bare any more time in that 5th floor room.

Staying in the upgraded room was well worth the cost for me and I enjoyed my stay at the MGH.   I the walk to the convention center was only a couple of blocks.   I just wish they didn't have to remodel the lobby during my stay there.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Requia on July 24, 2019, 10:55:37 AM
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I stayed at the MGH this year and arrived on a Tuesday.   The initial room (standard 2 double beds) they put me in was on the 5th floor looking at the corn hole roof activity area.  It was really bad as it was a place used for smokers. The left over cigarette butts were dropped within a few feet under our window.   And the people hanging out on in this area could look right into our room.   It was very unsightly for me and my family, as well as uncomfortable with strangers having the ability to look directly into our hotel room.

I ended up calling guest services and requested another room.   They offered an upgraded room overlooking the convention center for an additional $25/night.   I jumped at that offer as I really couldn't bare any more time in that 5th floor room.

Staying in the upgraded room was well worth the cost for me and I enjoyed my stay at the MGH.   I the walk to the convention center was only a couple of blocks.   I just wish they didn't have to remodel the lobby during my stay there.
The room we had this year for MGH was nice. It was on a higher floor, but the Bayside view was really nice. No hassles with checking in, except that it felt like I was checking in to a flight at the airport with curbside desk

I've stayed there in previous years, and it was actually the first downtown hotel I ever stayed at, it just always seemed like a longer walk than I would've liked for some reason. But lately I don't mind it. It's not as overly crowded as the Marriott has become, and there's still a lot to see and do.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on July 24, 2019, 01:27:56 PM
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I would advise against MGH. It's the worst "downtown" hotel and the miles really add up on your body as the con wears on. And the last few years they've avoided any sort of branding on the elevators or any cool touches to make it feel like it's part of the campus. There's a reason that MGH pops up the most on the Onpeak site when people are still looking for a place to stay.

I posted this in the other Hotel thread, but I usually leave MGH off my list simply because it "felt" further away from the action than even hotels that were actually further away. I was basing this off my 2011 experience with the hotel. But through the generosity of another FOCC'er, I got MGH this year. And I was _very_ happy with the overall experience. For some reason, this year, MGH didn't feel nearly as far away from the con as it had the first time. Also, it was quite close to where some of the lines ended, especially the LEGO line. If you want to reach the end of the Hall H line, you could argue that MGH is actually closer to the end than Bayfront.

The other benefit of MGH is that it's quiet. My previous favorite -- Omni -- was always loud at night and loud in the morning. Even Westin Gaslamp was loud due to the Conan crowd. At MGH, I had no problems falling asleep or being rudely awakened by outside activity.

This is all to say, MGH is definitely going on my list for next year. I think my order will be: MMM -> MGH -> Bayfront -> Omni -> Marriott Gaslamp -> Hilton Gaslamp.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Darth_Primus on July 25, 2019, 12:19:56 PM
Yeah, I too thought MGH was a long walk from the convention.  Probably because I usually stay at the other end of the convention center and have to make a round trip walking through the crowds.  But actually staying at the MGH and just walking to the con wasn't bad at all.   It helped the weather was very cool for July in San Diego.  We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and it was overcast, breezy and about 63 degrees.   We all needed to wear a jacket.

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: janray on July 25, 2019, 01:05:53 PM
For me, anything but the MMM is a long walk. :D
We stayed at MGH this year thanks to a wonderful FOCC member who offered an extra room and we really enjoyed it.
It wasn't that much farther away and it was definitely quieter.   
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dkd on July 25, 2019, 01:12:32 PM
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I would advise against MGH. It's the worst "downtown" hotel and the miles really add up on your body as the con wears on. And the last few years they've avoided any sort of branding on the elevators or any cool touches to make it feel like it's part of the campus. There's a reason that MGH pops up the most on the Onpeak site when people are still looking for a place to stay.

It's funny how people want different things from their hotel.  This was my first year at MGH and I liked it much more than I thought I would:


Even so, I'm one of those people whose top choices are on the other side of the Tracks--close, but not too close--like the Solamar, Horton Grand, and Indigo.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TossedSalad on July 26, 2019, 09:38:24 AM
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Bayfront has a huge advantage since it's just across the street from the tents and would make camping out at right a lot more easier.

With the new hall h security checkpoint and return to line policy, this would make it a fantastic hotel for anyone camping for hall h or doing line groups. The morning return lines were brutal
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Namron83 on July 26, 2019, 09:55:05 AM
Did anyone else stay or have stayed at Kona Kai?
They've been holding over $1400 since check in last week. They were supposed to release it that day. Just wondering if anyone else had a similar issue.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on July 26, 2019, 10:55:15 AM
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Did anyone else stay or have stayed at Kona Kai?
They've been holding over $1400 since check in last week. They were supposed to release it that day. Just wondering if anyone else had a similar issue.

It probably has more to do with your bank than the hotel.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Namron83 on July 26, 2019, 11:16:07 AM
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It probably has more to do with your bank than the hotel.
Its PayPal. Hotel didn't tell me I was being charged $1400 when I checked in last Wednesday. That was almost all of what I was spending for the week right there. Every hotel I've been to only puts a $100 authorization hold, so when I found out they took that much, my friend used his card to switch with mine. The hotel said it would immediately be released. First three days I spent on the phone with PayPal and talking to hotel staff and management to get papers faxed to release the hold. When we checked out on Monday, we found out both cards were charged $1400 and would then be released immediately. Its been 4 days and still nothing.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rabbitwarren on July 26, 2019, 01:12:18 PM
Given that the NDL is at the Marina, MGH wouldn't be too bad for Hall H shifts and wristbands.  Last year was a bit brutal when it was near the Adult Swim on the Green.  Hopefully the renovations are long done by next year, as I wouldn't mind another stay at MGH.  I'm also more prepared for the walk this time as our new office has a similar distance from the subway.

I did my Hard Rock stint this year.  My brother wasn't too pleased with the room itself but you can't beat the location or the ability to gawk.  I personally wouldn't mind staying there again but felt my room at MGH was better.  The best room I've ever had in that area was MMM but that hotel was a little too big and chaotic. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Requia on July 26, 2019, 02:13:08 PM
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Given that the NDL is at the Marina, MGH wouldn't be too bad for Hall H shifts and wristbands.  Last year was a bit brutal when it was near the Adult Swim on the Green.  Hopefully the renovations are long done by next year, as I wouldn't mind another stay at MGH.  I'm also more prepared for the walk this time as our new office has a similar distance from the subway.

I did my Hard Rock stint this year.  My brother wasn't too pleased with the room itself but you can't beat the location or the ability to gawk.  I personally wouldn't mind staying there again but felt my room at MGH was better.  The best room I've ever had in that area was MMM but that hotel was a little too big and chaotic.
Did you get one of the rooms with a view of all the parties at Hard Rock? Haha

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Roo_bear on July 26, 2019, 02:54:26 PM
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Did anyone else stay or have stayed at Kona Kai?
They've been holding over $1400 since check in last week. They were supposed to release it that day. Just wondering if anyone else had a similar issue.

Any hold longer than 2-3 days for any transaction is excessive. At this point I would call my bank, and not get off the phone until it was resolved.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: IfIWereMagneto on July 26, 2019, 06:58:47 PM
Count me in for trying for the Omni again next year. It's my group's clear favorite.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Namron83 on July 27, 2019, 11:46:58 AM
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Any hold longer than 2-3 days for any transaction is excessive. At this point I would call my bank, and not get off the phone until it was resolved.
Tried, told the same crap protocol 18 times. Can't do anything unless they receive a fax from the hotel. Telling the hotel to keep sending the fax for a 10th time isn't doing a thing. Just gotta wait the 21 business days aka a month.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on July 28, 2019, 09:36:27 AM
just a reminder here- this thread is for discussion of next years hotels ..... LOL

there's a place for 2019 hotels and a thread for hotel reviews  ???

while we do enjoy the conversation, seriously we do enjoy it, it puts the moderating team is in a hard place... do we move the reviews to the review threads or move the discussion of folks stay's in this years hotels to 2019 hotel thread...

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Namron83 on July 28, 2019, 10:08:42 AM
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just a reminder here- this thread is for discussion of next years hotels ..... LOL

there's a place for 2019 hotels and a thread for hotel reviews  ???

while we do enjoy the conversation, seriously we do enjoy it, it puts the moderating team is in a hard place... do we move the reviews to the review threads or move the discussion of folks stay's in this years hotels to 2019 hotel thread...

I only posted here cuz I swore I saw that 2019 thread locked. Anyways, I feel like a 2020 Hotel Thread is way too early as talking about any hotel is just going to lead to replies from past experiences, but thats just me.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on July 28, 2019, 04:07:24 PM
Anyone else's Top 6 change based on your experience at SDCC 2019? In the past, I've usually left MGH off my list because I felt it was too far from the action compared to the other big ones downtown. But having stayed here this past SDCC, I'm definitely putting it on my list for next year, probably in the #2 or #3 slot. The distance to the con was never an issue, and in fact, it was closer to some of the end-of-lines than any other hotel except MMM. The way I judge "closeness" is that I can go back to my hotel midday, drop off stuff / get a quick bite to eat, and go back to the con without feeling like I've wasted a ton of time traveling. Strangely, going to/from the con from the pier-side seemed faster than the Harbor Drive side.

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on July 28, 2019, 05:41:29 PM
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I only posted here cuz I swore I saw that 2019 thread locked. Anyways, I feel like a 2020 Hotel Thread is way too early as talking about any hotel is just going to lead to replies from past experiences, but thats just me.
ahhhh thx for the info. i did not realize the 19 thead had been locked-
Please disregard my earlier comments
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Jonathan on July 30, 2019, 10:27:37 PM
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Anyone else's Top 6 change based on your experience at SDCC 2019? In the past, I've usually left MGH off my list because I felt it was too far from the action compared to the other big ones downtown. But having stayed here this past SDCC, I'm definitely putting it on my list for next year, probably in the #2 or #3 slot. The distance to the con was never an issue, and in fact, it was closer to some of the end-of-lines than any other hotel except MMM. The way I judge "closeness" is that I can go back to my hotel midday, drop off stuff / get a quick bite to eat, and go back to the con without feeling like I've wasted a ton of time traveling. Strangely, going to/from the con from the pier-side seemed faster than the Harbor Drive side.

Considering the Programming Premiums Room, potentially the volunteer shirt pickup room (if you volunteer) are both at the MGH, plus Fundays if you're really lucky. I would never personally leave it off. Also, being that it has the most rooms out of any hotel, you kind of know what to expect with it. Which again, is a good thing. Rather no surprises during any of my SDCC hotel stays.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Thereisanother on July 31, 2019, 12:57:40 AM
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Anyone else's Top 6 change based on your experience at SDCC 2019? In the past, I've usually left MGH off my list because I felt it was too far from the action compared to the other big ones downtown. But having stayed here this past SDCC, I'm definitely putting it on my list for next year, probably in the #2 or #3 slot. The distance to the con was never an issue, and in fact, it was closer to some of the end-of-lines than any other hotel except MMM. The way I judge "closeness" is that I can go back to my hotel midday, drop off stuff / get a quick bite to eat, and go back to the con without feeling like I've wasted a ton of time traveling. Strangely, going to/from the con from the pier-side seemed faster than the Harbor Drive side.

Surprisingly yes! I’ve never gotten HBF until this yr and it was always my 1st choice since it’s closest to the tents. I think MMM is my first choice now. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining and would stay again but it wasn’t a game changer improving my experience that I thought it would be. It was nice to walk over for Sat Hall H but the rejoin line was so long I was still stuck waiting so not much of a time saver. The other days I did Hall H and NDL I had to walk to marina anyways. I think the real advantages would only be if I was camping out Hall H/showering in the morning or doing Indigo Ballroom... And as far as people saying “celebrities are in the lobby” after 5 yrs, I’ve just accepted I’m not going to see anyone. Up too early and my schedule is too tight to loiter in lobbies lol
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: wolfgirl1272 on July 31, 2019, 02:01:44 PM
I have only stayed at HBF and HR and I know my group loves the HBF but considering we always try to get Fundays tickets I'm suggesting a move to the Hyatt to see how that works for us.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on July 31, 2019, 05:54:17 PM
I like the Hilton Bayfront, but my one complaint — and this falls squarely in the category of First World problems — is that there’s no direct path to the lobby coming from the convention center. You have to go from the sides and ride an escalator up. To be sure, that would never stop me from choosing HBF. But it is an odd design for that hotel.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on August 01, 2019, 10:19:24 AM
Has anyone gotten a suite the Onpeak at either Omni or Hilton Bayfront? If so I'm curious to know the nightly rate.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Angology on August 01, 2019, 11:14:34 AM
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I only posted here cuz I swore I saw that 2019 thread locked. Anyways, I feel like a 2020 Hotel Thread is way too early as talking about any hotel is just going to lead to replies from past experiences, but thats just me.
The 2019 thread is not locked, unless someone unlocked it. I had unstickied it, but it was reset to sticky, probably by one of the global moderators. I probably did that part too early. :-[

We usually start the next year's hotel thread super early. We have had threads pop up before that year's con before (mostly because of backup hotel deals that are found). I apologize if it seems confusing.

Discussion of past experiences is okay as that can alter your judgement for upcoming years.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Darth_Primus on August 01, 2019, 11:40:48 AM
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Has anyone gotten a suite the Onpeak at either Omni or Hilton Bayfront? If so I'm curious to know the nightly rate.

Yes, I did stay at the Bayfront two years ago.  It was around $347 per night when you factor in fees and taxes.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48432796147_a76b9409ee_m.jpg)

I stayed at the Omni back in like 2008 and 2009 before Twilight came to SDCC and the event became sold out every year. But I don't remember the rates and I don't believe OnPeak was running the hotel registeration.

On a separate note, as far as the "top 6 hotels discussion," yeah my list changed.  Thanks to a fellow FOCC member, I was able to stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt for the first time this year.   It wasn't on my top 6 list because I never stay there, but now that I have, it's number two on my list.   It's quiet, there are good amount of elevators, you don't have to cross a major street that like Harbor Drive to get to and from the convention, which means it's a convenient place to take a mid break from the con in the hotel room and it's relatively easy to get picked up/dropped off by your rideshare,  like Uber, unlike the Bayfront.

That being said, the Hilton Bayfront is the number one hotel on my list because of its location, as you don't have to cross Harbor Drive and have to wait for a train to pass by or a light to change.   As mentioned with Uber, it's very difficult to the Bayfront when the convention is on.  Last time I stayed there, the Bayfront put up a sign that we should walk to Pecto Park for our rideshare.   I've been in an elevator with quite a few celebrities while staying in the Bayfront, which is a perk and a thrill while staying there.

The rest of my list of hotels I've stayed at would be #3 The Omni, #4 The Westin Gaslamp, #5 Springhill Suites Bayfront, #6 Grand Horton.



 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SteveD on August 01, 2019, 12:33:14 PM
Back in 2009, the Omni was $220 per night plus taxes and fees for a standard room.  Booked through Travel Planners.

Quote
Hotel Confirmation #:  Available online approximately 2 weeks prior to your event

Tier Name: Standard Room (A)

Room Type: 2 people - 2 beds

Special Requests:

Check-in: 7/22/2009    Check-out: 7/26/2009

Guarantee Type: MASTER CARD
Booked by: WebUser

Travel Planners special discounted rate:
07/22/09-07/25/09: $220.00 per night
(Note: rate does not include taxes)
   
Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 231-6664
Fax: (619) 645-6517
Hotel distance to Convention Center: 2.0 Blocks Miles
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on August 01, 2019, 12:41:04 PM
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Yes, I did stay at the Bayfront two years ago.  It was around $347 per night when you factor in fees and taxes.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48432796147_a76b9409ee_m.jpg)

I stayed at the Omni back in like 2008 and 2009 before Twilight came to SDCC and the event became sold out every year. But I don't remember the rates and I don't believe OnPeak was running the hotel registeration.


Thanks! To clarify, I am asking if anyone knows the rate for the suites at HBF or Omni, not the regular hotel rooms. It's not shown on the hotel list so I'm not really sure how else to find out.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: YouThinkMeMad on August 01, 2019, 01:24:24 PM
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Thanks! To clarify, I am asking if anyone knows the rate for the suites at HBF or Omni, not the regular hotel rooms. It's not shown on the hotel list so I'm not really sure how else to find out.

I wonder if you called the hotels if they'd tell you? Or maybe a tweet?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on August 13, 2019, 01:20:36 PM
We were lucky enough to get two rooms at the Manchester Grand Hyatt for our group (my husband and me, our 6 month old son, my mom and dad, and a friend).  We love the location even though it's a bit further away because we always try to get tickets to Fundays and it's easy to just take the elevator up after that event.  The only bummer was I had called a couple times in advance to request a freezer (to store breastmilk), and they assured me they would have one.  Got there on Tuesday before con and they said they would send one up.  Never got it.  Their offer was to store it for us in the staff fridge, but we declined since I didn't think that would work very well (imagine trying to phone down to have them bring up a bottle at 3am when he wakes up).  We made it work with some ice and the fridge provided, and I just ended up not storing as much, and feeding him some more solids.  Other than that, the rooms were pretty good.  The only other bummer is trying to cross at the intersection right outside of it.  If the trolley goes through, it skips the straight walk light because cars can't go through it, so it can take like 5-10 minutes to catch a light depending on traffic. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on September 04, 2019, 06:01:47 PM
I stayed at MGH for first time this past year and enjoyed it.  Room(two  double beds) was decent size.  Initially,  was skeptical about how far it was from the convention center compared to some of the other downtown hotels, but exiting through the back, I thought it was easier to get the Hall H next day line than walking to it from HBF.  Their snack shop/mini starbucks was open 24hrs/day.  I also liked the "adults only" pool. It was nice to have a place to sit by the pool and read/relax without the congestion/noise normally associated with most hotel pools. I was lucky enough to get the room from another FOCC member after striking out in the hotel lottery.  I would definitely rank this pretty high next year.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: imecoli on September 23, 2019, 08:38:09 PM
A little off topic but, they have a big concert scheduled this year at Petco friday night. Greenday, Weezer and Fallout Boy.  This may be an issue for those traveling to see the show, as it only has a few locations for this tour. Peple looking for hotel rooms will be an issue. Historically the Padres had made sure to vacate the park during SDCC.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Jangos1 on September 23, 2019, 11:22:27 PM
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A little off topic but, they have a big concert scheduled this year at Petco friday night. Greenday, Weezer and Fallout Boy.  This may be an issue for those traveling to see the show, as it only has a few locations for this tour. Peple looking for hotel rooms will be an issue. Historically the Padres had made sure to vacate the park during SDCC.

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Ugh.  Yet another kink in the Hotelpocalypse lottery. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on September 25, 2019, 11:47:09 PM
I was just checking the rates for the Hilton Bayfront for Tuesday and noticed that they are now charging a $35.00 mandatory fee. It entitles you to free internet, One hour rental of either kayak, bike, or paddle board , and $35.00 food and beverage credit. I know the $35 food/ beverage credit pays for the $35.00 fee they are charging but you will need to add it into your hotel budget. It makes me wonder if other hotels besides Bayfront and the Hard Rock ( who has been doing this for several years) will also add on a DAILY MANDATORY URBAN DESTINATION CHARGE.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SteveD on September 26, 2019, 05:07:41 AM
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I was just checking the rates for the Hilton Bayfront for Tuesday and noticed that they are now charging a $35.00 mandatory fee. It entitles you to free internet, One hour rental of either kayak, bike, or paddle board , and $35.00 food and beverage credit. I know the $35 food/ beverage credit pays for the $35.00 fee they are charging but you will need to add it into your hotel budget. It makes me wonder if other hotels besides Bayfront and the Hard Rock ( who has been doing this for several years) will also add on a DAILY MANDATORY URBAN DESTINATION CHARGE.
It seems that most, if not all, of the downtown hotels are starting to do this, not sure about other locations.
They seem to try and make up for it by offering some added perks.
I do know that at the Omni, if you already qualify for the perks offered, they will wave the extra fee.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: imecoli on September 26, 2019, 05:34:16 AM
Hilton honors free membership looong ago gave you wifi and discounted parking at HBF I believe. I know free wifi and cannot recall if parking was either free or discounted.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on September 26, 2019, 05:58:22 AM
MMM started charging a resort fee a couple of years ago, but that only includes a $10 F&B credit out of a $30 fee. I also found out the hard way that the $10 has to be every day... you can't spend $40 once on a 4 day stay (although I have gotten the front desk to 'fix' that for me). So at least you can get the entire $35 back as F&B. We used to eat a lot at the Fox Sports Grill when we stayed at HBF. Is that still open?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: jamiesugah on September 26, 2019, 07:35:37 AM
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We used to eat a lot at the Fox Sports Grill when we stayed at HBF. Is that still open?

I don't think so. It looked closed.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on September 26, 2019, 07:37:40 AM
What I thought was strange is that when I checked the Hilton Gaslamp they were not charging this fee.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TardisMom on September 26, 2019, 08:02:30 AM
At MGH the daily fee wasn't charged during SDCC in 2019.  For sure something to watch for on the bill in the future!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on September 26, 2019, 09:02:29 AM
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MMM started charging a resort fee a couple of years ago, but that only includes a $10 F&B credit out of a $30 fee. I also found out the hard way that the $10 has to be every day... you can't spend $40 once on a 4 day stay (although I have gotten the front desk to 'fix' that for me). So at least you can get the entire $35 back as F&B. We used to eat a lot at the Fox Sports Grill when we stayed at HBF. Is that still open?

hmmm...

I stayed at MMM this year.  I didn't see a resort fee on my bill.  Do you remember how it was characterized on the bill?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: semigeekgirl on September 26, 2019, 09:50:06 AM
[member=5681]sessionka[/member] I was also at MMM. I was expecting the fee, so I checked my bill when I got home. It wasn't charged. I think they waived it for SDCC like MGH did.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SteveD on September 26, 2019, 10:22:29 AM
It seemed like the extra fee was only charged on nights booked outside of the onPeak reservation system.  Probably because the fee was already included in the onPeak rates.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on September 26, 2019, 10:26:13 AM
That is good to know. The only hotel I stayed at that charged a resort fee was Hard Rock and they charged both for On Peak and non on peak days.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on September 26, 2019, 12:03:23 PM
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hmmm...

I stayed at MMM this year.  I didn't see a resort fee on my bill.  Do you remember how it was characterized on the bill?

It was only charged on the days I booked direct with MMM. The OnPeak portion of the reservation didn't have it. But I always book my bookending days direct with Marriott, so I had it on those outlying days.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: janray on September 26, 2019, 03:38:39 PM
What is the range of days before and after the con dates that OnPeak will take reservations for?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SteveD on September 26, 2019, 04:11:46 PM
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What is the range of days before and after the con dates that OnPeak will take reservations for?
This past year, it was Sunday to the following Tuesday, or 9 nights.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: tsnyder on September 30, 2019, 12:31:16 PM
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What is the range of days before and after the con dates that OnPeak will take reservations for?
You can usually book directly through the hotel for cheaper for anything prior to Wed and after Sunday.  We usually get Wed-Sun through the lottery and buy Tue & Sun night after the sale straight from whatever hotel we get to save a few $$$.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on September 30, 2019, 11:36:45 PM
Add to what [member=5606]tsnyder[/member] said, the days outside of Wed-Sun are usually highly available directly through the hotel. For example, I've been able to book Tuesday night at the Omni just a few weeks before SDCC. And from my experience, the front desk are happy to combine multiple reservations at check-in so you don't have to swap rooms or check out and immediately check back in. Unless you happen to book different room types (eg. single king vs two queens), and in that case, your mileage may vary as to whether they let you stay in one room the entire stay (I've experienced both ends of that spectrum).
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Scubajim311 on November 16, 2019, 07:40:38 AM
i'm hoping for springhill suites downtown again this year, i've stayed there 2 years and was lucky enough to get mmm last year, i loved how close it was to walk back and forth from the convention, but i think it was a bit overwhelming for the rest of my family, it was like you never left the con, which was great for me but not so much for my wife. I really liked springhill suites, it was easy to take the shuttle, uber or trolley in the morning and had plenty of room and always smelled nice  :P
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NuncleJoel on November 16, 2019, 01:54:23 PM
I still like the Westin San Diego.  It is a bit of a hike but it is a nice hotel. 


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 17, 2019, 10:06:49 AM
I have been so unlucky this year as far as my codes getting chosen for the lotteries. If not for my group, I would not be going to SDCC. So, hopefully that means it's my turn to score for hotels.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on November 18, 2019, 09:21:29 AM
Any idea on the date for Hotelpocalypse? WonderCon is late this year!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on November 18, 2019, 11:06:16 AM
Nox, I don't want to even think about Hotelpocalypse (even though I already have back-ups lol.) If WCA is going later this next year, I wonder if we'll have it later or earlier (please say earlier!)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on November 18, 2019, 01:05:02 PM
I didn't get backups this year, for the first time. Last year I forgot to cancel one and had to eat $240. Learned my lesson  ???
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on November 18, 2019, 01:34:30 PM
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I didn't get backups this year, for the first time. Last year I forgot to cancel one and had to eat $240. Learned my lesson  ???

I keep a spreadsheet of my backups worth links and dates on when I need to cancel, so as to prevent that from happening.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 18, 2019, 03:47:15 PM
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I didn't get backups this year, for the first time. Last year I forgot to cancel one and had to eat $240. Learned my lesson  ???

