DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '09 I => Topic started by: Pansity on March 11, 2009, 12:50:06 AM
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Seems like this might be a good time to add to this topic. On the way back from DC this evening, I made the time to do a drive by on the Newark Renaissance Hotel. DLA75 gave us a great selection of pictures
2009 DS Festival Hotel Preview -- Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel
but I'd like to add some information to put the geography in perspective so everyone can make informed decisions.
A lot of Media and Science Fiction conventions use the Newark Airport Hotels, probably for the same reason as the Fest: they're near the city, but cheaper, and also have airport shuttle service to what is usually the most reasonable of the NYC airports to fly into. However, looking at the location and comparative locations of amenities left me wondering at the choice of THIS particular hotel. [scratch] [hdscrt] Pity they seem to have a one track mind about Marriotts. The Ramada and the two Holiday Inns have long experience with conventions, and both the rooms and the restaurants are much more suited to a fan's budget. [squeeze]
There are only the two hotels here in this location, surrounded by a down at heel area in what is a rough part of Elizabeth/Newark. (Friends in Jersey City and Bayonne have confirmed that this is known as a bad area.) The main drag, 1 & 9, is not really designed for walking, and the two directions of traffic are divided by a concrete wall (known locally as Jersey barriers). The distances given are a big help, and I'm assuming DLA75 based them on where the openings are in the Jersey barriers to cross the streets. Bottom line is that the best thing people attending the Fest could do is to plan around needing to use the hotel restaurant or restaurants (I don't remember if the one next door also has a restaurant, but I would assume so, given the area) more than most fans usually would. [sour]
For those with cars, the restaurants shown are very close by car. (I recommend Perkins, as I've eaten there on trips through PA. If you're not familiar with them, they're along the line of something like Bob Evans.) Getting back to the hotel may be a nuisance; as the road is divided by the concrete barriers, and the restaurants are on the OTHER side of 1&9, you will have to go way out of your way to find a place where you can reverse direction. You might also want to look at bringing basic groceries for snacking/meals, and maybe take one meal a day at the pricier restaurant.
Wish I had a better opinion, but since people are starting to plan NOW, I thought it would be better to warn people that their food costs will be a great deal higher than they usually are -- and their choices a lot more limited. [sad5]
Jeannie
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Well, thanks for the warning. But what about us pedestrians who don't drive- anything nearby?
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Sorry, but the closest thing I saw was the Burger King that DLA75 mentioned. He pegged that as a half mile away and that's probably right, considering how fast I came up on it in the car.
I wish I understood the mindset of booking the hotel without checking access to outside food. Even aside from the $$$, there's the fact that the more people go to ONE restaurant, the slower the service will be.
Again, I would like to understand the thought process of keeping ticket price (aka membership charge) artificially low compared to other conventions, yet drop the ball in this important area. (Fan run cons with writer guests, if any, are up to about $50 for a weekend membership. And Creation charges megabucks, not counting the extortion for autographs and photo ops. )
If the Fest management is so concerned about keeping the event affordable, why do they overlook one of the big expenses of ANY con ANYWHERE -- food. [5323]
Yeah, I know it's a rhetorical question, but I feel MUCH BETTER NOW. [snow_cheesy]
Jeannie
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The lack of access to a variety of food sources has been the norm with the festivals more than the exception. When the festival was in Newark, NJ, the food source was minimal at best. The one restaurant was slow service even if you were the only person there. When the fest was at the World Trade Center, most of the local eateries were closed on the weekends. In Tarrytown, again, there were not many inexpensive food options.
For all the reasons above, most people I know who attend the fests for the sake of convenience and/or finances utilize room fridges or bring along the means to keep perishable items. At Tarrytown I did this along with several of my friends. We went to the store before going to the hotel and kept food stuffs there. That arrangement satisfied us and among my roomies were people who could have easily afforded eating at the high priced restaurants in the hotel at every meal. It was more convenient to buy food and store it in your room for access whenever you wanted it and with no lines to wait in! I know many fans even brown bag their food if they are day trippers over the weekend. They can eat and not miss any of the programming.
