Marriott or Sheraton

Jennifer · Post by **Jennifer** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 11:56 pm

me and my friends are planning on getting a hotel rooms (one for boys other for girls).But my friends wanted to know if one hotel room at the Marriott is bigger then one at the Sheraton vis versa.Also which hotel you guys think think is better in terms of service.and any other tid bits would we so helpful.

Cant wait to see every1 at AB09 WOOT

KitKat · Post by **KitKat** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:22 am

Marriot is def. bigger, but you pay wayyy more for it. I personally prefer the sharaton because they've always treated me really well, while the Marriot really hasn't.

Zigfried · Post by **Zigfried** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:54 am

The Sheraton seems to be the better choice IMO, just because it is literally part of the convention. The proximity to all the events and Hynes makes it so convenient that I would choose the Sheraton over the Mariott if price weren't an option.

That's not to say that the Mariott is on the other side of Boston. It is connected to the Pru via an overpass. You do have to walk through the Pru, though, but its not that long of a walk and its always indoors. I have heard, though, that they close that overpass pretty early (like 12 AM). Anyone else know anything about this?

However, my friend's mother works at a Mariott and can get us a monster discount where we only have to pay $60 a night. I don't know much about the service at the Mariott, but for $60 a night, they could swear at me as I check in, give me a room with no furniture, and call me up just to yell at me. $60 a night is a godsend.

KitKat · Post by **KitKat** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:58 am

I'd also like to comment that while I like the sheraton better than the Marriot- I lik the people at the Hilton even better.
I even like the food there better. But they're smaller than the sheraton.

elphaba · Post by **elphaba** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:10 am

Seeing as the Sheraton is the con hotel for the next two years, you're probably more likely to get a better rate. I also vote Sheraton just because it's that much closer to the con, plus a part of the con itself.

In 07, a bunch of my friends shared a room with just one king size bed. They fit five people in just fine, and only one person slept in the bed (the deal was he wasn't making anyone chip in for the room so he got the only bed). So I say Team Sheraton!

TenshiSelece · Post by **TenshiSelece** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:26 pm

i vote for Sheraton... i been going to anime boston since 06.. and Sheraton always been the best i was at the hilt...... and like they want to check all keys and everything... o.o... but Sheraton did not because they knew anime boston was huge and they dont mind alot of people in the room only if u guys keep it nice and not loud lol XD

GO SHERATON!!!

Jennifer · Post by **Jennifer** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:10 pm

tx everyones been really helpful.also i was wondering what the discount is or has bee n in past years just so me n my friends av a idea

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:50 pm

Keep watching the animeboston.com page
As soon as the con rate rooms at the Sheraton become available, they'll tell us there.

DO NOT try to get a room before that annoucement. It will only cause you pain in both your soul and your wallet.

marikotoeii · Post by **marikotoeii** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:06 pm

just make sure you note this:

i thought that there was supposed to be a deposit in your first nights stay when you checked in - turned out they want you to pay the whole thing up front! i.e. first deposit equal to a credit card hold of the entire stay!

just be advised of this at the sheraton as well as most other hotels: this especially is a problem for the younger set that may not have $600 available credit and is planning on collecting money from people at con!

KitKat · Post by **KitKat** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:13 pm

I just pay all cash up front anyway, even though I have a credit card balance big enough for it. ^^

YouTube · Post by **basharoftheages** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:58 pm

Forum crashed last time I tried posting. =/

It's also important to note that the con hotel is the one with huge lines for check-in and check-out and excessive lines for the elevators. If you're splitting your room several ways, calculate what you're really paying and see what your time is worth.

Sakura1321 · Post by **Sakura1321** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:08 pm

sheraton definitely better
i heard a rumor last year that they actually might host some official events in the sheraton for AB09

Post by **JReckers** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:31 pm

[quote=My_Wayward_Son]I have heard, though, that they close that overpass pretty early (like 12 AM). Anyone else know anything about this?[/quote]

I am not 100% sure as to the exact times the overpass is closed, but at AB2008 the overpass was never closed when I tried to go across it. I definitely crossed it later than midnight (about 1:00 IIRC), and as early as 6:30am.

edit: Even if it's closed, there is a staircase down and it's just a walk across the street at street level. At the times the overpass will be closed, traffic will be minimal.