For a few years, I got backups. Last year, I didn't and it was one year that maybe I should have gotten backups because it was so tight. No one was releasing rooms. I just happened to get lucky. Nevertheless, I will once again throw caution to the wind (or hurricane, LOL).  It seems to me if we are willing to stay bit farther away, we will always find something.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on November 18, 2019, 06:40:19 PM
I've never gotten a backup. It's always been downtown or bust. I will admit, I have been incredibly lucky, as the furthest I've stayed in the past 7-8 years has been the Westin Gaslamp. Along with luck, I've just been very tenacious, always checking the hotel website for availabilities. And of course, this past year I got a hotel from a fellow FoCC'er. So I feel like, even if you strike out during Hotelpocalypse, there's still always a chance of downtown, if you're willing to put in the effort.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on November 18, 2019, 07:43:40 PM
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I didn't get backups this year, for the first time. Last year I forgot to cancel one and had to eat $240. Learned my lesson  ???

That's my biggest worry when I get backups waiting for the lottery. I literally have to save all of my emails and double check and then cancel asap. The only thing was this year I did cancel before the cancelation date with a third party and they still charged me the full amount. I had to battle that charge dispute since I had a confirmation number. No one wanted to refund me the full amount.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on November 20, 2019, 10:31:12 PM
Has anyone booked a hotel that is downtown that can be refunded? Trying to get a backup before the lottery.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 20, 2019, 11:18:28 PM
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Has anyone booked a hotel that is downtown that can be refunded? Trying to get a backup before the lottery.

I tried to find them one year and they were all held up for hotelpocolypse. The backups only exist farther out, from what I could find.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on November 21, 2019, 08:26:12 AM
I actually have two refundable rooms at the Bristol (and the Baymont Wyndham Downtown). A bit expensive for the Bristol, but probably worth it to stay in the Gaslamp in case I strike out in hotelpocalypse. Especially as we need two rooms this year.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on November 21, 2019, 08:35:49 AM
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I actually have two refundable rooms at the Bristol (and the Baymont Wyndham Downtown). A bit expensive for the Wyndham, but probably worth it to stay in the Gaslamp in case I strike out in hotelpocalypse. Especially as we need two rooms this year.

Is it through their website. Or did u book it though a third party?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on November 21, 2019, 09:38:23 AM
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Is it through their website. Or did u book it though a third party?

Hotel Name                   Distance   Total Cost   Cancellation   
Baymont Wyndham DT   1.2      1059.86   July 19 2020   agoda
Baymont Wyndham DT   1.2      1576.86   July 19 2020   booking
Bristol Hotel 2x rooms   0.7        3969.8   July 19 2020   expedia

So the Bristol is through Expedia, no idea if it'll be honored, but we'll see about the Baymont Wyndham. I'm hoping, of course, to get something through the hotel lottery or the exchange, but I always look (starting during last con) for back-ups. Now, knock on wood, I've been at the bayfront for the past 6-7 years now which seems insane now that I think about it.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on November 21, 2019, 04:37:47 PM
This will be by 8th year going.  Never gotten a back up prior to hotelpocalypse.  I’ve stayed at Courtyard Airport/Liberty Station twice, MMM twice, HBF, MGH, & hotel indigo.  Hotel Indigo I got through Priceline 4 weeks prior to the con as an express deal(didn’t know what hotel I got until after I paid for it).  Otherwise, I’ve gotten hotels through Onpeak.  If the hotel wasn’t downtown, I would take whatever and then upgraded later. I’ve been able to get a better hotel by monitoring the Onpeak site like a hawk and also once through a friend in my buying group.  Afterward, I’ve been able to give my “safety” hotel reservation to someone through the hotel exchange thread on FOCC.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 22, 2019, 09:26:00 PM
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Hotel Name                   Distance   Total Cost   Cancellation   
Baymont Wyndham DT   1.2      1059.86   July 19 2020   agoda
Baymont Wyndham DT   1.2      1576.86   July 19 2020   booking
Bristol Hotel 2x rooms   0.7        3969.8   July 19 2020   expedia

So the Bristol is through Expedia, no idea if it'll be honored, but we'll see about the Baymont Wyndham. I'm hoping, of course, to get something through the hotel lottery or the exchange, but I always look (starting during last con) for back-ups. Now, knock on wood, I've been at the bayfront for the past 6-7 years now which seems insane now that I think about it.

Can I be your friend? I need someone to show me the way to "Bayfront for the past 6-7 years."
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 22, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Last year, everyone got MGH and was giving it away. Let me preempt it all by saying, if you all want to give that away, please give it to me. If I don't somehow get lucky in hotelpocolypse, I would totally love to take it off your hands. ;D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: catracha on November 22, 2019, 10:42:46 PM
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Well, shoot.  If you get MGH and don't want it next year, please give it to me.  ;)

That goes ditto for me!  😉
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: catracha on November 22, 2019, 11:09:44 PM
Who is the best website to look for a backup hotel for CC2020? 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on November 23, 2019, 02:36:11 AM
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Who is the best website to look for a backup hotel for CC2020?

Honestly, I use kayak because it aggregates most of the major travel sites. I start searching as soon as SDCC starts, because sometimes you find refundable/no payment down deals on downtown and gaslamp . Though this past year, since it'll be a week or two later, I had to wait an extra week or so. I'm not sure what you'll find now until the con, it really fluctuates a lot and I found the Bristol a couple months ago through kayak and the Wyndham Baymont right after this year's SDCC.

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Can I be your friend? I need someone to show me the way to "Bayfront for the past 6-7 years."

I wish I could tell you how! Originally, it was still the quickest to fill out the form (good for me before my surgeries, but not fair to the people who have difficulties or disabilities), so I was able to pin the Bayfront down with my friends by being faster than 40 seconds or so. After, it was a string of luck and knowing people on the forum who helped me get the Bayfront. I've been very fortunate and I wish I had some secret spell to tell you, but other than offering prayers to the SDCC gods, I have nothing. I'm hoping I'm not jinxing myself for this coming year.

Another year, I was able to trade a MGH for an Omni which then was traded for the Bayfront. I managed to get a few MGH rooms that year and distribute them as needed. It's always nice when you can pay back some luck.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 23, 2019, 06:04:10 AM
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Another year, I was able to trade a MGH for an Omni which then was traded for the Bayfront. I managed to get a few MGH rooms that year and distribute them as needed. It's always nice when you can pay back some luck.

Please be my friend.  :D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 23, 2019, 06:59:52 AM
Anyone know when the hotel exchange sign-up will happen this year and how it will work?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on November 24, 2019, 10:40:19 AM
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Anyone know when the hotel exchange sign-up will happen this year and how it will work?

Probably not until the sale is coming and that's probably months away. Last year, it was done by whether you were active on the forum or not I believe.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on November 24, 2019, 01:59:00 PM
I think everyone wants the Bayfront.  We used to get it but have been unlucky the last 5 years.  It’s easier for me because I have bad knees and have to rent a scooter but I’ve had MGH the last few years and it’s not as convenient but it’s ok
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 24, 2019, 02:16:05 PM
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I think everyone wants the Bayfront.  We used to get it but have been unlucky the last 5 years.  It’s easier for me because I have bad knees and have to rent a scooter but I’ve had MGH the last few years and it’s not as convenient but it’s ok

One of these days, I'm hoping to be admitted to this prestigious club that obviously knows the secret handshake.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on November 24, 2019, 02:19:50 PM
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Probably not until the sale is coming and that's probably months away. Last year, it was done by whether you were active on the forum or not I believe.

I'm getting butterflies already.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on November 24, 2019, 02:52:37 PM
Prior to 2017, I had pretty great luck getting a walkable downtown hotel through Hotelpocalypse, but this past year, Hotel Exchange saved my butt last year. And the prior year, a friend had an extra downtown hotel. So I'm somewhat expecting to need Hotel Exchange again. But I would love to be the one giving a hotel away.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on December 17, 2019, 04:55:19 AM
Hilton Bayfront for the Monday and Tuesday before SDCC is currently as low as $162/night. :)


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on December 17, 2019, 06:57:54 AM
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Hilton Bayfront for the Monday and Tuesday before SDCC is currently as low as $162/night. :)


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Yes but after fees and taxes it's really $223.31 a night, that is a lot of fees.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on December 17, 2019, 07:20:53 AM
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Yes but after fees and taxes it's really $223.31 a night, that is a lot of fees.

Yes that new fee they have makes me sad. I already get free WiFi and since we are there so long I bring my own drinks, so I probably won’t benefit from what it entitles you to. Beginning to feel like Hard Rock.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on December 17, 2019, 07:38:04 AM
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Yes but after fees and taxes it's really $223.31 a night, that is a lot of fees.

True, but if you're planning to stay there anyway, it's a real bargain. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on December 17, 2019, 07:41:49 AM
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Yes that new fee they have makes me sad. I already get free WiFi and since we are there so long I bring my own drinks, so I probably won’t benefit from what it entitles you to. Beginning to feel like Hard Rock.

Did the Marriot institute this fee  Maybe it's time to think about switching my #1
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on December 17, 2019, 07:52:03 AM
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Yes that new fee they have makes me sad. I already get free WiFi and since we are there so long I bring my own drinks, so I probably won’t benefit from what it entitles you to. Beginning to feel like Hard Rock.

You can use the $35/day fee at any of their three restaurants. Get sandwiches and bring them to the Hall H line. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on December 17, 2019, 07:53:13 AM
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Yes but after fees and taxes it's really $223.31 a night, that is a lot of fees.

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on December 17, 2019, 08:14:15 AM
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You can use the $35/day fee at any of their three restaurants. Get sandwiches and bring them to the Hall H line. :)

Too bad it can't be used for parking!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on December 17, 2019, 12:13:56 PM
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Did the Marriot institute this fee  Maybe it's time to think about switching my #1

MMM has a resort fee, but it doesn't apply to OnPeak reservations.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on December 17, 2019, 02:50:29 PM
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MMM has a resort fee, but it doesn't apply to OnPeak reservations.


Well, this isn't a resort fee.  lol  Look how fancy they got with the name

"Daily Mandatory Urban Destination Charge will be added to the room rate and includes: Premium guest internet access; daily $35 food & beverage credit valid for use in Vela, Odysea, & Pool Club hotel restaurants, and in-room dining; 1-hour bicycle, kayak, or paddle-board rental"
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on December 17, 2019, 03:02:10 PM
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Too bad it can't be used for parking!
Now if it included parking, that would be wonderful


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: imecoli on December 24, 2019, 11:30:05 AM
First time we missed getting preview night. Hopefully we can get a close hotel. Got lucky last year with trades. Ended up next to PETCO. My friend is a platinum member so we got upgraded to concierge level.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on December 27, 2019, 09:24:32 AM
If you booked a hotel downtown from a third party website, make sure you keep your email especially if it states that you can modify your reservation up until a certain date. I originally booked through expedia and it says modifiable up until a certain date, and hilton already pulled the reservation and basically said it was non-refundable. I'm waiting to see how I do with the hotel lottery before canceling this reservation. Hilton was saying that any third party bookings will be non-refundable regardless of what you booked and will be charged soon. Expedia says if they charge my credit card than I need to call them ASAP since the hotel made a contract with expedia to get it at that rate.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on December 27, 2019, 10:22:50 AM
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If you booked a hotel downtown from a third party website, make sure you keep your email especially if it states that you can modify your reservation up until a certain date. I originally booked through expedia and it says modifiable up until a certain date, and hilton already pulled the reservation and basically said it was non-refundable. I'm waiting to see how I do with the hotel lottery before canceling this reservation. Hilton was saying that any third party bookings will be non-refundable regardless of what you booked and will be charged soon. Expedia says if they charge my credit card than I need to call them ASAP since the hotel made a contract with expedia to get it at that rate.

Thanks for the heads up! I have a booking with Expedia for the Bristol for con dates with no deposit. I haven't received any word from it since booking, but I'll keep an eye out.

Just out of curiosity, which Hilton do you have a reservation with?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: imecoli on December 27, 2019, 10:27:02 AM
I wonder if any of the concerts they are having at petco are relesing hotels with package deals? I can believe they are having not 1 but 2 big concerts there. That's the reson the Padres are always away during SDCC.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on December 27, 2019, 10:29:06 AM
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Thanks for the heads up! I have a booking with Expedia for the Bristol for con dates with no deposit. I haven't received any word from it since booking, but I'll keep an eye out.

Just out of curiosity, which Hilton do you have a reservation with?

I have bayfront,  and it was through the hilton app that i saw it was alreasdy on there as non refundable.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on December 27, 2019, 10:32:59 AM
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I wonder if any of the concerts they are having at petco are relesing hotels with package deals? I can believe they are having not 1 but 2 big concerts there. That's the reson the Padres are always away during SDCC.


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We bought concert tickets for the Friday of the con at petco Park (Green day, Weezer, fall out boy.) We weren't given any options for hotel packages as far as I'm aware.

Edit I checked in with the person who bought the tickets. We do sdcc every year together, so I'm confident she would have mentioned any hotel offers. I believe the tickets for both concerts have already mostly sold out. She said they didn't offer anything immediately, but that she opted out of emails from them pretty quickly so she wouldn't know if they retroactively offered anything.

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I have bayfront,  and it was through the hilton app that i saw it was alreasdy on there as non refundable.

Huh, but it's through Expedia? Did you find it there then refundable?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on December 27, 2019, 11:04:54 AM
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We bought concert tickets for the Friday of the con at petco Park (Green day, Weezer, fall out boy.) We weren't given any options for hotel packages as far as I'm aware.

Edit I checked in with the person who bought the tickets. We do sdcc every year together, so I'm confident she would have mentioned any hotel offers. I believe the tickets for both concerts have already mostly sold out.

Huh, but it's through Expedia? Did you find it there then refundable?

Expedia says its still refundable but hilton says its not on the app. Im keeping documentation and will dispute it with my credit card if hilton charges.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on December 28, 2019, 08:26:11 AM
Wow if hotels weren’t hard enough to get now we have concert goers needing hotels too.   It’s going to be a crazy weekend in San Diego
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on December 28, 2019, 10:50:53 AM
For me, adding outside events adds strength to the idea of having those who have SDCC badges of some kind to have at least first crack at getting hotels. Sure I want everyone to have fun, yet...argghhhh!  ::)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcole on January 05, 2020, 01:00:30 PM
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For me, adding outside events adds strength to the idea of having those who have SDCC badges of some kind to have at least first crack at getting hotels. Sure I want everyone to have fun, yet...argghhhh!  ::)
I agree. I've thought this for a long time and I know it's an unpopular opinion with some, but I'd really like to see possession of at least a single day badge being made a requirement to enter hotelpocalypse.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kmy on January 05, 2020, 08:03:03 PM
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I agree. I've thought this for a long time and I know it's an unpopular opinion with some, but I'd really like to see possession of at least a single day badge being made a requirement to enter hotelpocalypse.

It never occurred to me that it's not! You're right that it would be a different animal if that were a stipulation. On another note... we just got back from a week in San Diego on Shelter Island and it was just lovely, as it always is. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 05, 2020, 08:21:34 PM
After looking at a question on Reddit about Little Italy, I did a search.  I saw two (2) hotels that were not on CCI's list last year.

La Pensione - Con Dates are blacked out

Carte Hotel - Con date prices are higher

Anybody know about them. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: EscoBlades on January 06, 2020, 12:11:56 PM
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I didn't get backups this year, for the first time. Last year I forgot to cancel one and had to eat $240. Learned my lesson  ???

I get all my backups (for literally every con) in Booking.com so at the very least, it is easy to keep track of them in one place, and cancel as required (especially if work ends up sending me)

Eating a one night charge would hurt  :'(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chachime45 on January 08, 2020, 05:45:13 AM
Does anybody know which of the Mission Valley (or other Early Bird) hotels are right next to a trolley stop? I know Doubletree and I think T&C but are there others?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: RighteousRita on January 08, 2020, 07:32:34 AM
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Does anybody know which of the Mission Valley (or other Early Bird) hotels are right next to a trolley stop? I know Doubletree and I think T&C but are there others?
Town & Country & Handlery are the two closes for walking distance. I think that Doubletree is also.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Applescruff on January 09, 2020, 10:18:34 AM
I have had a lot of trouble finding a back up hotel for the last two years that has a cancellation/refundable deposit policy.  It makes going into the lottery even more nerve wracking than it used to be.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on January 11, 2020, 08:32:18 PM
I was told there was a discount list of hotels, is that correct and if so where is it?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 11, 2020, 11:33:13 PM
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I was told there was a discount list of hotels, is that correct and if so where is it?

You might be referring to the early-bird hotel list/sale. Basically, it's set hotels (basically all Mission Valley/Shelter Island) that are on sale for a slightly reduced price but they're nonrefundable/no-cancellation.  It's not through a lottery as far as I know. I don't know when abouts they go on sale before the hotel lottery.

I've no doubt they'll announce it through the Toucan Blog so if you subscribe to it, you'll see it, or when it goes live it'll be reported here. I think there are limited quantities available though of the full block CCI gets.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: f22raptor on January 12, 2020, 12:11:04 PM
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You might be referring to the early-bird hotel list/sale. Basically, it's set hotels (basically all Mission Valley/Shelter Island) that are on sale for a slightly reduced price but they're nonrefundable/no-cancellation.  It's not through a lottery as far as I know. I don't know when abouts they go on sale before the hotel lottery.

I've no doubt they'll announce it through the Toucan Blog so if you subscribe to it, you'll see it, or when it goes live it'll be reported here. I think there are limited quantities available though of the full block CCI gets.

If you are referring to the Early Bird Hotel Sale it usually opens up sometimes between now and mid February. These are non-downtown hotels, mostly in Mission Valley.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Mistborn on January 12, 2020, 05:50:45 PM
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Given that the NDL is at the Marina, MGH wouldn't be too bad for Hall H shifts and wristbands.  Last year was a bit brutal when it was near the Adult Swim on the Green.  Hopefully the renovations are long done by next year, as I wouldn't mind another stay at MGH.  I'm also more prepared for the walk this time as our new office has a similar distance from the subway.

I did my Hard Rock stint this year.  My brother wasn't too pleased with the room itself but you can't beat the location or the ability to gawk.  I personally wouldn't mind staying there again but felt my room at MGH was better.  The best room I've ever had in that area was MMM but that hotel was a little too big and chaotic.

My hubby saw Brent Spiner (Data from Star Trek) and Benedict Cumberbatch at the Hardrock last year.

How does the hotel lottery work again? 1st time goer this year! Woot!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kmy on January 12, 2020, 08:17:37 PM
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How does the hotel lottery work again?
Fun that it's your first! Comic-Con will announce the date of the hotel lottery and release the rates and participating hotel list. Then, on the day of the lottery, comes the scrum of queueing up for the online waiting room and hoping you get in quickly. When you get in you enter your top six choices and six alternates, plus they give you the option to select any hotel on the shuttle route and I think any hotel that's available. The first results start rolling out pretty quickly after the lottery and people have 48 hours to decide whether or not to lock in their reservation. A second wave of reservations goes out to lottery participants who didn't get a room in the first wave a couple of weeks later.
At least, that's from memory. Someone can correct me.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: aodmisery on January 12, 2020, 08:49:58 PM
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Fun that it's your first! Comic-Con will announce the date of the hotel lottery and release the rates and participating hotel list. Then, on the day of the lottery, comes the scrum of queueing up for the online waiting room and hoping you get in quickly. When you get in you enter your top six choices and six alternates, plus they give you the option to select any hotel on the shuttle route and I think any hotel that's available. The first results start rolling out pretty quickly after the lottery and people have 48 hours to decide whether or not to lock in their reservation. A second wave of reservations goes out to lottery participants who didn't get a room in the first wave a couple of weeks later.
At least, that's from memory. Someone can correct me.

can i just choose my top six choices without choosing alternates?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kmy on January 12, 2020, 09:08:18 PM
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can i just choose my top six choices without choosing alternates?
You can, but since the option is given to choose six alternates most people also put those just as additional backups. I've entered my first choice and gotten returned my sixth choice before. But I'm sure there are others who have gotten their 7-12 choice. But if you're only gunning for a top 1-6 choice that's fine too.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Kira001 on January 13, 2020, 08:43:17 PM
Has anyone stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Mission Valley?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: RighteousRita on January 14, 2020, 05:55:58 AM
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My hubby saw Brent Spiner (Data from Star Trek) and Benedict Cumberbatch at the Hardrock last year.

How does the hotel lottery work again? 1st time goer this year! Woot!
CCI will make an announcement and send you an email as to when the lottery will take place. On the CCI website there will be a list of hotels and their prices available. You start to do your due dilly for which hotel is right for you. Once you click the link that CCI will provide in the email, you will be put in queue to enter all the info needed. The faster you are the more likely you will get one of the 6 hotels you ask for.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Mistborn on January 16, 2020, 07:23:49 PM
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CCI will make an announcement and send you an email as to when the lottery will take place. On the CCI website there will be a list of hotels and their prices available. You start to do your due dilly for which hotel is right for you. Once you click the link that CCI will provide in the email, you will be put in queue to enter all the info needed. The faster you are the more likely you will get one of the 6 hotels you ask for.

Thanks Righteous Rita! I'm very new to all of this so I'm still trying to figure all of this out
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Hades on January 16, 2020, 07:56:02 PM
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CCI will make an announcement and send you an email as to when the lottery will take place. On the CCI website there will be a list of hotels and their prices available. You start to do your due dilly for which hotel is right for you. Once you click the link that CCI will provide in the email, you will be put in queue to enter all the info needed. The faster you are the more likely you will get one of the 6 hotels you ask for.

To add to this, if it has not been mentioned before in this thread, you actually get the option to put in for 6 hotels downtown and 6 non-downtown if you so choose. While getting downtown is usually the better option, for me at least, it is always good to spread out to as many as you can to make sure you are able to get at least something. This is also covered in the email they send and the sample form they give you to look at so you can be fully up on it all. With a bit of prep and practice, it is something that you can get through in under a minute to better the odds as stated above. Even though they state it is based on the time you are let into the waiting room, every year there are discrepancies so take that into account too. It all can be stressful, but since they started this system I have yet to be left in the lurch. Knocking on digital wood and real wood to make sure I didn't just jinx myself.  :D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on January 16, 2020, 10:36:09 PM
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To add to this, if it has not been mentioned before in this thread, you actually get the option to put in for 6 hotels downtown and 6 non-downtown if you so choose. While getting downtown is usually the better option, for me at least, it is always good to spread out to as many as you can to make sure you are able to get at least something. This is also covered in the email they send and the sample form they give you to look at so you can be fully up on it all. With a bit of prep and practice, it is something that you can get through in under a minute to better the odds as stated above. Even though they state it is based on the time you are let into the waiting room, every year there are discrepancies so take that into account too. It all can be stressful, but since they started this system I have yet to be left in the lurch. Knocking on digital wood and real wood to make sure I didn't just jinx myself.  :D

Do you think our chances of scoring a room are lower if we request multiple rooms? I noticed people got rooms for groups, but I wonder if that worsens our chances.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 16, 2020, 11:01:28 PM
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Do you think our chances of scoring a room are lower if we request multiple rooms? I noticed people got rooms for groups, but I wonder if that worsens our chances.

Considering if they can't accommodate your request at a single hotel, I believe they move onto another hotel if possible. So I believe it can depending on when you get in. Of course, we're not sure for certain because who know with OnPeak lol. I once get a block of rooms at MGH that were distributed because I managed to trade for the Bayfront. But I think based on my timestamp I could've gotten the Bayfront if I'd requested one room. Unfortunately, I'll need two rooms this year so I'm already more worried for this year lol.

I do have a back-up from the Bristol for two rooms for triples each, so I'm less worried but I'm eagerly and dreading the announcement of Hotelpocalypse.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Hades on January 17, 2020, 09:54:45 AM
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Do you think our chances of scoring a room are lower if we request multiple rooms? I noticed people got rooms for groups, but I wonder if that worsens our chances.

Logically, it would make sense that chances could be lowered for multiple room requests. But I have yet to figure out how any of the policies work logically. I have never tried for a multiple room request before, so I have no idea. If you are worried about your group just having a place to stay, I'd say it would be safer to have multiple people put in for a single room request. You might get spread around the area and not in the same hotel, but you will have a place to sleep. If you are worried about staying in the same hotel, then obviously go with the multi-room request to better the odds. I truly wish I had better advice on it all.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hikanteki on January 17, 2020, 01:13:14 PM
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I agree. I've thought this for a long time and I know it's an unpopular opinion with some, but I'd really like to see possession of at least a single day badge being made a requirement to enter hotelpocalypse.

I don't think it's an unpopular opinion among attendees at all. But the hotels don't care because they have no reason to, and CCI doesn't seem to care either.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 17, 2020, 01:16:06 PM
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I don't think it's an unpopular opinion among attendees at all. But the hotels don't care because they have no reason to, and CCI doesn't seem to care either.

I think part of the issue with CCI wanting people to have at least 1 day badge to get into the lottery is that not everyone will have their badges confirmed by the time the lottery takes place, iirc that was one argument against it.

Edit: Believe me, I'd love for you to have to be a badge-holder to participate though...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcole on January 18, 2020, 12:13:20 PM
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I think part of the issue with CCI wanting people to have at least 1 day badge to get into the lottery is that not everyone will have their badges confirmed by the time the lottery takes place, iirc that was one argument against it.

Edit: Believe me, I'd love for you to have to be a badge-holder to participate though...
Who doesn't have their badges confirmed by the time the lottery takes place, though? First time pros? New staff? People waiting to see if CCI will auction off 4-day badges again? Otherwise, the overwhelming majority of badge holders were confirmed in November.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on January 18, 2020, 02:40:29 PM
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Who doesn't have their badges confirmed by the time the lottery takes place, though? First time pros? New staff? People waiting to see if CCI will auction off 4-day badges again? Otherwise, the overwhelming majority of badge holders were confirmed in November.


I think there are some press and guests and such. IMHO, CCI should just hold back a small number of rooms for these people and then let the lottery take place for badgeholders only.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcole on January 18, 2020, 02:45:58 PM
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I think there are some press and guests and such. IMHO, CCI should just hold back a small number of rooms for these people and then let the lottery take place for badgeholders only.
Agree totally.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on January 18, 2020, 02:46:56 PM
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Agree totally.

