@mm2270 I was in the Residence Inn last year. It was nice. I was thinking the Aloft this time round. What didn't you like about it? I wouldn't want to get stuck in a duff hotel!
@mm2270 I stayed at the Normandy two years ago and it was pleasant. Clean rooms, breakfast is not free but they have a full menu, and they had a shuttle running up to the Guthrie, although I walked every morning and it was the perfect wake up.
I've stayed at the Residence Inn and Renaissance as well, and both are great hotels. I'm staying aLoft again this year just because of the proximity to the Guthrie. I'm not a big fan of their rooms myself. Too trendy for me.
@stevewood Thanks for the info. I may just go with Residence Inn this time, but still debating it.
And yeah, that's how I would put the Aloft - trendy, though trendy isn't a bad thing in itself. What I'm not crazy about with the Aloft is the food offerings. No free breakfast is not a deal breaker for me since I can expense that kind of stuff with my company. But the menu is important. Aloft's breakfast is pretty limited, and not much place to really sit down and eat it to begin with. Basically its the kind of place you stay at (read: sleep) and go out somewhere else for food. I'm good with that for dinner, but I'm not much of a morning person so going out somewhere for breakfast isn't ideal for me :)
Funny Aloft was on the accomedations page to start with but i see it is gone. I ended up calling the front desk and got a cheaper rate. Reservations did not know any thing about it but calling the front desk did.The guy I talked to said I remember you guys you take over the place for a few days. I like being able to run back to the hotel during the day if needed.
Yeah @MikeF I've heard the same. Starwood and Aloft both have great customer service, when I booked with the call center they said they'd ask a manager to follow up with me but you can book a refundable rate to at least get a room for now. Supposedly there's a wedding rate booked too, we'll see how busy it is. : )
P.S. Residence Inn has quite a decent breakfast and passable dinner included in the price. Just some FYI. Decent billards room as well. I don't know about room service because I never need it.
@mm2270 I've stayed at the Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites. It's a bit old school. I think the best word to describe it as quaint. I've booked there again for this year. I like the place. I also like that I can park my car in the on-site flat lot and quickly get in and out of the lot as needed.
Hi everyone, As you may have seen the JNUC registration page is now live! JNUC 2015 - Overview
Also, the 2015 JNUC Mini Events page is now available. Mini Events are community-driven activities, meet-ups, and gatherings during the JNUC week. Best of all, anyone can create one. If you're looking to meet new people or chat with administrators working in similar environments, Mini Events are the perfect place organize. JNUC 2015 - Mini Events
I kept the Google Map up from last year. Folks are welcome to use it for planning or add venues/shops/etc. that might be interesting for other folks to check out: JNUC 2015 Map
I 2nd using the Light Rail to get into town after you arrive at MSP. Its a fairly quick and easy ride and is much cheaper than a cab. You can take it to either the Downtown East or Gov't Plaza stations if I recall to get near most of the hotels.
I'll also be joining from UK. Just had flights booked and for the first time flying direct from London to MSP! I couldn't face the 2-hour queue in Chicago again...