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TFNation_2016
Operation: Hotel Update
Since our new website went live, it has become apparent that the TFNation crew is blessed with a lot of support. We cannot thank you enough for this, as we continue to build on what will be a fantastic event.
One of the results of this strong support has been an unprecedented demand for convention-rate rooms at the Hiton Metropole. The reservations have been fast and unrelenting as people have booked early to secure their spot. Due to this demand, the remaining allocation has become limited in a very short period of time.
Naturally, we have received a lot of questions regarding the remaining rooms, so we wanted to take this opportunity to answer some of these points, provide some information and keep everyone upto date.
1. ARE ALL OF THE DISCOUNTED ROOMS SOLD OUT?
No. Although some room types have sold out on the core convention nights (twins and doubles being the very first room types that everyone booked) there are still other options available. The Sunday night allocation saw the most demand and so the remaining options for that night are the most limited.
2. WILL TFNATION RECEIVE ANY OTHER DISCOUNTED ROOMS?
We have already liaised with the hotel and it is very unlikely that we will be afforded any more rooms at the convention-rate, as they have to cater for multiple events. With this in mind, we encourage you to make alternate plans now.
3. WHAT ROOM TYPES ARE LEFT ON THE CORE DATES?
We still have a healthy allocation of Friday and Saturday single rooms at the discounted price, but they won’t last forever, so we encourage you to book quickly.
We also have some executive upgrade rooms remaining, both twin and doubles. Remember, whilst executive rooms are more expensive, they give you access to the executive bar, with its selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Plus, sharing a room (and therefore, the nightly rate) will help to bring your costs down, somewhat.
4. WORKING WITH THIS NEWS, ATTENDEE REACTIONS AND WHAT NOT TO DO.
Some attendees may not be aware, but many previous events at the Hilton have sold out of their discounted rooms, with lots of attendees sourcing alternate accommodation without too much bother. If you have not been in this position before, then it is natural to become a little stressed by the situation. It is, however, important to remember that nothing has gone wrong - the truth is that a large amount of our TF community have booked straight away and taken up many of the options available.
Sadly, we have received reports that a small number of people have called the Hilton directly and have been less than polite to reception staff. This serves little purpose but to damage TFNation's relationship with the Hilton and may, infact, impact future years'
allocations. We strongly urge our attendees not to do this - reception staff do not have the authority to give you additional rooms, or change booked rates, and do not deserve to be treated badly during their day job.
Thanks for your understanding.
5. WHAT TO DO
Stay calm. We are seven months away from the event - you have lots of time to plan. There are multiple ways you can book alternative accomodation, with the minimum of fuss. Remember, this is where you will sleep after enjoying all the convention's events. While staying outside of the main hotel may add extra time when returning to your room, it will not impact the jokes in the bar, the workshops we will announce shortly, the panels, the guests and your friends who you will no doubt meet, that weekend.
Below, we will list the options you can take now, while we work on alternative avenues. We advise you to take prompt action as holding out for your prefered room to become available again will only reduce your options.
6. BOOK WHAT YOU CAN
If you are looking for a single room for the three nights then we suggest you book the Friday and Saturday at the Hilton, and then you just need to find an option for the Sunday. Even if the last night costs more, you have at least saved on the other two nights and that will lessen the impact of a Sunday booking.
7. FIND A ROOMMATE
We have opened a thread on our facebook page for people looking for roommates. If there is a spare bed in your room, please consider assisting a fellow fan.
8. HILTON WINTER SALE
Although the convention rate rooms are selling quickly, the Hilton – like most hotels – reserves some rooms for public sale.
Presently the Hilton is holding a WINTER SALE event on its website http://www3.hilton.com/.../hilton-birmingham.../index.html
These rooms represent a good saving over standard hotel prices, though you may have to pay upfront. Unlike convention rooms, breakfast is typically not included.
If you already have a discounted room booked for certain convention nights then you can ask the Hilton to keep you in that room for your public booking, if it is the same room type. To do this, you can contact them shortly before the event, or ask reception when you check in. The Hilton is not able to change the cost of publicly booked rooms to the convention rate, after ordering.
9. THIRD PARTY ROOMS
Third party websites also sell some of the publicly available rooms at the Hilton. While some bookings will be cheaper than the Hilton's Winter Sale rooms, payment dates and breakfast options may vary - always read the terms. We suggest you try the following:
Hotels.com
Trivago.com
Spareroom.com
9. OTHER HOTELS
This week we will update our website to provide you with a list of alternative accommodation in the area – there are lots of options within walking distance or a short commute. As we are seven months away from the convention, browsers will have numerous options.
We hope this update has been helpful and we thank you for your understanding. We know booking hotel rooms can be a stressful time. Whether or not you get your first choice room, we hope as many of you as possible will join us at the convention.
Further transmissions to follow.
TFNation
Where All Are One
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