You have my vote for this too
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 18, 2020, 08:39:31 PM
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I think there are some press and guests and such. IMHO, CCI should just hold back a small number of rooms for these people and then let the lottery take place for badgeholders only.

I wish they would do this and they gave us hope by putting in the MemberID section a couple years ago. But I doubt they're going to do it /sigh.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: paul on January 18, 2020, 09:43:27 PM
If you don’t have a badge and want to attend other comic con events I assume you can’t use the site for hotels. Are there any other sites recommended for hotels/places to stay?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hikanteki on January 18, 2020, 11:35:54 PM
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If you don’t have a badge and want to attend other comic con events I assume you can’t use the site for hotels. Are there any other sites recommended for hotels/places to stay?

For SDCC, (at this point) they have never required a badge to book hotels. But you still have to jump through the same hoops as everyone else.

None of the other cons I go to technically require a badge to book hotels either, though none of them are as crazy as hotelpocalypse (the next closest is probably actually FanimeCon but I don’t need a hotel for that.) You can book through the con’s website but they don’t ask for proof when booking or when showing up. (Sometimes they ask if I’m here for the convention, but it’s just making conversation.)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: paul on January 19, 2020, 10:55:33 AM
Anyone interested in sharing accommodations at the Marbrisa in Carlsbad? I’m looking at options running from $297 per night that sleeps 4 to $418 per night that sleeps 8.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 19, 2020, 11:59:11 AM
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Anyone interested in sharing accommodations at the Marbrisa in Carlsbad? I’m looking at options running from $297 per night that sleeps 4 to $418 per night that sleeps 8.

it's a little far away for most folks attending SDCC ;)
maybe before or after con
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 19, 2020, 12:18:06 PM
To people new to the hotel lottery(AKA hotelpocalypse), please keep in mind that the lottery is not the only time that you can secure a hotel stay through Onpeak(the organization that runs the lottery).  After hotelpocalypse, Onpeak will eventually open up access to the reservation website to all and release rooms as people return them or the hotels release blocks.  But, you really have to watch the site like a hawk. Downtown rooms can pop up at any time and disappear quickly.  So, try to get some type of accommodation during the lottery, and monitor the Onpeak website afterward to look for an upgrade.  I’ve seen Bayfront and MGH rooms become available as late as 2 weeks prior to SDCC. Also, people will often offer hotel room reservations in the forum.     You might have to reimburse the person for the non refundable deposit.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: paul on January 19, 2020, 02:33:11 PM
It is a bit of a distance. I figured we would take the coaster train from Carlsbad to downtown. It is close to the resort.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 19, 2020, 02:44:16 PM
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It is a bit of a distance. I figured we would take the coaster train from Carlsbad to downtown. It is close to the resort.
i understand but it's a bit of a hike for folks who are attending the con. a lot of folks want to be as close as possible to the con. If not in the gaslamp then in mission valley on the shuttle's
the reality is that most of the folks here will see this as two different vakas; lego land vs sdcc. If you want the beach experience, try finding something in La jolla or pacific beach.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chocolateshake on January 19, 2020, 06:50:10 PM
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It is a bit of a distance. I figured we would take the coaster train from Carlsbad to downtown. It is close to the resort.

I think you are underestimating how far away it is.  I know someone who lives in Carlsbad that gets an hotel downtown because it's so far away.  The coaster is an hour away.  Then you'll have to take the trolley to get to the convention center from Santa Fe Depot.  Depending on how long you have to wait for a connection, that's another 10-20 minutes.  Factoring the time it takes you to get to the station in Carlsbad, let's just round it off to a 1.5 hour commute each way.  To add to that, the last Coaster heading north leaves at around 7pm.  You'll miss out on all the night time activities unless you find another way home.  That would be an expensive Uber ride.  Yes, there are other ways other than the Coaster to get from downtown to Carlsbad on public transit, but those ways take much longer.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 19, 2020, 07:45:09 PM
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I think you are underestimating how far away it is.  I know someone who lives in Carlsbad that gets an hotel downtown because it's so far away.  The coaster is an hour away.  Then you'll have to take the trolley to get to the convention center from Santa Fe Depot.  Depending on how long you have to wait for a connection, that's another 10-20 minutes.  Factoring the time it takes you to get to the station in Carlsbad, let's just round it off to a 1.5 hour commute each way.  To add to that, the last Coaster heading north leaves at around 7pm.  You'll miss out on all the night time activities unless you find another way home.  That would be an expensive Uber ride.  Yes, there are other ways other than the Coaster to get from downtown to Carlsbad on public transit, but those ways take much longer.

Can confirm, I live in Carlsbad at the moment (probably moving further south soon) and I get a downtown hotel every year for the con even though I have more than enough room for my friends to stay with me. If I weren't interested in anything but going casually, I might stay at home but I want to do a ton of stuff downtown specifically and camp out too.

There's nothing wrong with staying further away, but there's unlikely to be too many people who would join you, if you're looking to share honestly.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcole on January 19, 2020, 08:03:09 PM
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I think you are underestimating how far away it is.  I know someone who lives in Carlsbad that gets an hotel downtown because it's so far away.  The coaster is an hour away.  Then you'll have to take the trolley to get to the convention center from Santa Fe Depot.  Depending on how long you have to wait for a connection, that's another 10-20 minutes.  Factoring the time it takes you to get to the station in Carlsbad, let's just round it off to a 1.5 hour commute each way.  To add to that, the last Coaster heading north leaves at around 7pm.  You'll miss out on all the night time activities unless you find another way home.  That would be an expensive Uber ride.  Yes, there are other ways other than the Coaster to get from downtown to Carlsbad on public transit, but those ways take much longer.
Indeed. I live in San Marcos and if I don’t get downtown parking, then I’ll park along the trolley line.

Of course, I still keep trying for a downtown hotel in hotelpocolypse to avoid that drive home each night. One of these days... 😬
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: waltbionik on January 20, 2020, 06:29:01 PM
Any word on when Early Bird hotels will be offered. I don't think I'm gonna do the lottery this year. I can no longer take the stress and "not knowing."
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on January 21, 2020, 08:57:38 AM
I have no idea if this is a glitch, but if anyone is staying longer than a week, try going to the Hilton site for Hilton Bayfront.  I was just able to book our two rooms for $270 a night each for July 18-28!  I am so excited I'm shaking!  I'm traveling with my (divorced) parents, a friend, and our (will be) 18 month old so securing the room close by is such a relief.  Hopefully they don't cancel on me or something @_@
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: DaveG on January 21, 2020, 09:27:56 AM
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I have no idea if this is a glitch, but if anyone is staying longer than a week, try going to the Hilton site for Hilton Bayfront.  I was just able to book our two rooms for $270 a night each for July 18-28!  I am so excited I'm shaking!  I'm traveling with my (divorced) parents, a friend, and our (will be) 18 month old so securing the room close by is such a relief.  Hopefully they don't cancel on me or something @_@

Good find.  I hope it works out.  I was able to do something similar at the Manchester Hyatt several years ago.  That prompted a run on rooms.  They closed the loophole, but did honor any reservations already made.  It worked out great.  On the other end of the scale I did something similar for a different con at an Embassy Suites and they cancelled the reservations citing an unintentional glitch.  At least there I complained and while they didn't reinstate the reservation, they did give me vouchers for two free nights at any Embassy Suites in the future.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on January 21, 2020, 09:39:29 AM
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Good find.  I hope it works out.  I was able to do something similar at the Manchester Hyatt several years ago.  That prompted a run on rooms.  They closed the loophole, but did honor any reservations already made.  It worked out great.  On the other end of the scale I did something similar for a different con at an Embassy Suites and they cancelled the reservations citing an unintentional glitch.  At least there I complained and while they didn't reinstate the reservation, they did give me vouchers for two free nights at any Embassy Suites in the future.
I did just test it out - it appears that the Saturday (July 18) is key.  If I move it to be Sunday to Tuesday, the price jumps to $787 per room per night!  But for some reason including the Saturday works.  So if anyone can swing going the weekend before, try that out!

When did they let you know about the glitch (like hours, days, weeks after)?  I am nervous about it.  I have a backup hotel from hotels.com that is a bit further out and for more, but is cancellable/refundable.  I may just keep that one until I am in the clear here.  I really just want to avoid doing the hotel lotto for rooms.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 21, 2020, 09:52:27 AM
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I have no idea if this is a glitch, but if anyone is staying longer than a week, try going to the Hilton site for Hilton Bayfront.  I was just able to book our two rooms for $270 a night each for July 18-28!  I am so excited I'm shaking!  I'm traveling with my (divorced) parents, a friend, and our (will be) 18 month old so securing the room close by is such a relief.  Hopefully they don't cancel on me or something @_@

hmm...

It looks like they'll take the reservation, but when I check for July 18 - 26, they give the following rates for the room I selected

Jul 18 - 21 . - $218/day

Jul 22 - 25   - $402/day

Also, there is a deposit required that is NOT refundable for any reason
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on January 21, 2020, 09:59:50 AM
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hmm...

It looks like they'll take the reservation, but when I check for July 18 - 26, they give the following rates for the room I selected

Jul 18 - 21 . - $218/day

Jul 22 - 25   - $402/day

Also, there is a deposit required that is NOT refundable for any reason
Interesting! I think that the price we got must have been an average then (like above).  And good point, there is a deposit.  We decided to go for it but that is a good point that it is non-refundable!  When I checked hotels.com they had similar rates but offered a refundable rate, but it was over the deposit anyway so we decided to go for the non-refundable deposit one.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcol on January 21, 2020, 10:20:54 AM
I see much larger pricing. Also, If you don't check in on the arrival date you lose your room and the deposit.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: IanCar on January 21, 2020, 10:26:26 AM
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Interesting! I think that the price we got must have been an average then (like above).  And good point, there is a deposit.  We decided to go for it but that is a good point that it is non-refundable!  When I checked hotels.com they had similar rates but offered a refundable rate, but it was over the deposit anyway so we decided to go for the non-refundable deposit one.

Just from Tuesday - Sunday at the Hilton Bayfront during SDCC, the total would be roughly $6300. Crazy!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on January 21, 2020, 10:43:25 AM
Looks like early bird hotels are up.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 21, 2020, 10:44:32 AM
early bird open!

eta: beat by a min by the amazing @dolphina (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1527) LOL
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on January 21, 2020, 10:45:55 AM
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early bird open!

check it out!

https://www.comic-con.org/cci/early-bird-hotel-sale
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 21, 2020, 10:51:32 AM
For reference

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200121/92d8f32c1db226698da3f42047ee2a9c.jpg)

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on January 21, 2020, 10:52:48 AM
Even though I am not booking an early hotel, seeing the OnPeak site live again is bringing me warm feelings of the nearing chaos of the hotel lottery! ;D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on January 21, 2020, 10:52:59 AM
is it me or are they more expensive than last year?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 21, 2020, 10:57:39 AM
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is it me or are they more expensive than last year?

i can't remember if cci had to renegotiate the hotel rates this year or not. it's my recollection that they have to renegotiate every 2 years. I could be way off tho
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 21, 2020, 10:58:09 AM
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is it me or are they more expensive than last year?

I think we all say that every year  >:(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NuncleJoel on January 21, 2020, 11:02:31 AM
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is it me or are they more expensive than last year?

That is what I say every year.  I also think the fees keep going up.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on January 21, 2020, 11:06:21 AM
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I think we all say that every year  >:(

I know right? I was surprised with T&C at 222, it used to be the one of the more inexpensive ones... or maybe I'm just imagining things
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on January 21, 2020, 11:10:08 AM
It’s true, they all continue to go up every year.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: RighteousRita on January 21, 2020, 11:12:07 AM
Early Bird hotels are out. It’s happening
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: EscoBlades on January 21, 2020, 11:15:21 AM
That stirring of excitement for the early bird sale  ;D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: summerdaze on January 21, 2020, 11:29:23 AM
FYI, Town and Country is scheduled to be under construction till "mid-2020" (and knowing how construction projects go I would expect this pushes out to fall at least). We stayed for a couple of days over the holidays because it was cheap and there's no pool, no restaurant, most of the parking is gone... the rooms are updated and nice but the balconies look out onto a literal construction zone. Not sure how far they'll get by SDCC time but I doubt they'll be back to normal. Kind of surprising they are trying to charge a normal (inflated) price...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 21, 2020, 11:29:25 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200121/3c4a71b6a673fbbdc3a5273c035ad3b4.jpg)
Price jump and $35/day “mandatory charge”


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 21, 2020, 11:37:59 AM
The price jump is still negligible with the OP pricing for the Bayfront ge those dates. The mandatory charge is probably resort fees, which are sometimes waived when booked through OP.

What someone posted earlier is correct - the 18th is the key checkin date. Anything later and the prices is much higher.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 21, 2020, 11:42:13 AM
Am I the only one who can't concentrate on anything? Now that Early-Bird hotels are up, all I can think about is hotelpocalypse. I'm getting no work done (luckily I took time off for health reasons but I'm taking a class right now and a ton of things are due tomorrow.)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 21, 2020, 11:49:14 AM
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Am I the only one who can't concentrate on anything? Now that Early-Bird hotels are up, all I can think about is hotelpocalypse. I'm getting no work done (luckily I took time off for health reasons but I'm taking a class right now and a ton of things are due tomorrow.)
i've got a final and project presentation for another class due tonight.... LOL
//soScrewed
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: semigeekgirl on January 21, 2020, 11:55:43 AM
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Am I the only one who can't concentrate on anything? Now that Early-Bird hotels are up, all I can think about is hotelpocalypse. I'm getting no work done (luckily I took time off for health reasons but I'm taking a class right now and a ton of things are due tomorrow.)

I am perpetually low-level worried about Hotelpocalypse but this hasn't really ramped it up any... I just checked and last year it was three full months between the early-bird sale open and the "official" notification about Hotelpocalypse.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rushfanyyz on January 21, 2020, 12:02:05 PM
Town and Country at $222 is a big jump. I’ve been doing early bird for years and t&c was always my go to, plus you get free breakfast with early bird. It’s also $20/person/night for each personover 2 people, which last year also had, but it’s still a jump. I might still do early bird somewhere but now I’m debating doing the hotel lottery. We are probably thinking those rates will also be going up for downtown hotels? Ugh, now I have to actually think about this.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on January 21, 2020, 12:10:17 PM
If the rates have gone up for Early Bird, then you KNOW they will be up for Downtown. I wouldn't hold out for the lottery in hopes of getting a cheaper room. The only reason to hold out for the lottery is if you want to be downtown. If you're fine being in Mission Valley or at the airport, then book now.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rushfanyyz on January 21, 2020, 12:13:19 PM
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If the rates have gone up for Early Bird, then you KNOW they will be up for Downtown. I wouldn't hold out for the lottery in hopes of getting a cheaper room. The only reason to hold out for the lottery is if you want to be downtown. If you're fine being in Mission Valley or at the airport, then book now.
In theory I know this, I just like to overthink everything lol.
It’s more of, well, if I’m already spending over 200 for a room in mission valley, then why not spend 300 for downtown. Ha. But really, I’ll probably still do early bird I’m just thinking about it more than usual.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 21, 2020, 12:17:52 PM
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I am perpetually low-level worried about Hotelpocalypse but this hasn't really ramped it up any... I just checked and last year it was three full months between the early-bird sale open and the "official" notification about Hotelpocalypse.

Yeah I know it'll be months still, and I'm with you on the perpetually low-level worry about Hotelpocalypse, but that doesn't stop me from having sdcc on the brain all day now ugh.

__

Just booked the Bayfront for the week, I found one with the option of free cancellation and paying at the hotel. It was still a decent price for a full week with the number of people we have for two rooms. Not quite sure if it'll be honored and whether we'll use it (depends on what we get in hotelpocalypse too) because not everyone might be able to stay a whole week...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NoNoNuni on January 21, 2020, 12:25:23 PM
awwww, I was hoping for a couple more months of hotel hibernation. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on January 21, 2020, 12:37:35 PM
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The price jump is still negligible with the OP pricing for the Bayfront ge those dates. The mandatory charge is probably resort fees, which are sometimes waived when booked through OP.

What someone posted earlier is correct - the 18th is the key checkin date. Anything later and the prices is much higher.
Based on last year's hotel list, the single occupancy rate for Hilton Bayfront was $322, so I almost wonder if OP is including the "mandatory fees" in that price?

Also, for those interested, this "fee" is detailed on the site:
Daily Mandatory Urban Destination Charge will be added to the room rate and includes: Premium guest internet access; daily $35 food & beverage credit valid for use in Vela, Odysea, & Pool Club hotel restaurants, and in-room dining; 1-hour bicycle, kayak, or paddle-board rental
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: semigeekgirl on January 21, 2020, 01:23:45 PM
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It’s more of, well, if I’m already spending over 200 for a room in mission valley, then why not spend 300 for downtown. Ha. But really, I’ll probably still do early bird I’m just thinking about it more than usual.


This is a big part of why I always go for downtown. If I'm going to pay over $200/night to stay somewhere, it had better be someplace I actually want to be. Otherwise I'll just feel cheated the whole time. So I'd rather pay more and at least get what I want.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chaosdreamer on January 21, 2020, 01:28:56 PM
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Any word on when Early Bird hotels will be offered. I don't think I'm gonna do the lottery this year. I can no longer take the stress and "not knowing."

@waltbionik (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=457) It's like all you had to do ask the Universe yesterday and bam! Early Bird hotels are up today! 😀
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lostninja on January 21, 2020, 01:40:05 PM
Well bought my hotel room, went to lunch came back and it's Sold Out, very glad I didn't hesitate this year. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 21, 2020, 01:53:21 PM
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Well bought my hotel room, went to lunch came back and it's Sold Out, very glad I didn't hesitate this year. :)

Wow!!!

Is it normal for an early bird to go that soon?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on January 21, 2020, 02:03:41 PM
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Well bought my hotel room, went to lunch came back and it's Sold Out, very glad I didn't hesitate this year. :)

what hotel?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sylent_asassin on January 21, 2020, 02:13:15 PM
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Wow!!!

Is it normal for an early bird to go that soon?

I don't recall any early bird ever selling out so soon, but I never really pay close attention as it's not what I want. From a quick peek, looks like the Courtyard Mission Valley is booked up.

Like most years, I'm not going to sweat Hotelpocalypse. Even after the initial sale, there are always good, nearby downtown hotels available if you're vigilant and persistent. With last year being the 50th anniversary, I don't think it'll be much tougher than that to snag something decent.

My only slight worry is regarding when the email with the link is sent and how soon it gets to my inbox. Last year, someone posted the link 15 minutes before it showed up in my inbox. I can't be on twitter 24/7 like some other folks.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Hades on January 21, 2020, 02:35:50 PM
Wow. I do not recall them ever selling out so fast either. Maybe it is down to more people not wanting to deal with the lottery and just being secure? I am almost certain that there were still rooms on the Early Bird up to the days they closed it last year. I could be wrong though.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 21, 2020, 03:05:55 PM
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@waltbionik (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=457) It's like all you had to do ask the Universe yesterday and bam! Early Bird hotels are up today! 😀

Can you ask the universe if everyone on FoCC can get their top choice for the hotel sale next @waltbionik (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=457)?

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: OMBGREGREY on January 21, 2020, 03:33:18 PM
Did the courtyard mission valley hotel offer complementary parking in past years?

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chachime45 on January 21, 2020, 04:21:35 PM
I've been downtown the last couple of years ... decided to go early bird this year for a cheaper rate and less headache. Went with Doubletree at Hazard Center because I've stayed there before, it's a nice no-frills hotel and it's just a few steps from a trolley stop.

Last year in the lottery I got in instantly and still was shut out for the first week. On the second email I got Marriott Gaslamp, but I just don't feel like dealing with that crap this year. I don't mind a 20-minute trolley ride.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: aodmisery on January 21, 2020, 05:52:45 PM
Haven't been to comic Con in like 6 years is it normal for them to announce early bird hotels without any kind of warning. I saw the the email at 11 and thought "oh it's just a announcement to get ready for early bird sales." A few hours later I finally got around to actually reading the email. And it was the actual sale. I hope they don't do this with the downtown hotels.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on January 21, 2020, 05:58:20 PM
being going 5 years now and from what I recall early bird has been anounced the same, hotelpocalypse is diferent they will let you know a few days before
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SyndE on January 21, 2020, 06:10:17 PM
Well, all booked at the Doubletree by Hilton Mission Valley. It's the one I stayed at back in 2008! After three years downtown (13, 14, 15) and those two major concerts on Friday and Saturday, I'm ready for some distance.

Didn't mean that I still didn't feel queasy accepting the "non-refundable for ANY reason" and paying that chunk of change for 4 nights.  :-[

Got my flight booked too. Finally used the AA miles I've been stockpiling for .... twenty years. (Seriously.)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on January 22, 2020, 05:54:34 AM
I just checked last year's emails, early bird started 1/9/19 and hotelpocalypse was on 4/11/19.   I'm already getting nervous.   I need a downtown hotel because of having to use a scooter so I can't book an early bird hotel and the last two years my three family members got nothing.   Luckily, a friend ended up with two so she gave us one of hers.   I'm already trying to plan out how I'm going set up for hotelpocalypse; will I use the computer lab at my school (if it's available) or have multiple computers on at home; maybe I'll use the lab for me and my daughters can try from home.   I really think it's a luck thing so hopefully this year, I'll have better luck.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NuncleJoel on January 22, 2020, 06:54:01 AM
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I just checked last year's emails, early bird started 1/9/19 and hotelpocalypse was on 4/11/19.   I'm already getting nervous.   I need a downtown hotel because of having to use a scooter so I can't book an early bird hotel and the last two years my three family members got nothing.   Luckily, a friend ended up with two so she gave us one of hers.   I'm already trying to plan out how I'm going set up for hotelpocalypse; will I use the computer lab at my school (if it's available) or have multiple computers on at home; maybe I'll use the lab for me and my daughters can try from home.   I really think it's a luck thing so hopefully this year, I'll have better luck.

I was hoping it was closer.  Three months is a long stressful wait.  This is my least favorite SDCC task.



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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: twiley79 on January 22, 2020, 08:10:45 AM
Did they send out an email about the Early Bird Sale? I didn't see any and yes, I checked the spam folder.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 22, 2020, 08:19:14 AM
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Did they send out an email about the Early Bird Sale? I didn't see any and yes, I checked the spam folder.

As far as I know, they did.  I got one.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: twiley79 on January 22, 2020, 08:23:06 AM
Do you think I should ask about it officially? I did check my account and I am an opt in for email. I'm waiting for the main sale, but this makes me nervous.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on January 22, 2020, 09:31:50 AM
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Do you think I should ask about it officially? I did check my account and I am an opt in for email. I'm waiting for the main sale, but this makes me nervous.

Sure...feel free to contact them, just to make sure.  They are usually pretty prompt and friendly..and helpful!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Stoops on January 23, 2020, 09:41:19 AM
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I have no idea if this is a glitch, but if anyone is staying longer than a week, try going to the Hilton site for Hilton Bayfront.  I was just able to book our two rooms for $270 a night each for July 18-28!  I am so excited I'm shaking!  I'm traveling with my (divorced) parents, a friend, and our (will be) 18 month old so securing the room close by is such a relief.  Hopefully they don't cancel on me or something @_@


Thank you for posting this! I booked it as well. It feels great to have this locked down. Great job!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Jangos1 on January 23, 2020, 10:09:05 AM
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Thank you for posting this! I booked it as well. It feels great to have this locked down. Great job!
  Wow! Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 23, 2020, 10:47:36 AM
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Thank you for posting this! I booked it as well. It feels great to have this locked down. Great job!

This is very tempting.  They're also taking reservations starting on 7/19 (the day i'm coming in).  The room rates are higher than $270 / night, but not much higher than what it cost thru the hotel sale last year.  My dilemma is the HBF is not my first choice.

What to do...what to do...   :-\
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 23, 2020, 10:55:17 AM
We were already considering coming down for the entire week, so I went ahead and booked the Bayfront. 7/19-7/26 for not much more than the OP rate. But locked in, no deposit, pay at checkin, and free cancellation until 7/16. Feeling good!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 23, 2020, 11:02:49 AM
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We were already considering coming down for the entire week, so I went ahead and booked the Bayfront. 7/19-7/26 for not much more than the OP rate. But locked in, no deposit, pay at checkin, and free cancellation until 7/16. Feeling good!

what site did you book from?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 23, 2020, 11:05:28 AM
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what site did you book from?

I was orgininally going to book through my Hilton Honors account, but went with Orbitz because they didn’t ask for a one night non-refundable deposit. It was about $60 more than my Honors discount, but worth the free cancellation.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 23, 2020, 11:31:07 AM
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I was orgininally going to book through my Hilton Honors account, but went with Orbitz because they didn’t ask for a one night non-refundable deposit. It was about $60 more than my Honors discount, but worth the free cancellation.

Just did the same.

Thanks!!! :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on January 23, 2020, 11:40:05 AM
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We were already considering coming down for the entire week, so I went ahead and booked the Bayfront. 7/19-7/26 for not much more than the OP rate. But locked in, no deposit, pay at checkin, and free cancellation until 7/16. Feeling good!
Good to know, I usually come on Tuesday and leave Monday, so I will have to figure it out, but because my family all attends I get the queen or king corner room which is more even on the Hilton site
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 23, 2020, 11:41:06 AM
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I was orgininally going to book through my Hilton Honors account, but went with Orbitz because they didn’t ask for a one night non-refundable deposit. It was about $60 more than my Honors discount, but worth the free cancellation.
Have there been issues in the past with hotels not honoring 3rd party reservations during SDCC?


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Title: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 23, 2020, 11:53:45 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200123/0a4969e158a7df771f08ba592f1a32a1.jpg)
I did notice this after making reservation, which does give me pause.  Is it possible Hilton wouldn’t honor the reservation on arrival because they are “overbooked” ?

