"So any new updates on the Host?" Topic

Our aim is cleanliness.

Your aim will help.

KPinder, great quote. That should be hung up at every convention washroom.

I don't think urine splash is the issue

HMGSer entering Mens Room at CW : " Hey! They renovated. This looks really nice. I ….[odor hits nostrils]….I …ungh … " [ passes out in a heap]

One funny sign I saw in a restaurant men's room:

We aim to please, so please aim too.

I've given up having expectations for the Host. I've been in the trade myself, and every time I've said "SURELY the Host will have this part of the project done by the next convention!" I've been wrong. The most recent review (January 2019) was savage, and said they didn't have a functioning lobby. I was told a month or two ago that the Distlefink was good to go, and now Rotundo says the Distlefink still needs work. Evidently no elevator is actually installed, working and inspected, though I trust they will still use the freight elevator to transport the flea marketeers to the Black Hole of Lancaster.

As for looking "modern" and "like a boutique motel" it's not a selling point with me. The best I can say for the new carpet and wall paper--apart from actually being new--is that at least they don't glow in the dark. I can turn off the lights and ignore them.

A pity. Good location. Good layout for our purposes. And I suppose some day they will actually finish. But there is not one thing I would bet money will be newly renovated and functioning when I walk through the door in March. Not one.

I enjoyed the Host, warts and all, but they have treated HMGS so bad over the last 2 years that I could never trust them again to provide adequate accommodation.

I'll take your bet Robert Piepenbrink on the lobby/bar area…a word of warning, I've seen the pictures.

link

Well, butter my butt and call me toast.

ICYMI – it here is a link to the Cold Wars convention brochure – hmgs.org/page/CWBrochure19

There is information on the Wyndham Lancaster Resort renovations and status (formerly the Host) as well as a link to additional photos of the lobby and bar area. The restaurant is to be open by the time we are there in March.

I have another site visit scheduled for February 15th and will be making a report shortly after.

Heather

Good to get updates. It squashes the rumors. Thanks Heather.

Nice brochure, Heather.

Thanks for sharing.

I work in construction (as an architect) and it always sort of amazes me how in most projects it seems like nothing is happening for months and months (sometimes years) and then all of a sudden everything just seems to get finished in a rush. That's because the bulk of the work is dealing with things like HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The stuff that we actually see, the finishes and such are really much quicker to do. So there can seem like no progress for a long time, because all the walls are torn open, but once all the interior stuff is finished, they can seal up the walls, paint, carpet and everything else very quickly. Glad to see the Host is in the last stage.

The article mentions rates in May of $150 USD per night. A brief search of mid July rates is more like $180 USD per night. Wouldn't be surprised to see the ever more popular "resort/facility fee" tacked onto that. The total after taxes was $198 USD per night.

The newer rates sound in line with the market for a name brand hotel. Compare to the various Marriott and Hilton owned properties in the area. I know the Fairfield by Marriott next door runs around the $170 USD/night on comparable nights. (free breakfast though).

Glaringly absent are pictures of Distlefink and Lampeter. I would say they are rather important to this endeavor,no?

A brief search of mid July rates is more like $180.00 USD USD per night.

Yes but the HMGS gets a convention rate. Back last year the Host for Historicon had rooms for $5 USD more than the rate at the Lancaster CC.

Glaringly absent are pictures of Distlefink and Lampeter. I would say they are rather important to this endeavor,no?

Yes!

Here you go Rotundo, I was down there yesterday and took this picture of the Dillpickle room for you, it's coming along nicely as you can see, perfect for that Stalingrad themed game you were thinking of running…………

[URL=https://beta.photobucket.com/u/warrior_081/p/f1e96090-6b4c-4d79-ac1f-15657cb9e988]

[/URL]

Seems smaller than I remember, but nice improvement on old decor…

;-)

"Seems smaller than I remember, but nice improvement on old decor…
;-)"

I'm impressed the new owners bought the property for 6 mil and sank 27 mil into the renovations, go big or go home, assuming they recouped some of their investment when they sold off land to the new outlet mall behind the function facility.

That's awesome. The Distlefink is all rubbled out and dry brushed . Looks great for 1:1 scale skirmish gaming

I was there on the 26th?? That Saturday. Double G. You are not too far off. I will bring a barrel. We can have a "bum" fire, like in Rocky!!!.

Here you go Rotundo, I was down there yesterday and took this picture of the Dillpickle room for you, it's coming along nicely as you can see, perfect for that Stalingrad themed game you were thinking of running…………

Nothing that a drop ceiling and some wallpaper can't fix. Leave the floor as is. Someone can make a killing after the convention by finding and selling all the kit that dropped on the floor and was never found.

If we're not cleaning up the floor first, you guys are going to have to sign some kind of liability waiver.

