Flop Goes the Gathering

I feel like I've had a flat tire. For the past several years - quite a number actually - I've attending the Gathering (conference for glass beadmakers). So, this year I registered up and got my friend Lillian all set. She is on an around the world cruise. Booking for the hotel started on April 11th. It's never been a problem before - although Lillian usually calls Cathy Finnegan directly because she is overseas when all of this happens, it makes her comfortable to do that so I've let it be. This year, well - I figured I could get it accomplished. Registration for my sea bound friend and a hotel when it came up. Or within a day or two after I heard from Lil. If there was going to be a difference in the number of the book group rate rooms available I wish they'd of let us know when they sent out the notices. I waited five days to book and they are gone. The next price up for the SAME room is at a business rate and is $75.00 per night MORE. This year - after I reach Lillian who is due into port tomorrow - and Susan who is at dinner with friends tonight I think I will cancel my Gathering registration. I just do not need the hassle. The Hyatt we stayed at last year was FILTHY - there I said it. Hyatt made little apologizes for it. They screwed up the rate - I had to call. And the room was bad enough I took photos and sent them to Hyatt Corporate after the maid refused to leave the dirty bedspread off the bead. And, that doesn't even begin to cover the condition of the shower curtain (and a half a dozen other things - makes you wonder what they didn't clean in the tub or sinks, huh? Kendra called and expressed her sincere apologizes on behalf of the ISGB - it really wasn't her problem...but I think after this I'm pretty turned off by Hyatt. I go to conferences to join in the fun - support the ISGB, and have a hassle free experience. It has not been that way for the past two years. Seattle is kind of out of question - too far away. But, the GAS conference will be in Toledo in 2012 so I think I'll be heading there. So sorry, this is a vent. It's annoying. You expect - I EXPECT there to be enough rooms to make it over a week of registration. If there aren't I guess I would expect that those of us members who registered on time might get an email. I don't think I should have to check the ISGB forum for tips and details. I have a life here and it's busy. Maybe it's just to busy for the Gathering this year!