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http://www.yelp.com/biz/coast-bellevue-hotel-bellevue and http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58349-d217796-Reviews-Coast_Bellev ue_Hotel-Bellevue_Washington.html#REVIEWS show this to be an elderly hotel sorely in need of renovation with a severely constrained budget, resulting in many bad rooms. Having been ConCom for two decades at nearby conventions, I understand that convention hotel contracts are a deal with the devil, but some reassurance that problems have been _fixed_ (not overlooked) will be essential in the decision to stay here or elsewhere.
Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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Hmmm. I tend to not put much value in these reviews, as people are FAR more likely to post negative comments than positive ones. I especially liked the one about being disappointed that the "Coast" Hotel was not on the water. Sheesh. Most of these reviews come across as whiny to easily OUTRAGED/insulted.
Honestly, I've been going to conventions a LONG time, and I got no sense of the Coast being a trashy, seedy hotel. It's a good hotel to have a small convention in. Was the continental breakfast lame? Well, yes, I would agree that the offerings were not the best I've had.
I didn't get a sense that the hotel was old and desperate need of updating, though. It's a nice hotel...it's not a luxury hotel by any means, though, so if you want to be pampered, and spend $200+ per night, I'd suggest going elsewhere.
I am local, so I don't need to stay at the hotel. BUT, there is SO much going on after hours, if you decide to stay elsewhere, you will be missing out on some fun times with fellow con-goers. It really does suck to have depart at 2 AM, and drive back to your own lodgings, instead of walk upstairs and go to bed. REALLY.
Chief Technical Officer
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As far as I'm aware, the only recurring negative feedback we received on the venue from PaizoCon attendees was that the lounge/restaurant was understaffed throughout the con, both in the kitchen and out front. The Coast has assured us that they'll have a larger staff present this year.
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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The rooms don't come with big screen TVs and personal masseurs or anything, but I didn't think they were too terrible for a gaming convention. Frankly, if you're spending enough time in your room to get too upset, you probably aren't doing the convention correctly.
It's sort of a middle-of-the-road place. Definitely not fancy, but not terrible, either. There's a Denny's (and a Whole Foods) across the street, so you've got plenty of much better food options than the continental breakfast, which I have never even noticed.
The banquet food is surprisingly good, though.
If you've ever stayed in a Courtyard by Marriott, it's the same type of feel at the Coast Bellevue when it comes to the rooms. they are nice enough to sleep in, but I agree with Erik. If you're spending enough time to find their flaws while at a convention you're simply spending too much time in the room :) If you're concerned with room size, consider a Townhouse Loft Suite, though they go *REALLY* fast and there's a limited number (I think 12, if I recall correctly).
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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I went a-Googlin' for breakfast joints, and I tell you what...
Chace's Pancake Corral
1606 Bellevue Way Southeast, Bellevue, WA 98004
I'm heading over here one morning....yum!
A few more points about reviews and hotels and such...
I've read through a lot of these reviews through the links you posted. One big thing that stands out is that most of them booked through Priceline or some online deal maker. I'd hate to presume this, but maybe these bargain shoppers got some bargain rooms that aren't quite as updated as other room blocks? Maybe in the way back? (shrug) Could explain stuff.
Another thing I've noticed is the sense of "worthy of the price" comments in the reviews...like paying $100 a night should yield a luxury room. I have had to explain to friends and relatives visiting us from the Midwest is that basic hotel lodgings usually cost more in the Seattle area. There is sort of a sticker shock for some people. I know this...I'm from Nebraska, and that was the case for me for a while.
I mean, less than $60-70/night is kinda basic bargain motel 6 price here. In comparison, $100 per night in a small Midwest city is going to yield pretty fancy room! Here, that'll give you a nice, basic room to stay in; not a dive, but not the 5-star either. So, keep that in mind, I guess.
I thought the hotel wasn't all that bad. The rooms were actually quite nice, but maybe I just got lucky.
My only real complaints were about the speed of service at the lounge/bar and the speed of the Internet access connection - though I *did* like that it was free and accessible from anywhere, unlike several "5-star" hotels I've stayed at on recent business trips.
The status of both of these items was about the same at both PaizoCon 2009 and 2010, so I don't really expect it to change much this year. If they DO put more staff on during the con I'll be really happy and might give the food another go. It was tasty but the service sucked.
M
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Any idea on what we need to do to get the con rate for the rooms? I went to the hotel's website and it's showing more expensive rates.
If you click the big PAIZOCON to the left, you will find all the info you need :)
Here is the gist ...
The Coast Bellevue Hotel has graciously offered us a reduced room rate for Wednesday night through Monday morning (June 8–13) at just $99.00 per night for single or double occupancy. (This is $10 less per night than our room rate last year!) Each room can hold up to four occupants, though the Coast Bellevue Hotel does charge for each additional occupant beyond two (call Coast Bellevue Hotel for details).
For Hotel Reservations: 1-425-455-9444 (ask for the PaizoCon room block)
If you do have a vehicle, then there are plenty of good places to eat within a few miles.