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:34 am

The Marriott-Prudential overpass is closed from 2am to 5am

I'm pretty sure those are the times. It might be 2-6.

Darkend · Post by **Darkend** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:24 pm

According to Email recieved from the Prudential mall security, 2AM to 5 is correct. Thank you Fetch. Upon asking special Hynes functions he said he was not clear of the times, but they were diffrent.

Gollum · Post by **Gollum** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:32 am

[quote=Sakura1321]sheraton definitely better
i heard a rumor last year that they actually might host some official events in the sheraton for AB09 [/quote]
In the past the Sheraton has been used for the Registration, the Dance, and the Game Room. The only reason this wasn't the case in 08 is because the Sheraton wasn't the con hotel due to it already being booked by another event.

TK2K · Post by **TK2K** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 1:28 pm

If you're getting it for kids keep in mind the Marriot is a lot further away.

you have to walk through the prudential center (which is completely safe) to get to the marriot. It's just a bit of a walk (5 mins) and if you're a concerned parent, it might be better to just go for the Sheraton

masterofplush · Post by **masterofplush** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:57 pm

well ive been thinking of the praticality of booking a hotel room i live in wakefield mass literaly right nextdoor to the comuterail (its loud and annoying)and i pretty sure it wouldn't be to much of a hassle to get there and back and its cheaper (though that doesn't matter becouse this is my birthday present

Jennifer · Post by **Jennifer** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:27 pm

i'm the kid (16 to be exact) my moms gonna be there but she'll prob get her own room.But me and my friends are all gonna squash into one room.Cuz in my
Yubel Cosplay it'll be easier to get ready if cause i wake up late and this is to also insure i dont my sat craftsmanship judging too

JayyEsquire · Post by **JayyEsquire** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:11 am

Register for your room a good month before AB, as well. (Sometimes even before that is better.)

Do not make the mistake of trying to register only a week before. We couldn't find a room, and ended up having to drive for two hours both ways to get to the con. D;

KitKat · Post by **KitKat** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:30 am

[quote=JayyEsquire]Register for your room a good month before AB, as well. (Sometimes even before that is better.)

Do not make the mistake of trying to register only a week before. We couldn't find a room, and ended up having to drive for two hours both ways to get to the con. D;[/quote]

Note: If this happens to you evr again look at Hotwire. For '08 I thought I was just going to commute untill two friends called me about a hotel room two days before con. I booked through Hotwire for the Hilton the night before the convention, paid less than the year before, and got great service. Plus sits like that have you pay when you book not when you arrive so you don't have to worry about the how-tos or anything. I just got the money, eposited it in my bank, booked with my debit card.
All we had to do was show up to get our room keys and we were right across the street from the con.

masterofplush · Post by **masterofplush** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:35 pm

well the thing is i am going to anime boston for my sweet sixteen (along with all my friends who are into anime so lik 5 at most) but so far its me my dad to friends of mine who are girls and my boyfriend and i am not sure how that would work i mean all the girls could share a bed or the floor my dad (doesn't matter if its my birthday) will get the bed becouse well hes paying for the room and letting us drag him around but my boyfriend is the problem i am not sure what my dad would say about sleeping in the same room and it feels unconventional to get two rooms i don't know mabye it would be ok becouse dad would also be in the same room

TK2K · Post by **TK2K** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:10 pm

[quote=JayyEsquire]Register for your room a good month before AB, as well. (Sometimes even before that is better.)

Do not make the mistake of trying to register only a week before. We couldn't find a room, and ended up having to drive for two hours both ways to get to the con. D;[/quote]

book it like... at least 2 months in advance...