The fest has programming all day and into the evening with no breaks for meals and fans who don't want to miss anything prefer having something handy either in the hotel or by their own means. Now people know the food sources are not conveniently located (thanks to you and DLA) they can plan to make other arrangements. If I am able to make the fest, I will do what I always do - bring my own food and beverages. Some of us even bring blenders rather than pay high prices for a drink.;)
nancy
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On this particular issue I would say most people don't go to the festivals for the food (otherwise no one would ever go to the banquet, lol). It's not been that important an issue. At all the festivals on the east coast I've attended (and most of those cons did not have great food resources) people were not thrilled that food choices were limited but it wasn't anything overly upsetting. Roommates would do a "you bring this and I'll bring that" and made do. Food doesn't have to be a big expense at all if planned out right and ahead of time.
nancy
If the Fest management is so concerned about keeping the event affordable, why do they overlook one of the big expenses of ANY con ANYWHERE -- food. [5323]
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When it was announced the festival was to take place here, I expected that food choices would be limited. However, as Nancy pointed out, the weekend is not about the food, and there's virtually no time to go out to eat anyway without missing something. Given that we know there aren't any convenient, inexpensive places to eat, we can make other arrangements. Those of us who don't have to fly can bring coolers, and those roomies who live elsewhere can share in that. A fridge in the room is the best bet. I think we can tolerate cold sandwiches for a weekend. Perhaps a meal or two at the hotel won't be too outrageous either.
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The trouble with in-room refridgerators is that they may be hard to come by, even if you ask for one way in advance, as there's a limited supply. Last year, we didn't get one until almost the last of our 4 days in Burbank, and I had requested one when I made the reservation many months before.
Obviously, they want people to take all their meals and drinks in the restaurant if possible. The restaurant last year WAS good, but expensive. With a fridge, we could have divided up the large dinners and kept half until the next day. No such luck!
I tried one year to bring a cooler, but keeping up with filling it with fresh ice was an impossible chore--- the hotel ice machine only spit out so much, and it melts so darn fast. It wasn't a big enough cooler to empty a huge bag into, and it would have all melted quickly, just the same. I feel sorry for those with no cars and special dietary needs.
I can take a couple of people out at a time myself, but I do so hate driving in parts of Jersey, looking for the next left-turn circle and those rotaries. Having someone else pump my gas isn't worth the hassle of everything else.
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That is a problem. Last year, we didn't have a fridge, but the year before, one of the rooms (we spilled into two) did have one. I agree about driving in Jersey. It's a royal pain. As for the coolers, I didn't think about the ice problem. It's not as if there were a convenience store where you can run and buy bags of ice. Oh, well -- guess that diet I wanted to go on will be forced on me anyway -- LOL! [snow_silly]
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The hotels usually have ice machines on every floor or at least on a nearby floor. Those ice machines can be used to stock up the cooler. [snow_cheesy]
The food situation is, in my view, easily solved. It involves some pre-planning. The planning part has been for me easy since most of the fests were held in hotels with limited dining choices. I want to have food I like available to me and I don't want to spend much time thinking about it when I am at my destination. It's less about budget and more about having what I want when I want it when I travel. I am a fussy/picky eater too. If I may make some suggestions for those not sure what to do at a festival with limited dining options -
First, there are several restaurants in the area of this hotel. When you find out where they are, you can share a taxi with some friends to and from and it won't be that expensive.
If you are a day tripper to the festival, you can buy an insulation bag that functions like a shoulder bag (several sizes and shapes) from a Kmart or Walmart type store, even your local grocery store. You can pack sandwiches and other perishable items in there with other ice or ice packs from home and then replenish ice from the hotel ice machines. You can get water and cold drinks at the hotel, including coffee and tea. This eliminates your problem of having to find food. Plus, you can eat where and when you want.