From the outset, he knew he had a long to-do list: gut and rebuild all the guest rooms, replace the single-pane windows with double pane, improve access for people with disabilities, replace the carpet, shift the main entrance, add a tower at the entrance (with a lounge and office space) and replace the restaurant.

Then complications arose.

Some things ended up costing far more than expected, such as replacing the bathrooms and the gas-fired boiler that produces hot water.

But the bigger problem was the discovery of major deficiencies to the building. The roof needed to be replaced, as did the plumbing, kitchen, electrical transformer, fire-safety sprinkler system and outdoor pool.

Wait. What? Discovery of MAJOR deficiencies? Did he not get an inspection by qualified experts before bidding on this property? Did his lenders [assuming he has a line of credit somewhere, or a commercial mortgage] not require such a thing?

Some of these, and perhaps a lot of these would be code requirements. It must have been a consideration.

And he says he has 22 years in the Hotel Industry, and a CPA to boot [Vakil, 57, a native of India who has lived in Hershey for 14 years, is a certified public accountant who has 22 years of experience in the hotel industry.].

Incredible. [I call shenanigans].

I am interested in understanding what improvements they have implemented around handicap access. I hope they pass inspection on those requirements.

Good luck to you plucky souls attending CW. It sounds like your experience will be on the upswing.

Now if they could just make the trek between the Expo Center and the Hotel handicap friendly. Or barring that, implement handicap parking down there.

BTW, was there any resolution to the person[s] that reportedly slipped and fell transiting to the Expo Center/Dealer Hall at Fall In? [no pun intended].

From the outset, he knew he had a long to-do list: gut and rebuild all the guest rooms, replace the single-pane windows with double pane, improve access for people with disabilities, replace the carpet, shift the main entrance, add a tower at the entrance (with a lounge and office space) and replace the restaurant.

Then complications arose.

Some things ended up costing far more than expected, such as replacing the bathrooms and the gas-fired boiler that produces hot water.

But the bigger problem was the discovery of major deficiencies to the building. The roof needed to be replaced, as did the plumbing, kitchen, electrical transformer, fire-safety sprinkler system and outdoor pool.

Wait. What? Discovery of MAJOR deficiencies? Did he not get an inspection by qualified experts before bidding on this property? Did his lenders [assuming he has a line of credit somewhere, or a commercial mortgage] not require such a thing?

Some of these, and perhaps a lot of these would be code requirements. It must have been a consideration going in.

And he says he has 22 years in the Hotel Industry, and a CPA to boot?? [Vakil, 57, a native of India who has lived in Hershey for 14 years, is a certified public accountant who has 22 years of experience in the hotel industry.].

Incredible. [I call shenanigans].

I am interested in understanding what improvements they have implemented around handicap access. I hope they pass inspection on those requirements.

Good luck to you plucky souls attending CW. It sounds like your experience will be on the upswing.

Now if they could just make the trek between the Expo Center and the Hotel handicap friendly. Or barring that, implement handicap parking down there.

BTW, was there any resolution to the person[s] that reportedly slipped and fell transiting to the Expo Center/Dealer Hall at Fall In? [no pun intended].

"there any resolution to the person[s] that reportedly slipped and fell transiting to the Expo Center/Dealer Hall at Fall In? [no pun intended"

IIRC, the gentleman in question was walking down the longer pathway and decided to take a cross country short cut, slipped and fell. Not exactly the hotel's or HMGS's fault he decided to do that. I think Double G can add to that.

It was my understanding from talking with others making the trek that they were having some traction problems on the pathways up and back. For everyone's sake, let's hope there isn't any ice/snow that weekend.

"Not exactly the hotel's or HMGS's fault he decided to do that. I think Double G can add to that."

I think what happened is he and his friend walked down the covered walkway and instead of going right down the driveway, they went left and got to the Petersburg Crater that is now the former parking lot; not sure what to do at that point, I think they tried to navigate down the hill and that's when the individual slipped and slid down the hill, blowing out his knee in the process.

Rumor has it he is our very own Otto, who runs "The weekend" (whatever happened to that by the way; you know, a bunch of gamers would informally get together with no dealers and game for the weekend in a hotel) and used to write those War and Peace length posts on here…………………………

A very small birdy lit on my shoulder some weeks ago and tweeted in my ear about a "weekend" event that's going to be held in June in Myerstown PA. If yoose was to call the Rodeway Inn up there you could get the specific dates.

These aren't the droids you're looking for…

Move along…

In re: Shenanigans, 2 things.

1. I get the feeling that The Host is one of a number of properties owned by an overarching investment company. It is not incomprehensible that, if several of their other properties are making money hand over fist, it might be advantageous to have a money pit endless rebuild underway to provide helpful tax write offs. Mmmmm…could be.

B. Also, never ascribe to malice anything that can be adequately explained by stupidity.

∆. Against stupidity The Gods Themselves contend in vain.

π. You can't fix stupid.

