Lord Ashram | 03 Nov 2017 6:02 a.m. PST |
Happy to be here… but man, the Host is such a dump:) That is all! |
20thmaine | 03 Nov 2017 6:04 a.m. PST |
Is it that time of year again ? |
Lord Ashram | 03 Nov 2017 6:27 a.m. PST |
Okay, I'm going to keep a running record of this. 9:30 am Friday
Door handles don't match Flies in the room Mold and hair in the tub Tub won't drain Sink won't drain No Jameson's at the bar Half the food items not available at bar Soda guns at bar don't work Drawer of dresser just slides open Usual large stains on rug Closet door doesn't close Two big water stains on ceiling Watched them mess up every single order for food at the bar for an hour, and they weren't busy at all |
Dynaman8789 | 03 Nov 2017 6:37 a.m. PST |
You stay here? The changes to the game areas are nice but you couldn't pay me to sleep here. |
ordinarybass | 03 Nov 2017 6:50 a.m. PST |
Ugh, I won't stay anywhere that doesn't have Jamesons. |
Flashman14 | 03 Nov 2017 7:41 a.m. PST |
Still? I thought the promise was that this would all be remedied for Fall In!? |
Extra Crispy | 03 Nov 2017 7:55 a.m. PST |
Try the Cork Factory. That's where I stay. A short drive away but lovely rooms, nice service and a great restaurant in the lobby. |
wakenney | 03 Nov 2017 7:58 a.m. PST |
"Usual large stains on rug"? What kind of stains are the usual kind? Would it be an improvement if there were unusual stains? |
Double G | 03 Nov 2017 8:13 a.m. PST |
As long as there aren't chalk outlines in the form of a dead body in the carpet, consider yourself ahead of the curve…….. |
muzik212 | 03 Nov 2017 8:31 a.m. PST |
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capncarp | 03 Nov 2017 8:38 a.m. PST |
It's not the chalk outlines of a single person, it's the ones with two people, errr, intermingled that get me. |
holien | 03 Nov 2017 9:16 a.m. PST |
Post some photos so I can see what I am missing…. (The games not the hotel, we all know it is a dump and hopefully on a road to recovery….) |
Silas Sands | 03 Nov 2017 10:19 a.m. PST |
It's not the chalk outlines of a single person, it's the ones with two people, errr, intermingled that get me. …on the ceiling! |
ScottWashburn | 03 Nov 2017 11:03 a.m. PST |
We got one of the renovated rooms and it is pretty nice. Can't comment on the bar. |
briscoesays | 03 Nov 2017 11:45 a.m. PST |
Going to fall in but never stay at the host. See you all Saturday! One exit away in a Hilton property. Glad to be in the Lancaster area. |
nevals | 03 Nov 2017 12:06 p.m. PST |
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Striker | 03 Nov 2017 12:21 p.m. PST |
Ok, question for the folks. I've never been out east for a con so I've not seen or been in The Host, but why do some people post these "oh lovely Host, I can't wait to stay there" comments? All that gets posted is either it's a dump or "they're working on it". Seems to me there has to be a better place, or someplace else, to have the con. **Just a comment, not start a "let's move the con" session. I'll leave that to the experts. |
capncarp | 03 Nov 2017 1:58 p.m. PST |
Let's just say that some of the Host's charm is in it's relaxed attitude toward attendees bringing their own "refreshments",which,if said outside-purchased things were prohibited, would cause a major swell of protest and possibly boycott of the Host |
surdu2005 | 03 Nov 2017 2:04 p.m. PST |
How do any of the issues raised affect the gaming? They don't. Just quit kvetching, play games, and enjoy each other. I am very, very bored with the constant complaining that characterizes TMP and particularly the partizan, tiresome anti-Fredericksburg or anti-Host whining. Just focus on the games and gaming and give us all a break!!!! |
Cold Warrior | 03 Nov 2017 2:49 p.m. PST |
"How do any of the issues raised affect the gaming? They don't. Just quit kvetching, play games, and enjoy each other. I am very, very bored with the constant complaining that characterizes TMP and particularly the partizan, tiresome anti-Fredericksburg or anti-Host whining. Just focus on the games and gaming and give us all a break!!!!" Sounds great until you pick up a MRSA skin infection, or better yet, a merry band of bedbugs that will hitch a ride home with you. Love how some people are willing to subject themselves to unsanitary conditions then harp on those who bring them up (because apparently it's only about "The Gaming", your health be damned). Never been to the Host, however from what I have seen here through the years, would not risk staying there. |