I have an insulation bag where I put the more perishable items. The size is up to you. You can add ice in the bag before you leave on your journey and add ice when you get to the hotel from the ice machines. If you are driving you can bring a cooler to fill with ice. You can buy those mini boxes of cereal to put in your suitcase along with fruit and veggies that don't require immediate "cold care." Oscar Mayer and South Beach Diet both make a variety of food products (purchased at the grocery store in the same area you buy butter, hotdogs, etc.) you can buy and easily pack in your insulation bag and keep stored there throughout the weekend. There are several of these items that actually taste very good. I buy instant oatmeal and cream of wheat packages (or breakfast and lunch bars) to make for breakfast. You can get hot water in your room. You can get milk to go at the hotel restaurant or bring a small container of milk for the weekend. The hotel room usually offers free coffee and tea and vending machines have cold drinks available. I'll pack some cold cuts and crusty rolls too. Most of all this stuff fits in your suitcase if you are flying in. You can put the insulation bag (with ice) in your suitcase too if you plan it right to keep the moisture away from your clothes.
Most fast food make me sick to my stomach (literally) so places like Burger King and McDonald's are not choices for me (though McDonald's salads have come a long way). The above suggestions may sound involved but it's really not. One quick trip to the grocery store before you leave on your trip and some organizing with insulation bags and you've solved the food issue. Plus, you can decide when and where you want to eat when you bring your own food. I usually do all of the above on trips because I am a fussy eater and like to bring what I know I will eat. It turns out to be very convenient for me. I always have the option of having a meal in the restaurant or lounge at the hotel if I want to. [snow_smiley]
When I have driven to conferences or festivals, I do bring a cooler and sometimes a toaster oven. I've even brought a blender along so we can have some fancy drinks in the hotel room after the bar is closed or if no one wants to pay $12.00 for a pina colada. [snow_mad]
I don't think the rooms at this hotel have a fridge so the insulation bags and/or a cooler is the way to go. If you are travelling just for the day to the festival and do not have transportation outside of the hotel, carrying some food in an insulated bag you can carry over your shoulder is a great option.
Just some thoughts as to how I have worked around my picky eating habits.
Nancy
That is a problem. Last year, we didn't have a fridge, but the year before, one of the rooms (we spilled into two) did have one. I agree about driving in Jersey. It's a royal pain. As for the coolers, I didn't think about the ice problem. It's not as if there were a convenience store where you can run and buy bags of ice. Oh, well -- guess that diet I wanted to go on will be forced on me anyway -- LOL! [snow_silly]
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If I knew the food to be good at a hotel restaurant, I probably would eat there more if the service was decent. However, most of my experiences with hotels and the food in their restaurant hasn't been good. If I have paid a lot of money for a lousy meal I can get very cranky and unruly, more so than usual. [angry9]
Fest chairman Jim Pierson is a vegan so his food choices are especially limiting at these hotels. I think he packs his own food to bring. [snow_wow]
nancy
When it was announced the festival was to take place here, I expected that food choices would be limited. However, as Nancy pointed out, the weekend is not about the food, and there's virtually no time to go out to eat anyway without missing something. Given that we know there aren't any convenient, inexpensive places to eat, we can make other arrangements. Those of us who don't have to fly can bring coolers, and those roomies who live elsewhere can share in that. A fridge in the room is the best bet. I think we can tolerate cold sandwiches for a weekend. Perhaps a meal or two at the hotel won't be too outrageous either.
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I'll be flying in from CA and I always cram everything into a carry-on bag so that I don't have to worry about losing (or these days, paying extra for) luggage. Do you have any suggestions, Nancy, for food I could pack that would pass TSA inspection? I was planning on bringing cereal, crackers, peanut butter, and dried fruit.
ProfStokes
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isn't newark n.j. one of the most dangerous cities in the country?
yikes!
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Newark is, quite bluntly, a hell hole. It is crime-ridden and very dangerous. You don't want to be traveling around in that city. Sticking close to the hotel is very much advised.
