There have been some questions about where to stay in Austin for those attending the gathering from out of town. The following 2 hotels are the most convenient to Collings and where things will be going on. These are located on the southwest side of Austin near the intersection of Hwy 290 and Mopac (aka Loop 1). If anybody has other suggestions please post them here. Also, if you visitors from out of town can coordinate staying at the same place you might be able to get a better deal. I don't believe we are going to have a large enough group for this gathering to "officially" work some kind of deal.

The hotels are

Extended Stay America

La Quinta Inn

[This message was edited by Allen White on January 20, 2003 at 02:46 PM.]

Thanks for posting these.

I have another question. Are the breakfast and lunch/jamming places on that side of town as well?

Yes. Jim's Restaurant is west on Hwy 290 from these hotels. Probably just 2 or 3 miles actually. The Nutty Brown Cafe is located down the highway from Collings which is located west of the hotels too on Hwy 290, but quite a ways past Jim's Restaurant.

I'm just planning a business trip for Wednesday and Thursday, so things look pretty good for me to attend. Is the Marriott Airport South (4415 South IH-35, Austin, TX 78744) within a reasonable drive time? It looks to be about 15 miles east of Collings, with Oak Hill (Jim's restaurant?) about halfway in between. Since I travel for business, I like to collect the Marriott points when possible.

I'm getting excited now. I wish a had a Calton case.

It has just been brought to my attention by Allen White that the big music shindig knowm as WSW is going on the same weekend we are having the Forum Gathering. I just booked my room at the Extended Stay America Hotel for only 59.00 a night. The LaQuinta qouted me 110.00 a night so it was a easy choice for me, besides the money I save I might spend on nice guitar if I happen to find one. This GAS thing is a real drag, I wonder if Rolaids or Tums would help to qwell the burning from within. They told me that the Hotel was not even a year old so I'm betting it is in great condition and that it won't be a fleabag. I've been to this WSW thing before and I think the town gets kind of busy. If you are even thinking of going be sure to book your room early, you can always cancel if you can't make it.
George in Wi.

I live in Austin and have checked out the Extended Stay America Hotel for my parents when they visit. It is new and is nice (no fleabag) and in a convenient location. 59 bucks...good deal!

Professionals built the Titanic....An amateur built the Ark.

Rockerbob...from your hotel just get on Ben White Blvd (major multi-lane) and head west. It goes all the way out to Jim's Restaurant in Oak Hill. There is a 'Y' at Oak Hill where Ben White turns into 290 West if you go left at the 'Y'. You can see Jim's just ahead and a bit to your right when at the 'Y' red light.

Professionals built the Titanic....An amateur built the Ark.

I'm still not 100% sure if I can make it. I need my company to cooperate.

I booked travel and hotel. As much as I would like to stay with the group, I will be in the Marriott Airport South. I will have a rental car so I should be able to get around to the activities. I get in Wednesday afternoon and have business meetings Wednesday and Thursday.

I don't have a worthy case, so I won't be bringing a guitar with me. If anyone local has a loaner I could use for the jams, I would greatly appreciate it. Maybe Bill will loan me a new guitar fresh from the factory. I'd probably be OK with any Collings, Goodall, SCGC, Merrill, etc.

I should have a Martin OM-18V (it's on a Fedex truck somewhere between Ft Worth and Austin right now), my D2HA and my Collings mandolin. Will one of those suit you?

I suppose I could let you bang on my Proulx OM/D...I'd better stick with the Collings, myself.

Bryan Kimsey
http://www.bryankimsey.com

Allen - I don't think I could make anything resembling music on the mandolin, but the use of either guitar would be most appreciated.

Bryan - I'm not familiar with the Proulx, but based on what I know about you from your posts, I suspect it is a fine guitar that I would also be delighted to play.

I feel better knowing there will be a spare guitar or 2 around. If you are ever in my neighborhood we can jam on my guitars.