clifblkskull | 03 Nov 2017 2:52 p.m. PST |
I just want a scouting report that is honest about the facility refurb progress as I plan on attending Cold Wars and or HCon as always. Thanks Clif How it he Dealer barn? How much of room retrofits are done? Etc. Clif |
ViscountEric | 03 Nov 2017 3:07 p.m. PST |
The Dealer Hall felt like a new world with the new back entrance , roundabout walk, natural lighting, and one less aisle. No complaints from those in my group staying at the Host, save the bar nearly running out of beer. Distelfinl has better lighting, but the same air circulation issues. #HotHotHot |
holien | 03 Nov 2017 3:33 p.m. PST |
Hope they sort out the A/C before HCon. |
saltflats1929 | 03 Nov 2017 5:17 p.m. PST |
No air conditioning- you might think that wouldn't be a problem in November but it was about 71 degrees today. |
TRUgamer | 03 Nov 2017 5:40 p.m. PST |
These are only cursory observations, nothing official. Room renovations seem to be on schedule for January at last word. Vendor hall was supposed to be complete by FI, it appears to be about a month behind. It looks to be a major improvement. It's going to be very nice when it's done.. Missing the permanent flooring and the exterior facade still needs to be done. Hard/soft landscaping has yet to be touched. The bathroom there was surprisingly nice and clean all new fixtures and stalls. Barn and pro shop have been raised. Bar/restaurant still not begun. Hallways and meeting spaces likely will be last. Exterior stone work and roof is underway. (No more blue tarp!) Facade and entrance remodeling is well underway. There appears to be a large building structure on the roof perhaps to house the AC unit(s)? Lampeter yet to begin. New gaming tables are very nice and sturdy. Parking complicated by a number of construction vehicles which is a good sign. Progress is slow, but they are dumping significant money into this property. No MRSA out reads at last check, but there is always Saturday and Sunday. Still a long way to go, but significant strides. TRU |
Disco Joe | 03 Nov 2017 6:45 p.m. PST |
Keep in mind people want everything done in one day. After all don't they build skyscrapers and roads and bridges in one day? Oh wait it does take longer. So cut them some slack. |
historygamer | 03 Nov 2017 7:07 p.m. PST |
Sitting in the dumpy bar LOAO. All too true. |
Old Glory | 03 Nov 2017 7:09 p.m. PST |
Approvements are extremely visible. The dealer hall is unbelievable -- not the same building! Our room is very, very nice. Obvious construction and updates going on everywhere so I suspect it will be just a matter of time. Now common sense should tell us that the new round of complaints will be about the costs. That being said, We have spent hundreds of nights at the host through the many years and never came home with illness,disease, bedbugs, etc -- perhaps we are just a tougher breed that are just low maintenance ?? FACT ---the only negative experience we have ever had the privilege of enjoying was a very expensive five star hotel when we returned home with scabies!!! Very enjoyable expierence??? -- Moral -- TAKE YOUR CHANCES AND CHOOSE YOUR POISEN?? Regards Russ Dunaway |
Hafen von Schlockenberg | 03 Nov 2017 8:04 p.m. PST |
Barn and pro shop have been raised. Really? Why? And how high? |
clifblkskull | 03 Nov 2017 8:53 p.m. PST |
Thanks Tru,Viscount and Russ for the review of the updates Sounds like they are doing what was announced Thanks guys Clif |
TRUgamer | 03 Nov 2017 9:55 p.m. PST |
Meant razed as in leveled… but you knew that. TRU |
vagamer63 | 03 Nov 2017 10:16 p.m. PST |
HMGS, the Hysterical Mold Gathering Society! Just suck up the mold and play the games!! LMAO!!!!! |
capncarp | 03 Nov 2017 10:28 p.m. PST |
Well, I guess the grapes were sour anyway….(but they make excellent wine with patience and some effort). |
capncarp | 03 Nov 2017 10:41 p.m. PST |
