Accommodation for the Convention

[Praxis]

Just wondering where people are intending to stay while attending the convention?

I'm pretty much decided that I'll stay the Saturday night in town but I'm not exactly rolling in it, so I'm afraid The Langham and other swish venues are out of my reach.

Has anyone already booked? Where are you staying? I'll be having a look at what's available for under $150 per night and also something within reasonable walking distance from the venue.

[two dogs]

Just wondering where people are intending to stay while attending the convention?

I'm pretty much decided that I'll stay the Saturday night in town but I'm not exactly rolling in it, so I'm afraid The Langham and other swish venues are out of my reach.

Has anyone already booked? Where are you staying? I'll be having a look at what's available for under $150 per night and also something within reasonable walking distance from the venue.
I'm coming from interstate, and have already booked into the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf. Whilst at $235 per night (for convention attendees) it's somewhat over your stated limit, it has the advantage of being within crawling, rather than walking, distance from the venue. ;)

[davo]

check out http://www.spencerbackpackers.com.au about 5 mins walk from the venue.

If you or anyone needs a hand working out accomodation, just holler, I know of other places, that was just one that popped to mind.

Most of the pubs also offer accom

[davo]

maybe it would be worth organising a group booking?

I'm staying at my brothers house with partner, however if there are a number of people, we could organise a dorm or something, and willing to show people around Melbourne.

[eclectic]

oh I'm so jealous! I want to share a dorm with fun atheists in melbourne! ... but I really can't afford to go. Ironically it's because we have to go to Melbourne next year that I can't go - the timing is no good for husband and I can't justify flying over twice. :(

[Praxis]

maybe it would be worth organising a group booking?

I'm staying at my brothers house with partner, however if there are a number of people, we could organise a dorm or something, and willing to show people around Melbourne.

Now there's an idea! (possibly). I'll give that some thought.

The Hilton price is definitely out of my range :confused:

[boxsey]

Is that a twin room rate? Could you team up with another lone traveller and split it?

[davo]

Is that a twin room rate? Could you team up with another lone traveller and split it?

their rates are for dorm rooms (6 beds) at $26AUD a night, or you can get a private room $32.50 or double $35 per night.

this is around what you would be paying for any backpacker rooms, the spencer st location has a bar at the bottom of the hotel, and only 5 mins walk from the venue,

so to answer, around $32.50 for a double single bed room for 2 people per night.

[boxsey]

I was thinking about the hilton davo! Is it PP or for the room?

that said, if i do manage to go....the spencer would be beaut on my budget.

[Praxis]

Hi all - well I've had a look around teh interwebz, factored in my budget and the location of the MCEC and decided that I can't quite do the backpacker thing (I hate to use the phrase "at my age" but it's kind of coming in handy right now ;)), but I have checked out the Southbank Travelodge, which is right opposite the swanky Langham Hotel (noooo, can't afford that!), and is literally across a tiny road and up some steps to Southbank, then you just take a nice little stroll by the river, along Southbank, right to the MCEC (convention venue). The walk should take about 5 mins.

It looks like they have some very good on-line/in-advance specials, with a standard room (Queen bed) being $170 per night. I think it's usually more but this is their onlone rate.

Here's the link if anyone is interested: http://www.travelodge.com.au/home/

I'm probably going to book in there for the Saturday night and am hoping that my mate Durro (coming down from Qld) will also book in there (so I have an escort home :D No, no - we're just mates! I've met his wife, he's met my partner - it's all good and Plato's your uncle!)

Cheers.

[two dogs]

I was thinking about the hilton davo! Is it PP or for the room?
...

It's per room, and there does appear to be a twin bed option.

[Praxis]

Hi guys, a member over at RDF (new guy, I dont know him but he seems nice - and rational!) has booked a twin room at Spencers http://www.spencerbackpackers.com.au/ so he has a spare for about $62 per night if anyone is looking to share.

Let me know and I'll PM him over at RDF if anyone is interested.

Cheers.

[Chrys Stevenson]

I've booked in at The Hilton South Wharf. It's close, saves on walking on taxi fares, and although it's still expensive, it's a little bit of luxury for less than half their usual rate.

And, as Two Dogs, says, it's within crawling distance of the MCEC.

[Praxis]

I've booked in at The Hilton South Wharf. It's close, saves on walking on taxi fares, and although it's still expensive, it's a little bit of luxury for less than half their usual rate.

And, as Two Dogs, says, it's within crawling distance of the MCEC.
Durro and I have booked (separate rooms!!) at the Southbank Travelodge, which is a pretty easy stumble to the MCEC, although not quite as close as the Hilton.

