RI Convention Hotel Accommodation

Posted by Quentin Li 
 
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the convention. RI's housing contractor in Salt Lake City is backfilling the requests of those on the waiting list.
 
Dear Rotary leader:

We would like to share some information about housing for the 2007 RI Convention in Salt Lake City; so that you will better understand and help answer questions that you might be asked. It would be a great help to us if you as a leader could help disseminate accurate information and dispel rumors when talking to your constituents.

Because of the popularity of the destination and the emphasis on family vacations, some of the historical assumptions that have held true for previous conventions did not hold for this one, instead we experienced an unexpected strong demand for group housing and an increased length of stay for the average reservation.

RI's housing contractor in Salt Lake City is backfilling the requests of those on the waiting list with new inventory in and around Salt Lake City and neighboring areas such as Park City that is being added daily. If this inventory were added to the online booking system, it could be booked by anyone coming to the site ahead of those already waiting. Thus RI decided to temporarily dismantle the online booking systemso that those already waiting could be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. To date the average time on the waiting list is eleven days or less; however, this will fluctuate as the volume of requests and inventory seek a balance. We expect to accommodate all who request housing.

This is the direct link to the Waiting list.

Because no hotel will allow us to reserve its entire inventory and many have contracts with third parties, we'd like to suggest other options for those who would prefer to book hotels outside the RI block:

  1. Third party online providers such as: www.ORBITZ.com, www.hotels.com, www.Expedia.com, www.priceline.com, www.Travelocity.com, www.Hotwire.com, www.travelzoo.com
  2. Major hotel chain online booking sites e.g. Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Best Western, etc.
  3. Alternate housing (bed & breakfasts, inns, hostels, and camping) RI Website

Park City has a lot to recommend itself as the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, the annual Sundance Film Festival, and the second largest silver strike in U.S. history. Nestled amid the Wasatch Mountain Range, Park City is a scenic half-hour drive to Salt Lake City. From summer sports such as hot air ballooning and golf to cultural offerings such as theatre and music performances, film festivals, and art fairs, Park City offers a variety of activities for Rotarians and their families and guests.

Although RI is currently unable to extend the RI shuttle transport system to Park City, we are still exploring other transportation options. We realize that it is not the same thing as the RI shuttle service, but Avis and Budget Rent-A-Car are offering special discounts to Rotarians.

Budget Link , Avis Link

Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to accommodate all those who need housing.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City.

Yours in Rotary service,
Julio Sorjus
2007 Convention Committee, Chair