UnRally XIII - Hotel and Raffle Information

[Al_B]

This post contains information about the hotel and the free suite raffle for UnRally XIII. We're posting some photos we took during our visit to give a better feel of the facilities and amenities. We received a Press Release from the hotel today advising that they are upgrading and renovating their facility with an estimated completion date of July, 2014 so we may be faced with some changes but they say it won't interfere with our event.

 

The Best Western Plus University Inn has many details about the 2 on-site restaurants, lounge (check out the Seasons menu link for the list of some of the 12 draft beers on tap), amenities and accommodation information. We recommend you spend some time checking out the links on that website for area information, things to do while in town, shopping, links to the 2 Universities in the area and other details as it is quite a comprehensive source.

 

When we were discussing the set up for the UnRally with the BW Sales Manager, she offered a 1 bedroom suite for no charge if we booked more than 35 rooms. We decided to use the suite as a raffle prize to encourage and reward early registration. The 2 person suite has 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, a sitting area and a small kitchenette and (sorry Nigel) is NOT pet friendly. The suite will be given to 1 of the first 75 people to register for the Un - as long as we have 35 rooms booked by that time. The winner will have the suite for the 3 nights (Monday - Wednesday).

 

The Raffle Rules are:

 

1. Organizing team members and spouses are not eligible for the draw.

2. One of the first 75 people to register will have his/her name drawn for the free suite and will be offered the suite.

3. The draw will be held once 35 rooms are confirmed by the hotel and 75 people have registered.

4. Campers are eligible for the suite draw.

5. If the winner decides that he/she doesn't want to occupy the suite, he/she will be allowed to trade or barter the suite.

 

Following are some photos we took of a sample suite.

 

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Suite bedroom

 

The complimentary Breakfast Bar is open from 6 - 9 a.m. each morning and offers a varied selection to choose from. During our visit, choices included eggs, bacon, seasoned fried potatoes, biscuits & gravy, waffles, oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, coffee, juice or cocoa.

Following are some pictures we took of the Breakfast Bar area:

 

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The pool and hot tub are indoors but have a view to the central courtyard. Here are some pictures:

 

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So, now you have our information about the hotel and background on the Suite Raffle. Feel free to ask questions, offer suggestions or just make any comments you feel are appropriate.

 

[TEWKS]

Looks very nice!

 

Pat

[szurszewski]

Thank you again for continuing to provide information (and of course all-important pictures).

 

josh

[Al_B]

I thought somebody would ask what type of renovations the hotel is undergoing, but haven't seen any questions yet, so thought I'd post an excerpt from the Press Release the hotel director of catering and conference services sent last week:

 

Best Western Plus University Inn to Receive Complete New Face Lift

 

Moscow, Idaho (February 2014) - The Best Western Plus University Inn will undergo a full renovation of all 173 guest rooms, including new furniture, fixtures, restaurants and equipment by the end of July 2014. This update will complete just in time for the fall school year at the University of Idaho and Washington State University.

 

"The entire facility will be brand new inside, as well as a complete new design and renovation of the outside facade to create curb appeal. The inner courtyard of the hotel has been completely renovated and given a new look. Seasons Restaurant will replace The Pantry and will overlook the new landscaping. The Pantry will be remodeled into additional meeting rooms to attract larger conventions. The Broiler will be used for hotel guest's complimentary breakfast and additional conference space during the day and evening," according to Jerry Jaeger, President and Co-Founder of Hagadone Hospitality Co. of Coeur d'Alene, which co-owns and manages the facility.

 

There is more information in the press release about the architect and contractors as well as facts about the hotel and university, but this is the key information. They say they're looking forward to our business and promise not to let the renovations interrupt the UnRally. It looks like we should be have nice new furnishings and décor for our gathering.

 

As always, let us know if you have any questions or suggestions about information that may be helpful for attendees.

 

[David13]

What is the cancellation policy on both the registration and the motel?

dc

[Bob Palin]

What is the cancellation policy on both the registration and the motel?

dc

The cancellation policy for registration is clearly stated on the registrations page "There will be no refunds!"

 

I cannot speak for the hotel but it's probably just their regular policy.

[David13]

Ok, Mr. Killer, I finally did see the "no refunds!" there.

As to the motel, it does not appear to me on their website, so I called.

It is, for the group also, as they may have a special cancellation policy for a group, is, no charge if cancelled by 4 p.m. the day of.

dc

[Al_B]

Deb and I stopped at the Best Western University Inn last week on our way through Moscow. We thought we would take the opportunity to check out their progress on the renovations they announced and we talked to Angela, our contact for the Un.

 

We're happy to report that progress is being made on the 2 elevators that are being added to make it easier for us OLD FARTS to get to the second floor if we happen to be assigned a room up there. It sounds like most of the other renovations will be completed by the time we arrive, with the exception of the room remodels. Those are scheduled for July as they have several larger conventions coming in during the spring and don't want to impact the groups.

 

By the way, we are getting close to the target of 75 registrants that we set for drawing for the FREE SUITE. If you're thinking of attending but haven't registered yet, get your name in for the chance at the raffle.

[Al_B]

The Reservations Manager from the BW phoned today to warn me that they are starting to get quite busy during the UnRally period, so the cut-off date for obtaining the $94.99 room rate is May 17, 2014 . After that date, our block of rooms will be released and the standard room rate of $139/night will apply if they have rooms available.

 

The dis-organizing committee has held off on our personal registrations and reservations to allow the maximum number of people to have the opportunity at the drawing for the free suite, but we will putting our names in next week to make sure we get the discounted rates. If you've been sitting on the fence waiting for a push to make the commitment, hopefully this will provide some incentive.

 

With START 2014 and North Meets South in the Middle both happening this weekend, there should be lots of discussion about where else people can get together this summer. Talk this up with your fellow riders.