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If you have a vehicle and can drive out towards cities like Paterson and Passaic for the occasional meal, they have some skanky areas, but in my experience, some better sections with pizza places, diners, FF, and malls with food courts. You just have to remember where to pick up those exits!
I wonder if JP ever inquired about group rates in Atlantic City, though at the time he made the arrangements, they may not have given him a big break. NOW, however, they would probably be more accommodating. Like most of the hospitality business these days, they could use more business, whatever the source, and there would be stuff to do and cheap food places right on the boardwalk during breaks in the Fest "action."
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Actually food is always a concern for me anywhere I go. I think about it constantly whether I am rocking out at a Bruce Springsteen show, Dark Shadows fest or sitting on a beach somwhere. I guess because I am hypoglycemic I always worry about not eating regularly when I am away and the cost too.
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Thanks for going out of your way to check out the area
and giving us fair warning of what to expect Pansity.
At least now we'll be able to plan ahead. [thumbleft]
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There is also a Subway and a Dunkin' Donuts is the strip mall next to Burger King
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Since i have added alot of other non DS photos since i first posted them i have made a new set for the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel and suroundings photos to eaiser view and navagate them.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31660989@N05/sets/72157615513350989/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31660989@N05/sets/72157615513350989/)
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is there any food delivery options? Pizza Chinese?
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I'd planned to go at least for part of the weekend to visit friends, but I am re-evaluating those plans given how inaccessible and bloody DREARY this venue sounds.
How could Pierson choose something so hard to get in and out of in such a generally well-served area as great NYC?
G.
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Show up, Luvy, or I'll come to Massachusetts and forcefeed you 50 lbs of previously unreleased girlgroup recordings!
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I have just added new photos of the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel and restrants around it. To my 2009 fest hotel Flickr set (See Reply #17)
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Looking up more info on the house restaurant, Liberty Grille, I notice that they, too, are seeking help--- a restaurant manager and servers.
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Are you interested in the manager job? That would be one way to assure we all get fed right at the festival!? [easter_kiss]
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Hmmm. that isn't in my experience or skill set.... Plus the 2+ hour commute (one way) would be a killer. But it is a funny coincidence that I've found "Help Wanted" ads for 2 DS-associated places so far.
I AM wondering how this is going to affect us. I've been reading reviews on Trip Advisor, and it's a mixed bag. People had some "interesting" experiences in the hotel last year during renovations. But I'm assuming most of those must be done by now, or WILL be by August!!!
I can only imagine how annoying it would be to use a disorganized restaurant with a newbie staff from the top down.
Even though I wasn't planning to eat in the restaurant except maybe once (perhaps during the banquet time), I don't mind paying something extra if the chow is good.
The restaurant in the Burbank Marriott was pricey but pretty decent and rather generous--- if we'd gotten our fridge right away, there would have been enough left over from a couple of the entrees to split for another meal. Oh, well, it's a done deal.
Some of the reviews mentioned a breakfast buffet, but if that costs too darn much, it would be better to drive over to that Perkins place.
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See, just two little obstacles and you won't even try . . . [easter_tongue]
nancy
Hmmm. that isn't in my experience or skill set.... Plus the 2+ hour commute (one way) would be a killer.
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Thanks for going out of your way to check out the area
and giving us fair warning of what to expect Pansity.
At least now we'll be able to plan ahead. [thumbleft]
The cost of the trip doesn't seem worth it.
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I know, right? Too bad the hotel fare is non-refundable! [easter_undecided]
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In Burbank they had McDonelds Del Taco,Panda Express and Sibway across the street. The street was rather easy to cross. I had a rent a car with GPS witch made it easy to find food if i got lost i would just program the GPS to direct me back to the Marriott.
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I mean "Subway"
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Is anybody here going? I was playing with the idea for the longest time but ultimately decided not to go as I couldn't find anyone to come with me and I didn't feel comfortable driving all the way to NJ by myself.