<or maybe this just refers to my request for a nonsmoking room w/ two beds.  IDK, I tend to over think the small print>
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: stl_ben on January 23, 2020, 12:15:30 PM
On the change reservation button...did you try it?  If so would it let you change the check in date?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 23, 2020, 12:19:32 PM
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On the change reservation button...did you try it?  If so would it let you change the check in date?
I tried changing reservation, it only lets you change name on the reservation and other amenities, but no, it won’t let me change the dates.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Stoops on January 23, 2020, 12:21:27 PM
After seeing that I could check in that Monday the 20th instead of my original check in on the 18th, I called and changed my check in from July 20th-July 27th. Better dates for me and cheaper.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 23, 2020, 01:35:04 PM
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Have there been issues in the past with hotels not honoring 3rd party reservations during SDCC?


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There has, which gave me pause. But those examples were different in that the hotels were not offering the same rooms, but the Bayfront is. I may go ahead and switch to booking through Hilton Honors after seeing the screenshot above about it possibly not being honored, and seeing the same message under my reservation.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 23, 2020, 01:40:45 PM
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<or maybe this just refers to my request for a nonsmoking room w/ two beds.  IDK, I tend to over think the small print>

I think you may be right about it just being the requests. Mine has this message, but the email says my reservation is confirmed. It may be enough of a worry for me to pay the deposit through my Honors account, though, so that it’s Hilton official.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 23, 2020, 03:19:49 PM
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I think you may be right about it just being the requests. Mine has this message, but the email says my reservation is confirmed. It may be enough of a worry for me to pay the deposit through my Honors account, though, so that it’s Hilton official.
I’m going to give it a week, then call Bayfront to just check the status.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on January 23, 2020, 04:06:33 PM
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200123/0a4969e158a7df771f08ba592f1a32a1.jpg)
I did notice this after making reservation, which does give me pause.  Is it possible Hilton wouldn’t honor the reservation on arrival because they are “overbooked” ?

<or maybe this just refers to my request for a nonsmoking room w/ two beds.  IDK, I tend to over think the small print>

This statement only refers to your bed and non-smoking requests. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 23, 2020, 04:18:49 PM
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This statement only refers to your bed and non-smoking requests. :)
I know, but my paranoia about SDCC hotels makes me question everything.  BTW, my orbitz reservation popped up in my Hilton app, so that’s hopefully a good sign.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 23, 2020, 04:27:10 PM
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BTW, my orbitz reservation popped up in my Hilton app, so that’s hopefully a good sign.

Not mine.  ???
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 23, 2020, 04:41:39 PM
Thanks for the Hilton tip.  8)

As an additional note; it might be best to keep it under our hat here. The chances of Hilton canceling the reservations greatly increases the more it gets shared and tons of people start booking...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on January 23, 2020, 05:10:15 PM
I booked through Orbitz, then decided I can't take the stress of not knowing re any possible issues. So I canceled it and booked direct through Hilton instead. It's the same price, the difference is the deposit, and it can't be canceled. But I know they will honor it, and I get my Hilton points. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 23, 2020, 06:33:24 PM
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Thanks for the Hilton tip.  8)

As an additional note; it might be best to keep it under our hat here. The chances of Hilton canceling the reservations greatly increases the more it gets shared and tons of people start booking...
Yeah.  Maybe not something to blast on twitter or Facebook.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: smiley424 on January 23, 2020, 06:45:17 PM
Thank you for the info.  I decided to book through the Hilton App and use my points, so I should be good to go!  FOCCI coming in clutch as usual!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on January 23, 2020, 07:31:00 PM
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200123/0a4969e158a7df771f08ba592f1a32a1.jpg)
I did notice this after making reservation, which does give me pause.  Is it possible Hilton wouldn’t honor the reservation on arrival because they are “overbooked” ?

<or maybe this just refers to my request for a nonsmoking room w/ two beds.  IDK, I tend to over think the small print>
I think worst case, they may give you a king bed instead.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Jangos1 on January 24, 2020, 08:55:46 AM
Update:  I just logged into the Hilton site (was waiting to discuss my plans with the spousal unit, first) and unfortunately, the fantastic "glitch" rate appears to be gone.  The rate is now $452 and up.  :(  I snoozed, I "losed."  Has anyone else tried today for that fabulous rate of $280 or so? 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 10:21:04 AM
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I know, but my paranoia about SDCC hotels makes me question everything.  BTW, my orbitz reservation popped up in my Hilton app, so that’s hopefully a good sign.


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@lliving (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=6021)  How did you get your Hilton number on there?  We didn't see anywhere to add it.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 24, 2020, 10:23:54 AM
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How did you get your Hilton number on there?  We didn't see anywhere to add it.
, I didn’t add my Hilton number to the orbitz reservation, it just appeared on the app under “upcoming stays”.  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it there.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 24, 2020, 10:26:19 AM
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Update:  I just logged into the Hilton site (was waiting to discuss my plans with the spousal unit, first) and unfortunately, the fantastic "glitch" rate appears to be gone.  The rate is now $452 and up.  :(  I snoozed, I "losed."  Has anyone else tried today for that fabulous rate of $280 or so?
Hotel is also listed as “sold out” on Orbitz


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on January 24, 2020, 10:37:38 AM
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Update:  I just logged into the Hilton site (was waiting to discuss my plans with the spousal unit, first) and unfortunately, the fantastic "glitch" rate appears to be gone.  The rate is now $452 and up.  :(  I snoozed, I "losed."  Has anyone else tried today for that fabulous rate of $280 or so?

I looked on Hilton about an hour ago and it was $497/nt.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on January 24, 2020, 10:46:33 AM
Well I feel very fortunate, after trying to figure if it was worth it to me to come down 1 day earlier vs coming on Tuesday and using points to pay for that night, I booked late last night and feel very relieved knowing I am set for Bayfront for SDCC. It even let me put myself down for an upgrade to the room I really want so I checked that box too. Thanks so much for the original intel for this deal.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 11:29:45 AM
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, I didn’t add my Hilton number to the orbitz reservation, it just appeared on the app under “upcoming stays”.  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it there.


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Odd not on this side.   I was researching and everyone says they don't connect.   I am not even sure how it would know to connect unless you have a crazy unique name
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on January 24, 2020, 12:09:59 PM
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Odd not on this side.   I was researching and everyone says they don't connect.   I am not even sure how it would know to connect unless you have a crazy unique name
Maybe it goes by email address?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Michaelnaut on January 24, 2020, 12:56:17 PM
I was able to get into the Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside for an average $391.55.  *Just* downtown but not too bad of a walk.  HHonors reservation allows for cancellation 2 days prior, and no charges until I stay.  This turns into my backup in case I miss out on deeper into downtown.  Staying 7/20-7/27.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 01:02:03 PM
I would assume it was by e-mail address. I booked one room with Orbitz and booked one through the Hilton app, still only see the Hilton booking. Maybe it takes some time to transfer?

I'm curious if this was even really a glitch, maybe HBF held back more rooms than normal this year? The rate that is available today still isn't on par with the normal price raise. Aren't HBF rates normally above $800 outside of the hotel sale? Also interesting to note, Hotwire has a mystery pick Gaslamp Hotel (it says the options are Hard Rock, HBF, or Andaz) for $379. Booking has Wyndham Bayside and Indigo listed...

... this just feels a little different than the normal blackout that we see until the Hotel Sale takes place.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 01:23:56 PM
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Maybe it goes by email address?

Could be in which case I was at the gym and messaged @LibertyRoxx (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2335) to book so it's under his email. 


I also keep thinking oh no everyone booked who is going to help out in the hotel exchange.  There are still a lot of us in need though so those of you that booked please still help us lost souls!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on January 24, 2020, 01:34:09 PM
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I would assume it was by e-mail address. I booked one room with Orbitz and booked one through the Hilton app, still only see the Hilton booking. Maybe it takes some time to transfer?

I'm curious if this was even really a glitch, maybe HBF held back more rooms than normal this year? The rate that is available today still isn't on par with the normal price raise. Aren't HBF rates normally above $800 outside of the hotel sale? Also interesting to note, Hotwire has a mystery pick Gaslamp Hotel (it says the options are Hard Rock, HBF, or Andaz) for $379. Booking has Wyndham Bayside and Indigo listed...

... this just feels a little different than the normal blackout that we see until the Hotel Sale takes place.

Well, maybe Hilton is just aiming to fill more rooms before SDCC? sacrifice some $ on SDCC rooms but keep the hotel full and get more revenue on restaurants or something like that? dont really know the occupation the days and weekend before SDCC, I know SD is a city with lots of conventions, but I always get there on wednesday
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 24, 2020, 02:05:56 PM
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Aren't HBF rates normally above $800 outside of the hotel sale? Also interesting to note, Hotwire has a mystery pick Gaslamp Hotel (it says the options are Hard Rock, HBF, or Andaz) for $379. Booking has Wyndham Bayside and Indigo listed...

... this just feels a little different than the normal blackout that we see until the Hotel Sale takes place.

It is curious.

If you check the Hilton site to make a reservation just for the days of the con (7/21 - 7/26) the rates are $900+/day
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 24, 2020, 02:18:09 PM
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It is curious.

If you check the Hilton site to make a reservation just for the days of the con (7/21 - 7/26) the rates are $900+/day

Yeah, the lower rates for the convention dates only appeared if you booked 7+ nights.

On one hand, I’m relieved that at least one person booked on Orbitz and has it confirmed by their Hilton Honors account. On the other, mine isn’t, so I’d hate to show to the convention without a hotel. I am going to call the Bayfront directly to ask if they have the reservation. If not, I’ll call Honors to see if they can link it to my account. I should have just bitten the bullet and paid the deposit.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 24, 2020, 02:43:10 PM
I’m not sure how my orbitz reservation showed up in the Hilton app.  I used a different email with orbitz than the one linked to my Hilton account and was not able to add my Hilton honors # to the orbitz reservation.  The only thing I can think of is I used my Hilton honors AMEX card for the reservation. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200124/9100ee75617a74d98dc4cab4bd95af15.jpg)


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 24, 2020, 02:45:19 PM
I called the Bayfront directly and confirmed that they do have my reservation!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 02:54:41 PM
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I’m not sure how my orbitz reservation showed up in the Hilton app.  I used a different email with orbitz than the one linked to my Hilton account and was not able to add my Hilton honors # to the orbitz reservation.  The only thing I can think of is I used my Hilton honors AMEX card for the reservation.

I think if you have an active Hilton Honors account, it may have been why. When I called the Hilton Honors line, the lady I spoke with asked if it was my first time staying at a Hilton. I think I've signed up for a few honors accounts over the years so that may be why they don't have a record for my Orbitz reservation.

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I called the Bayfront directly and confirmed that they do have my reservation!

That's fantastic news.

I wonder how many people booked yesterday? Less than 10?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 24, 2020, 03:02:40 PM
Maybe Hilton became aware of the glitch yesterday because we all called to confirm our online reservation for the same week.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 03:14:39 PM
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I called the Bayfront directly and confirmed that they do have my reservation!

Well, I'm not having as much luck. They confirmed my Hilton res, but are saying that can't confirm the Orbitz res.

edit : took some time, but they confirmed the Orbitz res for me.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 03:26:19 PM
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Yeah, the lower rates for the convention dates only appeared if you booked 7+ nights.

On one hand, I’m relieved that at least one person booked on Orbitz and has it confirmed by their Hilton Honors account. On the other, mine isn’t, so I’d hate to show to the convention without a hotel. I am going to call the Bayfront directly to ask if they have the reservation. If not, I’ll call Honors to see if they can link it to my account. I should have just bitten the bullet and paid the deposit.

Please please please let me know how it goes! 

I agree we should have also but I was out and thought you had to do the 18th (someone texted me).  So by the time I got home and on the internet, I realized it was the 20th, the cheaper rooms were gone.  I should have just paid the $200 extra for the week.  We did modify down though.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 03:41:51 PM
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Please please please let me know how it goes! 

I called the Hilton Honors line and they were unable to look it up my account.

Then I called Bayfront directly, but it sounded like it was the same call center as the Hilton Honors line. They told me they couldn't find it because it was booked third party, then transferred me to hear an offer for free points. The CSR I spoke with during the promotional told me she was going to give me a new number to call. She ended up giving me the Hilton Honors line again.

Third call, called the Hilton Honors line - the guy was able to find the Orbitz reservation with my full name and last four of credit card. Confirmed that they had the reservation. The reason they can't pull up the reservation is because the address and everything is listed with Orbitz's information for address, etc.

It does seem like the reservations will stick though, especially considering Hilton can't modify any reservation details on their end.

Huge thank you again for posting about this.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on January 24, 2020, 03:45:07 PM
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Please please please let me know how it goes! 

Called the Bayfront and they confirmed the reservation!

Also about that $35 “mandatory (read: resort) fee”...at least it gives us $35 credit towards food every day. I’ll be ordering room service for breakfast every day.  ;D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 03:46:08 PM
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I called the Hilton Honors line and they were unable to look it up my account.

Then I called Bayfront directly, but it sounded like it was the same call center as the Hilton Honors line. They told me they couldn't find it because it was booked third party, then transferred me to hear an offer for free points. The CSR I spoke with during the promotional told me she was going to give me a new number to call. She ended up giving me the Hilton Honors line again.

Third call, called the Hilton Honors line - the guy was able to find the Orbitz reservation with my full name and last four of credit card. Confirmed that they had the reservation. The reason they can't pull up the reservation is because the address and everything is listed with Orbitz's information for address, etc.

It does seem like the reservations will stick though, especially considering Hilton can't modify any reservation details on their end.

Huge thank you again for posting about this.

Thank you for the info, were they able to attach your hilton honnors account or is that just wishful thinking?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 03:51:31 PM
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Thank you for the info, were they able to attach your hilton honnors account or is that just wishful thinking?

The first person said they couldn't, but I was so ecstatic they found the reservation on the last call I didn't ask explicitly. I just sent an e-mail and and will report back with what they say - but I have a feeling that they can't since the reservation can't be modified on their end.

Which may be a good thing depending on how you look at it - I imagine it provides an extra layer of security for reservations made on Orbitz, seeing as how Hilton may have to jump through more hoops if they wanted to cancel because the rate was lower than they wanted.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 24, 2020, 03:54:07 PM
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The first person said they couldn't, but I was so ecstatic they found the reservation on the last call I didn't ask explicitly. I just sent an e-mail and and will report back with what they say - but I have a feeling that they can't since the reservation can't be modified on their end.

Which may be a good thing depending on how you look at it - I imagine it provides an extra layer of security for reservations made on Orbitz, seeing as how Hilton may have to jump through more hoops if they wanted to cancel because the rate was lower than they wanted.
The orbitz rate doesn’t include the $35/day surcharge.  I’m sure that will be added when we check in.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 03:58:48 PM
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The orbitz rate doesn’t include the $35/day surcharge.  I’m sure that will be added when we check in.

Indeed, but hopefully we can get it waived. Otherwise I'll be ordering room service everyday like @Dubb (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2639) haha.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 04:05:52 PM
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The orbitz rate doesn’t include the $35/day surcharge.  I’m sure that will be added when we check in.


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It did have it, when I looked later that night they both totaled the same amount.  I just didn't want to pay for the more expensive view.

Edit: it doesn't so was Orbits more expensive?  Or maybe it's just earlier in the day was cheaper?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 24, 2020, 04:13:22 PM
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It did have it, when I looked later that night they both totaled the same amount.  I just didn't want to pay for the more expensive view.

Edit: it doesn't so was Orbits more expensive?  Or maybe it's just earlier in the day was cheaper?

My Orbitz rate was about $250 cheaper then my Hilton rate, but the my Orbitz confirmation doesn't list any resort fees. Hilton did include the resort fee, and after factoring that in I believe both rates are exactly the same at the time when I reserved.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 24, 2020, 04:20:08 PM
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My Orbitz rate was about $250 cheaper then my Hilton rate, but the my Orbitz confirmation doesn't list any resort fees. Hilton did include the resort fee, and after factoring that in I believe both rates are exactly the same at the time when I reserved.

I think you are right, with @LibertyRoxx (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2335) booking I just had the total so I thought he grabbed it cheaper.  I am learning all sorts of stuff on this new adventure.  Now someone get me a T.A.R.D.I.S so I can go back in time and book through the Hilton
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 24, 2020, 06:52:09 PM
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It did have it, when I looked later that night they both totaled the same amount.  I just didn't want to pay for the more expensive view.

Edit: it doesn't so was Orbits more expensive?  Or maybe it's just earlier in the day was cheaper?
Orbitz was cheaper than Hilton.  I found this under additional information when I looked at reservation on orbitz web site (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200125/0358ce6cab14824ae83c9dc19ad86bcc.jpg)


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 25, 2020, 10:27:49 AM
Hilton Honors (via phone) was able to link the Orbitz reservation into my account - so now both reservations I made show up.

Pretty shocked/thankful that I'm not going to have to deal with the usual hotel sale this year. I'll still participate to see if I can grab some rooms for the exchange here though.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 25, 2020, 10:30:18 AM
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Hilton Honors (via phone) was able to link the Orbitz reservation into my account - so now both reservations I made show up.

Pretty shocked/thankful that I'm not going to have to deal with the usual hotel sale this year. I'll still participate to see if I can grab some rooms for the exchange here though.


Was it the email that did it or the phone call?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 25, 2020, 10:45:44 AM
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Was it the email that did it or the phone call?

Either works, but you have to call in to get your Hilton reservation number for the Orbitz reservation.

Took a couple times (the first lady told me she couldn't look that up) but after persistence and another couple phone calls, I got the number. After your get your Hilton reservation number, the person on the phone can link it or you can e-mail them to do so.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 25, 2020, 10:49:11 AM
I’m glad to know others have gotten their orbitz reservation to show up in the Hilton app. BTW the rate now for Bayfront is $902/night...


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on January 25, 2020, 11:37:20 AM
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I’m glad to know others have gotten their orbitz reservation to show up in the Hilton app. BTW the rate now for Bayfront is $902/night...


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Triple yikes!, ??? Congrats to those who picked up the bargains!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kmy on January 25, 2020, 12:45:26 PM
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I’m glad to know others have gotten their orbitz reservation to show up in the Hilton app. BTW the rate now for Bayfront is $902/night...

Wow, great reminder lest I forget what a good deal I actually get through OnPeak during the lottery.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on January 25, 2020, 01:33:45 PM
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Either works, but you have to call in to get your Hilton reservation number for the Orbitz reservation.

Took a couple times (the first lady told me she couldn't look that up) but after persistence and another couple phone calls, I got the number. After your get your Hilton reservation number, the person on the phone can link it or you can e-mail them to do so.

Thank you so much.   It's hard to be out of control of something but thanks to you I can now get @LibertyRoxx (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2335) to work on getting this into our Hilton account.  I would call but my voice is to high. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: tsnyder on January 27, 2020, 11:00:08 AM
Forgot to post earlier but wanted to give a huge Thank You! to @kihou (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=6989) for that Hilton Bayfront find.  Was able to book Mon - Mon which my crew was super excited about.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Stoops on January 27, 2020, 01:26:56 PM
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Forgot to post earlier but wanted to give a huge Thank You! to @kihou (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=6989) for that Hilton Bayfront find.  Was able to book Mon - Mon which my crew was super excited about.

I echo this 100%
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on January 27, 2020, 02:10:25 PM
Missed out on the Bayfront find, but yesterday booked the Bayside as a backup.  Listed now as sold out.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on January 27, 2020, 04:06:44 PM
I too would like to thank you for the Hilton info.   I was able to book Bayfront for the first time in 5 years and was even allowed to use some points to make it cheaper.   
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on January 27, 2020, 07:17:50 PM
I was one of the unlucky ones who didn't see this find :(. Just checked orbitz on the off chance and still sold out. That was a truly gem find.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 28, 2020, 02:01:45 AM
I will likely be giving away (presuming it doesn't get cancelled/not honored) my reservation for the Bayfront from July 18-July 26 (I think those are the dates) because my group likely can't stay the full week and aren't going to be down particularly to pay $710 each if they can only stay a few nights. That might change, but just to put that out there. I mean, I probably shouldn't have reserved it when I wasn't sure I'd be able to use it, but I heard about it and immediately jumped in just in case my group would like it. I have another two downtown reservations (Bristol and the Wyndham Baymont??? I always mix up the Wyndham properties), but I'm obviously hoping to get two rooms in the hotel lottery.

I'll likely do a bit of work, like others on the forum, to make sure the Bayfront has my reservation, but we'll see how it goes because I reserved through a different site that I don't normally use but offered no deposit required.

Edit: Of note, I reserved two rooms because of my group's needs.

The other day my friend asked me about the hotel lottery, because she saw the Early Bird hotels go up in her e-mail, and I explained it all to her because she's never gotten a hotel for SDCC. She lived locally and before she moved to work in San Jose, lived close to downtown, but is staying with us this year. She basically said "That's slightly overwhelming but I'll do whatever you tell me to do and I'll be there for the lottery." At least I have that comfort, knowing that my group will follow my lead on things (though during the badge sales it was a bit of a mess because one guy went slightly rogue ugh but it worked out.)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 28, 2020, 02:08:00 PM
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Forgot to post earlier but wanted to give a huge Thank You! to @kihou (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=6989) for that Hilton Bayfront find.

Agreed! I keep compulsively checking the reservation to make sure its still there, haha. Feels strange to have it out of the way already.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 28, 2020, 03:24:31 PM
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Agreed! I keep compulsively checking the reservation to make sure its still there, haha. Feels strange to have it out of the way already.
I check the Hilton App like twice a day to make sure the reservation is still there(y’day it briefly disappeared and I almost lost it). Just seems to good to be true, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.   


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: loubert on January 29, 2020, 08:14:56 PM
Echoing my thanks to @kihou (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=6989) for the lead on the Bayfront last week. It's crazy to think that my SDCC hotel is squared away.

It's interesting to note that the non-refundable one-night deposit is specific to Comic-Con dates. For non-SDCC dates at the Bayfront, the one-night deposit is refundable if canceled at least 3 days in advance.

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: YouThinkMeMad on January 30, 2020, 07:05:18 AM
What an amazing find! Congrats to those who snagged it.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 30, 2020, 01:40:25 PM
Hilton ran an authorization on my card I used for the reservations. Not sure if it was for the Orbitz one or the Hilton one, or both but it was just one of those temp dollar holds.

People who booked might want to double check their reservation.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on January 30, 2020, 02:47:02 PM
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Hilton ran an authorization on my card I used for the reservations. Not sure if it was for the Orbitz one or the Hilton one, or both but it was just one of those temp dollar holds.

People who booked might want to double check their reservation.

I'm seeing the same thing.  $1.00.  My reservation was just thru Orbitz.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 30, 2020, 02:49:09 PM
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I'm seeing the same thing.  $1.00.  My reservation was just thru Orbitz.
Ditto and reservation still there.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 30, 2020, 03:08:52 PM
Maybe that makes our reservations official, haha.

I can already hear myself on the phone with Hilton if things go sour, "Sir, I've paid an entire $1.00 USD you're no longer able to cancel my reservation."
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 30, 2020, 09:02:37 PM
Okay, I finally got some Hilton confirmation numbers out of my travel agency site. Checked them and both rooms are showing up on the Hilton website when I go to pull up reservations. I'll try to get them added to my card at a later date and see how that goes.

It's comforting to know that it at least has shown up on Hilton's end, even if I just end up giving them away.

Edit: The Hilton site does say it's non-cancelable etc. though, but my original booking with the website says that it's no deposit and free cancellation until July, so I'll trust that if anything happens.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sylent_asassin on January 31, 2020, 10:44:09 AM
Congrats to all who got rooms at the Bayfront! That's an awesome loophole! Just out of curiosity, what were the rates? I'm guessing that they were slightly higher than OnPeak's rate of $320, which I believe was last year's rate.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 31, 2020, 11:21:23 AM
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Congrats to all who got rooms at the Bayfront! That's an awesome loophole! Just out of curiosity, what were the rates? I'm guessing that they were slightly higher than OnPeak's rate of $320, which I believe was last year's rate.

My daily rate is 308.14


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: stl_ben on January 31, 2020, 11:23:33 AM
Is the above spam? Or What?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on January 31, 2020, 11:24:26 AM
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My daily rate is 308.14


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My rate was 308 as well


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sylent_asassin on January 31, 2020, 11:25:38 AM
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My daily rate is 308.14


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That's amazing! Congrats! I'm guessing that it doesn't include HBF's $32 per day resort fee.
Title: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 31, 2020, 11:53:59 AM
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That's amazing! Congrats! I'm guessing that it doesn't include HBF's $32 per day resort fee.

It doesn’t. Hopefully I can update and combine my old Honors account to be at a tier where they’ll waive the fee.


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Is the above spam? Or What?

Not sure what you are referencing.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Hades on January 31, 2020, 11:58:19 AM
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Is the above spam? Or What?
Given that registration is actually closed on the site, I do not think it is spam. Although, as it is a guest account that posted, it is very suspect. Seems odd...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on January 31, 2020, 12:33:35 PM
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Given that registration is actually closed on the site, I do not think it is spam. Although, as it is a guest account that posted, it is very suspect. Seems odd...

I see it now. Yeah, probably not spam but an automated message that a moderator may have put up. Might look less spammy if it had a shortened url.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 31, 2020, 03:30:40 PM
Oh someone said recently that their friend tried to join and couldn't because registration was closed, but I was able to try and register (for a test account but I didn't go through with it.) I think there might be something up with registering. I don't see it on my screen (I have no ads as I'm a donor), so I don't know if it's from the mods or what. But if I go to another browser, not logged in, I see them.

@alyssa (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1) can you confirm?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 31, 2020, 03:51:09 PM
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Oh someone said recently that their friend tried to join and couldn't because registration was closed, but I was able to try and register (for a test account but I didn't go through with it.) I think there might be something up with registering. I don't see it on my screen (I have no ads as I'm a donor), so I don't know if it's from the mods or what. But if I go to another browser, not logged in, I see them.

