staying in the Aloft

Arisia has an enormous budget shortfall, caused, as I understand it, by the fact that we can't fill the rooms in the Aloft that we are required by contract to fill. So, it seems to me, the best way to support Arisia, if you want to see its continued existence, is to stay in the Aloft for Arisia.

Before today I never in my life considered staying in the overflow hotel. Ideally the way that I want to spend a January con is to show up, change into sandals (or bare feet) and an outfit selected more for looks than warmth, and not leave the hotel for 3 days. Traipsing back and forth with winter coat... No. Not so fun. I like to be able to stop by my room and get stuff without having to retrieve a coat from Goat Check. It must be the case that most people think this way: otherwise why does the Weatin usually sell out but the Aloft is difficult to fill?

But, consider the advantages of staying in the Aloft:

1) Slightly cheaper
2) Can get 2 beds at the same cheaper rate
3) Food at the Westin is TERRIBLE, maybe Aloft breakfast will be better
4) The Aloft, like the Westin, also has a gym and a pool

I have friends who will be staying at the Westin. Vic and I will be able to mooch their rooms during the day, so we will have a "home base" at the Westin. This makes it even easier.

So, this morning I canceled our Westin reservation and made a reservation at the Aloft. Let's see how it is!