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US Nationals
https://ooakforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=31061
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Author:  dwruck [ 08 Mar 2017, 03:31 ]
Post subject:  US Nationals

Just wanted to check, has anybody here been to the US Nationals in Vegas? I'm thinking of maybe going this July if I can afford it, and wanted to get feedback on the experience. I know you run into a LOT of underrated players at an event like this. Just thought it might be fun to experience it. A lot will depend on what the airfare prices are that I can get, I have a travel certificate on Delta that will help with that, but just need to get a total of the flight, event and hotel costs before I know for sure. Anyway, wanted to find out if it's a good time. I've heard good things, especially about the two stage round robin event they have done on the first day in the past.

Author:  pgpg [ 08 Mar 2017, 04:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

I went to the US Open (more or less the same thing) this past December, my impressions are in the blog here (from 12/13/2016 forward):

viewtopic.php?f=58&t=27372&start=405

In short - it was great and I would do it again. Crowds of underrated juniors did not really materialize (and they also split many events by Junior/Adult now), no one defaulted to me, I have not run into obnoxious characters etc.

July in Vegas is probably somewhat different from December, and cost can be a concern, but I thought it was fun.

Author:  NextLevel [ 08 Mar 2017, 04:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

I did it for two years. It was well worth the time. Schedule visits to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dame and shows if you're can or want to as well.

Author:  dwruck [ 08 Mar 2017, 22:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Thanks for the feedback! I think that if I can afford it, I'm going to do it. Hoping that the hotel prices are pretty good (they were last year) and that the airfare comes down a bit. Even with the credit I have, it's still higher than I was hoping for.

Author:  pgpg [ 08 Mar 2017, 23:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

dwruck wrote:
Thanks for the feedback! I think that if I can afford it, I'm going to do it. Hoping that the hotel prices are pretty good (they were last year) and that the airfare comes down a bit. Even with the credit I have, it's still higher than I was hoping for.


When you are looking at hotel prices, don't forget to include 'resort fee' - it's frequently omitted or mentioned in fine print, but it's around 29$ and it adds up quickly for a nasty surprise, especially if hotel rooms is priced nominally at 35$ :o .

Author:  NextLevel [ 09 Mar 2017, 00:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

pgpg wrote:
dwruck wrote:
Thanks for the feedback! I think that if I can afford it, I'm going to do it. Hoping that the hotel prices are pretty good (they were last year) and that the airfare comes down a bit. Even with the credit I have, it's still higher than I was hoping for.


When you are looking at hotel prices, don't forget to include 'resort fee' - it's frequently omitted or mentioned in fine print, but it's around 29$ and it adds up quickly for a nasty surprise, especially if hotel rooms is priced nominally at 35$ :o .


Yes, the hotels are still cheap with it, but it can be about the same as the hotel room fee, depending on the hotel and the price that was given to you. And NO HOTEL eliminates the resort fee AFAIK, so don't try to debate it and think you are likely to win.

Author:  dwruck [ 09 Mar 2017, 07:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Ha ha yes, I am very well acquainted with that lousy fee. I've been to Vegas many times. It still annoys me, just include it in the total. It's ridiculous, but what are you gonna do?

I actually found an amazing rate at the Monte Carlo (a much nicer place than last year's hotels, Linq and Flamingo) that I put a tentative hold on. I know I won't get the monorail pass or free event, but the rate I saw was less than the preferred hotel rates they had last year.

Keeping my fingers crossed I can make this work, I'm starting to get excited. Probably shouldn't get too excited before I know about the finance portion, LOL.

Author:  dwruck [ 10 Mar 2017, 23:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Air prices dropped a bit so it looks like I'm going to be able to go! Looking forward to the final event list coming out. Thanks everybody for your input, I am really looking forward to the experience!

Author:  dwruck [ 13 Apr 2017, 05:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Got my entry in, going to play in the U-2200 Super Tier Round Robin on Monday, then U-2200 and U-1900 on Tuesday. Anybody else going? I plan on giving those west coasters a taste of my Midwest pip attack. :devil:

Author:  PRW [ 14 Apr 2017, 04:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

dwruck wrote:
Got my entry in, going to play in the U-2200 Super Tier Round Robin on Monday, then U-2200 and U-1900 on Tuesday. Anybody else going? I plan on giving those west coasters a taste of my Midwest pip attack. :devil:

I'll be there from Tuesday to Thursday - this West Coaster would be happy to snack on your pips... :D

Author:  dwruck [ 14 Apr 2017, 10:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Maybe we can have a hit on Tuesday! What events are you playing that day?

Author:  PRW [ 14 Apr 2017, 12:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

dwruck wrote:
Maybe we can have a hit on Tuesday! What events are you playing that day?

sure, will be fun! same events as you - the U2200 and U1900..

Author:  dwruck [ 15 Apr 2017, 00:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Cool! When it gets closer maybe we can talk about getting together for a warm-up before U-2200 in the morning. :)

Author:  PRW [ 15 Apr 2017, 02:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

dwruck wrote:
Cool! When it gets closer maybe we can talk about getting together for a warm-up before U-2200 in the morning. :)

sounds good! I am staying close by, so should be able to get there ok - event starts 9.45am. Will contact you nearer the time.

Author:  dwruck [ 18 Apr 2017, 19:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: US Nationals

Sounds like a plan! Will look forward to it.

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