True, for this year, re the price differential....However, the original idea floated for *Mega Do III was to have the charter flight from ORD-GRU-DEN, in which case the F fare was going to be about $3,000 (vs. about $1,200 or $1,500 for Y). So, the length of the charter will play a substantial role in the pricing structure.

You are not restricted to staying at the event hotels, but I would highly recommend doing so for the following reasons:

1) The shuttle buses arranged for the Mega Do provide transportation to/from the event hotels, and given the punishing schedule, this is one instance where I would choose convenience over price.

2) Last year Tommy was able to score SPG Gold status (or other bennies for those who held Gold or higher status -- can't remember what), and this year Hyatt Diamond status (which special bennies for current Diamonds) for those of us who stayed in the event hotels in the nights surrounding the charter. (This wasn't a requirement for the NY or European add-ons.) This year, just one night apiece in each of the 3 Hyatt properties in Chicago, Montreal & Denver will score us Hyatt Diamond status.

3) Tommy and other organizers really stick their collective necks out, so it's also a matter of courtesy (but certainly not a requirement) to the organizers to reward the hotels providing us with the good rate and other goodies with our business.

The rule of thumb with the Tommy Mega Do's is to always expect the unexpected. There is never any guarantee that he will be able to get the travel partners/sponsors to commit to EQM's/hotel status, but if they do, it's a net positive.

Also, don't forget that the cost of the charter also includes other costs surrounding the Do (like the shuttle buses and some meals).