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I have no doubt that the internet problems I experienced last year will be there this year. If you have a Deluxe Suite (Stairs that swirl up to a second level) expect no internet. Regular rooms faired far better I have been told. My overall experience was good but the internet is absolutely something I don't care to remember. The hotel has comepletely handed over the service to AT&T and just give you a card if there is a problem. You call AT&T and it is very odd because this isn't your place of residence but you are asking for service for the hotel.
AT&T technicians hum-hah and tell you it will be resolved or try to be resolved...but in the end they are just waiting for your stay to end. I was looking forward to playing some Netflix for guests, streaming music off my laptop and serf the internet for what I needed. Nada. Speeds were 56k at best and absolutely dead standstill for even longer intervals. You may get the nice suite but you don't get the nice internet. I was forced to serfing in the lobby where they have just one computer (that is usually in use).
Wireless also seems a tad touch and go.
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I didn't have much trouble with connectivity in my room (which was good as I had some work I ended up having to do over that weekend).
The rooms are not bad and the restaurant was rough for service, but only during traditional 'peak' times ... I tend not to follow a typical pattern for meals, so I didn't hit these issues as much as others apparently.
And Denny's was decent enough, especially after a night long Mix challenge and post Mix challenge hang out. Nothing like a waffle at 500am ... ;)
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I have stayed in hotels all over the US and would definitely put the Coast Bellevue in the above average category. It's not one of the Vegas Strip hotels, but it's a lot better than places I've found in BFE. The rooms were clean and roomy. I had no problems with using the internet. And the bonus for someone who brought along a sewing machine (no comments) I had plenty of room to set it up and use it without doing gymnastics. I totally agree about the breakfast. Since Whole Foods is right within easy walking distance, I prefer heading over there for 'real' food anyways.
Other food options within walking distance (one mile or less, nearest to farthest):
Sounds like the 'walking' part might be a good idea:) Looking forward to it!
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Din Tai Fong (Chinese, specializing in dumplings)
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Lilith or I or both of us might have to lead an expedition here. We keep meaning to go there for soup dumplings at some point and failing to be motivated enough or think of it at the right time. Also, map says there is a subway not far from the whole foods and there is a Denny's right next door if it's still open. There's a burger king really close as well. And Uwajimaya right behind the burger king which maybe a hoot and will have some fun asian foods and an aisle of pocky and asian candies for the anime geeks.
Lilith or I or both of us might have to lead an expedition here. We keep meaning to go there for soup dumplings at some point and failing to be motivated enough or think of it at the right time. Also, map says there is a subway not far from the whole foods and there is a Denny's right next door if it's still open. There's a burger king really close as well. And Uwajimaya right behind the burger king which maybe a hoot and will have some fun asian foods and an aisle of pocky and asian candies for the anime geeks.
Soup dumplings! Woo hoo!
Uwajimaya is an excellent choice - their deli/sushi plates are always superb, and they have more Pocky than you can shake a ten foot pole at (along with a wide variety of import candies and a great selection of sake, if that's your thing).There has been a Sunday morning dim sum run in past years—I do highly recommend it!
their deli/sushi plates
Mine!
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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The Crab Pot, of course, is where Paizo holds the "meet and eat."Just for clarity, the "meet-and-eat" isn't actually organized by Paizo.
Whoa! How did I let that slip by me?
Vic is, of course, correct. Paizo doesn't hold the Meet and Eat event.
I do.
Well, er.... it is a fan-sponsored event, organized by me.
;-)
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Wait, so you're not covering everyone's bill??? ;)
Vic is, of course, correct. Paizo doesn't hold the Meet and Eat event.I do.
Well, er.... it is a fan-sponsored event, organized by me.
;-)
Oh man! You mean I have been paying every year and I should have just mentioned Tim and got it for free.
Crap!
Oh man! You mean I have been paying every year and I should have just mentioned Tim and got it for free.
I'm not sure about every year, but this worked for me last year.
Maybe it's because they already had his credit card number...
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OK, STOP THAT.
Geez, that's all I need, people showing up for their first Meet and Eat thinking that it's free....
In case you DO think that....nope. Separate checks, with an automatic 20% gratuity added on.
See Majuba. Like I told you. He's everywhere. Its scary. I bet he'll be sitting there waiting for me at the next Mexican Restaurant I eat at!
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Hmm... wasn't there a motel 6 add that said "The rooms all look the same when the lights are out"?
I don't go to hotels to enjoy the hotel room, I go to be somewhere enjoyable so my standards are:
So the internet was spotty (likely due to being booked to the gills with geeks), otherwise the room was fine.
About the worse thing about my stay was the fact that when I looked out the window I had to look at the huge Microsoft Logo across the freeway.
The food in the bar was mediocre, the drinks were expensive (but that's expected). They had a computer room downstairs and they didn't complain that we went through REAMS of paper printing out characters and in my case 64 page PFS scenarios.
OK, STOP THAT.
Geez, that's all I need, people showing up for their first Meet and Eat thinking that it's free....
In case you DO think that....nope. Separate checks, with an automatic 20% gratuity added on.
So...it's free if we mention your name, then? :-P
So the internet was spotty (likely due to being booked to the gills with geeks), otherwise the room was fine.
No.. we were among the very first there and it was still not so hot. Although I'm talking about the cabled internet, if you mean the WiFi, you're probably right.