Looking forward to attending.

united.com has an airfare sale right now that gives a $114 plus tax price SAN-AUS. Check mileage run forum for inspiration.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milea...147-all-2.html

Fare is likely to be pulled at any moment.

You had me with Texas BBQ...Snow's completely cinched it...sign me up (Saturday & Sunday at the least)!

It's pulled...

Thanks for the alert, I managed to book my flights before they were pulled. SAN-AUS 4/18-23. I have to drive from L.A. to SAN to catch the flights, but at $157/AI, I look at it as a couple free (or at least discounted) nights at the lovely Sheraton SAN Hotel and Marina before and after the trip. ^

A quick update for everyone. We're very happy to announce that the Aloft Austin @ The Domain will be the official Do hotel. We've been offered a group rate of $119 which is pretty good for Austin (a notoriously expensive hotel city). There are also rooms available on points if you're so inclined.

The Westin is nearby, as are some other hotels, but keep in mind that the bus will be departing and arriving at the Aloft. So you can stay wherever you like, but plan accordingly. :)

We don't have the booking code or link quite yet, but we'll be sure and post that on the AusMegaDo.Com site when we have it ready.

Fantastic news and a good deal at the Aloft!

Glad you like it. :)

In my haste yesterday, I almost forgot to announce the event sponsors we have partnered with:

Randy Petersen via MilePoint has graciously continued sponsoring the bus transportation along with the folks here at FlyerTalk. Starwood Preferred Guest has also joined the team to help cover several items around the Do. We are exceedingly grateful for the generosity and community spirit offered by these companies.

This is wonderful news!:cool:

Hi all, this event looks to be a lot of fun and while I have no idea right now what my schedule will look like next April, I have penciled it on my calendar and booked a room at the Renaissance (which appears to be across the street from the Aloft).

Dan

Hey Dan, the Renaissance is about ten minutes or so from the Aloft. Certainly not walkable, but easily drivable. Hope you can make it down. :)

Gotcha, lookes closer on Google Maps than it appears ;).

I am planning on renting a car if I can make it, so sounds good to me.

Is there a closer Marriott? I have never been to Austin (other than flying through AUS on the CO MSP-LGW Y fare mistake from a few years ago) before and hopefully my schedule will allow for the trip.

Dan

There is a Springhill Suites across the freeway from the area the Aloft is in. It's not a bad spot, typical Springhill offerings.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ar...p=2&sz=17&z=14

A is the Ren, B is the Aloft, C is the Springhill Suites.

Much appreciated, thank you!

I have to admit that I do feel a little funny staying at a Marriott property when Starwood is picking up the tab for certain events/costs, but truth be told the Renaissance on Marriott Rewards points is well free and a much better price IMHO. ;)

Tangentially, I am surprised at the lack of full service Marriott properties in the Austin area, there is the Ren and a Marriott North and South very much like Dallas which is lacking in the full service Marriott properties as well.

Dan

No worries at all. :)

Austin in general is lacking in hotel space which drives up the rates at the properties we do have. There are plans to build more from each brand (Hyatt, Marriott, and Starwood) in various locations but it's a bit thin right now.

Of course, where Ben White and and I-35 meet, there are six Marriott properties next door to one another. Starwood Lurker cringes every morning when he drives by. ;) :D