I've just now learned that the Hilton has another hotel. For as long as I can remember, the Melbourne Hilton has been up on Wellington Parade, opposite the park and near the MCG (now apparently called Hilton on the Park). I had no idea there was another one! Now I know and I can stop being anxious about people thinking their accommodation is really close to the venue, when I was thinking "wow, they'll have quite a way to go to get there!".

And I call myself a Melbourne girl ... :o

[Durro]

You know, I really should have considered sharing a twin room with someone, but what the heck, I'm a capitalist bastard and can afford to go solo. Plus, I have far too many anti-social sleeping habits to make life in a shared room comfortable - just ask Mrs Durro.

Ms Praxis and I will be in close proximity for safety in numbers and quality company, etc - if anyone wants to join us, we'd be happy to be social and secure with you.

Durro

[kazzaqld]

We (the spousal unit and the descendant and I) have ended up at the Hilton South Wharf - hope it's nice! :)

[Chrys Stevenson]

We (the spousal unit and the descendant and I) have ended up at the Hilton South Wharf - hope it's nice! :)

Oh, good, we're in the same dorm. ;-)

[kazzaqld]

Oh, good, we're in the same dorm. ;-)

So who's bringing the popcorn? :)

[Chrys Stevenson]

So who's bringing the popcorn? :)

Oh puhleeze! King Island Cheese and Champagne is the snack of choice - this is the Hilton, after all. We have to show some clarse.

[kazzaqld]

Oh puhleeze! King Island Cheese and Champagne is the snack of choice - this is the Hilton, after all. We have to show some clarse.

Ooh yes please - I love King Island cheese - and will it be Pipers River champagne? We will almost be in Tassie after all!

[TING]

I'm booked in at the Hotel Causeway in Little Collins St, they have executive rooms going for $171 p/n. Never stayed there but friends have who recommended it. Not too far from the MCEC either. ;)

[OzAtheist]

Finally got around to booking my accommodation and flights to Melbourne for the Convention. I'm staying at the Holiday Inn on Flinders, reasonable rate plus I get reward points, and it's an easy stagger to the MCEC.

[wardsie]

I'm staying at the Rendezvous on Flinders St. for 3 nights. I'll be driving down from Moss Vale on the 12th by myself if anyone wants a lift. After the convention I would like to take a short holiday down the coast for a couple of days. So won't be able to give a lift back. However I am happy to collect up to three other non-believers on the way there.

[Praxis]

However I am happy to collect up to three other non-believers on the way there.
So you wouldn't offer a lift to any theists trying to get to Melbourne to protest then? Just imagine the fun in the car on the way! :D

[wardsie]

So you wouldn't offer a lift to any theists trying to get to Melbourne to protest then? Just imagine the fun in the car on the way! :D
For ten whole hours? :( Pleeeeeeeeeeeease

[gj83]

I looked at the Spencers backpackers and according to the map it is a 33 min walk (5 min drive) and 2.4 km. I looked on Hostels.com and found
Urban Central. It was going to be USD84/night for a private double at Spencers which didn't specify if it was an ensuite or not. The Urban Central is 1.9 km if one follows the roads that Google Maps lays out, but it looks like a fairly direct shot walking. It also looks much more modern in the pictures. It's AUD104/night but claims to include skybus tickets for stays of 3 nights or more.

[Skepticus]

I'm probably going to book in there for the Saturday night and am hoping that my mate Durro (coming down from Qld) will also book in there (so I have an escort home :D No, no - we're just mates! I've met his wife, he's met my partner - it's all good and Plato's your uncle!)

Yeah yeah right, K then. Think I'd better hide out and see what goes on with this mob. :p

[Praxis]

Yeah yeah right, K then. Think I'd better hide out and see what goes on with this mob. :p
Won't be nuthin' to see there - move along.

Durro and I have been mates for a long time. I can't wait to catch up with him in March. I wish his wife was coming too (she makes the BEST pavlova in Australia!) but someone has to stay home and mind the kids.

:)

[Jin-oh Choi]

I also haven’t booked my accommodation yet, with “Full Weekend Pass”, “Saturday Night Dinner Pass” and Flights. It’s all starting to add up. I would be interested in any group / share options, other attendees may have.

[Jin-oh Choi]

I looked at the Spencers backpackers and according to the map it is a 33 min walk (5 min drive) and 2.4 km. I looked on Hostels.com and found
Urban Central. It was going to be USD84/night for a private double at Spencers which didn't specify if it was an ensuite or not. The Urban Central is 1.9 km if one follows the roads that Google Maps lays out, but it looks like a fairly direct shot walking. It also looks much more modern in the pictures. It's AUD104/night but claims to include skybus tickets for stays of 3 nights or more.

