Pinkfest attendance and lodging query

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Michelle McGuire
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Dear Annie,

Please add me to the list a attendees for Pinkfest 2017. This sounds
like a fun "nonevent." I haven't attended before and hope you can advise
me on a couple things.

1.) Lodging. I know there is not a designated hotel, but is there a
recommended hotel? Or a recommended area of the city?

2.) Transportation. Can public transportation be used to get around
conveniently? I live in Champaign and can either drive or take the
train. (If the hotel offers free parking then driving it will be, but if
not then I'll need to consider the options.)

Thanks.
Sincerely,
Michelle McGuire


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(This posting was entered by Michelle McGuire, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

> Please add me to the list a attendees for Pinkfest 2017.

Ok, you're registered! Looking forward to having you.

> 1.) Lodging. I know there is not a designated hotel, but is there a
> recommended hotel? Or a recommended area of the city?

Rather than just repeat it all, please take a look at this page. It's a few years old but still current and discusses the options in depth.

http://www.geekbabe.com/pinkfest/hotels/

Personally, I've tried about everything over the years and I find I enjoy it most when I pay a bit more and get one of the name-brand hotels in the River North area.

Some of the people have had very good luck doing AirBnB lately.

The one thing I would strongly suggest is to book your hotel immediately, as we're right in the period when rates rise and properties start to sell out. Please make this your first priority.

> 2.) Transportation. Can public transportation be used to get around
> conveniently?

Yes, if you're confident enough in general public to use it. Quite a few of our people have used the CTA subway/el/bus for years with no issues. The final schedule will (for most activities) have el stops for most things.

Over the years I had a car twice, once my own and once a rental. I've found that I prefer it without a car. The occasional taxi ride can be used for things that CTA is not convenient for.

Anything else, please ask.

[Valerie]

I have used AirBnB for the last 3 years. Except for a couple of "excuses" for not accepting a reservation and one cancellation (back on eclipse day), I haven't had any problems. I can always find some place near the public transportation. I'm driving up from St Louis again this year because my host's place has free street parking. However, I'll be on public transit from the time I arrive until the time I leave.

The place I'm staying has two other rooms. Both are currently booked for part of the week, but between the two, they are available for the entire week. My reservation is from 09/25 to 10/02 I've asked my host if someone could take advantage of the two rooms for all or part of the week. Below are the links for the other two rooms. $48/night is dirt cheap and since I'll be there, this might be a really good option for someone who is newer to getting out and about. Kind of a good "Big Sister" arrangement. Reviews suggest Kate is a fabulous hostess and she was more than welcoming when I let her know I was transgender.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8118084
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8306409

[Michellexy]

Dear Valerie,

Thanks for the offer, and suggestion. I've booked a hotel in the River North area. I'll look into that option next time.

MIchelle