Jennifer · Post by **Jennifer** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:36 pm

oh dont worry as soon as the site updates and shows the hotels prices for ab09 im booking it

nenie · Post by **nenie** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:08 am

My friend told me that the Sheraton is already booked, even before AB08 was even over.

Man!

Zigfried · Post by **Zigfried** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:52 pm

That's such a lie that I don't know how to respond other than: FAIL!

The discount rates (rates that poor cosplayers like us rely on to make it through the convention) don't go up until waaaaayy after pre-reg goes online, which won't be up for a good couple of months. To assume that there is a person out there that has the dubious foresight to book a hotel room a year in advance, then multiply that by ALL the rooms in the Sheraton (not just the discount party block) is really foolhardy.

Sounds like you were just a victim of scare tactics.

BlackSunRising · Post by **BlackSunRising** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 5:46 pm

I thought both hotels were nice...I liked the Marriott, my boyfriend prefers the Sheraton.

mjgosselin · Post by **mjgosselin** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 12:45 pm

The advantage of the Sheraton is proximity. It's right downstairs.

Now, if you want to get away from some people, for a while, go with the Marriott.

nenie · Post by **nenie** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 9:31 pm

oh okay, thank goodness.

I have a question, When would it be the best time to reserve for the Sheraton?

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:10 pm

Check the AB site at least once a week.
When you see that they have announced the rate for the Sheraton is in place, that is when you rez your room.

They that get their rooms before then are foolish, for they are spending money that would be much better spent in the Dealer's Room and/or Artist's Alley.

nenie · Post by **nenie** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:04 pm

oh, well thankyou. I will check.

ShadowWolf · Post by **ShadowWolf** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:59 pm

[quote=Fetch]Check the AB site at least once a week.
When you see that they have announced the rate for the Sheraton is in place, that is when you rez your room.

They that get their rooms before then are foolish, for they are spending money that would be much better spent in the Dealer's Room and/or Artist's Alley.[/quote]

>_>
You can ALWAYS get your room way before time, even before rates go up. This assures you a room, regardless. Once the discounted rates go up, cancel your reservation and request a new reservation. This makes for a win-win solution.

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:18 pm

BAD ShadowWolf. Bad!

My friend tried doing that for a con once. It backfired on him because the hotel wouldn't let him reserve a room at the con rate, due to the convention block being full. They told him they could put his original reservation back, but they would have to charge him an extra fee, due to rooms for that weekend now being at a premium.

ALWAYS wait for the convention you're going to to announce that they have a deal with the hotel for a lower price.

BDragonD24 · Post by **BDragonD24** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:17 pm

That is correct and also realize that even if the block isn't full the hotel, any hotel, can refuse to give you the discounted rate if you reserved before hand and then cancelled. They then can refuse to give you your earlier reservation back as well. That happened to someone I know and when asked why, the hotel quoted some policy or another. So as Fetch stated, wait it's always better and definitely the safer way to go.

Nosut · Post by **Nosut** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:03 am

[quote=BDragonD24]That is correct and also realize that even if the block isn't full the hotel, any hotel, can refuse to give you the discounted rate if you reserved before hand and then cancelled. They then can refuse to give you your earlier reservation back as well. That happened to someone I know and when asked why, the hotel quoted some policy or another. So as Fetch stated, wait it's always better and definitely the safer way to go. [/quote]

how about the work around? if the hotel works like then then since your going with roommates what if you did this.

Have two people willing to reserve a room right? One reserves one now while the rooms are not sure high but also not discounted. Then when the discount comes have the other person try to reserve that room. Since its two different cards and two different names the hotel can not do anything. If the second person gets the cheaper room cancel the first one. If they dont get a cheaper room keep the first one.....this is the true win-win!!

H. Guderian · Post by **H. Guderian** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:25 am

Unless everyone did that, and then since so many people were booking normal-rate rooms they decide to not expand the convention discount block since so many non-discount customers are entering that city for god-knows-what.

So even that has a potential of backfiring to a degree.