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I'll be there, as well as AngeliqueWins. I know others are planning as well, but offhand, I couldn't say who for sure. One thing I'll say: You're never alone at a festival. Everyone is really friendly and open.
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I'm going to the Fest this year. [ghost_grin] However, I'm getting there by way of JFK. Can anyone from the area recommend a good way to get from Penn Station to the Newark airport using public transportation? I see that Amtrak goes out that way, but the ticket price is a bit higher than what I had anticipated...
ProfStokes
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I looked it up take for the subway take The E from JFK tansfer to the 4 5 or 6 dontown to penn station/34thst at Lexington ave You can take NJ transit to Newark Ariport but i think the ticket is a bit more then the other stops becase it includes the cost of the Newark Airport Monorail. You can also get off at the Other Penn Station in Newark but i am not sure how you get to the hotel from there.
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DLA75, I hope you won't be offended, but I spotted a number of things in your instructions that would get someone unfamiliar with NY or NJ terribly lost.
Some time back I had written someone with instructions on this very matter, so I'm going to post bits of it, along with links to transit sites, here. Given that airfares have been cheapest into JFK, I'm guessing that ProfStokes isn't the only one who might be using JFK.
What I had HOPED to do was to find some mass transit directions to the general area, as I know when we ran Eclecticon (a media convention) at a nearby hotel, we had a whole set of instructions: driving, bus and train. However, it seems those were never posted to the website before the con was discontinued, so unless I can dig up one of the old progress reports, I will have to go by the compilation I recently made.
As of the last news announcements, it seems we dodged the bullet on NYC Mass Transit cuts, so these routes should still be valid. If I hear anything differently, I will post it here.
There's multiple mass transit options from JFK. One is to take a city bus to the subway that DLA75 mentions (Off the top of my head, the subway route described takes a minimum of 3, possibly 4 train changes to get to Penn Station, and our system has very few stations with elevators or escalators, making luggage a problem). This what MTA (NYC TRansportation authority) calls the AirTrain. The site states the route is handicapped accessible, which also means that there are elevators and excalators for those with luggage. That is NOT true through a LOT of the NYC subway system, which is why I as someone with an ambulatory handicap cannot normally travel by subway in NYC, whereas I was able to spend a week in Washington DC and travel everywhere using NOTHING BUT the subway (Metro). Those with luggage need to be aware of this when planning routes using our subway.
Another, slightly more expensive option is to use the Long Island Railroad to NYC instead of the subway. This has the advantage of taking you directly to Penn Station, which is where you can connect to New Jersey Transit to NEWARK AIRPORT (I stress this because Newark is a different station, far from the airport, which is actually on the border of Newark and Elizabeth).
Here's the link to the Airtrain (JFK) website, which also has information on the LIRR option:
http://www.panynj.gov/Airtrain/offairport_jfk.html (http://www.panynj.gov/Airtrain/offairport_jfk.html)
Another option is to take the NY Airport Service Bus (formerly Carey Bus) to NYC (this stops at multiple locations, including Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station and/or the Port Authority Bus terminal. These are greyhound type busses, clean and comfortable seating. I ended up taking one of these last year when my flight to Westchester Aiport was cancelled and I had to go to LaGuardia instead. Price is about $12, but the website will have all specifics.
http://www.nyairportservice.com/page.php?id=78 (http://www.nyairportservice.com/page.php?id=78)
Now for part two: getting from Manhattan to Newark Airport (My understanding is that the Renaissance has an airport shuttle, so once you get to the airport it would just be a matter of using a courtesy phone to call and get picked up.)
Penn Station: The website for airtrain Newark http://www.panynj.gov/airtrainnewark/cost_tickets.html (http://www.panynj.gov/airtrainnewark/cost_tickets.html) specifies that NJ Transit and Amtrak both run trains to Newark Airport. NJ Transit trains run from Penn Station as does Amtrak (which costs substantially more).