@alyssa (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1) can you confirm?
we are currently having a problem with forum regestration completely unrelated to the impending hotel activity. If anyone wants to join the forum please look at the notice at the top of the forum when on the main index page. That notice has a link to a form to fill out (very short) so we can process the registration manually.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DzoUYJjO4seBO5q95-V4JHUPcm0BOhzLLwB8rGdyzfI/edit
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on January 31, 2020, 03:55:19 PM
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Is the above spam? Or What?
@stl_ben (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3236) that's a google ad, it is posted as from a guest account. if you'd like those removed, there is an option to subscribe to the site & those ad's will be removed. https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;area=subscriptions
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on January 31, 2020, 04:03:13 PM
Thank you Alyssa!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on February 01, 2020, 03:17:29 PM
What are the chances that other third party websites might have a sale/glitch in their system for Hilton Bayfront again?
Title: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on February 01, 2020, 03:21:40 PM
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What are the chances that other third party websites might have a sale/glitch in their system for Hilton Bayfront again?
<shrug>. It seemed pretty random.  It was on both orbitz and directly through Hilton(which required a non refundable deposit).  Not sure I recall any thing like that happening in the past.  I doubt there will be a repeat


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on February 01, 2020, 07:20:32 PM
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What are the chances that other third party websites might have a sale/glitch in their system for Hilton Bayfront again?

I think it's highly unlikely now that Hilton know about it. They would've pulled their listings at that price. I'm seeing that you can still book for those dates at multiple third-party sites, but they're all >$900/night.

There were other third-party websites, other than Orbitz, who had the deal at the time but they're all gone now. I saw about 4 that had it, but it was in the air as to whether you had to pay a deposit or pay the full amount, etc. differing from each site to each site. I personally got the deal through agoda, which I was worried about because I've heard mixed results, but I have the reservation in Hilton's database now so I'm less worried. Through agoda I got no deposit, cancellation through July, pay at the hotel, etc. (which was why I booked it there.)

Now Hilton says that it can't be canceled etc. but I still have the proof from agoda so if I needed to, I wouldn't be too worried about needing the contest it if need be.

Note, I don't think any of us who got the deal can change the dates... unless others chime in saying they can, as I'm definitely not able.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on February 01, 2020, 08:20:47 PM
Yeah, in the 6+ years I've been downtown-hotel hunting, I don't think I've ever seen a hotel like HBF slip through the cracks and allow booking outside of the hotel sale at a ~*"reasonable"*~ rate.

I certainly wouldn't count on it happening again, but stranger things have happened.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on February 02, 2020, 02:20:23 AM
There was one year where third party sites had the Hard Rock for reasonable prices.  But at some point they realized that mistake and all of those reservations got canceled though.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on February 02, 2020, 08:58:07 AM
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There was one year where third party sites had the Hard Rock for reasonable prices.  But at some point they realized that mistake and all of those reservations got canceled though.
I was one of those which is why I was hesitant to book but finally did book through the Hilton app and very happy.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on February 02, 2020, 09:52:06 AM
I’m still not totally convinced that these reservations won’t be canceled later. My credit card has a $1.00 pending charge from Hilton so I’m more hopeful.  My nightmare would be to arrive Sunday for SDCC and find out I have no room for Wednes-Sun because they are “overbooked”.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on February 02, 2020, 06:34:45 PM
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I’m still not totally convinced that these reservations won’t be canceled later. My credit card has a $1.00 pending charge from Hilton so I’m more hopeful.  My nightmare would be to arrive Sunday for SDCC and find out I have no room for Wednes-Sun because they are “overbooked”.


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You might have a point.

My 7 day reservation totals for a lot less than if I made a reservation just for the days of the Con.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on February 02, 2020, 06:41:01 PM
Anyone ever been walked at a Hilton property before?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on February 02, 2020, 06:45:05 PM
What do you mean?
Title: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on February 02, 2020, 06:50:40 PM
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What do you mean?

If you get to a hotel and they are overbooked or have another reason they can’t get you a room, they help facilitate by getting you a reservation elsewhere, normally at one of their other properties. Some hotels pay for a night, etc, and call it “walking”

Different hotels have different policies, some publish them, some don’t.

I will say, however, if they don’t cancel my reservation in advance and say they don’t have anything for me while simultaneously having $900+ rooms available on their website the day before the con, I’ll have to put on my “can I speak to a manager” hat.

That’s the one thing that is a bit reassuring about HBF, in years past they almost always have higher rate rooms available day before, like MGH.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on February 02, 2020, 06:51:03 PM
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You might have a point.

My 7 day reservation totals for a lot less than if I made a reservation just for the days of the Con.
When I looked at the days on the Hilton site sun-wed. Was 162/night and wed-sun was like $450 I think.  Third party sites just added it all and listed average per night


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TardisMom on February 02, 2020, 08:21:11 PM
For those of you who got the HBF reservations --- I completely understand being concerned about showing up to an overbooked hotel, but the thing working in your favor is that you are arriving earlier than most con goers.  So grab that room and refuse to leave  >:D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on February 02, 2020, 10:28:59 PM
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If you get to a hotel and they are overbooked or have another reason they can’t get you a room, they help facilitate by getting you a reservation elsewhere, normally at one of their other properties. Some hotels pay for a night, etc, and call it “walking”

Different hotels have different policies, some publish them, some don’t.

I will say, however, if they don’t cancel my reservation in advance and say they don’t have anything for me while simultaneously having $900+ rooms available on their website the day before the con, I’ll have to put on my “can I speak to a manager” hat.

That’s the one thing that is a bit reassuring about HBF, in years past they almost always have higher rate rooms available day before, like MGH.

So, there have been instances, not sure about HBF in particular, where someone shows up to a popular hotel with a valid reservation, whether through OP or other means, and are turned away due to overbooking. So it does happen every year and USUALLY, as far as I'm aware, they're usually put up downtown by the airport because of space issues. Whether the hotel takes care of that booking/refunds you is up in the air because I don't know anyone personally who has had it happen.

Now, if there were rooms the day before the con for $900+ per night, of course you could argue that easily. Just keep a screencap  ;) as you do with all things.

But once you're in, you are generally in as long as you have a reservation. There are people, for example, who only had a king bedroom through OP for con days, but had book-end reservations, and had a book-end for 2 queens/doubles and got to stay in that room instead of having to shift out to another room with a king bed. as TardisMom said, it'll work in your favor.

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For those of you who got the HBF reservations --- I completely understand being concerned about showing up to an overbooked hotel, but the thing working in your favor is that you are arriving earlier than most con goers.  So grab that room and refuse to leave  >:D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on February 02, 2020, 10:48:01 PM
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For those of you who got the HBF reservations --- I completely understand being concerned about showing up to an overbooked hotel, but the thing working in your favor is that you are arriving earlier than most con goers.  So grab that room and refuse to leave  >:D
I like the way you think and you have made a great observation, we will be arriving before the majority of con goers
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: EscoBlades on February 03, 2020, 09:07:47 AM
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Anyone ever been walked at a Hilton property before?

Not at a Hilton, but once at a Marriott (in NYC actually)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on February 03, 2020, 09:09:22 AM
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Forgot to post earlier but wanted to give a huge Thank You! to @kihou (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=6989) for that Hilton Bayfront find.  Was able to book Mon - Mon which my crew was super excited about.
I'm glad I could help! ^-^
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on February 03, 2020, 09:48:51 AM
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I’m still not totally convinced that these reservations won’t be canceled later. My credit card has a $1.00 pending charge from Hilton so I’m more hopeful.  My nightmare would be to arrive Sunday for SDCC and find out I have no room for Wednes-Sun because they are “overbooked”.


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I feel you, I currently have a backup hotel still booked because it allows for cancellations up to a couple days before the start date.  I am really hoping that if they were going to cancel they would have done it by now, because surely they know about the "problem" (since they took the rates down and it's "sold out" at the moment).  I am not sure how many people got rooms since it required a longer stay, but maybe it's a small enough group that they'll just leave the reservations be.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on February 03, 2020, 09:54:11 AM
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I feel you, I currently have a backup hotel still booked because it allows for cancellations up to a couple days before the start date.  I am really hoping that if they were going to cancel they would have done it by now, because surely they know about the "problem" (since they took the rates down and it's "sold out" at the moment).  I am not sure how many people got rooms since it required a longer stay, but maybe it's a small enough group that they'll just leave the reservations be.

That is my thinking too
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Nyjin on February 05, 2020, 03:03:50 PM
Hotelpocalypse is taunting me.

I almost have a feeling of anticipation for the OnPeak Hunt. Am I crazy?  :P
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chaosdreamer on February 05, 2020, 07:21:02 PM
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Hotelpocalypse is taunting me.

I almost have a feeling of anticipation for the OnPeak Hunt. Am I crazy?  :P

Nah. Most of us are probably right there with you... just jittery with the need to fill out the form while shouting "Ugh! Which of these radio buttons should I choose?!!" 😅
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on February 06, 2020, 07:50:55 AM
If I show up and they don't have a room for me I fully expect you all to let me sleep in one of your rooms!  The more the merrier, right?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on February 06, 2020, 09:23:15 AM
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If I show up and they don't have a room for me I fully expect you all to let me sleep in one of your rooms!  The more the merrier, right?

You know there is always a sleepover party going on in my room
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Hades on February 06, 2020, 10:04:42 AM
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If I show up and they don't have a room for me I fully expect you all to let me sleep in one of your rooms!  The more the merrier, right?
This isn't an unspoken rule for everyone here already? :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on February 07, 2020, 01:21:06 PM
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Hotelpocalypse is taunting me.

I almost have a feeling of anticipation for the OnPeak Hunt. Am I crazy?  :P

@Nyjin (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=8008) I grok. As much as I detest waiting the initial lottery results, the following flights of the hotel angels like you, fill me with joy, each time a sighting is spotted and shared with lightening speed, securing rooms for more fans.   :-*
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lrdavis28 on February 07, 2020, 07:54:21 PM
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If I show up and they don't have a room for me I fully expect you all to let me sleep in one of your rooms!  The more the merrier, right?


Unicorn onesie is ready
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on February 13, 2020, 09:39:07 AM
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I feel you, I currently have a backup hotel still booked because it allows for cancellations up to a couple days before the start date.  I am really hoping that if they were going to cancel they would have done it by now, because surely they know about the "problem" (since they took the rates down and it's "sold out" at the moment).  I am not sure how many people got rooms since it required a longer stay, but maybe it's a small enough group that they'll just leave the reservations be.

I booked it straight through Hilton, so I'm not as worried (but I do doublecheck my app daily). Hilton, on the other hand, has it written in bright red that "This reservation cannot be canceled." I'm sure they mean by me and not by them, but you can bet that I have a screenshot of that.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on February 13, 2020, 11:04:49 AM
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I booked it straight through Hilton, so I'm not as worried (but I do doublecheck my app daily). Hilton, on the other hand, has it written in bright red that "This reservation cannot be canceled." I'm sure they mean by me and not by them, but you can bet that I have a screenshot of that.

They charged the deposit to my credit card yesterday. :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Stoops on February 13, 2020, 11:09:50 AM
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I booked it straight through Hilton, so I'm not as worried (but I do doublecheck my app daily). Hilton, on the other hand, has it written in bright red that "This reservation cannot be canceled." I'm sure they mean by me and not by them, but you can bet that I have a screenshot of that.

I too check my reservation daily. It was such a great deal that I can't help it. I do like the thought that someone posted before that since our reservations are so much earlier than most Con goers we have a better chance of our stay sticking. Only five more months...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on February 22, 2020, 12:42:53 PM
Hilton also charged my credit card this week and took my Hilton points so I hope this mean’s I’m good to go.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on February 22, 2020, 01:23:38 PM
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Hilton also charged my credit card this week and took my Hilton points so I hope this mean’s I’m good to go.

Very good! Sounds promising... :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Michaelnaut on February 23, 2020, 07:26:34 AM
I am quite jelly...I tried my dates at the time this was up and got nada, but you guys are in an awesome spot!  Sooo nice to not have to worry bout hotels...that's freakin awesome for folk that got in!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on February 23, 2020, 07:57:46 AM
Not exactly the same deal as Hilton Bayfront, but Manchester Grand Hyatt for $481($486 on orbitz) 7/19 to 7/27.  $481/486 price is non refundable, but for a rate $504 through Hyatt $519 through orbitz you can get double beds w/ADA shower, with free cancellation. There are some other room configurations available as well. Rates go up as you move the dates.  Might be a good back up option for someone splitting a room.  Rates do not include the $35 resort fee.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TardisMom on February 23, 2020, 08:33:08 AM
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Not exactly the same deal as Hilton Bayfront, but Manchester Grand Hyatt for $481($486 on orbitz) 7/19 to 7/27.  $481/486 price is non refundable, but for a rate $504 through Hyatt $519 through orbitz you can get double beds w/ADA shower, with free cancellation. There are some other room configurations available as well. Rates go up as you move the dates.  Might be a good back up option for someone splitting a room.  Rates do not include the $35 resort fee.

Good find!  I had to move the date back to the 18th to find the rate, and only ADA rooms and Penthouse (at $1200/nt) are available now. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: demonchocobo on February 25, 2020, 08:25:14 AM
First time doing Hotelpocalypse and seeing people snag great deals has me stressing 😂

How do y’all handle this anxiety? 😂
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kmy on February 25, 2020, 08:46:20 AM
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First time doing Hotelpocalypse and seeing people snag great deals has me stressing 😂

How do y’all handle this anxiety? 😂
Try not to think about it too much until the date for Hotelpocalypse is released. There's nothing you can really do until then unless you're in the right place-right time moment to catch one of the good deals that someone posts. Seriously, this group is so helpful with hotelpocalypse that it's 100 times better than it used to be.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on February 25, 2020, 09:42:17 AM
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I have no idea if this is a glitch, but if anyone is staying longer than a week, try going to the Hilton site for Hilton Bayfront.  I was just able to book our two rooms for $270 a night each for July 18-28!  I am so excited I'm shaking!  I'm traveling with my (divorced) parents, a friend, and our (will be) 18 month old so securing the room close by is such a relief.  Hopefully they don't cancel on me or something @_@

Just a wee bit late to this, but what a find! Well done!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on February 25, 2020, 09:49:59 AM
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First time doing Hotelpocalypse and seeing people snag great deals has me stressing 😂

How do y’all handle this anxiety? 😂

I come here, chat with people and remind myself this is supposed to be fun.   No matter what happens you will have a place to sleep and lots of fun!!!!!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Nyjin on February 25, 2020, 03:17:15 PM
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I come here, chat with people and remind myself this is supposed to be fun.   No matter what happens you will have a place to sleep and lots of fun!!!!!

But what if you find the Hotelpocalypse anxiety fun, in a demented sort of way?  ;D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: imecoli on February 25, 2020, 07:42:45 PM
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But what if you find the Hotelpocalypse anxiety fun, in a demented sort of way?  ;D
I just log on to hotelapocalypse to watch my little avatar moonwalk and not go anywhere....

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on February 25, 2020, 08:15:49 PM
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I come here, chat with people and remind myself this is supposed to be fun.   No matter what happens you will have a place to sleep and lots of fun!!!!!

And you meet all kinds of cool people.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on February 25, 2020, 08:55:11 PM
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And you meet all kinds of cool people.


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And they make cookies for everyone and organize meetups!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on February 25, 2020, 09:56:13 PM
MGH is $265/night if you book from Friday to Sunday (17 to 26). Resort fee not included and no refund.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on February 25, 2020, 10:13:28 PM
too many nights :( just like with HBF
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on February 26, 2020, 06:39:16 AM
Take a look at this. This also has too many days but if you are planning a vacation anyway.
https://www.travelocity.com/San-Diego-Hotels-Ramada-By-Wyndham-Gaslamp-Convention-Center.h10217.Hotel-Information?chkin=7%2F18%2F2020&chkout=7%2F27%2F2020&regionId=3073&destType=MARKET&destination=San+Diego%2C+California%2C+United+States+of+America&swpToggleOn=true&rm1=a1&x_pwa=1&sort=distance&top_dp=323&top_cur=USD&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1582727726464&neighborhoodId=800123&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudHJhdmVsb2NpdHkuY29tL0hvdGVsLVNlYXJjaA%3D%3D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: imecoli on February 26, 2020, 07:07:16 AM
At least they've lowered the prices. Several years ago a friend came out for work, conveniently during SDCC and was able to book HBF for the week, but it was actually higher than the price from travel planers (was that the site before onpeak?)

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: demonchocobo on February 26, 2020, 09:10:45 AM
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But what if you find the Hotelpocalypse anxiety fun, in a demented sort of way?  ;D

Well...
That's fair haha.
I'm a planner, so when things are completely out of my control, it's tough haha.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on February 26, 2020, 09:46:30 AM
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First time doing Hotelpocalypse and seeing people snag great deals has me stressing 😂

How do y’all handle this anxiety? 😂

For me, buying badges was WAY more stressful.  This forum is VERY helpful when it comes to getting badges AND Hotels!!!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: demonchocobo on February 26, 2020, 10:13:20 AM
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For me, buying badges was WAY more stressful.  This forum is VERY helpful when it comes to getting badges AND Hotels!!!

Badges are definitely stressful, but I like immediately knowing whether or not I was successful.

I hate the idea of waiting after the lottery and stressing about whether or not I got a room. Then if I didn’t get anything, I have to stress about waitlist. Then it’s an extra stressor of time crunch of trying to find some accommodation before July.

I’m already having nightmares that I missed the lottery all together 😂 I don’t think this is normal.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 26, 2020, 10:21:42 AM
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I’m already having nightmares that I missed the lottery all together 😂 I don’t think this is normal.

Unfortunately, it is very normal amongst the people on this site. :(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: semigeekgirl on February 26, 2020, 10:32:51 AM
@demonchocobo (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1654) At least know that you're among friends who feel the same way!

For me, Hotelpocalypse is by far the most stressful part of SDCC. I can be kind of fatalistic about badges (i.e. "oh well, if we don't get them, we just won't go"), but once we have badges I NEED to have a hotel - and not just any hotel but one that fits with the way I like to experience the Con - and this combination lottery/speed quackery seems like a terrible way to allocate the available rooms. It drives me crazy and yes, sometimes gives me nightmares.

But at least we're all in this together.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on February 26, 2020, 10:51:12 AM
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@demonchocobo (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1654) At least know that you're among friends who feel the same way!


But at least we're all in this together.

The fellowship I found in this forum has made all the difference in my enjoyment of SDCC and WonderCon. I look forward to the meetups as much as any event at the Con.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on February 26, 2020, 10:59:34 AM
For me, badges are more stressful -- if you don't get them, I'm not going.  Hotels are stressful, but at the end of the day, I stayed in Hotel Circle my first year, you can usually get rooms out there even if you miss hotelpocalypse, it's not the end of the world.  That said, having a downtown room is much, much better.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on February 26, 2020, 11:34:48 AM
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For me, badges are more stressful -- if you don't get them, I'm not going.  Hotels are stressful, but at the end of the day, I stayed in Hotel Circle my first year, you can usually get rooms out there even if you miss hotelpocalypse, it's not the end of the world.  That said, having a downtown room is much, much better.

I didn't know anything about hotelpocalypse my first year (2015).  I made a reservation in May on my own on a hotel on Shelter Island after pulling down the hotel list from the CCI web site.  As I was checking in, a couple made a reservation AT THE DESK!!!  Of course their rate was higher than mine (I was eavesdropping  :) )
I had no complaints about my accommodations.
My preference has 'matured' to downtown hotels  :) , and I do understand the anxiety around the hotel sale, but I'm confident I will get somewhere to stay. 

Belonging to this forum has been very helpful.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hipchick on February 26, 2020, 01:05:17 PM
Badges are the most stressful in my opinion because if you miss out on getting a badge you are basically done. With hotels, there actually are options (just not the best ones if you need to be next door, etc...). I still stress over both equally though, LOL.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on February 26, 2020, 01:21:47 PM
For me, the length of time under stress is MUCH longer in the hunt for hotels.  I do find the quest strangely addicting and a bit fun. I need to ramp myself up for it, and see it through to the end...a victorious end for as many as possible! ^-^
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on February 26, 2020, 01:41:09 PM
The badge sell is very cut and dry - register for member ID, enter a waiting room and know within the hour if you have a badge or not.

The hotel sale just has too many variables that make it an entire ordeal - like creating a strategy for your hotel selections, then the online waiting room, making your selections, and waiting for the results. Then, once you get your results, if you have a group you travel with, did everyone in your group get results? Do you have to wait until the second week of results to see if you can be placed? Are downtown hotels still available in the second wave of placements or should your group just go with the first wave? Does this hotel have a resort fee? Did OnPeak transfer my reservation successfully? If the hotel sale happens on the night of a Full Moon in the Age of Aquarius should I pick a hotel on the north side of town for better odds?

Lack of control creates stress for me, and I imagine many of the hyper-planners on this forum can relate.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: demonchocobo on February 26, 2020, 01:45:03 PM
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The badge sell is very cut and dry - register for member ID, enter a waiting room and know within the hour if you have a badge or not.

The hotel sale just has too many variables that make it an entire ordeal - like creating a strategy for your hotel selections, then the online waiting room, making your selections, and waiting for the results. Then, once you get your results, if you have a group you travel with, did everyone in your group get results? Do you have to wait until the second week of results to see if you can be placed? Are downtown hotels still available in the second wave of placements or should your group just go with the first wave? Does this hotel have a resort fee? Did OnPeak transfer my reservation successfully? If the hotel sale happens on the night of a Full Moon in the Age of Aquarius should I pick a hotel on the north side of town for better odds?

Lack of control creates stress for me, and I imagine many of the hyper-planners on this forum can relate.

THIS.

This is precisely why I find it so incredibly stressful. The lack of control is difficult for me. It’s a stressful, long drawn out process.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on February 26, 2020, 01:47:21 PM
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The badge sell is very cut and dry - register for member ID, enter a waiting room and know within the hour if you have a badge or not.

The hotel sale just has too many variables that make it an entire ordeal - like creating a strategy for your hotel selections, then the online waiting room, making your selections, and waiting for the results. Then, once you get your results, if you have a group you travel with, did everyone in your group get results? Do you have to wait until the second week of results to see if you can be placed? Are downtown hotels still available in the second wave of placements or should your group just go with the first wave? Does this hotel have a resort fee? Did OnPeak transfer my reservation successfully? If the hotel sale happens on the night of a Full Moon in the Age of Aquarius should I pick a hotel on the north side of town for better odds?

Lack of control creates stress for me, and I imagine many of the hyper-planners on this forum can relate.

Welp...i was only a little stressed before, but now reading this..... :'(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on February 26, 2020, 01:48:58 PM
But you have no control over the badge sake either, all you can do is improve your odds.  While unlikely, it is possible that nobody in any of the forum buying groups gets in to buy tickets.  Then nobody is going.  On the other hand, you can control if you get a hotel room, just not where.  There’s always early bird hotel sale.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: demonchocobo on February 26, 2020, 01:55:05 PM
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But you have no control over the badge sake either, all you can do is improve your odds.  While unlikely, it is possible that nobody in any of the forum buying groups gets in to buy tickets.  Then nobody is going.  On the other hand, you can control if you get a hotel room, just not where.  There’s always early bird hotel sale.

I guess I look at the badge sale in two ways:

A) I don’t get a badge. I find out the same day and it’s done. The end.

B) I get a badge and find out that same day. Awesome. Now I have more planning to do concerning flights and hotels.

I guess with badges it’s less stress because I either get one or I don’t. If I don’t get one, I don’t have anything else to worry about.

My issue with early bird is it’s non refundable and has to be paid in full.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on February 26, 2020, 01:57:00 PM
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I guess I look at the badge sale in two ways:

A) I don’t get a badge. I find out the same day and it’s done. The end.

B) I get a badge and find out that same day. Awesome. Now I have more planning to do concerning flights and hotels.

I guess with badges it’s less stress because I either get one or I don’t. If I don’t get one, I don’t have anything else to worry about.

My issue with early bird is it’s non refundable and has to be paid in full.


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Not my case, If I dont get a badge would probably be mourning all year long feeling bummed till next sale lol
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on February 26, 2020, 01:58:26 PM
Right, with the badge sale, you know if you are going or not within the hour, and you know how much it cost.

I'm not saying the badge sale isn't stressful - it is... the hotel stress is just on another level.

That being said, I didn't mean to stress anyone out - lol. At the end of the day, you're already one step ahead of the game by being a member of this forum and already talking about it two months out. The hotel sale always works out at the end, it's just a journey to get there.

edit: I'd say 50% of the uncertainty could be alleviated with actual clear transparency from OnPeak - I think that is the crux of the hotel sale stress, it just intensifies the stress at the end of the day knowing that a good portion the variables wouldn't even be an issue if we had clear communication on all ends.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on February 26, 2020, 02:03:53 PM
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Right, with the badge sale, you know if you are going or not within the hour, and you know how much it cost.

I'm not saying the badge sale isn't stressful - it is... the hotel stress is just on another level.

That being said, I didn't mean to stress anyone out - lol. At the end of the day, you're already one step ahead of the game by being a member of this forum and already talking about it two months out. The hotel sale always works out at the end, it's just a journey to get there.

edit: I'd say 50% of the uncertainty could be alleviated with actual clear transparency from OnPeak - I think that is the crux of the hotel sale stress, it just intensifies the stress at the end of the day knowing that a good portion the variables wouldn't even be an issue if we had clear communication on all ends.

I'm only stressed because this is year 8 for me going, but first year solo. Normally I go with my bro and a group of 7 and Airbnb it. Sooo this year will be interesting with hotel sale lol
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on February 26, 2020, 02:12:35 PM
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I guess I look at the badge sale in two ways:

A) I don’t get a badge. I find out the same day and it’s done. The end.

B) I get a badge and find out that same day. Awesome. Now I have more planning to do concerning flights and hotels.