A few high-volume fans in the loading dock area would alleviate some of the D-fink's lack of cross-ventilation. No more physical-plant-on-a-trailer. The walk to the far end of the Expo Center is indeed a fine spur to get us ol' hosses off our butts and moseying along for some physical workouts. Much improved inside and promises of more goodness in the works (like side-entrance doors that will cut a quarter mile off our forced march). No input on the bar or the restaurant, but the snack bar has been consolidated into a single large island; the adjacent customer tables and chairs are no more, encouraging diners to seek seating either in the Distelfink or out in the Business Center near the back door leading out to the steps down to the expo center. This actually makes a bit of sense, since it would allow the snack bar to handle a larger number of customers without a traffic jam right in front. Any bed bugs, scabies, fleas, ticks, tarantulas, Yellow Fever, Dengue' Fever, Ebola, Bubonic or Pneumonic Plague, or Rigellian Cassaba Fever reported from any Host guests? Perspiring Mimes want to know! |
Lord Ashram | 03 Nov 2017 10:57 p.m. PST |
I like to stay in the hotel that the convention is in because I like to be able to walk down to the games any time I can. That's nice, you know? The restaurant has been closed the entire time. No idea why. The bar is out of several foods and many drinks. Of the six orders we put in so far, half came out incorrect. The prime rib sandwich was different at 2:30 and 7:00… at 2:30 it was like a cheesesteak, at 7:00 it was literally an inch think, grey, and completely inedible. When this was mentioned, the waiter shrugged, said "Variety is the spice of life!" and walked away. Overall the food was terrible. The hallways are dark and smelly. There is black mold in spots of the ceiling. Many sprinkler heads just pop through the ceiling tiles without any sort of sleeves around them… just rough cut holes. The ceiling tiles themselves are of all varieties and levels, with some pushed up and some hanging down. Parking lot lights are out all over. The fixtures in the bathroom are dirty and spotted. There is mold on the ceilings, and stains everywhere in the tub. The tub does not empty, so you stand in water the whole time, which is fun given how much hair there is in the tub to start. When you sit on the toilet, the entire thing moves… and I am not a big guy. There is no exhaust fan, so the bathroom is damp and musty. The tissue boxes are literally a different size than the tissue box holders… so the tissue boxes are just propped up on top. The lamp shades are beat up and tilted. I've seen nearly no signs of improvement outside of the dealer hall. Listen… I am not part of whatever social groups there are in terms of pro Host or anti Host. I can only speak to my experience. And I've never seen it like this. It is as bad as I can ever remember it being, to the point where I am genuinely skeeved out. It has nothing to do with "suck it up" or ".whatever, it isn't that bad!" Worst hotel I've ever stayed at. Buddy and I are beginning to question it, which sucks. Sorry to sound like a negative Nancy… .but giving purely factual report. |
rmcaras | 03 Nov 2017 11:51 p.m. PST |
The BoD is hosting several informational presentations regarding future plans for the three cons. I plan to catch one on Saturday….anyone else attend one yet? |
Cerdic | 04 Nov 2017 12:06 a.m. PST |
Well, I'm intrigued. TRUgamer says "Lampeter yet to begin". Who or what is Lampeter? I thought it was a town in Wales! Capncarp, the best way to get high-volume fans is to join a boy-band….! And what the hell is a distelfink? |
pvi99th | 04 Nov 2017 3:57 a.m. PST |
Cerdic – Lampeter and Distelfink are rooms at the Lancaster Host where games are held. There are a lot of named rooms and they set the tables up in them, rather than having one large space to hold everyone. I like that because it can cut down on the noise. It also allows clubs having a lot of people, their own area to have their games. We also have Cornwall, Paradise and Limerock; as well as a host (pun intended) of others. |
BrigadeGames | 04 Nov 2017 5:28 a.m. PST |
