Also, Raleigh (and I say this both with affection and from experience) acts
a bit big for its britches. The standard rates for downtown (non-crap)
hotels is... not cheap. Rack rate for both the Sheraton and the Marriott is
nigh 'round $300 for a single. There are inexpensive options in walking
distance (e.g., Clarion), but they come with the concomitant cheap hotel
caveats.

On Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 9:30 AM, Gary McGath <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> On 7/1/13 8:00 AM, BWS Johnson wrote:
> > Salvete!
> >
> >
> >
> >> But please don't expect the conference itself to select the venue and
> >> complete conference package based on the sole requirement to keep room
> >> rates down.
> >
> >     I never suggested any such thing. I kindly suggested that someone
> might wish to see if the hotel would come down on its price. I stated the
> fact that for that market during those dates, its cost is above its
> competitors. One of my colleagues noted that government rates for that
> locality are substantially lower, too.
> >     As someone that has organised, or had a role in putting together
> many conferences, I well realise that room rates are not the only factor. I
> understand the dynamics in play in terms of meeting room space, proximity
> to attractions, et cetera.
> >     However, I felt that it would be a good idea to act when I perceived
> that we were getting a raw deal. There's enough warning here that it would
> allow for a change for everyone's benefit. Many times I've been able to
> secure a better rate for my organisation simply by bringing in data and
> asking for a better deal than the boilerplate.
>
> From my own experience, I can confirm it's a waste of time to ask a
> hotel to come down on the rate after the contract is signed and the rate
> announced. All it can do is damage the relationship between the
> organizing group and the hotel.
>
>
> --
> Gary McGath, Professional Software Developer
> http://www.garymcgath.com
>