Link to New Jersey Transit for train info, schedules and fares: http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=AirportConnectionsTo (http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=AirportConnectionsTo)
Port Authority Bus Terminal: If you prefer to change via bus (or for those coming in by Grayhound, etc to Port Authority Bus Terminal). Olympia Trails/Coach USA runs the buses to Newark Airport. They run pretty regularly (when I worked in Manhattan in the 90s this was a regular route I used when I was going away). Here's their website to check prices and schedules: http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ss.newarkairport.asp (http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ss.newarkairport.asp)
I know I may be letting myself in for it with this last, but if anyone has any questions on how to navigate this, please feel free to PM me. I've been doing this a long time, and given that I'm your typical broke fan who doesn't have money to waste on cabs and private limos, I can come up with mass transit options for most places.
Jeannie
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The subway route from the MTA map looked like you only have to chage trans once. I agree with Pansity that the Long Island Rail Road is a muct better option. If ProfStokes can take the Long Island railroad from JFK to Penn Station she should take. I take take Long Island Rail Road and Tranfer to New Jersey Trasit to get home from Mets Games. (or the other way around to get there) It is much better and much more spacious then the Subway and has overhead lugege racks. It is only 4.50 to 5.00 from or to Citi Field it is proably more from JFK. I have only been to JFK by car.
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The subway route from the MTA map looked like you only have to chage trans once.
Actually, your routing would lead whomever followed it directly to Grand Central Station, at 42nd and Lexington Avenues, not to PENN Station at 34th & 7th Avenue. (FYI I checked my numbers on the map: change #1 is the bus to the E train, #2 is the E to the Lex line, #3 is the Lex line to the shuttle to Penn Station.) These locations are more than a mile apart. This was one of the major inaccuracies in your directions which prompted me to post the detailed directions I did (along with links to official websites with directions, timetables and prices). 42nd & Lex is one of the busiest stations in the subway system, with many many exits and close to a dozen routes that cross there for transfer. I could see someone unfamiliar with the subway and or the city trying to follow those directions, getting very very lost and having to drag their luggage all over before finding someone to put them on the right track.
I didn't post the link before, and subway info might be useful above and beyond airport transit to those who want to visit NYC. So, here's the link to the official Metropolitan Transit Authority website. This has directions, tips, schedules and prices of various types of passes which can be purchased. http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm (http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm). The site also has info for the LIRR and, on the off chance that anyone is adventurous enough to want to explore further, the info on metro North, which serves Westchester (where Tarrytown is) is also on the same site.
If ProfStokes can take the Long Island railroad from JFK to Penn Station she should take. I take take Long Island Rail Road and Tranfer to New Jersey Trasit to get home from Mets Games. (or the other way around to get there) It is much better and much more spacious then the Subway and has overhead lugege racks. It is only 4.50 to 5.00 from or to Citi Field it is proably more from JFK. I have only been to JFK by car.
We'll have to agree to disagree on what method of transportation works the best. Having done these trips with luggage many times in the past 20 some odd years (I can't see leaving my car at an airport at the average parking rate of $30 per day; I can think of much better uses for a few hundred dollars), my preference is for methods involving minimal changes and proper space to store luggage. I find the airport buses the best for that reason. They have the standard undercarriage luggage bins, as they take it as a given that people will have at minimum a small carry on. They load and unload your luggage for you. Neither the Metro North, or the LIRR provide more than small overhead racks, not even big enough for your standard rolling carry on-- plus you have to be able to lift it and take it back down from an overhead rack without hurting yourself. Even the subways can accomodate those (if you use stations with excalators or elevators, or are prepared to carry them down long flights of stairs).
Jeannie
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Your right Jeannie I went to a Yankee game on monday (though I am a Mets fan) and reliized my mistakes you have take you would first have to tranfer from the N to the 4,5 ,or 6 and Tranfer to the 7 or S at Grand Cental and then tranfer to the 1, 2 or 3 at 42nd to get to penn station way too confusing.