I guess with badges it’s less stress because I either get one or I don’t. If I don’t get one, I don’t have anything else to worry about.

My issue with early bird is it’s non refundable and has to be paid in full.


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It sounds like it’s not lack of control that’s stressful (since there is no control) it’s not knowing.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sylent_asassin on February 26, 2020, 04:34:54 PM
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The badge sell is very cut and dry - register for member ID, enter a waiting room and know within the hour if you have a badge or not.

The hotel sale just has too many variables that make it an entire ordeal - like creating a strategy for your hotel selections, then the online waiting room, making your selections, and waiting for the results. Then, once you get your results, if you have a group you travel with, did everyone in your group get results? Do you have to wait until the second week of results to see if you can be placed? Are downtown hotels still available in the second wave of placements or should your group just go with the first wave? Does this hotel have a resort fee? Did OnPeak transfer my reservation successfully? If the hotel sale happens on the night of a Full Moon in the Age of Aquarius should I pick a hotel on the north side of town for better odds?

Lack of control creates stress for me, and I imagine many of the hyper-planners on this forum can relate.

I agree. There are so many different levels of hotel hell, call it Dante's Hotepocalypse.

With the hotels, there's the initial sale where you can get in almost immediately and still be shut out... like me last year. Also, there's the week-long waiting game to see if you were actually selected for one of your choices. THEN, there's another week of waiting for the second round IF your name wasn't selected with the first batch.

Next, there's the wait list level if you didn't get selected, and you have to wait around, keep checking your emails and monitor twitter for the link to become available... and the link shows up at different intervals for different people. I found out about the link on this board which was a full 20 minutes BEFORE it actually hit my inbox!

If you didn't get a hotel during the initial wait list Hotel Piranha feed, you have to constantly monitor the link hoping that a room is dropped, so you can scoop it up. Then, you have to wait for the non-refundable deadline for people to drop rooms...

I scoured that list daily like a Hawk all the way up until the very last day. Through persistence, I ended up getting the Bayfront for a few days. While worth it, it was mentally exhausting. I'm getting tired just thinking about all the time I spent last year on that OnPeak page.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on February 27, 2020, 12:11:41 PM
If I were SDCC, I would wait as long as I could before the hotel sale to determine the full effects of the COVID-19 virus on social gatherings. Frankly, by mid-July, the virus will probably have run its course.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on February 27, 2020, 12:14:40 PM
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If I were SDCC, I would wait as long as I could before the hotel sale to determine the full effects of the COVID-19 virus on social gatherings. Frankly, by mid-July, the virus will probably have run its course.

I don't think it is that easy, they have contracts with a lot of hotels.  They could wait until the first contract deadline though.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 02, 2020, 08:23:17 AM
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Not my case, If I dont get a badge would probably be mourning all year long feeling bummed till next sale lol


There's always plan B of volunteering to get a badge which is what I always do lol

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on March 02, 2020, 08:26:38 AM
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There's always plan B of volunteering to get a badge which is what I always do lol

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

DITTO!!!!   :) :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on March 02, 2020, 08:35:05 AM
Many volunteer even with a badge (including me). I enjoy helping behind the scenes, and...Next year I am already in for volunteering and a badge for each day. My whole family does it ....with 2 teens rising to volunteering age this year!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 02, 2020, 08:42:58 AM
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Many volunteer even with a badge (including me). I enjoy helping behind the scenes, and...Next year I am already in for volunteering and a badge for each day. My whole family does it ....with 2 teens rising to volunteering age this year!
I have my badge, but I’m volunteering for the first time this year.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chocolateshake on March 02, 2020, 11:34:12 AM
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Many volunteer even with a badge (including me). I enjoy helping behind the scenes, and...Next year I am already in for volunteering and a badge for each day. My whole family does it ....with 2 teens rising to volunteering age this year!

My comic-con experience is mostly volunteering.  I think last year, I only went to one panel.  Otherwise I spent my time at the offsites.  I did wander through the exhibit area.  The bulk of my time at the convention center is while I'm volunteering.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on March 02, 2020, 06:45:33 PM
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I have my badge, but I’m volunteering for the first time this year.


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Do you have all days purchased? I'd be careful since last year I volunteered and I had pn +4 day, volunteering registration somehow canceled my pass. Luckily it was resolved ASAP after volunteering for the first shift.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 03, 2020, 12:40:30 PM
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Do you have all days purchased? I'd be careful since last year I volunteered and I had pn +4 day, volunteering registration somehow canceled my pass. Luckily it was resolved ASAP after volunteering for the first shift.
I have 4day+PN. Thanks for the heads up.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ALF on March 05, 2020, 01:06:19 PM
Still a great deal? but those people who jump on the Hilton glitch couple weeks ago might have buyer remorse right now?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rodneytfreeman on March 05, 2020, 01:58:06 PM
Even if there is no con, we'd still go to SD for the week and then to Palm Springs for the week like we had planned.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on March 05, 2020, 02:26:15 PM
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Still a great deal? but those people who jump on the Hilton glitch couple weeks ago might have buyer remorse right now?

Dont think so, the deal was for more than a week long so I guess everyone who jumped on that deal will be on a vacation/sdcc trip and will be going anyway, con or no con
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on March 05, 2020, 02:36:28 PM
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Even if there is no con, we'd still go to SD for the week and then to Palm Springs for the week like we had planned.

I'm going out on a strong limb.  There will be a Con!!!    :) :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on March 05, 2020, 02:37:56 PM
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I'm going out on a strong limb.  There will be a Con!!!    :) :)

Agreed. It's still about 5 months away. Plenty of time!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on March 05, 2020, 02:47:10 PM
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I'm going out on a strong limb.  There will be a Con!!!    :) :)

I'm 99% there will be a Con, but it will be a very different one thats for sure, many will skip out of fear, health issues, etc maybe hotelpocalypse will be easier this year? lol
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on March 05, 2020, 02:49:32 PM
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I'm 99% there will be a Con, but it will be a very different one thats for sure, many will skip out of fear, health issues, etc maybe hotelpocalypse will be easier this year? lol

That's my hope. Fingers crossed that Hall H is just a walk-in this year.  ;D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on March 05, 2020, 02:51:20 PM
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That's my hope. Fingers crossed that Hall H is just a walk-in this year.  ;D

It will be, but the only thing in there will be Trailer Park. ;)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 05, 2020, 02:54:40 PM
Ultra Music festival just got cancelled due to the virus but that festival is later this month. SDCC still 5 months away, I'm sure things will get better by then :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on March 05, 2020, 02:55:13 PM
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It will be, but the only thing in there will be Trailer Park. ;)

Touché lol
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Dubb on March 05, 2020, 04:39:00 PM
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Still a great deal? but those people who jump on the Hilton glitch couple weeks ago might have buyer remorse right now?

Nope. No deposit and cancellable up to three days before. Still sitting pretty.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NuncleJoel on March 05, 2020, 04:44:36 PM
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I have my badge, but I’m volunteering for the first time this year.


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I am doing the same this year.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 05, 2020, 04:50:25 PM
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Still a great deal? but those people who jump on the Hilton glitch couple weeks ago might have buyer remorse right now?

I’m one of those who jumped on the HBF deal. No remorse here. I don’t think it was a glitch. MGH recently offered a similar deal where you had to come in on the weekend, but the rate was cheaper than the Con rate. It appears as if it was an intended strategy. All things being equal, the specter of the virus aside, I’m SOOOO glad I don’t have to stress about Hotelpocalypse. I can concentrate on helping my friends.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on March 05, 2020, 10:53:30 PM
Mine is still fully cancelable with no deposit, so I'm good. If Hilton tries to dispute it, I have proof that it was meant to be cancelable without penalty.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on March 06, 2020, 07:48:33 AM
Is there a concern with current spread of the virus that a large event like SDCC 2020 will be cancelled? I am hoping that things will be more under control by then, but people are literally coming from all over the U.S and possibly outside to attend. If this is similar to flu hopefully it's hold will lossen by the summer. But with no real cure, you cant help but be concerned.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 06, 2020, 07:56:26 AM
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Is there a concern with current spread of the virus that a large event like SDCC 2020 will be cancelled? I am hoping that things will be more under control by then, but people are literally coming from all over the U.S and possibly outside to attend. If this is similar to flu hopefully it's hold will lossen by the summer. But with no real cure, you cant help but be concerned.

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At the moment, Im more concerned about WonderCon.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SamTurtledove on March 06, 2020, 08:11:15 AM
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Is there a concern with current spread of the virus that a large event like SDCC 2020 will be cancelled? I am hoping that things will be more under control by then, but people are literally coming from all over the U.S and possibly outside to attend. If this is similar to flu hopefully it's hold will lossen by the summer. But with no real cure, you cant help but be concerned.

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Some discussion about CCI and Covid over here!

https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=11408.msg293687.msg#293687
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SyndE on March 10, 2020, 07:41:10 AM
So... anyone else book and Early Bird Hotel and feeling kinda queasy the past few weeks? Queasy as in "I could be out some serious $$ here if SDCC is truly, officially cancelled?

Just me?  :(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 10, 2020, 07:44:54 AM
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So... anyone else book and Early Bird Hotel and feeling kinda queasy the past few weeks? Queasy as in "I could be out some serious $$ here if SDCC is truly, officially cancelled?

Just me?  :(
No panic yet, but I must admit I'm starting to wonder if jumping on that early (non-refundable) deal from the HBF was as fantastic an idea as I thought.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on March 10, 2020, 07:52:18 AM
If the event is cancelled. You don't think they would make an exception to give refunds since the cancellation is outside of our control? People will literally be out of thousands of dollars. In this current health climate I think some consideration of this must be made.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on March 10, 2020, 07:54:32 AM
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If the event is cancelled. You don't think they would make an exception to give refunds since the cancellation is outside of our control? People will literally be out of thousands of dollars. In this current health climate I think some consideration of this must be made.

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I was about to say the same thing. Think of the mass backlash from people. Would be extremely bad PR for those hotels.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: f22raptor on March 10, 2020, 07:55:12 AM
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So... anyone else book and Early Bird Hotel and feeling kinda queasy the past few weeks? Queasy as in "I could be out some serious $$ here if SDCC is truly, officially cancelled?

Just me?  :(

No need to panic, you could always do a chargeback on the credit card, if SDCC is cancelled.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on March 10, 2020, 07:56:40 AM
I think we should not even worry at this point. Let's see what happens with Wonder Con first. By the end of April, we will know if the government has a handle on the outbreak. I still plan to take part in Hotelpocalypse!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SyndE on March 10, 2020, 07:57:20 AM
It would also be HORRIBLE PR for OnPeak, the service that runs the Early Bird Hotel Sale.

I'm thinking that my credit card might have some protections built-in, will have to check.

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If the event is cancelled. You don't think they would make an exception to give refunds since the cancellation is outside of our control? People will literally be out of thousands of dollars. In this current health climate I think some consideration of this must be made.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 10, 2020, 08:07:58 AM
If anything they wold postpone it until the fall just like Coachella just did with its festival

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on March 10, 2020, 08:31:55 AM
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No need to panic, you could always do a chargeback on the credit card, if SDCC is cancelled.

I wouldn't do a charge back. You technically knowingly entered into a contract, the bank /card would investigate the matter. Likely, they'd find that you did make the charge and stick you with the bill. It happened to me once with a charge I didn't make, because it was in my name, meaning the person used my name when ordering the bs, they found that it wasn't fraudulent.

Now, if your card has built in travel protection, that's different.

I'm sure cci would make op refund hotels though, it'd be bad pr in general.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 10, 2020, 08:51:55 AM
I definitely think OnPeak should give refunds, but this is after all, well, OnPeak we're talking about. The HBF and MGH deals were outside of OnPeak. I really do think SDCC will happen. WonderCon? I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on March 10, 2020, 08:57:57 AM
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If anything they wold postpone it until the fall just like Coachella just did with its festival

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

With ECCC trying to postpone theirs until the summer, I think SDCC is perfectly positioned right where it is.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SyndE on March 10, 2020, 09:08:59 AM
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I definitely think OnPeak should give refunds, but this is after all, well, OnPeak we're talking about. The HBF and MGH deals were outside of OnPeak. I really do think SDCC will happen. WonderCon? I'm not so sure.

Yes, it's really a day-to-day thing about cancellations. It appears that Coachella is being postponed until October, although Goldenvoice (the company that runs it) hasn't said anything 100% officially. I'm still surprised that SXSW was cancelled as well as ECCC.

I don't mean to stir up the stew... it's just been on my mind a lot lately. (How could it not, really?)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: f22raptor on March 10, 2020, 10:05:14 AM
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I wouldn't do a charge back. You technically knowingly entered into a contract, the bank /card would investigate the matter. Likely, they'd find that you did make the charge and stick you with the bill. It happened to me once with a charge I didn't make, because it was in my name, meaning the person used my name when ordering the bs, they found that it wasn't fraudulent.

Now, if your card has built in travel protection, that's different.

I'm sure cci would make op refund hotels though, it'd be bad pr in general.

My argument for chargeback would be I agreed to stay at the hotel during SDCC; and if SDCC is cancelled, I am entitled to get my money back. The majority of the cards out there have this protection and there are plenty of info online material supporting Early Bird was co-marketed with CCI.  Note- I used work at Visa in a Credit Risk Management capacity.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rickythump on March 10, 2020, 10:29:41 AM
If we are still dealing with this through July, I imagine we'll have much larger issues at hand than our hotel cancellation policies.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: debster on March 10, 2020, 12:02:23 PM
Hyatt just sent an email regarding bookings through June. It’s not a refund but it’s something. Let’s hope all the other hotels follow suit.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200310/1ed854bd8dd6e11c0c6577fe18cd9fdc.jpg)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: debster on March 10, 2020, 12:09:58 PM

Hyatt just sent an email regarding bookings through June. It’s not a refund, it’s 10,000 points (not even a night at MGH, which sucks).

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200310/1ed854bd8dd6e11c0c6577fe18cd9fdc.jpg)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chocolateshake on March 10, 2020, 12:10:47 PM
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If we are still dealing with this through July, I imagine we'll have much larger issues at hand than our hotel cancellation policies.

Why?  How long is flu season?  It's a few months.  Also with viral outbreaks like this, it tends to come in waves.  A second wave after the first generally happens a few months later.  Right in time for comic-con.

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My argument for chargeback would be I agreed to stay at the hotel during SDCC; and if SDCC is cancelled, I am entitled to get my money back. The majority of the cards out there have this protection and there are plenty of info online material supporting Early Bird was co-marketed with CCI.  Note- I used work at Visa in a Credit Risk Management capacity.

As you know, a chargeback does not get rid of the debt.  It merely tells the credit card company not to pay.  The debt is still there.  Merchants can and do sell those debts to collection agencies.  A collection reported on someone's credit history will dog them for years even if it does get settled.

It's better for everyone involved to work something out instead.

IMO, if if comic-con gets canceled, CCI will do the right thing.  That would include getting their partners to do the right thing.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on March 10, 2020, 12:18:15 PM
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If we are still dealing with this through July, I imagine we'll have much larger issues at hand than our hotel cancellation policies.
Tru dat!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on March 10, 2020, 01:13:50 PM
I had been booked through travel connections for ECCC and when Reedpop cancelled the convention all the reservations were cancelled too. So even if you did decide to go to Seattle you had to book your hotel on your own with the hotel directly. Which by a week before the convention and due to the coronavirus the rooms were significantly less than even the convention rate.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on March 10, 2020, 06:12:32 PM
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I had been booked through travel connections for ECCC and when Reedpop cancelled the convention all the reservations were cancelled too. So even if you did decide to go to Seattle you had to book your hotel on your own with the hotel directly. Which by a week before the convention and due to the coronavirus the rooms were significantly less than even the convention rate.
@dolphina (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1527)  I assume you also mean 'with the cancellation, the deposit was refunded' ?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: EscoBlades on March 11, 2020, 01:12:17 PM
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If we are still dealing with this through July, I imagine we'll have much larger issues at hand than our hotel cancellation policies.

I'm very much expecting SDCC to be cancelled this year.
E3 just got cancelled today for our industry, 3 months out.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on March 11, 2020, 01:27:56 PM
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I'm very much expecting SDCC to be cancelled this year.
E3 just got cancelled today for our industry, 3 months out.

My overly positive way of thinking sees them waiting this long to do anything with Wondercon, so they will probably do the same for SDCC instead of overly panic now. And hopefully when we get even closer, things will calm down.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chocolateshake on March 11, 2020, 08:32:53 PM
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My overly positive way of thinking sees them waiting this long to do anything with Wondercon, so they will probably do the same for SDCC instead of overly panic now. And hopefully when we get even closer, things will calm down.

Or they are waiting for it not to be up to them.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/big-reason-why-hollywood-isnt-prepared-tackle-a-coronavirus-pandemic-1283861
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on March 11, 2020, 10:08:48 PM
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Or they are waiting for it not to be up to them.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/big-reason-why-hollywood-isnt-prepared-tackle-a-coronavirus-pandemic-1283861

I'm sure the government knows this, so why don't they ban large gatherings so that everyone can do what they need to do? So glad Seattle finally came to their senses.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on March 11, 2020, 10:14:10 PM
California is set to issue new guidelines in the morning.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on March 12, 2020, 12:15:08 AM
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California is set to issue new guidelines in the morning.


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Guess we will find out if they will cancel this event or postpone it too. Get ready if they postpone it to change flight and hotels asap.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on March 12, 2020, 12:30:11 AM
 Newsom issued guidelines for the rest of the month.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/california-governor-calls-gatherings-more-250-people-be-canceled-postponed-1284194


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: debster on March 12, 2020, 03:37:59 AM
Hilton emailed this (which they will hopefully expand if necessary).

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200312/31f3033605ae7900354404b5cd36474e.jpg)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on March 12, 2020, 03:50:38 AM
I’m wondering if the hotel lottery will be postponed while restrictions are in place.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Michaelnaut on March 12, 2020, 09:25:34 AM
I'm gonna guess that they won't cancel.  They can still do the hotel stuff and then provide cancellations come July.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 12, 2020, 09:55:18 AM
The NBA just postponed its season and that's bigger than SDCC just saying lol  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on March 12, 2020, 10:17:06 AM
I personally have no regret booking the Hilton Bayfront with the sale from awhile back.  It's far enough out that I'm just going to see how it all goes.  My husband's credit card has some travel protection (have to look into it further), and it's entirely possible that we still go to CA (obviously depending on what's all happening in July).  I'm not going to freak out until we know more, and hope for the best for everyone's safety AND entertainment :)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on March 12, 2020, 10:19:58 AM
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@dolphina (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1527)  I assume you also mean 'with the cancellation, the deposit was refunded' ?
Yes, thankfully
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 12, 2020, 11:37:11 AM
https://sdccblog.com/2020/03/wondercon-anaheim-postponed-for-2020/

Well, it happened! Wondercon postpones 😬😬
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on March 12, 2020, 11:40:13 AM
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The NBA just postponed its season and that's bigger than SDCC just saying lol  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

NHL has postponed season as well :(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 12, 2020, 11:45:16 AM
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, announced late last night that he was putting into effect a ban on any convention over 250 participants in size for safety concerns over COVID-19 through the end of March

until the end of march so nobody panic :)

lol
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on March 12, 2020, 11:47:05 AM
NBA is postponed but is likely to resume and extend season/postseason through July/august


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on March 12, 2020, 11:48:22 AM
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Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, announced late last night that he was putting into effect a ban on any convention over 250 participants in size for safety concerns over COVID-19 through the end of March

until the end of march so nobody panic :)

lol

We got March and April to help contain, and May and June to control it and SDCC will go on as planned! Hurray!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on March 12, 2020, 11:51:49 AM
yeah and do you guys think with this WC being postponed will Hotelpocalypse be pushed back or will CCI and OnPeak continue with their planned date to do it???

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on March 12, 2020, 12:13:28 PM
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yeah and do you guys think with this WC being postponed will Hotelpocalypse be pushed back or will CCI and OnPeak continue with their planned date to do it???

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I think they will go with the plan and just refund if anything happens, its easier than pushing back and then make everyone run and stress for a hotel in may/june
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on March 12, 2020, 12:53:29 PM
I finally got Bayfront and was so excited.   Now this and my reservations are not refundable.  I hope this gets under control so that comic con will go on.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: alyssa on March 12, 2020, 12:59:20 PM
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I finally got Bayfront and was so excited.   Now this and my reservations are not refundable.  I hope this gets under control so that comic con will go on.

@pegleg1204 (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7976) I believe Hilton just sent out an email re non-refundable rooms.

Quote
In these uncertain times, I wanted to reach out to you personally about what we are doing here at Hilton to support you and your travel plans. As the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we are doing everything we can to ensure your travel safety and provide maximum flexibility.

Your Travel Safety

As it has always been, the safety and security of our guests and team members remains our highest priority. We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. In response to the coronavirus, we have taken additional measures developed in consultation with global and local public health authorities (including the WHO and CDC) to make our cleaning and hygiene protocols even more rigorous:

    Our hotel teams are receiving ongoing briefings and enhanced operating protocols.
    We have increased the frequency of cleaning our public areas (including lobbies, elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, etc.) and have continued the use of hospital-grade disinfectant.
    We will continue to adjust food and beverage service in accordance with current food safety recommendations.
    We have increased the deployment of antibacterial hand sanitizers.

We have activated our regional and global response teams to provide around-the-clock assistance to our hotels and are prepared to act swiftly should we be alerted to a case of coronavirus at one of our properties.

Your Travel Flexibility

We remain committed to offering you flexible booking options. Given these unique circumstances we are making additional adjustments to our individual booking policies to give you extra peace of mind:

    Government Restrictions. In regions affected by government-issued travel restrictions, we will continue to waive change fees or offer full refunds. Please click here for the latest information on our travel waivers.
    Existing Reservations. All reservations – even those described as "non-cancellable" (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are scheduled for arrival before April 30, 2020, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.
    New Reservations. Any reservation you make – even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are booked between today and April 30, 2020, for any future arrival date, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.

If you need to adjust reservations made via the Hilton website, app or call center, please contact the Hilton Guest Assistance team. If you need to adjust reservations made through another travel site, please contact them for assistance.

Your Points and Status

We know that earning Hilton Honors Points and Status is an important way we show appreciation. We also know the current travel environment may limit your ability to stay with us.

    We will pause the expiration of all points scheduled to expire between now and May 31, 2020.
    We will make updates to the requirements for earning tier status for 2021. Since the situation is still evolving, it is too early to make and announce specific changes. We are committed to sharing details as soon as possible.

At Hilton, we believe it is in challenging times like these that the power of hospitality is needed most of all. Whether you are traveling now or in the future, our team members are ready to welcome you with the Hilton hospitality you’ve come to expect.

Chris
Chris Nassetta
President & CEO, Hilton
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on March 12, 2020, 01:06:51 PM
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@pegleg1204 (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=7976) I believe Hilton just sent out an email re non-refundable rooms.
Refund date cut off is for travel up to 4/30/20.  But, I’m sure if limitations on travel and/or cancellations of large events leaks into July, they will continue to offer this.  If everybody does their part to “flatten the curve”  then hopefully the spread will have significantly reduced by the summer


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Sakura17 on March 19, 2020, 12:24:08 AM
Again watch out for third party websites. I booked via orbitz where my rate was refundable, and Hotel indigo gaslamp quarter already charged me. I canceled the reservation and the hotel reached out to me personally letting me know that even if I canceled due to covid-19 it's still non-refundable because of comic con. Told them orbitz will be contacting them. Due to covid-19 majority of third party sites are only helping if you are traveling within 7 days. Therefore, contact your credit card company asap to dispute the claim, and they will go after the third party to correct the situation.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcol on March 19, 2020, 08:25:51 AM
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Refund date cut off is for travel up to 4/30/20.  But, I’m sure if limitations on travel and/or cancellations of large events leaks into July, they will continue to offer this.  If everybody does their part to “flatten the curve”  then hopefully the spread will have significantly reduced by the summer


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Don't count on it. Just look at the packed Florida beaches.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: cciveg on March 19, 2020, 04:37:56 PM
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Don't count on it. Just look at the packed Florida beaches.

Yes, will lead to another leap in cases not only in Florida but wherever they travel back to.  :(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on March 25, 2020, 03:50:30 PM
On March 12th Hilton sent an email which included this:
All reservations – even those described as "non-cancellable" (“Advanced Purchase”) – that are scheduled for arrival before April 30, 2020, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.

Today they sent another one saying that date has been extended to June 30th.

I think in a couple more weeks those of us with "non-cancellable" Bayfront reservations are going to have one less thing to worry about.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: conventiongeek on April 03, 2020, 02:00:59 PM
Hello all... I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. We all pray this passes soon and we can get back to our con-fun!

With that being said... Any news on the Hotel sale? It's now April and the sale (if it happens on schedule) should be in the next couple weeks. I would hope that they make some kind of announcement soon as to if it will happen or be delayed. Difficult to speculate what the right thing to do... Part of me thinks it would be unfair to ask people to make a large deposit on a room right now with so many people out of work etc... The other part, just wants things to be as normal as possible and to proceed as much as we can until a decision needs to make made later down the road. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcol on April 03, 2020, 02:51:37 PM
Under the circumstances, I would like to see some guarantee that the hotel is fully refundable also.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 03, 2020, 03:33:39 PM
I’m guessing that if Hotelpocalypse doesn’t happen this month, then SDCC will be cancelled.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on April 03, 2020, 06:51:03 PM
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I’m guessing that if Hotelpocalypse doesn’t happen this month, then SDCC will be cancelled.


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thats everyone guess but it seems they are willing to postpone it may or even june
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 03, 2020, 06:52:21 PM
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thats everyone guess but it seems they are willing to postpone it may or even june
That amount of delay would be unfair to everyone.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on April 03, 2020, 07:13:44 PM
Yup, that would be a clusterf*. Among the many issues:

* How will they handle refunds? Usually, you have a couple months for full refunds, and then it's partial refunds. Will they narrow it down to weeks, if not days?