I've decided to go with a booking (which can be cancelled if other arrangements are made) at Urban Central (http://www.urbancentral.net.au/) in one of their Dorm Bed Ensuite (4 share) (http://www.urbancentral.com.au/AccommodationRates) @ $40 p/n. I was thinking it is only going to be for a couple nights. Plus it's also only 10 mins walk (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=334+City+Rd,+Southbank+VIC+3006,+Australia+( Urban+Central)&daddr=Melbourne+Convention+and+Exhibition+Centre&geocode=Fc_Kvv0dC-CjCCGFaXcsUaS-dymD0ve7VV3WajE4PiRHTxGTMw%3BFcDTvv0d9NKjCCkDbHn0V l3WajF9BqsuDX3K1g&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=-37.82582,144.956015&sspn=0.004424,0.013711&ie=UTF8&z=16) from the MCEC. :)

[gj83]

Originally the Hilton South Wharf didn't have any availability for reward bookings during the conference, but that changed so I am now staying at the Hilton South Wharf. If anyone else has Hilton points you might want to see if there are still reward nights available and book before January 14 when everything goes up a category and costs more points per night.

I wiped out my Hilton balance booking 8 nights there, but hopefully it is worth it.

[Jams.n.Tones]

OK, I've finally saved up enough pennies to book my accommodation (the flights left me broke for quite some time!).

I'm thinking the Southbank Travelodge, since there are other godless folk going to be there, and it has ensuite bathrooms. I do enjoy staying in backpackers, and it would be cheaper, but I really don't enjoy sharing bathrooms.

I'm just going to hunt around a bit more though before I book. Any other suggestions would be welcome!

[Chrys Stevenson]

OK, I've finally saved up enough pennies to book my accommodation (the flights left me broke for quite some time!).

I'm thinking the Southbank Travelodge, since there are other godless folk going to be there, and it has ensuite bathrooms. I do enjoy staying in backpackers, and it would be cheaper, but I really don't enjoy sharing bathrooms.

I'm just going to hunt around a bit more though before I book. Any other suggestions would be welcome!

My friend, Vicki, has booked at the Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins at $90 a night.

623 Collins Street
Melbourne , 3000
Australia
Phone
+61396146344
Fax
+61396141189

webres@batmanshill.com.au

The $90 per night is for: Room with 2 single beds and compact bathroom (shower). Comfortable with all modern conveniences. Please be informed that there will be no maid service for 3 days, on the 4th day it is compulsory at a cost of 20 AUD. Rate is for 2 people. The room caters for a maximum of 2 adults.
for 2 persons

[Prisoner of the Sun]

I'll be staying at the Batman's Hill also. I've stayed there before and it's very nice and good value. Flying in Friday morning and staying until the the following Saturday - I like to play poker and will see if I can pay for the whole trip at Crown Casino!!!

See Y'all there.

Tony

[JaimieM]

I'm a hostel kinda girl.
So I'm planning on booking at any central Melbourne backpackers for the weekend. I believe most range from between $20-$40/night. I refuse to pay anything more because I'm one of those Uni students who don't have a lot of money to spend.

[Jin-oh Choi]

I'm a hostel kinda girl.
So I'm planning on booking at any central Melbourne backpackers for the weekend. I believe most range from between $20-$40/night. I refuse to pay anything more because I'm one of those Uni students who don't have a lot of money to spend.

Hi JaimieM, you might wanna try booking the at the Urban Central (http://www.urbancentral.com.au/) in one of their Dorm Bed Ensuite (4 share) (http://www.urbancentral.com.au/AccommodationRates) @ $40 p/n. Plus it's also only 10 mins walk (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=334+City+Rd,+Southbank+VIC+3006,+Australia+( Urban+Central)&daddr=Melbourne+Convention+and+Exhibition+Centre&geocode=Fc_Kvv0dC-CjCCGFaXcsUaS-dymD0ve7VV3WajE4PiRHTxGTMw%3BFcDTvv0d9NKjCCkDbHn0V l3WajF9BqsuDX3K1g&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=-37.82582,144.956015&sspn=0.004424,0.013711&ie=UTF8&z=16) from the MCEC.

[ozogg]

[quote=Praxis;33971]
Just wondering where people are intending to stay while attending the convention?

Has anyone already booked? Where are you staying?

_______________ suggestion ______________

Has anyone considered<The Miami> motel in North Melbourne.
Rates there are VERY competitive, & one can choose backpacker dorms, or single/double/triple rooms.

And best of all, to me, they have osp = secure passcard locked, & undercover.

Nearby, 1min walk, is Erroll St, N. Melb, with quite a range of eateries, from grand to el-cheapo to chardonnay-swilling-solicitor-style.

Same nearby, (cnr of Errol St - Vic.Pde), tram takes you to corner of Flinders & Spencer St, which is a further two hops from the convention centre.