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Usually, hotels are aware of the limitations in their vicinity and should be able to supply info and menus from places that deliver
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DLA75 and Pansity, thanks so much for the info. I'm coming in from DC and haven't made up my mind how I'll get there and this info is much appreciated.
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Glad it was helpful, Barnabas Jr. FYI a lot of years ago some friends and I went down to DC by Grayhound (so long ago that it was for the premier of Star Trek: The Motion(less) Picture) [ghost_tongue2]. Don't remember anything more than that anymore, but it's an option you might also want to check out -- on the off chance you didn't think of it already.
Jeannie
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If I go, I will be taking train, etc, and coming by myself, I think the train connections are pretty good, is there not a shuttle from the Amtrak station to the hotel in Newark??
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Not familiar with the Amtrak stops, and I can't tell if you're coming north or south from what you say. However, if you're coming from the South I would check the websites for a transfer point between Amtrak and New Jersey Transit, which does run a train to the airport. FYI something I think I forgot to mention is that the downtown Newark train station has the same name as the NYC station: Penn Station. Be VERY careful which Penn Station you base directions on. The station for the airport is quite sensibly called Newark Airport. I haven't checked, but I BELIEVE I remember downtown Newark being a transfer pt between Amtrak and NJT. Again, PLEASE CHECK THEIR WEBSITES.
If you're coming via NYC (usually points north or west), I'd recommend changing trains at Penn Station and transferring to the cheaper New Jersey Transit to the airport.
Almost forgot: If anyone is coming from the Philly area, you can take SEPTA and transfer to NJT. Cheaper than Amtrak and schedule is similar.
Jeannie
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I think Amtrack stops at the same Newrark Airport station that NJ Transit does.
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Pansity, can you confirm that SEPTA and Amtrak leave from the same station in Philly?? The reason I ask is I might be dropping my son to meet a friend at the Philly station, and that might work, my son has NO interest in the Fest, not there there would be that much for him in Newark anyway, I guess...
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I'd be curious to see any pictures from the festival. Will this forum post the pics?
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Since this Forum began, there have been Fest photos. [ghost_smiley]
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You can also tranfer from Septa to NJ Transit or Amtrak at Trenton Station
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I am adding New Jersey Transit and Long Island Railroad pictures (witch you may use if coming from JFK though that line may use a diffrent model train) to my picture set including pictures of the Newwark Airport Train Station where you have to transfer from NJ transit or Amtrack to the Monorail.
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Well, I've decided to take a cab from Staten Island to Newark, and Lord only knows how much it will be to get there!
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Where are you driving from? I may be going by myself and may need help driving.
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Driving? Me? I can't drive- no license! I'm taking a cab, remember?
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I am registering now and want to know if anyone knows how to get to the hotel from Queens?
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The Festival should be giving out travel details with its mailings soon. Being that I'm coming from SI, maybe we can pool our resources and take the same cab there!
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according to tonight's news there was no less than three shootings in newark today.
why is the fest being held in such a weird place?
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The Hotel is actually located in Elizabeth (the one aspect that seems to fit with a Dark Shadows theme). It's a 5.5 mile drive from Newark Penn Station. The website says it is a $23 cab ride from the Airport to the hotel which seems to be comparable to how much a cab from the train station will cost.
Believe it or not, the hotel website describes the venue as "chic."
FWIW, it seems to be smack dab in the middle of nowhere, off a highway that goes to the Newark Intl Airport. Bring your granola and peanut butter sandwiches as the snooty waiters at the tiny hotel restaurant may run out of provisions when the place is jammed with tired, hungry conventioneers foraging for food in the great wilderness of the airport hinterland.
G.
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Personally, I don't understand the return to NJ after the way we were screwed by New Jersey Network years ago! Why not Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Tarrytown? Even my neck of the woods, Staten Island, has a Hilton adjacent to highways and shopping centers! THERE SHOULD'VE BEEN A BETTER CHOICE THAN NEWARK!!!