* What if Hotelpocalypse happens, and then SDCC cancels? Do we all have to individually cancel our reservations, or will it be done automatically? What if SDCC is canceled after the full refund cuttoff?

* Can they guarantee all hotels would be still available? In fact, I'm not at all sure how hotels are dealing with COVID-19. Have they scaled way back? Have some closed doors temporarily? I can assume at least all their facilities, like restaurants and gyms and pools are closed. But perhaps they're also making sure guests are in rooms as far apart as possible, and maybe they'll still want that policy through July. They may just say, hey, we're open, but we're making only half our rooms available. And then you have to ask, will some hotels try to back out altogether from their agreement with SDCC?

* Hotelpocalypse is usually a 2-3 week process. Fill out the lottery form, wait a week for round 1, wait another week for round 2, and if you still don't have a hotel, then you're on the waitlist for another X weeks. So you would be cutting it EXTREMELY close to the SDCC date if you are unlucky in Hotelpocalypse and are scrambling for a room. I mean, just among FoCC, we have a non-trivial number of people here who took 2-3 months to find a hotel. We definitely won't have that kind of luxury this time around.

I'm sure I'm missing a few issues, but those are the ones that are glaring to me.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hikanteki on April 04, 2020, 12:50:14 PM
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That amount of delay would be unfair to everyone.


I disagree. Under the circumstances, I think delaying the hotel sale until they’ve decided for sure the event will be held (or canceled) would be the most fair thing for everyone.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hikanteki on April 04, 2020, 01:02:49 PM
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Yup, that would be a clusterf*. Among the many issues:

* How will they handle refunds? Usually, you have a couple months for full refunds, and then it's partial refunds. Will they narrow it down to weeks, if not days?

* What if Hotelpocalypse happens, and then SDCC cancels? Do we all have to individually cancel our reservations, or will it be done automatically? What if SDCC is canceled after the full refund cuttoff?

* Can they guarantee all hotels would be still available? In fact, I'm not at all sure how hotels are dealing with COVID-19. Have they scaled way back? Have some closed doors temporarily? I can assume at least all their facilities, like restaurants and gyms and pools are closed. But perhaps they're also making sure guests are in rooms as far apart as possible, and maybe they'll still want that policy through July. They may just say, hey, we're open, but we're making only half our rooms available. And then you have to ask, will some hotels try to back out altogether from their agreement with SDCC?

* Hotelpocalypse is usually a 2-3 week process. Fill out the lottery form, wait a week for round 1, wait another week for round 2, and if you still don't have a hotel, then you're on the waitlist for another X weeks. So you would be cutting it EXTREMELY close to the SDCC date if you are unlucky in Hotelpocalypse and are scrambling for a room. I mean, just among FoCC, we have a non-trivial number of people here who took 2-3 months to find a hotel. We definitely won't have that kind of luxury this time around.

I'm sure I'm missing a few issues, but those are the ones that are glaring to me.

The first three considerations are good reasons why the hotel sale should be delayed until they’re sure SDCC is happening.

1. This is simple — no refunds on deposits. If the hotel sale is delayed until June, by this point anyone who books a room should have a good idea if they can go or not.

2. Waiting to hold it until they’re sure SDCC happens will prevent this from becoming an issue entirely.

3. By May or June, more hotels will have an idea of how they can manage things. This means a lower probability of hotels that have already booked having to change things and cancel reservations.

4. Yes, June would be cutting it close. However, considering the circumstances, I don’t expect the demand for hotels to be as high this year. There have always been hotels available after the sale, just not ones downtown. Also, many of the hotel rooms that opened up the last few years were last minute ones anyway.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on April 04, 2020, 01:31:39 PM
@hikanteki

Here’s the thing though... SDCC can’t be 100% sure the con is happening until it actually happens. They may get the okay from the city and state, and they may get all the hotels to buy in, but as we’ve all experienced lately, things can change overnight. Who’s to say the government won’t order a new Shelter in Place come July, after any potential hotel sale has occurred? Or at the last minute, the city decides, SDCC is just too high a risk. Or another possible scenario; it’s discovered someone attended Preview Night has COVID-19, and they shut down the rest of SDCC. If you say no refunds, you’ve just opened yourself to one huge lawsuit from tens of thousands of angry nerds.

In this climate, you need more assurances that you can get your money back, not less. Especially with unemployment skyrocketing and people with less spending cash (if you’re one of those, you probably shouldn’t be going to SDCC anyway, but that’s a different topic).
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hikanteki on April 04, 2020, 02:31:54 PM
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@hikanteki (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=354)

Here’s the thing though... SDCC can’t be 100% sure the con is happening until it actually happens. They may get the okay from the city and state, and they may get all the hotels to buy in, but as we’ve all experienced lately, things can change overnight. Who’s to say the government won’t order a new Shelter in Place come July, after any potential hotel sale has occurred? Or at the last minute, the city decides, SDCC is just too high a risk. Or another possible scenario; it’s discovered someone attended Preview Night has COVID-19, and they shut down the rest of SDCC. If you say no refunds, you’ve just opened yourself to one huge lawsuit from tens of thousands of angry nerds.

In this climate, you need more assurances that you can get your money back, not less. Especially with unemployment skyrocketing and people with less spending cash (if you’re one of those, you probably shouldn’t be going to SDCC anyway, but that’s a different topic).

I’m fine with fully refundable hotels; my point was that they should delay hotelpocalypse until CCI has officially decided for sure the con is happening, which they have said may be as late as June (and yes, there’s still a chance it could be pulled after that due to events beyond CCI’s control such as a city order — but if they still have to cancel after that then they will obviously have to refund official block hotel rooms.) None of the above scenarios, I.e. the con getting pulled on preview nite, are going to be made better by an earlier hotel sale.

Edited to add: I also don’t realistically think SDCC would start then get canceled on PN due to one attendee having coronavirus. If that was a possibility then they would have already canceled the event ahead of time.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SamTurtledove on April 05, 2020, 02:39:35 AM


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* Can they guarantee all hotels would be still available? In fact, I'm not at all sure how hotels are dealing with COVID-19. Have they scaled way back? Have some closed doors temporarily? I can assume at least all their facilities, like restaurants and gyms and pools are closed. But perhaps they're also making sure guests are in rooms as far apart as possible, and maybe they'll still want that policy through July. They may just say, hey, we're open, but we're making only half our rooms available. And then you have to ask, will some hotels try to back out altogether from their agreement with SDCC?


Pendry, MGH, and other downtown properties are closed.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/story/2020-03-20/one-by-one-prominent-san-diego-hotels-shutting-down-amid-coronavirus-lockdown

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/manchester-grand-hyatt-san-diego/sanrs

From Hyatt website, current policy on Special Events Rate reservations and cancellations.  So whatever the Onpeak terms happen to be in effect?

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/info/coronavirus-statement?icamp=psr_cvstatement_jan2020_alertbanner_en

Quote
New reservations for any future travel: With some very limited exceptions noted below, reservations you make between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 – for any future arrival date – can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. This includes Advance Purchase Rate reservations. The only exceptions are reservations booked after April 1, 2020 at select Destination properties and Special Events Rate reservations booked after April 1, 2020. The cancellation policies for a Special Event Rate will be noted in the rate’s Rate Rules section when booking.


Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TardisMom on April 05, 2020, 09:01:31 AM
The badge refund deadline is May 13th.  If the hotel sale hasn't happened by April 30th then CCI will get a TON of refund requests is my guess.  And hopefully that will push them to go ahead and cancel.  I'm personally going to hold out as long as possible, so when they do cancel there will hopefully be a choice to roll badges to 2021 (and avoid the 10% refund fee as well).
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Michaelnaut on April 05, 2020, 09:19:14 AM
Plus when they announce something, it'll allow me to cancel my backup hotel.

Which reminds me...those that have backup hotels already, outside of hotelpocalypse, don't forget to handle them based on whatever info comes out.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 05, 2020, 10:41:15 AM
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The badge refund deadline is May 13th.  If the hotel sale hasn't happened by April 30th then CCI will get a TON of refund requests is my guess.  And hopefully that will push them to go ahead and cancel.  I'm personally going to hold out as long as possible, so when they do cancel there will hopefully be a choice to roll badges to 2021 (and avoid the 10% refund fee as well).
I agree with your assessment.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on April 05, 2020, 02:12:33 PM
I agree as well. We've tried for 5 years to get badges and this was our first time. I really hope they will push us to 2021 if they cancel.
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I agree with your assessment.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcol on April 06, 2020, 08:52:02 AM
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I agree as well. We've tried for 5 years to get badges and this was our first time. I really hope they will push us to 2021 if they cancel.
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Me too. Even if they did have it this year, it would be a disappointment and not worth the expense. What they also could do is put a 50% off coupon in the SDCC swag bag or badge box for a future Con.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: conventiongeek on April 06, 2020, 08:52:40 AM
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The badge refund deadline is May 13th.  If the hotel sale hasn't happened by April 30th then CCI will get a TON of refund requests is my guess.  And hopefully that will push them to go ahead and cancel.  I'm personally going to hold out as long as possible, so when they do cancel there will hopefully be a choice to roll badges to 2021 (and avoid the 10% refund fee as well).

Like Wondercon, if SDCC is canceled, they will refund all badges. Hold you badges, it would be silly to ask for a refund with the 10% fee charge at this point. not to mention, under the circumstances they would have to soften their policy on refunds. ECCC did prior to the official cancellation.

As difficult as badges are to get, offering to roll over is a good idea... but they should not only allow people to get refunds, but to keep their status for pre-registration from the prior year. This way if people need the money now, they can get it with the hopes of buying new badges come October when hopefully things are little more back to normal.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcol on April 06, 2020, 08:59:13 AM
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Like Wondercon, if SDCC is canceled, they will refund all badges. Hold you badges, it would be silly to ask for a refund with the 10% fee charge at this point. not to mention, under the circumstances they would have to soften their policy on refunds. ECCC did prior to the official cancellation.

As difficult as badges are to get, offering to roll over is a good idea... but they should not only allow people to get refunds, but to keep their status for pre-registration from the prior year. This way if people need the money now, they can get it with the hopes of buying new badges come October when hopefully things are little more back to normal.
Problem is, if you don't want to go and SDCC decides to go ahead, even though it would be a really terrible show, you lose all your money on your badge. I can see all those empty booths and panels now.

If SDCC decides to do the show, then they should offer some incredible swag to those who took the risk along with coupons for next years event.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: conventiongeek on April 06, 2020, 09:00:49 AM
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@hikanteki (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=354)

Here’s the thing though... SDCC can’t be 100% sure the con is happening until it actually happens. They may get the okay from the city and state, and they may get all the hotels to buy in, but as we’ve all experienced lately, things can change overnight. Who’s to say the government won’t order a new Shelter in Place come July, after any potential hotel sale has occurred? Or at the last minute, the city decides, SDCC is just too high a risk. Or another possible scenario; it’s discovered someone attended Preview Night has COVID-19, and they shut down the rest of SDCC. If you say no refunds, you’ve just opened yourself to one huge lawsuit from tens of thousands of angry nerds.

In this climate, you need more assurances that you can get your money back, not less. Especially with unemployment skyrocketing and people with less spending cash (if you’re one of those, you probably shouldn’t be going to SDCC anyway, but that’s a different topic).

I'd don't think people need to worry about getting money back through Onpeak as it is a product of SDCC. Even hotels and airlines that have a no refund policy, have softened their stance in these times. You don't actually think they would force people to use their hotels in the convention is canceled outright?

If someone at preview night test positive, we'd not likely know until after the convention ends... by then too late. the other thing is that until their is a vaccine, people are going to have to understand the risk of going out in public. CCI can not be held responsible because some yahoo out there infected people with the virus.
I suppose new security will be set up... scan your badge, take a test.... lol  Maybe if they can actually get enough test kits to actually have the general public test at will, then they can require each attendee to provide proof of a negative test before entry. Will take longer, but worth not dying over.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: conventiongeek on April 06, 2020, 09:07:53 AM
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Problem is, if you don't want to go and SDCC decides to go ahead, even though it would be a really terrible show, you lose all your money on your badge. I can see all those empty booths and panels now.

If SDCC decides to do the show, then they should offer some incredible swag to those who took the risk along with coupons for next years event.

That's why i sadi they are going to have to soften their stance on refunds. As we get closer, there are going to be people who do not feel comfortable going if it happen. This is not a normal circumstance and they (like Airlines, Cruises, Hotels right now) will have to give a shorter window it people want to cancel.

Unfortunately, like ECCC this year... I got the impression that they wanted it to happen, but the number to people who canceled and requested refunds may have been to great for them to consider... or course the NBA shut down day before, and that may have put them over the edge.

The big picture is that even if things open in the next month or so, people will be scared to go out, vendor, celeb's, studios and the like... so it's not looking good right now.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chocolateshake on April 06, 2020, 11:33:21 AM
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I suppose new security will be set up... scan your badge, take a test.... lol  Maybe if they can actually get enough test kits to actually have the general public test at will, then they can require each attendee to provide proof of a negative test before entry. Will take longer, but worth not dying over.

Unless they have a huge number of machines, then the line to get tested would be massive.  If they don't test onsite, then like any drug test, how would they know it was you that got tested?

The way it works in China is before you enter any building, you can a QR code with your phone.  Your phone shows them your status.  If it's not green then you are not allowed to enter.  Your status is calculated through the use of big data.  It's how Singapore did it's targeted quarantines.  They are working on doing something similar in Europe as well.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dcol on April 06, 2020, 11:39:56 AM
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Unless they have a huge number of machines, then the line to get tested would be massive.  If they don't test onsite, then like any drug test, how would they know it was you that got tested?

The way it works in China is before you enter any building, you can a QR code with your phone.  Your phone shows them your status.  If it's not green then you are not allowed to enter.  Your status is calculated through the use of big data.  It's how Singapore did it's targeted quarantines.  They are working on doing something similar in Europe as well.
We are not that organized in this country. Never will be with this Administration. They can't even do testing for everyone or provide protection for all our health workers. We need new leadership.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on April 06, 2020, 11:42:16 AM
Come on guys, stop daydreaming with the onsite testing, imagine the chaos if someone tests positive in the middle of a line, cant imagine the panic... SDCC will hopefully do the right thing and cancel
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: TardisMom on April 06, 2020, 03:29:35 PM
Yeh, we can't have people lining up to take a test before entering, the line for the test would make the whole process worthless.  I mean, even with the newish "you can't even be on the sidewalk in front of the convention center" barriers it is a packed madhouse out there.  And the streets in the Gaslamp are always walk to wall bodies. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SamTurtledove on April 06, 2020, 05:33:07 PM
for archive

All the 11 Early Bird Hotels are listed as unavailable.

The date for "name changes and adding nights to your stay must be submitted to onPeak by April 20, 2020" is unchanged.

Quote

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200407/9632c38aceb7fa5977bcde3dfc9e814c.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200407/cf4e5315268ef819fe43591753388fdf.jpg)

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on April 06, 2020, 11:05:12 PM
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I'd don't think people need to worry about getting money back through Onpeak as it is a product of SDCC. Even hotels and airlines that have a no refund policy, have softened their stance in these times. You don't actually think they would force people to use their hotels in the convention is canceled outright?

If someone at preview night test positive, we'd not likely know until after the convention ends... by then too late. the other thing is that until their is a vaccine, people are going to have to understand the risk of going out in public. CCI can not be held responsible because some yahoo out there infected people with the virus.
I suppose new security will be set up... scan your badge, take a test.... lol  Maybe if they can actually get enough test kits to actually have the general public test at will, then they can require each attendee to provide proof of a negative test before entry. Will take longer, but worth not dying over.

If you re-read the thread, I was responding to someone else who said there shouldn't be refunds, and I was arguing against it.

Personally, I *DO* think refunds would be given. As I said in the same thread, "In this climate, you need more assurances that you can get your money back, not less" as to why hotels would be giving refunds.

My main point was holding a hotel sale later than usual, up to two months later, is fraught with peril.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: hikanteki on April 07, 2020, 12:01:40 AM
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If you re-read the thread, I was responding to someone else who said there shouldn't be refunds, and I was arguing against it.

Personally, I *DO* think refunds would be given. As I said in the same thread, "In this climate, you need more assurances that you can get your money back, not less" as to why hotels would be giving refunds.

My main point was holding a hotel sale later than usual, up to two months later, is fraught with peril.

I didn’t say that there shouldn’t be refunds if the con gets canceled. When they cancel the event, the hotel block also gets canceled and refunded. That’s standard procedure. I saying was that a June hotel sale shouldn’t necessitate them to push back the refund deadline, as people should know by then if they plan to go or not. But I agree with you that in this climate, more assurances you can get your money back would be helpful.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 07, 2020, 05:14:22 AM
Denver Pop Culture Con has been postponed which was originally scheduled for the 4th of July weekend. I believe SDCC is in the process of negotiating a later date.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: stl_ben on April 07, 2020, 06:15:07 AM
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Denver Pop Culture Con has been postponed which was originally scheduled for the 4th of July weekend. I believe SDCC is in the process of negotiating a later date.


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I would say there is less than a 10% chance they go with a different date.  If it's not the week listed, its not till 2021.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 07, 2020, 06:54:49 AM
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I would say there is less than a 10% chance they go with a different date.  If it's not the week listed, its not till 2021.
A cup of Starbucks coffee to the winner.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on April 07, 2020, 09:49:40 AM
How important is SDCC to the city of San Diego that maybe the Convention center could try to negotiate with other cons/events to make space for SDCC at a later date on 2020? Same for hotels?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: stl_ben on April 07, 2020, 11:04:31 AM
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A cup of Starbucks coffee to the winner.


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I dont drink coffee, but lets just suppose they push it later:
Its in July now, so if moved later it wouldn't be in this month.
Aug - Rescheduling this close seems unlikely as if things go bad they would have to postpone again
Sept - see above + Baseball will be started so would have to compete with facilities for the stadium
Oct - Earliest possible they would possibly consider moving it to. Eliminate last week of month for halloween
Nov - Pre thanksgiving possible.
Dec - No chance they would put it in December as all cons do bad post thanksgiving due to other obligations

So basically it could be a couple weeks in October or November.
Other problems
- having the con later in the year means months of planning for 2021 that having to be put off and effecting future shows.
- Hotels have most likely already booked a large number of rooms for any other weeks.  They block out SDCC rooms almost 2 years in advance.
- Hollywood filming / travel - Filming schedules are often structured around the con, they are unlikely to make that work on a rescheduled date.
- Thousands of guests have already booked flight and hotels, having all of them cancel & reschedule to a new date is problematic.

Overall I don't see any beast this large being rescheduled in the same year where we don't know how long this will last.
Time to just get ready for 2021.

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on April 07, 2020, 11:27:27 AM
Also in early October is NYCC, which also draws studios and networks, and would directly compete against SDCC if it’s in the same month.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 07, 2020, 11:30:47 AM
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I dont drink coffee, but lets just suppose they push it later:
Its in July now, so if moved later it wouldn't be in this month.
Aug - Rescheduling this close seems unlikely as if things go bad they would have to postpone again
Sept - see above + Baseball will be started so would have to compete with facilities for the stadium
Oct - Earliest possible they would possibly consider moving it to. Eliminate last week of month for halloween
Nov - Pre thanksgiving possible.
Dec - No chance they would put it in December as all cons do bad post thanksgiving due to other obligations

So basically it could be a couple weeks in October or November.
Other problems
- having the con later in the year means months of planning for 2021 that having to be put off and effecting future shows.
- Hotels have most likely already booked a large number of rooms for any other weeks.  They block out SDCC rooms almost 2 years in advance.
- Hollywood filming / travel - Filming schedules are often structured around the con, they are unlikely to make that work on a rescheduled date.
- Thousands of guests have already booked flight and hotels, having all of them cancel & reschedule to a new date is problematic.

Overall I don't see any beast this large being rescheduled in the same year where we don't know how long this will last.
Time to just get ready for 2021.
At this point, I would prefer 2021 with rollover of badges to then.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sylent_asassin on April 07, 2020, 01:08:38 PM
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At this point, I would prefer 2021 with rollover of badges to then.

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Same. If that happens, hopefully they'll give people the option to roll the badge over to the next show or opt out for a full refund, similar to what ECCC did.

As things stand now, I HIGHLY doubt that mass gatherings will be allowed by July.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on April 07, 2020, 01:22:40 PM
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Same. If that happens, hopefully they'll give people the option to roll the badge over to the next show or opt out for a full refund, similar to what ECCC did.

In the roll-over scenario, I wonder if there will even be another badge sale. I'm sure there will have to be a threshold to number of refunds taken. But even if there is a badge sale, I can't see it lasting even half as long as the normal badge sale. ie, it would last 20-30 minutes at most.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on April 07, 2020, 04:58:57 PM
From my point of view, CCI handled the cancellation of WonderCon very well. I got a no-hassle refund for the convention and from OnPeak for the hotel without having to do a thing.  I do hope that they give us a roll over to next year option, but I have every confidence that it will all be handled with professionalism and class.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on April 07, 2020, 05:02:49 PM
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At this point, I would prefer 2021 with rollover of badges to then.


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This would be my hope too.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: omraged9 on April 07, 2020, 07:22:01 PM
I would prefer they cancel SDCC this year and instead spend more effort on putting on a postponed Wondercon in late fall (Oct or Nov). If SDCC only has half the movie/TV studios show up for panels, it's going to be a disappointment due to its higher badge and hotel prices. OTOH, with Wondercon, their badge and hotel prices are much lower and there's also more hotel availability so it might be just better for attendees if there's less studio participation. Plus, a lot of the celebs live in LA so it won't cost the studios as much to transport them so it'll save the studios some money. I understand NYCC would be a big competition for Wondercon in the fall but most of the LA or Vancouver based TV shows don't participate at NYCC anyway so there'd be enough TV shows to do panels at each con. Similarly, I get the impression most of the vendors that are West Coast based wouldn't go to NYCC either and vice versa so I don't think there's any direct competition there.

I'd also prefer if they give us the option of rolling over our SDCC badges for next year.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on April 07, 2020, 08:51:53 PM
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I would prefer they cancel SDCC this year and instead spend more effort on putting on a postponed Wondercon in late fall (Oct or Nov). If SDCC only has half the movie/TV studios show up for panels, it's going to be a disappointment due to its higher badge and hotel prices. OTOH, with Wondercon, their badge and hotel prices are much lower and there's also more hotel availability so it might be just better for attendees if there's less studio participation. Plus, a lot of the celebs live in LA so it won't cost the studios as much to transport them so it'll save the studios some money. I understand NYCC would be a big competition for Wondercon in the fall but most of the LA or Vancouver based TV shows don't participate at NYCC anyway so there'd be enough TV shows to do panels at each con. Similarly, I get the impression most of the vendors that are West Coast based wouldn't go to NYCC either and vice versa so I don't think there's any direct competition there.

I'd also prefer if they give us the option of rolling over our SDCC badges for next year.
I love this idea!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: nootheroptions on April 08, 2020, 07:34:24 AM
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How important is SDCC to the city of San Diego that maybe the Convention center could try to negotiate with other cons/events to make space for SDCC at a later date on 2020? Same for hotels?

The biggest hoop will probably be contractual negotiations.  See what the force majeur clauses state and if there's any actual capacity to move it.  I'd be down for a Sept to Oct SDCC but I don't know if as others have mentioned you can push out people's hotels. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SDcomics on April 08, 2020, 07:49:09 AM
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How important is SDCC to the city of San Diego that maybe the Convention center could try to negotiate with other cons/events to make space for SDCC at a later date on 2020? Same for hotels?

Visit San Diego (https://visitsandiego.com/2019/07/breaking-down-comic-con-2019-numbers) has a good breakdown of the economic impact comic con has on the city of San Diego.

"Comic-Con attracts attendees from over 80 countries and more than 2,500 media personnel from over 30 countries, putting San Diego at the center of an international spotlight. Comic-Con guests are expected to generate an estimated $149 million in regional impact to San Diego, with a direct attendee spend of $88 million."

Hotel and sales tax revenue is 3 million.

There's no question that if comic con gets canceled this year the city government and the downtown businesses are going to take it right on the chin.

Of course, the entire planet Earth is taking it right on the chin, so you know.  There's that.

The organizers of SDCC have a lot to consider right now. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on April 09, 2020, 08:20:56 AM
This is one of the best summaries of the economic impact I have seen in this forum.
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Visit San Diego (https://visitsandiego.com/2019/07/breaking-down-comic-con-2019-numbers) has a good breakdown of the economic impact comic con has on the city of San Diego.

"Comic-Con attracts attendees from over 80 countries and more than 2,500 media personnel from over 30 countries, putting San Diego at the center of an international spotlight. Comic-Con guests are expected to generate an estimated $149 million in regional impact to San Diego, with a direct attendee spend of $88 million."

Hotel and sales tax revenue is 3 million.

There's no question that if comic con gets canceled this year the city government and the downtown businesses are going to take it right on the chin.

Of course, the entire planet Earth is taking it right on the chin, so you know.  There's that.