There is still some query about whether BRUMBY's infamous MYKI public transport charging system will be working by then, for all of train/tram/bus. Keep up-to-date via the web on that. Or share cabs, buy hiking boots, hire a bike.

I wonder if the GACC could consider a bulk booking at a cheap nearby hotel/motel ??

Chiz 2 all,
Ozogg

[punktual]

I am staying at the Hilton.

They ran out of standard rate rooms for the conference apparently so me and my partner had to get a Deluxe room.

While I cant really afford it (Sorry Mr Credit Card!) I am looking forward to being so close to the conference aswell as having a king size bed with LCD TV in front of it all with highrise views over the city. I think I can live with that.

I would certainly be interested in meeting up with people at the Hilton, allthough I am sure we will all stumble into each other there anyways.

[Jin-oh Choi]

I've decided to go with a booking (which can be cancelled if other arrangements are made) at Urban Central (http://www.urbancentral.net.au/) in one of their Dorm Bed Ensuite (4 share) (http://www.urbancentral.com.au/AccommodationRates) @ $40 p/n. I was thinking it is only going to be for a couple nights. Plus it's also only 10 mins walk (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=334+City+Rd,+Southbank+VIC+3006,+Australia+( Urban+Central)&daddr=Melbourne+Convention+and+Exhibition+Centre&geocode=Fc_Kvv0dC-CjCCGFaXcsUaS-dymD0ve7VV3WajE4PiRHTxGTMw%3BFcDTvv0d9NKjCCkDbHn0V l3WajF9BqsuDX3K1g&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=-37.82582,144.956015&sspn=0.004424,0.013711&ie=UTF8&z=16) from the MCEC. :)

Has anyone had any more thoughts on cheap accommodation. As I'm debating my previous post. :confused:

[Sancho]

I am staying at the Hilton.

They ran out of standard rate rooms for the conference apparently so me and my partner had to get a Deluxe room.

On these boards I doubt I need to provide a backstory for a Blackadder quote, so, you sinful hedonists:

Lady Whiteadder: Wicked child! Chairs are the work of Beelzebub! At our house, Nathaniel sits on a spike!

Blackadder: And yourself?

Lady Whiteadder: Me? I sit on Nathaniel. Two spikes would be an extravagance!

[Praxis]

hehe - one of my all-time favourite episodes :D

(we never do get to see the turnip shaped like a thingy!)

[Loki]

Actually we do


106

[Praxis]

Actually we do


106
Good grief, how could I have forgotten that?! (and I have the boxed set, too :o )

Thanks for the wonderful reminder Loki :D

Now, if we could just get all the words to the goblin song!

[two dogs]

Good morning everyone

Good afternoon Yarra.


- I think I may have the claim of the first person to book - beat that !!!
OK then, post the date & time of the confirmation of your booking, and let's see if anyone here can beat it.

[two dogs]

Just a light hearted comment, ...

And that's how I took it.


didn't mean to start a competition - maybe someone can think of a 'prize' for the winner - how about I buy a champagne cocktail in the hotel bar for anyone who beats me.
I did mean to start a competition, so here goes: :) Ticket confirmation: 7:37 PM 21 September 2009.
Acccomodation confirmation: 9:12 AM 22 September 2009

[davo]

I did mean to start a competition, so here goes: :) Ticket confirmation: 7:37 PM 21 September 2009.
Acccomodation confirmation: 9:12 AM 22 September 2009

Can committee members enter? ;)

[two dogs]

Can committee members enter? ;)
Yes, but they're not eligible for the prize. ;)

[two dogs]

Looks like l will have to force myself to drink the cocktail for you ..... oh the pain ......
I'm not a committee member; davo is, which is why he was asking. ;)

[davo]

I'm not a committee member; davo is, which is why he was asking. ;)

For the record, Protium beat everyone ;) But would be interesting to see who got in first on the forum :) play ball! hehehe

[Lee]

For the record, Protium beat everyone ;)

He is such a bloody show off.

Can we have a competiton on who was the first one to know about the convention. :D

[Chrys Stevenson]

I was dowsing for Heathen Conventions back in 2008 and the branch started quivering madly when I held it in front of the AFA website.

[Lee]

Well I was doing my Tarot back in April and that's when I first knew ;)

I was dowsing for Heathen Conventions back in 2008 and the branch started quivering madly when I held it in front of the AFA website.

Yeah right...desperate tactics you two. Truth be known I was aware of the convention when in the womb! :eek:

[ozogg]

Whomb ?

[Lee]

Whomb (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=whomb)???
2. whomb
a person with great amount of character and individualism; usually far superior to those around him/her.
In a world full of cowards, Peter Parker is regarded as somewhat of a whomb


Goes without saying really. That's me!!!! :p