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Airport shuttle service, on request, complimentary
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LdyAnne, do you know if a person had to book the shuttle in advance, or can you call the hotel from the airport to get it?
ProfStokes
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I believe from experience that the hotel choices are based on what's available and price. An ideal choice isn't always attainable.
Nancy
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I thought the 2003 Fest location in Brooklyn was perfect. Great hotel with lots of space, plenty of parking (which we needed because we came by car for our one-day visit), wonderful neighborhood with gazillions of restaurants and cafes (with many of them inexpensively priced!), varieties of stores. Too bad they couldn't do it there again.
Gerard
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There's no note on the hotel website about a free airport shuttle. Instead, they talk about cab prices to the train station and airport.
Doesn't PATH have an airport stop? Sounds as if the most sensible way to get there is to take PATH to the airport and then hop a free shuttle. Or, if the free shuttles turn out to be non-existent, take a cab (and make sure you budget the $30 bucks there and back for it).
I thought the Brooklyn hotel was fine. THIS is simply Looney-tunes--as in Pepe le PEW!
G.
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The PATH goes ito Newark Penn Station you would have to tansfer to New Jersey Transit get to the Newark Liberty Airport Station.
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There's no note on the hotel website about a free airport shuttle.
It's on the hotel's Maps & Transportation (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/ewrnr-renaissance-newark-airport-hotel/) page.
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Sadly, I will not be attending (again) this year having just returned from NYC and also some unexpected household expenses came up. My AC broke, fridge broke and my TV too. All in the month of June [ghost_tongue2]
Anyway, I flew in/out of Newark and the hotel is very close and there is a shuttle which I saw run by frequently while waiting for my car service. If anyone is looking for transportation from other airports beyond a taxi then I recommend a company that I used several times while visiting the city. WWW.Dial7.com. Cheaper and better service than a taxi.
I will really miss everyone~
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Teresalita, I'm hoping for a miracle for you.
Since there's apparently hardly any stores nearby, what kind of food/snacks should I bring with me?
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LdyAnne, do you know if a person had to book the shuttle in advance, or can you call the hotel from the airport to get it?
I don't know but I believe there is a courtsey phone, I am taking the direct hotel number with me
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An article that repeats the Festival schedule.
http://www.examiner.com/x-9764-Horror-Happenings-Examiner~y2009m8d7-Dark-Shadows-Resurrected
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I wonder what the one-hour Friday night slot labelled "Surprise Dark Shadows screening" portends?
Hope anyone who's there can post a review.
G.
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It could be a behind the scenes film presentation from the new DS movie-bad joke. When they use the word surprise, often I am not. But I do hope it is a good one.
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I am registering now and want to know if anyone knows how to get to the hotel from Queens?
You might want to go through the old mssg and find where I posted links on how to take bus from airport to Port Authority and the Newark airport bus from there. OR if you're used to doing subway (I haven't been able to take subways in 12 years, since I became handicapped, so can't help you on NYC subways anymore) take subway to Port Authority at 42nd & 8th then Newark Airport bus. The bus is only $15 ea way once you reach Port Authority.
Charles Ellis, you might want to look into something similar, if feasible from SI -- the cab fare will be total extortion!
Jeannie
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OK, but does the bus stop by the hotel?
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Charles_E, I believe this is what she meant, explained in another topic:
a bus ... It will take you right to the airport where you can get hotel shuttle, See if that works for your location.
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Does anyone know what is the exit number the hotel is located? I am coming from the south. JVjr
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NJ Turnpike Exit 13A to Route 1/9 (Spring Street) North the hotel is on the other side of the street You will have to use the U Turn on the McClennan Street overpass that is the way I know.
I think you may also be able to hit it from Exit 14 going south on 1/9 (Spring Street).
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Exit 13, eh? So that's why this hotel was chosen!
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EXIT 13A Do not take Exit 13 that would be the wrong Exit