I visited the Elk Grove Village Holiday Inn on Friday. It is very nice and staff were helpful.

I got to see a guest room and was happy with it. Two thirds of the rooms come with a mini frig and microwave in addition to coffeemaker. To make sure you get one, when you check in ask for an "Executive Suite" (or specify you want a frig and a microwave). Just a reminder: the deadline for reserving a room at the convention rate of $69 per night plus tax is May 15. The group code for reserving a room is PDS. You can book online or by phone. You can choose a king or two doubles.

Holiday Inn Chicago Elk Grove Village Hotel web site:
http://www.hielkgrove.com/

Phone numbers:
Hotel Local Phone: (847) 437-6010
Toll-Free: (888) HOLIDAY

There is a large open area with tables (and where breakfast is served) where we can congregate in the evenings for our "pajama parties." There is also a small outside seating area. There is free wireless throughout the hotel and two internet computers for guests. There is a pool, jacuzzi, and workout room. There is a free airport shuttle to/from O'Hare.

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The meeting room I currently have reserved is huge. On Friday I was given an option to use only half the room at half the price. (A wall can be pulled across the middle.) Right now we have the same number of people attending as last year. (That's paid attendance.) Cutting the room in half would greatly reduce my money worries, as we are a long way from paying off the double meeting room. Last year's meeting room was 625 square feet. The larger half of the room is four times that - 2500 square feet. The full room is more than seven times that. Comments please.

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The hotel is in a busy business area. There is an Old Chicago restaurant in the hotel. Across a busy street are Wendy's, Starbucks, Panda Express, and Quizno's. There are more places a short distance across more busy streets with many stoplights, so those are the best meal opportunities.

I need input on meals. Please let me know if you have any feedback.

- Friday night I suggest an informal meeting at 6:00 or 6:30 (any preference?) for anyone who has arrived. I suggest either Quizno's or Panda Express, which should have vegetarian options and enough space although we might not get to sit at one table. Any thoughts?

- For Saturday lunch, I suggest we are on our own. You can eat at Old Chicago, walk across the street to one of the fast food places I mentioned, or brown bag taking advantage of your frig/microwave. That way people can take a break from PUDDLE if they want, or bring their food into the room. Sound okay?

- Old Chicago has a room that can be reserved. It fits about 40. I am thinking of reserving this for Saturday evening. Anyone who'd like to keep partying can meet for dinner a short while after PUDDLE ends. We might have the option of a limited menu or buffet (pizza, drinks, salad for around $9 per person) if I let them know in advance. This would speed up when we eat. Old Chicago is more expensive than fast food but not extremely pricey. Thoughts on this option? I have to let them know pretty quickly if we want to reserve the room and also if we want the limited menu/buffet.

- Last year a few of us stumbled across each other having breakfast in the hotel. I'm inclined to leave breakfast to the same sort of arrangement next year. I'm sure many people will be hitting the road quickly. We can also make informal plans to meet at Starbucks or a Dunkin' Donuts down the road at PUDDLE if we like. If anyone is interested in meeting up at Mitsuwa Mall or going to the wildlife center we are supporting on Sunday, let me know.

Please let me know what you think about all my questions. Also please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!