Accommodation

[arysteia.livejournal.com]

A perennial bugbear, it remains a regret we don't have an all-in-one space like the sinpozium venue in Sydney, but we do what we can.

Hotel Option:

If you move quickly, and you're willing/able to splash out a little more this year, I heartily recommend the Brentwood. (I've never actually stayed there, before anyone makes me sign in blood, but I have been to functions and enjoyed them.) Do twins and triples, but in each case you can pack in an extra person (ie triple and quad) if two of you are willing to share a queen bed. About $50-80 pp depending on combos and packing. Big advantage: literally across the road and down a wee lane from the venue. Also, free pick-up from airport, so save on taxis.

The Brentwood



Motel Option:

The 747

Odd combinations, twins definitely, double + single, also trundle beds available which makes me lol, but may be an option for those of you who are pixie sized -- I know some are! About $30-40 pp depending on combos and packing. Looks small but cosy. Big advantage: literally across the road and round the corner from the venue.

Hostel Options:

X-Base

Nomads

The two nicest hostels in Wellington. Full range of rooms, from dorms to en suites. $30-50 pp depending on combos. Both are on the direct bus route to Kilbirnie. Many of you have stayed there, many times. ;-p

Feel free to use the comments on this post to discuss options/organise roommates. And of course to ask any accommodation related questions. :D

ETA: Many thanks to dewey3067 for organising and booking the hotel rooms. Check out full details in comments.

Comments

[scarletscarlet.livejournal.com]

*kind-of* an accommodation-related question - how early/late do things tend to start/run? I live in Jville/Churton Park and am public transport only, so am wondering if the cost of four bus trips a day on two different bus lines and the time in transit might not actually make it worth staying in Kilbirnie or town for a couple of nights :).

Though if someone's driving in from out of town and is too short of funds to stay in a backpackers, I have a sofabed (and possibly couch it someone is pretty short) I can offer up in exchange for trips to the venue :).

[arysteia.livejournal.com]

Good question!

The 'formal' (lol) part of the proceedings starts at 10am and finishes at 6.30/7ish. We then head off to dinner locally (ie in Kilbirnie) which depending on how fabulous everyone is feeling might run another two hours I suppose? (Obviously that is not compulsory!) And occasionally proceedings continue at someone or other's house, but that's usually the more mobile types, *g*. If enough out of towners wind up at the same hostel, then obviously dvd watching etc takes place on an ad hoc basis.

[scarletscarlet.livejournal.com]

Great, thank you! Could well be worth staying closer, then :).

[arysteia.livejournal.com]

Heya,

Dewey is looking at making a preliminary booking today for out of towners. Any more thoughts on whether you'd want to go in? (They're looking at three triples I think...)

[scarletscarlet.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the heads up but nah, that one's out of my budget range. I shall bus, and it will be all good :).

[labellementeuse.livejournal.com]

Just cruising by spying on the out-of-towners - if you come & do end up wanting to stay for a dinner or something else that runs later than you can catch buses, I live quite nearby and can provide a clean and reasonably comfortable* mattress-on-the-floor sitch so you don't need to worry about evening buses. Hot & cold running wireless. Not wheelchair or mobility disability friendly, but if you're TAB should be all good. I will identify myself on the Saturday at some point so you know to grab me if you're keen :)

*I've slept on it happily but some people complain about it being too firm

[scarletscarlet.livejournal.com]

Ooh, lovely offer, thank you! I'll bring an overnight bag on the saturday *just in case*, then :). I've no mobility/pain issues for stuff like stairs or firm mattresses, so all good.

Yay, options! Much appreciated :).