Tucson Shows, Feb 2010 - Who's Going?

Patty Lakinsmith · #1 2009-12-06, 11:40pm

Hi all,

For the first time this Feb I'll be doing the Best Bead Show in Tucson, and wanted to see who else is planning to do the shows there. It's gonna be an amazing road trip! Cyndie Smith and I are going to share a canopy tent.

Also, if anyone has good advice on hotels, we're all ears! I know it's late to be booking, but I'm hoping to do it in the next few days. Any great ones, or any to shy away from?

JennW · #2 2009-12-08, 12:42pm

Hi Patty,

I will be behind the Soft Flex booth at Best Bead. Will be kinda weird this year not being in charge of the whole show....but Soft Flex has a pretty big booth so I think I will still be plenty busy.

My Dad will have our glass up at the front of the building in the hallway as usual.

Hotels can get pretty pricey during the gem shows - even some of the not so great ones. I know that Best Bead has a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn by the airport. The rate is $129 (as opposed to $199 if you just came in off the street looking for a room during that week). As of today they still had rooms in that block open. You just need to call the hotel directly at (520) 918-9000 and mention BEST BEAD to get the discounted rate. The $129 rate is only good if booked by 12/31/09 so I wouldn't wait too long.

Some people can get lucky and find a better deal on line, but normally not as close to the show - and often the hotels aren't in the best condition. I personally have stayed at the Hampton for a number of years. No complaints, really nice beds, and good hot tub.

Hope that helps some.

Jennifer

Patty Lakinsmith · #3 2009-12-08, 1:34pm

Thanks for your reply, Jennifer. It will be great to see you! And thanks for the info - somehow I missed that BBS had a block of rooms.

Do you know anything about the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, near the Tucson Airport (6595 S BAY COLONY DRIVE TUCSON, AZ 85756)? They've got a suite kind of deal with kitchenettes, and they run $149/night. Sounds like maybe the same general area, by the airport?

JennW · #4 2009-12-08, 2:26pm

yep, I think they are down the street. There is a big cluster of hotels on the stretch of road leaving the airport until the first stoplight, which I think is Valencia. S. Tucson Blvd is the road leading out of the airport. I think that one you mentioned is off of a side street from S. Tucson.

Never stayed there. I have stayed at the Hampton, the Best Western right across the street (which is good now - been thru bunch of renovations) and the Viscount Suites downtown. I've known people who have stayed at the Fairfield, the Courtyard by Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express which are all off of S. Tucson Blvd. All seemed happy with their rooms there.