It is very easy to be informed on the renovations if one takes time to read the descriptive plans posted on the wall at the hotel near the childrens playroom. The bathroom in my room is done and very nice. New bedding. The carpet needs to be replaced if anything for the slight smokers smell emanating from it. There are major improvements underway around the hotel. The dealer hall was redone with new bathrooms and entrances. The new main entrance is not finished yet. A major improvement. I understand there will be a new bowling alley, clearly with the intent of attracting families during the summer. Clearly they are putting a major investment in updating the facility. I was disappointed they didn't fix the taps in the bar nor figure out how to actually run one yet. The naysayers will always be negative. Rome wasn't built in a day. |
Lord Ashram | 04 Nov 2017 5:55 a.m. PST |
I have to admit, I am disappointed by this constant writing off of people making legitimate criticism, including me, as just being naysayers. Reality is reality. The place is a mess right now. Absolute mess. |
TRUgamer | 04 Nov 2017 6:33 a.m. PST |
Well considering the facility is in the midst of a total renovation it would make sense that the parts that have not been renovated are going to look like crap. The hallways and common spaces will be last to receive a facelift. The parts that have been redone look excellent. TRU |
Double G | 04 Nov 2017 7:06 a.m. PST |
Convention has been great for me so far, as of 10:00am this morning, I am already past my Fall In gross sales from last year, thanks so much to all of you who've supported me here. The dealer hall looks 10,000% better with all the natural light coming in through the far wall, which is almost entirely glass windows. Picked up some great stuff for my collection too, always an added bonus…….. Oh and I don't stay at the Host; never have, I'm right down the street in a nice hotel, so there's that…………. |
capncarp | 04 Nov 2017 7:24 a.m. PST |
Well, I'm off to another day at either Motel Hell or Motel Hope, depending on your POV. I'm commuting from Harrisburg because certain plans didn't mesh with reality, but I'm having a grand time at the convention. See you there! |
Cerdic | 04 Nov 2017 9:23 a.m. PST |
Cheers pvi! Lampeter I can understand, but where did they get the word 'distelfink' from? Weird sounding word! The idea of having lots of smaller rooms instead of one large one seems to me to be missing the point of everyone meeting up in one place. Still, each to their own and all that… |
Double G | 04 Nov 2017 10:51 a.m. PST |
Distelfink makes perfect sense considering we're in PA Dutch country, sprinkle in the German influence too and it's a natural fit……………. |
pvi99th | 04 Nov 2017 11:31 a.m. PST |
Figured the internet could tell us the origin of Distelfink link The dealer hall is amazing!! Because it was so nice my wife bought me over $200 USD worth of items. Not kidding either. Before this year she went there once and couldn't stand it. |
Hafen von Schlockenberg | 04 Nov 2017 12:29 p.m. PST |
Of course, the rooms have somehow acquired alternate names over the years--The Bladder Stone,The Paradise Lost, The Funkenstink,The Limp. . .whatever. . . |
Double G | 04 Nov 2017 12:43 p.m. PST |
^ He'll be here all night, don't forget to tip your waitress, two drink minimum, try the veal……… |
Charlie 12 | 04 Nov 2017 1:20 p.m. PST |
Just suck up the mold and play the games!! LMAO!!!!! You may think its funny, but if you're an asthmatic or have mold allergies then its anything but a laughing matter. Might want to show some maturity, there sport…. As for Black Mold: That can kill anyone (you included, vagamer63). The spores are a powerful neurotoxin and prolong exposure can cause organ failure and death. That's why black mold is considered a major environmental hazard. But hey, be a real man and suck it up, you say. That'll look real good on an obit…. |
vagamer63 | 04 Nov 2017 2:45 p.m. PST |
Charlie 12, You missed the point by about 500 miles! I was poking fun at Mr. Surdu's post above, but apparently you can't recognize sarcasm even when in spins you around and slaps you in the face!! The point is very simple!! HMGS, the BOD, and it's very vocal supporters don't give a hoot, or even a DAMN about the health of those who they beg to attend their shows!! If they DID they wouldn't be holding their conventions in what amounts to a death trap to all who enter!! That's why I stopped attending many years ago, and will not attend any show held at the Host EVER!!!!! The cosmetic changes currently being undertaken by ownership will never be enough to alleviate the mold problem, and they ALL KNOW it!! |