IML 2015
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2005
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IML 2015
IML 2015 - Chicago
At the Congress Plaza Hotel this year. I am planning to go, but not sure if I should stay at the host hotel. It looks a bit dingy to me. The rate for a queen room is $169/night. However, the Renaissance next door is only $28 per night more.
At the Congress Plaza Hotel this year. I am planning to go, but not sure if I should stay at the host hotel. It looks a bit dingy to me. The rate for a queen room is $169/night. However, the Renaissance next door is only $28 per night more.
Last edited by Dieuwer; Jan 6, 2015 at 10:27 am Reason: Added rate info
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
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I'll be going from Friday to Monday this year.
Still not sure if I will stay at the host hotel or the Hilton on Michigan. I only stayed there once in 99 and it was a dump then but hopefully it has been renovated.
Hopefully it will be more fun again now that is back at Congress. Since it's been at the Hyatt and Marriott, it's turned into more of a circuit party and the hotels were pretty uptight about went on. Congress was a lot more laid back.
Still not sure if I will stay at the host hotel or the Hilton on Michigan. I only stayed there once in 99 and it was a dump then but hopefully it has been renovated.
Hopefully it will be more fun again now that is back at Congress. Since it's been at the Hyatt and Marriott, it's turned into more of a circuit party and the hotels were pretty uptight about went on. Congress was a lot more laid back.
#4
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Wow. This morning they still had standard rooms.
I think the "problem" is the free 72 hour cancellation. I am sure many guys just booked a room to just hold something. Without regard of actually planning to stay at the host hotel.
I think the "problem" is the free 72 hour cancellation. I am sure many guys just booked a room to just hold something. Without regard of actually planning to stay at the host hotel.
#5
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York City
Programs: SkyMiles PM, Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum
Posts: 800
I was looking at the hotel booking page a couple of weeks ago and saw no suites then either. I've known vendors to reserve those so they can host parties. The standard rooms look pretty big though.
I tend to think events like IML are not worth attending if one is not staying at the host hotel, but the choice of the Congress has me uncertain about going this year. The organization of the lobby and bar areas is key, as is alerting the staff about what to expect. Plus, I would have preferred to score some Hyatt points again.
I tend to think events like IML are not worth attending if one is not staying at the host hotel, but the choice of the Congress has me uncertain about going this year. The organization of the lobby and bar areas is key, as is alerting the staff about what to expect. Plus, I would have preferred to score some Hyatt points again.
#7
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When I called yesterday I was told they were sold out of standard rooms after the website was showing only suites available. I just called and they had a couple queens available so I was able to reserve one
I agree about staying at the host hotel. It's a lot more fun for events like IML being at the host hotel seeing anything go and you don't have to worry about offending anyone walking out of another hotel in leather to get to the host hotel
I agree about staying at the host hotel. It's a lot more fun for events like IML being at the host hotel seeing anything go and you don't have to worry about offending anyone walking out of another hotel in leather to get to the host hotel
#8
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When I called yesterday I was told they were sold out of standard rooms after the website was showing only suites available. I just called and they had a couple queens available so I was able to reserve one
I agree about staying at the host hotel. It's a lot more fun for events like IML being at the host hotel seeing anything go and you don't have to worry about offending anyone walking out of another hotel in leather to get to the host hotel
I agree about staying at the host hotel. It's a lot more fun for events like IML being at the host hotel seeing anything go and you don't have to worry about offending anyone walking out of another hotel in leather to get to the host hotel
#9
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I liked it at nicer hotels but hate how security has been the past few years even though there are signs all over the place saying it is a private event and only open to those attending.
I'm anxious to see how the leather market will be, I have no idea what the exhibit space is like there.
#10
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York City
Programs: SkyMiles PM, Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum
Posts: 800
I took the plunge about an hour ago and booked a standard queen room (ha!) online from the IML site link for Thursday to Monday. I noticed two types of suites were available for booking too, one with a king bed and lake views, the other with two bedrooms.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA & Bangkok (Home)/Lawrenceville & Switzerland (Boarding School)/Baltimore, MD (College)
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I have never been to IML before. Would you guys recommend it? What is the crowd/scene like? In regards to hotel, in summer 2014 my college had a summer class/program in Chicago and us students were booked at the Congress Plaza. Checked in, saw room, and immediately took a cab to the Peninsula. Room was FILTHY!
#13
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York City
Programs: SkyMiles PM, Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum
Posts: 800
Quinlanty, you are probably familiar with the crowd that comes to San Francisco for Folsom and Dore Alley. It's the same people at IML, compressed into one hotel lobby, except there will be even more gear on display (and plenty of other things on display).
#14
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA & Bangkok (Home)/Lawrenceville & Switzerland (Boarding School)/Baltimore, MD (College)
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Cool! Hope to see some of you there
#15
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