This is definately a case I'd say to just play by the books. What if the friend in the two-friend system fails in the agreement at some point? Its fun to think of good schemes, but its not worth the effort.

Akimichi Sazuki · Post by **Akimichi Sazuki** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 8:05 pm

when getting a room, the metaphor "The early bird gets the worm" deffinitly comes into play. i would get a room the second the prices show up on the website.

daisuke88 · Post by **daisuke88** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:19 pm

about WHEN do the prices come up on the site? (i'd just like to know how long i need to be waiting...) like, how long before the con, usually?

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 2:34 pm

If you call the Sheraton (make sure it's the Back Bay one, due to their being more than 1 Sheraton in Boston) you can get the rate for Anime Boston.

It isn't up on their website yet. I believe that the AB staff is waiting to announce it until it is available online.

daisuke88 · Post by **daisuke88** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:23 pm

okay, thanks. =) i don't think i'm gunna book there, but it's good to know...

last year i was at the westin, and we got a cheaper room than the AB one, so we'll probably do that instead...

-RINGO- · Post by **-RINGO-** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:43 pm

I am planning to stay at the Hilton with some friends because one of their dads works for them and can get a discount. So the room should be cheaper, but are the standard rooms much smaller? We probably will not be in there much, but I just wanted to know. thanks

coolforever · Post by **coolforever** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 2:15 am

I stayed at the Westin at Anime Boston 2006 and 2008. 2007 we stayed at the Sheraton, and I SO want to stay there again. I wonder though, are the gaming rooms going to be in the same locations like they were in 2007...

Graceria · Post by **Graceria** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:22 am

I stayed at the Mariott last year and I was happy with it. I got it at a really cheap price, too. Gotta love Hotwire.com. lol I'd honestly rather be in the Sheraton, though. Just for the convience of not having to go outside to get to the con. Freezing my butt off or having my costume get damaged by bad weather is no fun. I'm going to use Hotwire again, though, because we can't afford more than $150 a night for a hotel room. So, I guess we'll just have to hope we get lucky this year. Otherwise, I'm fine with the Mariott.

daisuke88 · Post by **daisuke88** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:43 pm

huh, so why do you like the sheraton better? just because it's closer?

Graceria · Post by **Graceria** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:42 am

Because it's directly attached to the convention center which saves me from having to go outside in costume, possibly causing wind or rain damage to it or freezing my butt off (like last year). Dress + March convention + having to cross a street which acts like a wind tunnel = VEEEEERY cold me. lol With the wings I'm going to be wearing this year, I'd really rather not risk the wind and rain factors if at all avoidable.

KitKat · Post by **KitKat** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:59 am

Yeah, I was at the Hilton last year and while nothing got damaged it was FREEZING crossing the street.
I'm rooming with more people this year though, so I'll be at the Sheraton anyway. It has bigger rooms.

Zigfried · Post by **Zigfried** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:34 am

Remember that the con is in May this year, so even though it is New England, the chances of freezing temperatures in May are relatively low. And if those damn April showers just stay in April, we should have nice, warm weather for the con. And flowers.

Graceria · Post by **Graceria** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:11 pm

True. But that doesn't rule out wind. Back in... 2006, I think it was, my mom was wearing her wedding hat (she's the hat lady, aka Mamma Kurata) and, while we were crossing the street, the wind kicked up and snapped her balsa wood fan in half. So, even without the cold and the rain, I prefer to avoid going outdoors. Don't want my feathers getting ripped off my wings. I suppose I could cover them with trash bags when crossing the street...

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:47 pm

Boston is a very windy city.
In some parts, due to the buildings, you get microbursts of 20 mph on a calm day to over 60 mph on a windy day. They only last a few seconds, but it's enough to send everything flying.

A few years ago, I saw a pigeon that was on the ground next to a building in Back Bay get shot UP the side of the building at least 3 stories before it opened it wings.

daisuke88 · Post by **daisuke88** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:05 pm

huh...when i was at the westin i never went outside once...there's always a way of walking there without going outside. XD