5. Hey! Who you calling stupid? I resemble that remark.

Looks like things are on the right path.

hmgs.org/page/Wyndham

honestly, i think it is a good sign(for the host, not us) that it is branded a wyndham now.

Interesting link. I might suggest that attendees bring lawn chairs if planning on sitting in the bar area to talk with friends. It does not look like the current bar area has a lot of seating. :-)

The bar seating area has been discussed with the hotel management. They will make accommodations for us at Cold Wars. We plan to confirm this and other items during the next site visit. Hope this helps.
John Spiess
Treasurer
HMGS, Inc.

Given their past history, the issue of enough chairs in the bar area won't matter if the beer taps are out of order, which seemed to be a far too common occurrence.

And if they are going to add chairs, some waitstaff besides the bartender.

There has been a great deal of Indian investment in hotel properties over the past 15-20 years. My guess is that it might be tied to long term tax advantages related to commercial property depreciation rules.

Fingers crossed for the appearance of a good curry luncheon buffet.

B

The place could be Xanadu, with litter bearers waiting to whisk convention attendees off to their welcome massages, to the accompaniment of a string quartet, and there would still be people on here complaining about it.

The bar is back.

But there's not enough seating.

We're getting extra seating.

But the beer taps are out of order.

The taps are new and working.

But the beer is not good. It is flat/warm/a cheap brand.

No, it's cold and fresh, and a top quality brand.

Oh, so they're trying to get us drunk/fat/sick, drinking too much.

And, let us never forget the immortal, unstoppable, relentless, terrifying killer mold…

This sums up the Host pretty well IMO
1997-2017 The Host is a dump
2017-2019 The Host is mess during renovations
2019-infinity The renovated Host has lost it's "folksy charm" and is too expensive, I'm not paying 150.00 a night.

You won't pay $150 USD per night, it'll be closer to $200 USD after taxes, fees, etc.

You can't go by published "rack rates" for a hotel. HMGS negotiates a discounted room rate for all conventions.

The negotiated discounted room rates for Cold Wars 2019 are $124 USD + 11% tax or $138 USD a night.

there would still be people on here complaining about it.

I can't wait till it comes full circle and people say the Host is too nice and too expensive.

TSD101, I can't wait either. That will be TOO funny. I already heard comments like that regarding the Lancaster County Convention Center and the Marriott for Historicon. I'm not sure the comments weren't tongue-in-cheek. :-)

Hey Double G:

I am sure you travel more than I do. I just noticed that over the past several years hotels (and some restaurants, fast food included) have moved to this rather cold, plastic, impersonal feel of furniture, decor, etc. It's ugly, IMO, but it is what it is. All things go in cycles. As to the Host having folksy charm, I must have missed that time period. :-)

I agree and you're correct, the vast majority of the renovated hotels I've stayed in look worse after the renovation, specifically the cheesy artsy fartsy furniture they all seem to be moving towards, I assume they all shop at the same store for the hot garbage they fill the rooms, lobbies and bars/restaurants with.

Same thing happened at a Hyatt in Chicago where the toy soldier show is held with the room trading, they redid all the rooms with this horrible, minimalist furniture, some of the things passing as furniture defy description, not sure what purpose they serve……a basic lamp, table and chair would be nice, don't try to be cute as cute does not cut it.

This type of décor looks like Ikea threw up.

You can't go by published "rack rates" for a hotel. HMGS negotiates a discounted room rate for all conventions.

The negotiated discounted room rates for Cold Wars 2019 are $124 USD USD + 11% tax or $138 USD USD a night.

I get that, but I also seem to remember that one of the reasons Historicon moved to the downtown facility was that HMGS was quoted $10 USD per year increases over 3 years to a 2020 rate of $160 USD per night. The hotel has to pay pack the $30 USDM reno cost somehow. I don't see a $138 USD/night happening in mid summer, that's for sure. I'd also not be surprised to see the infamous "facility fee" surcharge start being tacked on, more and more places are doing that to drive revenue.

When was the $138 USD/night rate negotiated ? Before or after the hotel realized they needed to roughly double their reno budget ?

As for the decor not being to some people's liking, one reason its more prevalent is that is a lot more durable than wood/carpeting. Esp important for a hotel known to have the odd roof leak….the first thunderstorm will be the first real test of how much infrastructure work was really done.

I'm not just saying that about the Host/Wyndham hotel – it is all the new or updated hotels. Uggo. Might be practical but hard on the eye. Even my local Wendy's just went with that décor.

That said, I'll still be there. :-)

Glad to hear the BoD/staff picked up on the lack of seating in the bar area. Good job. :-)

Killer mold!!!!!!!!!!!

Uhm…. I was actually there this morning .

Milhouse, The Host you mean? May I ask what Distlefink and Lampeter looked like? Parking lot? I know everyone is fawning over the lobby but we don't play in the lobby (much). I just want rugs and a degree of warmth.