The organizers of SDCC have a lot to consider right now.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: FBS on April 09, 2020, 01:51:09 PM
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The biggest hoop will probably be contractual negotiations.  See what the force majeur clauses state and if there's any actual capacity to move it.  I'd be down for a Sept to Oct SDCC but I don't know if as others have mentioned you can push out people's hotels.
I believe the convention centre is all booked up for the rest of the year.
July or 2021.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on April 09, 2020, 02:48:14 PM
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I believe the convention centre is all booked up for the rest of the year.
July or 2021.
I guess I'd like to support what @omraged9 (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2135) said earlier. A great and more possible compromise solution would be to cancel SDCC (with a chance to roll over your badges) but bring back a more modest level of convention, namely WonderCon, in the fall to keep the embers glowing.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: frgx on April 09, 2020, 04:13:57 PM
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I guess I'd like to support what @omraged9 (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2135) said earlier. A great and more possible compromise solution would be to cancel SDCC (with a chance to roll over your badges) but bring back a more modest level of convention, namely WonderCon, in the fall to keep the embers glowing.
There are a couple of weekends available at the Anaheim Convention Center in October if Wondercon wanted to reschedule.  :-\

https://www.anaheim.net/calendar.aspx?CID=26,
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on April 10, 2020, 01:06:23 PM
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/story/2020-04-10/canceled-conventions-costing-san-diego-203m-so-far?fbclid=IwAR3eGVQYrJTcyQuoCv-hZC-KrjT1WmJsTEchYDS0VWHe8EmXUPJ2qsjA_JM
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on April 10, 2020, 01:54:36 PM
Not related to the current situation, but maybe relevant to future SDCC's:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/story/2020-04-08/san-diegos-hotel-tax-hike-measure-lost-or-did-it

Quote
Bowing to a request from backers of Measure C, the council on Tuesday broke from tradition when certifying the March 3 election results and stated only the number of yes and no votes for the initiative, which had required a two-thirds majority vote for approval. It came quite close — 65.24 percent — but still fell short of the nearly 67 percent needed.

Quote
While the supporters acknowledged during the campaign that their measure needed a two-thirds majority to pass, they now want the option of waiting out the results of still pending litigation that originated in San Francisco before giving up on the tax hike, which would have raised close to $7 billion over 45 years. In addition to the convention center project and homeless initiatives, the measure would also have helped pay for road repairs.

Last year, a San Francisco Superior Court judge concluded that two San Francisco tax measures that did not capture two-thirds majority support were valid because the higher threshold only applied to measures placed on the ballot by lawmakers. A Fresno judge, however, ruled differently, concluding that a 2018 initiative raising sales taxes to improve Fresno’s city parks failed because it needed a supermajority but only received a little over 52 percent.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on April 10, 2020, 03:43:30 PM
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There are a couple of weekends available at the Anaheim Convention Center in October if Wondercon wanted to reschedule.  :-\

https://www.anaheim.net/calendar.aspx?CID=26,

all wonder con exclusives came out today, I'm starting to think that it will not be rescheduled
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on April 11, 2020, 07:58:38 AM
Thank you for sharing. This is one of the most informative, realistic articles I've seen. Although no one wants to say it out loud, the 2020 convention season is probably done.
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https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/story/2020-04-10/canceled-conventions-costing-san-diego-203m-so-far?fbclid=IwAR3eGVQYrJTcyQuoCv-hZC-KrjT1WmJsTEchYDS0VWHe8EmXUPJ2qsjA_JM

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: conventiongeek on April 16, 2020, 11:47:23 PM
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Thank you for sharing. This is one of the most informative, realistic articles I've seen. Although no one wants to say it out loud, the 2020 convention season is probably done.
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I'm guessing conventions, sporting events and anything that requires 1000's of people to be in close proximity. Although, i can see them holding sporting events without fans... they would still have TV revenue and lots of viewers.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on April 17, 2020, 10:16:14 AM
its oficial 2020 is canceled, refund or rollover for 2021 are the options, well done SDCC
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: AzT on April 17, 2020, 10:59:55 AM
https://www.comic-con.org/cci

Quote
In the next few days onPeak, Comic-Con’s official hotel affiliate, will be canceling all hotel reservations and refunding all deposits made through them. There is no need for anyone who booked through onPeak to take any action, including trying to cancel their reservations online or contacting the company via phone as the process will be handled automatically. Those who booked rooms through onPeak will be notified when refunds have been completed.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on April 17, 2020, 11:59:54 AM
Well, I'm in the process of canceling my back-ups, which included the Bayfront deal (sigh.) I'm just glad it was canceled before the hotel lotto because I would have imploded from the anxiety of doing that on top of everything else.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: kihou on April 17, 2020, 12:30:29 PM
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Well, I'm in the process of canceling my back-ups, which included the Bayfront deal (sigh.) I'm just glad it was canceled before the hotel lotto because I would have imploded from the anxiety of doing that on top of everything else.
Same :( did you get the deposit back on the Bayfront deal, or did you get one without the deposit?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on April 17, 2020, 12:33:14 PM
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Same :( did you get the deposit back on the Bayfront deal, or did you get one without the deposit?

I got one without a deposit and fully cancelable to July (though Hilton tried to say it was non-cancelable a while back.)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on April 17, 2020, 02:31:12 PM
I called the Bayfront and they are refunding my non-refundable deposit. Right nice of them.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on April 17, 2020, 02:47:34 PM
I’d let Bayfront keep my deposit, IF they just roll it over to 2021. (I know... they won’t do it)


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Iris on April 17, 2020, 02:57:45 PM
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I called the Bayfront and they are refunding my non-refundable deposit. Right nice of them.


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They might change their minds if the stay at home orders are continued further. But, otherwise I'm not surprised.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on April 19, 2020, 07:09:13 PM
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I’d let Bayfront keep my deposit, IF they just roll it over to 2021. (I know... they won’t do it)


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In a heartbeat!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lostninja on April 24, 2020, 01:27:22 PM
Has anyone gotten their money back from the Early Bird? I'm still waiting they said this week. :o
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chachime45 on April 24, 2020, 08:00:43 PM
Still waiting here.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: SyndE on April 25, 2020, 12:08:14 PM
Nothing yet here for the Early Bird Hotel, either. I'm wondering if things will be processed at the beginning of next month?

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: FlamedLiquid on April 26, 2020, 11:45:23 PM
 Waiting on mine still as well from Town and Country. Hopefully this week.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chachime45 on April 29, 2020, 04:44:10 PM
Got the email from onPeak ... they said it could take 15 days for the credit card company to post the refund. I'm gonna try and pretend that it's another stimulus check.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: chachime45 on April 29, 2020, 10:05:48 PM
Whoop ... my CC account just got a big bump.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: rushfanyyz on April 30, 2020, 06:10:27 AM
Credit showed up on my card statement today for the early bird reservation!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on April 30, 2020, 10:44:14 AM
Bay front won’t refund my non refundable deposit.   I called yesterday
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on April 30, 2020, 10:58:22 AM
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Bay front won’t refund my non refundable deposit.   I called yesterday
I called the Bayfront on the same day as CCI’s cancellation announcement, and they told me they would refund me. I originally booked directly through my Hilton app. Did you, by chance, use a a third party site?


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on April 30, 2020, 01:43:47 PM
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I called the Bayfront on the same day as CCI’s cancellation announcement, and they told me they would refund me. I originally booked directly through my Hilton app. Did you, by chance, use a a third party site?

Have you received your refund?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 01, 2020, 08:43:44 AM
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Have you received your refund?

I haven't from mine yet and I canceled on 4/17 (mine was refundable).  The site says it will take 30 days, you know I'll be calling on day 31!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 02, 2020, 01:27:55 PM
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Have you received your refund?
I have not received it yet, but they had told me in would take weeks.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on May 02, 2020, 03:32:38 PM
Refund received this week.
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I haven't from mine yet and I canceled on 4/17 (mine was refundable).  The site says it will take 30 days, you know I'll be calling on day 31!

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on May 03, 2020, 08:05:59 AM
I booked directly with Hilton honors and they said no refund
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on May 03, 2020, 08:21:13 AM
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I booked directly with Hilton honors and they said no refund

No refund at all?  Not even a credit?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on May 03, 2020, 08:51:55 AM
Something about that doesn't seem right. Most hotels are refunding. If you did a direct booking I would definitely escalate to customer relations.

I encourage you to contact them again NO hotel is honoring their old cancellation policies at this time. Ask for a supervisor.

This is from their site:

How do I cancel my reservation?

Throughout our booking channels you’ll see changes to our cancellation policies that allow flexibility due to COVID-19. At this time, we’re allowing all reservations made from now – June 30, 2020 to be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours (local time) before scheduled arrival.

Hilton Honors members
From the app

Click ‘Stays’ from the bottom menu

Swipe right to find the stay you’d like to cancel

Scroll up to see the full menu options for that stay

Click ‘My Stay’

Scroll through details to ‘Cancel Reservation’ link at bottom

Select ‘Cancel Reservation’ when ‘Are you sure?’ screen pops up

Click ‘OK’ once you’ve received the Cancellation #



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I booked directly with Hilton honors and they said no refund

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: smiley424 on May 04, 2020, 02:43:59 PM
I am currently in the process of trying to get a refund from the Hilton Bayfront.  I booked directly through the Hilton App for a nonrefundable room.  Currently on the reservation it still says it is nonrefundable.  I filled out a form on their website to request a refund due to Covid-19.  It has been about a week and I got a response from Hilton Corporate that they have forwarded my request to Senior Management of the Hilton Bayfront.  I will post what happens next.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on May 04, 2020, 09:47:10 PM
I hope it works out. Stay with it.
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I am currently in the process of trying to get a refund from the Hilton Bayfront.  I booked directly through the Hilton App for a nonrefundable room.  Currently on the reservation it still says it is nonrefundable.  I filled out a form on their website to request a refund due to Covid-19.  It has been about a week and I got a response from Hilton Corporate that they have forwarded my request to Senior Management of the Hilton Bayfront.  I will post what happens next.

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: mark on May 06, 2020, 06:28:12 PM
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I am currently in the process of trying to get a refund from the Hilton Bayfront.  I booked directly through the Hilton App for a nonrefundable room.  Currently on the reservation it still says it is nonrefundable.  I filled out a form on their website to request a refund due to Covid-19.  It has been about a week and I got a response from Hilton Corporate that they have forwarded my request to Senior Management of the Hilton Bayfront.  I will post what happens next.

Exact same situation but no luck yet. When they forwarded it they said I should hear back in about 3 days which was almost 2 weeks ago :(  Good luck, I'll post if I have any success.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 11, 2020, 09:40:03 AM
And still waiting for my refund on my refundable reservation, canceled 4/17/20.  I have been told yes refunds are taking longer than expected.   
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: mark on May 16, 2020, 10:38:26 AM
Just finally got my Hilton reservation canceled. Didn't have to do anything special, just kept asking. (For an airbnb res I had to go on twitter and be a jerk to get results :( )

Nice to have it taken care of but also sad, makes the whole lack of SDCC a bit more real. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on May 16, 2020, 11:03:16 AM
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Nice to have it taken care of but also sad, makes the whole lack of SDCC a bit more real.

Yeah!!!   :( :(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on May 16, 2020, 01:46:02 PM
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Just finally got my Hilton reservation canceled. Didn't have to do anything special, just kept asking. (For an airbnb res I had to go on twitter and be a jerk to get results :( )

Nice to have it taken care of but also sad, makes the whole lack of SDCC a bit more real.

it sucks, I miss all the excitement, the constant hunt for released hotel rooms in downtown (last year that was a lot of fun in this forum), waiting for exclusives and events to be announced... :(

Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on May 16, 2020, 02:03:32 PM
Disappointed as well. This was supposed to be our first time attending
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it sucks, I miss all the excitement, the constant hunt for released hotel rooms in downtown (last year that was a lot of fun in this forum), waiting for exclusives and events to be announced... :(

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on May 16, 2020, 02:13:08 PM
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it sucks, I miss all the excitement, the constant hunt for released hotel rooms in downtown (last year that was a lot of fun in this forum), waiting for exclusives and events to be announced... :(

Was talking with my sis today about all of this...Arrrgh!  Maybe we could use a venting thread! Ack!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on May 16, 2020, 02:29:42 PM
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Disappointed as well. This was supposed to be our first time attending
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As depressed as I am about the cancellation, I feel even more sorry for 2020 first timers.

 :( :(
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on May 16, 2020, 02:33:32 PM
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As depressed as I am about the cancellation, I feel even more sorry for 2020 first timers.

 :( :(
Appreciated

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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 16, 2020, 02:41:37 PM
With the delayed gratification quotient working for us, 2021 is going to be one of, if not the most,  outrageously fun SDCC ever!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on May 16, 2020, 02:49:03 PM
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With the delayed gratification quotient working for us, 2021 is going to be one of, if not the most,  outrageously fun SDCC ever!


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Plus, we’re all going to SDCC next year without having to go through the stress of registration.  Will anyone miss watching the spinning blue ball?


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Catechie on May 16, 2020, 02:49:57 PM
NOPE. Not one bit!
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Plus, we’re all going to SDCC next year without having to go through the stress of registration.  Will anyone miss watching the spinning blue ball?


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Miclpea on May 16, 2020, 03:18:47 PM
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With the delayed gratification quotient working for us, 2021 is going to be one of, if not the most,  outrageously fun SDCC ever!


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I agree!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 16, 2020, 03:23:07 PM
I lot of tearful reunions


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on May 16, 2020, 03:27:28 PM
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I lot of tearful reunions


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Will there be hugging? I am a hugger! ::)
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 16, 2020, 03:28:38 PM
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Will there be hugging? I am a hugger! ::)
High probability of hugging.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on May 16, 2020, 03:46:53 PM
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High probability of hugging.


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::whew::  :D
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sessionka on May 16, 2020, 04:07:53 PM
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Plus, we’re all going to SDCC next year without having to go through the stress of registration.  Will anyone miss watching the spinning blue ball?


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i know i'm in the minority, but i will miss "the spinning blue ball" just a little.

That's because i don't really stress as much as I used to for 2 big reasons.

1.  I'm a volunteer, and that's always my backup

2.  The great work around the badge buying group I belong to on this forum
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 17, 2020, 12:11:44 PM
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As depressed as I am about the cancellation, I feel even more sorry for 2020 first timers.

 :( :(

Actually, the people I feel sorry for are the one who were unable to purchase a badge for 2020. With the minimal number of refunds, there likely won't be much of a sale for 2021, so they will have to wait until 2022 to have a decent shot of attending again.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on May 17, 2020, 04:19:57 PM
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Actually, the people I feel sorry for are the one who were unable to purchase a badge for 2020. With the minimal number of refunds, there likely won't be much of a sale for 20201, so they will have to wait until 2022 to have a decent shot of attending again.

To be honest, it's no different than us that do have badges. People with badges and people without badges both have to wait an extra year to go. We are all impacted the same... SDCC wise that is
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on May 17, 2020, 06:25:34 PM
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Actually, the people I feel sorry for are the one who were unable to purchase a badge for 2020. With the minimal number of refunds, there likely won't be much of a sale for 20201, so they will have to wait until 2022 to have a decent shot of attending again.

I agree, as they were probably looking forward to trying again in 2021. I really hope everything is better by next year. If not a vaccine, then maybe a cure or treatment.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on May 17, 2020, 07:38:14 PM
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Plus, we’re all going to SDCC next year without having to go through the stress of registration.  Will anyone miss watching the spinning blue ball?


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In the small probability they do have another sale for the refunded badges (though I’m doubtful there will be one), I’ll be there to help my friends get extra days. So blue ball may be in my near future!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on May 17, 2020, 07:40:37 PM
My daughter and I just today were discussing how there may not have enough badges to even hold a sale.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on May 17, 2020, 07:46:53 PM
Given how things paned out I think there could be a small sale, after all there IS people asking for refunds. A small sale only available to people with NO badges for any day would be fair I think, after all we already got our badges transferred.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 17, 2020, 07:48:30 PM
I’m guessing they will run it just like open registration.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on May 18, 2020, 05:06:04 AM
I suspect the number of returned badges was small. Rather than having an open registration, I wouldn’t be surprised if they simply put them up for auction on eBay to raise money for the museum(which they did last year, I believe)


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on May 18, 2020, 07:16:11 AM
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I’m guessing they will run it just like open registration.


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That is my thought too
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: ozzz on May 18, 2020, 09:58:51 AM
I gotta say I really miss all the excitement the hotel sale brought :(
"5 plus just went up on HBF, oh look now they're gone!"
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: penman on May 18, 2020, 10:10:13 AM
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I gotta say I really miss all the excitement the hotel sale brought :(
"5 plus just went up on HBF, oh look now they're gone!"
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Going to miss it and all the stress as well. Hotel, exclusives, signings, parties, offsites....everything. All the waiting and watching for things suck, but damn it's worth it. Going to be weird not having all that stress. Only thing I'm really stressing about now is if I have any more clean PJs.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on May 18, 2020, 10:47:37 AM
Sure gonna miss the hotel angels watching over us, this year! :-*
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on May 18, 2020, 11:19:27 AM
And this is probably what the hotels will be like next year.  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/15/hotels-during-coronavirus-resorts-make-safety-changes-for-covid-19.html?__source=Facebook
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on May 18, 2020, 03:38:39 PM
Mark - What form on the Hilton website did you complete to request the refund on your non-cancellable reservation.  I'm having no luck on the telephone with this.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on May 18, 2020, 04:05:01 PM
I booked direct through Hilton. I called a few weeks ago, the rep cancelled my reservation and said my refund would take up to 30 days. I called today to check on the status of my refund and was told I wasn't eligible for a refund because my travel dates were outside their Covid policy, and the rep that cancelled my reservation "didn't leave any notes" on the reservation that she said I would get a refund. They opened a case with the hotel but I don't have a good feeling about this. So, if you do call and get someone to commit to a refund, have them email it to you stating that before you get off the phone.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 18, 2020, 07:20:43 PM
Ugh @Devorah (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=283) that is not okay.  Mine was completely refundable and I still have no refund.  I am calling tomorrow since it will be past the 30days.  I have a feeling they are trying not to refund.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: lliving on May 18, 2020, 08:06:10 PM
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And this is probably what the hotels will be like next year.  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/15/hotels-during-coronavirus-resorts-make-safety-changes-for-covid-19.html?__source=Facebook
I see “room sanitizing charge” as the new resort fee. Can’t imagine hotels not passing those costs on to the guest.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: sefton42 on May 18, 2020, 08:08:16 PM
I would assume those would be built into the regular, now higher, price.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on May 18, 2020, 08:52:39 PM
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I see “room sanitizing charge” as the new resort fee. Can’t imagine hotels not passing those costs on to the guest.


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I can't even start to imagine social distancing at SDCC... six feet between? how?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: accelerate on May 19, 2020, 12:18:55 PM
What would be the capacity of Hall H if social distancing rules were in place? Like 1500?
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 20, 2020, 08:11:09 AM
On the phone with Hilton now, it's now wait 30 days for a refund and then wait for several more days to it appear on your credit card.  I wonder if they are waiting for the full 3o days to issue a refund in hopes people will rebook?

I was told my refund is in the queue and I am now to give it 10 more days to show up in my account.   I told the lady I looked forward to calling back on May 30th.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: taka on May 20, 2020, 09:35:25 AM
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On the phone with Hilton now, it's now wait 30 days for a refund and then wait for several more days to it appear on your credit card.  I wonder if they are waiting for the full 3o days to issue a refund in hopes people will rebook?

I was told my refund is in the queue and I am now to give it 10 more days to show up in my account.   I told the lady I looked forward to calling back on May 30th.

Surely waiting for some good news and hope people just move their reservations instead of canceling.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: mark on May 20, 2020, 12:55:22 PM
Well I had thought things with Hilton were finally settled but I still see the reservation in my honors account. So back to pestering them ...
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on May 21, 2020, 03:13:05 PM
I reached out to Hilton on Twitter, and by reached out I mean I ever so sweetly called them out on their nonsense. After many DMs I now have it in writing that I will be receiving a refund within 5-10 business days.

I did have to jump through some hoops. I told them their phone rep promised me a refund. They made me tell them the exact date and time that I called, which luckily I found in my cell phone records. I assume they probably think most people would not have this info, at which point they would tell them they're SOL. It took them two days but they listened to the call and found that I was telling the truth. So I'm getting the refund, but they made sure to let me know it was *only* because their rep told me inaccurate info, and that these dates are not part of their current policy (which is for reservations up to June 30th).
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 21, 2020, 03:55:16 PM
That is amazing!  Congrats!!!!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: mark on May 21, 2020, 04:38:54 PM
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I reached out to Hilton on Twitter, and by reached out I mean I ever so sweetly called them out on their nonsense. After many DMs I now have it in writing that I will be receiving a refund within 5-10 business days.

I did have to jump through some hoops. I told them their phone rep promised me a refund. They made me tell them the exact date and time that I called, which luckily I found in my cell phone records. I assume they probably think most people would not have this info, at which point they would tell them they're SOL. It took them two days but they listened to the call and found that I was telling the truth. So I'm getting the refund, but they made sure to let me know it was *only* because their rep told me inaccurate info, and that these dates are not part of their current policy (which is for reservations up to June 30th).

I always hate resorting to twitter but it's been 100% effective for me in the past. I do have an email from Hilton support with the confirmation number saying it was canceled so hopefully that will be enough this time.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 21, 2020, 06:09:29 PM
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I always hate resorting to twitter but it's been 100% effective for me in the past. I do have an email from Hilton support with the confirmation number saying it was canceled so hopefully that will be enough this time.

Are we all competing for who can contact the Hilton the most?

I think I might use Twitter next though, it gets 5-10 days versus the 30-40 days.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 21, 2020, 08:05:26 PM
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I reached out to Hilton on Twitter, and by reached out I mean I ever so sweetly called them out on their nonsense. After many DMs I now have it in writing that I will be receiving a refund within 5-10 business days.

I did have to jump through some hoops. I told them their phone rep promised me a refund. They made me tell them the exact date and time that I called, which luckily I found in my cell phone records. I assume they probably think most people would not have this info, at which point they would tell them they're SOL. It took them two days but they listened to the call and found that I was telling the truth. So I'm getting the refund, but they made sure to let me know it was *only* because their rep told me inaccurate info, and that these dates are not part of their current policy (which is for reservations up to June 30th).
I had the same experience as you (and I suspect many) have had. I was told directly that I would receive a refund, but have received nothing. I will take your excellent example and use my cell records to provide them the exact date and time of the call. They had originally given me a cancellation number, but now my account online has been changed to "latecancel."
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 21, 2020, 08:09:34 PM
A crazy thought. Has anybody asked if they would just transfer the same deal to next year? Or is it too "fool me once..."
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: puppy on May 21, 2020, 11:15:20 PM
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A crazy thought. Has anybody asked if they would just transfer the same deal to next year? Or is it too "fool me once..."

I thought the same thing.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: MickeyJack on May 22, 2020, 08:02:25 AM
"They made me tell them the exact date and time that I called, which luckily I found in my cell phone records."

@Devorah (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=283)    When did you originally call? I called to cancel on April 17th.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on May 22, 2020, 09:33:38 AM
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"They made me tell them the exact date and time that I called, which luckily I found in my cell phone records."

@Devorah (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=283)    When did you originally call? I called to cancel on April 17th.

Same, April 17th.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: mark on May 23, 2020, 04:02:42 PM
Well hopefully the bayfront reservation is sorted. Spent a good part of the day on the phone but finally the reservation is gone from my honor's account. What seems to have happened was that the support person I was communicating with in email had contacted the Bayfront and was told it was canceled, but the person at the Bayfront never canceled it (and the support person didn't verify) But since there was that trail in the case notes, the person I talked to today was able to go and cancel it

I guess I'll know for certain in 30+ days.

One interesting thing that I was told was that my reservation was labeled as being part of a comic-con group block, even though I booked it directly from Hilton.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: NCDS on May 23, 2020, 04:30:03 PM
I received my refund today!!!!   Canceled April 17th, refunded May 23rd. 
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 23, 2020, 06:24:28 PM
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I received my refund today!!!!   Canceled April 17th, refunded May 23rd.

Awesome!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on May 24, 2020, 07:32:47 AM
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A crazy thought. Has anybody asked if they would just transfer the same deal to next year? Or is it too "fool me once..."
I like that option, was so happy that I wasn’t going to have the stress of the hotel sale and the chances of getting that deal again.


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: dolphina on May 24, 2020, 07:33:45 AM
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I received my refund today!!!!   Canceled April 17th, refunded May 23rd.
Yay!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on May 24, 2020, 01:28:53 PM
Got my refund today too!


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Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: smiley424 on May 28, 2020, 12:19:53 AM
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Mark - What form on the Hilton website did you complete to request the refund on your non-cancellable reservation.  I'm having no luck on the telephone with this.

https://help.hilton.com/s/contactsupport (https://help.hilton.com/s/contactsupport)

I filled out the form on this page.  In the drop down menu they have "Covid-19 General Booking Cancellation" and "Covid-19 Advanced Purchase Non-Refundable Cancellation".  When I filled out the form the beginning of May, they did not have the "Covid-19 Advanced Purchase Non-Refundable Cancellation" option.  My last e-mail was on May 5th where Hilton Corporate said they forwarded my request to the Hilton Bayfront.  I haven't contacted anyone since then.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: debster on June 05, 2020, 08:29:04 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200605/05e04380ae65c5ded4bf49190a595f2e.jpg)

Refunds for everyone!
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: Devorah on June 05, 2020, 09:42:39 AM
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Refunds for everyone!

Wow congrats everyone! This is amazing news.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: smiley424 on June 16, 2020, 07:12:16 PM
So I finally got an email from the Hilton Bayfront and will be receiving a full refund.  I originally booked a non-refundable room directly though the Hilton App.  I made my request for a refund on May 5th through the Hilton.com online form.  Got an email from Hilton corporate the next day that they had forwarded my request to Hilton Bayfront Management.  On June 16th, got an email from Debby Stephens, Manager of the Hilton Bayfront, asking to verify if I wanted to cancel my reservation.  I received a reply they next day that I would be refunded.  I am still waiting for the refund to go to my credit card.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: marcia29 on June 24, 2020, 06:00:30 AM
Just cancelled my SDCC 2020 hotels. Waited and waited, thinking we might make the trip for  a vacation in beautiful San Diego. Finally had to face the real choice...the only logical one. Next year! :D Saving money for a spectacular return.
Title: Re: SDCC 2020 Hotel Discussion
Post by: pegleg1204 on July 25, 2020, 01:16:21 PM
Finally got my refund from the Hilton a week ago.  Had requested it a long time ago.   Just think we should be at Camp mic Check n today!