Mego Meet 2013 - Change of hotel discussion

[EMCE Hammer]

We decided to table this subject until the dust settled from the vbulletin upgrade. Now that we’re through that, I’d like to share where we are leaning for next year.

As Chris Johnson and others have mentioned, the Super 8 is becoming less and less attractive. Costs are rising, competition for the rooms is getting tougher, and the new owners have not been open to working with us on scheduling our rooms in a manner that helps with the noise complaints. The Super 8 has never been particularly family friendly, and this year I believe it was worse than ever. I personally witnessed construction workers shouting f-bombs at each other from one end of the hall to the other, and it seems every year – including this one - one or two of us end up with a sketchy room. The lack of a pool denies us all the opportunity to show off our svelte toy collector bods.

Given the above, it seems like an upgrade is in order. I have spoken with the folks at the Hampton Inn and it looks and sounds impressive:

https://plus.google.com/117555087442...ut?gl=us&hl=en

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Virginia.html


For the Mego Suite they have a large room with an adjacent meeting room, and it opens to the courtyard. The room includes a bed, fold-out couch, and a plasma TV, fridge, microwave, etc. The guest rooms are nicer and better-equipped than Super 8, and include access to the exercise room and swimming pool. The views seem a lot better than Super 8, and reviews on the breakfast are good. There are plenty of dining choices close by, which is something to consider now that neither Hoss’s or Undo’s are options. It’s obvious this is a much more family-friendly facility, and getting more museum families into the mix is something we’d like to accomplish. I’m personally pumped about the ability to turn right or left! when exiting the parking lot, but there are a few cons that should be mentioned:


- There doesn’t seem to be an incline anywhere that is conducive to the Mego races
- The rooms cost more – likely in the $140s with our discount
- The Hampton Inn is a little farther away from Kruger St.
- Change

I would hate to see the Mego Races end. As Mr. Gaffney has suggested, we could perhaps convert to RC vehicles and race in the courtyard. The greater distance from Kruger St. isn’t quite as convenient, but we were going to need to drive further for the Thursday and Saturday dinners anyway which makes it almost a wash. I think the two biggest concerns are the increased cost, and just the idea of leaving the familiar Super 8 behind.

We need to finalize things with the Hampton Inn folks soon if we are going to make the switch. Please share your thoughts in this thread ASAP. I hope that we can reach a consensus and move forward.

Thanks,
Steve

[80stoyman]

I think paying more for a nicer spot is much better than settling for the bare minimum.

The Mego Meet is supposed to bring some great memories and happy times. Seems after this last one, it brought upon very dissatisfied individuals.

There is plenty enough time to save up for the Mego Meet next year. Everyone is given plenty of time to prepare.

[pmwasson]

Sounds good to me! After one year at the Super 8, I went elsewhere the next two years. Having a swimming pool is a must when bringing kids.

[batmanmc]

i am up for whatever hotel we stay at. i have stayed in washington pa , about a half hour away from kruger street so its ok with me. super 8 just wasnt that good in my opinion. mike

[Megospidey]

Sounds good to me! After one year at the Super 8, I went elsewhere the next two years. Having a swimming pool is a must when bringing kids.

Same here. One year at Super 8 was enough for me. I don't mind paying more for better accommodations.

I've always stayed in St. Clairesville, OH (15 minutes away), but would book a room at the Hampton if we move there.

[MegoScott]

A better hotel would be added incentive for me to make the trip. The reviews and pics of the Hampton Inn look real swell.

[samurainoir]

Other than me, Everyone pretty much drives back and forth between the toy museum and hotel anyways correct? If so the move won't really be too big a deal. If the breakfast, exercise room, pool and general quality means a higher cost per night, I'm cool with it.

Does the Hampton inn have a dog policy?

I know folks were a little reticent around the topic of holding Mego Meet 2014 across the border in Toronto, but having scouted out Buffalo this weekend during our Mego Meat Canada excursion, I think it's a good compromise without bothering with passports and customs for those traveling from the US. the super 8 there is much better and similar enough in cost... Plus waffle bar! the Toys R Us is just across the street. Plus awesome wings and beer at the buffalo brew pub on Saturday night. Alternatively, there is the Bates like motel adjacent to the cemetery which charges a very convenient hourly rate.

If we hold it at the Legion Hall where they usually have the Buffalo toy show, there is the added bonus of the skeevy bar just through the double doors, which you have to walk through anyways if you want to use the rest room facilities. I can't imagine anything more family friendly than sharing a stall with an elderly gentleman who is completely loaded at noon.

[palitoy]

At one point I couldn't imagine moving from the Super 8 but it's price steadily increases every year as other things seem to decrease.

From what Chris and Steve have told me, the new manager isn't so "megomeet friendly" and let's face it, things have never been ideal there. The two positives were cheap and accessible.

[boss]

Sounds good to me. And there's nothing stopping anybody from staying at the Super 8 if they want to.

[palitoy]

And there's nothing stopping anybody from staying at the Super 8 if they want to.

Yeah that's what I was thinking.