Beachgirl - I think I would prefer a Galleria area hotel if alone.

The drive isn't "far" (as Houston standards go) to the Med Center.

Debi - Are we able and would you like us to pick up some sort of nibbles or drinks?

You are all going to have so much fun getting together! I'm envious.

I'm impressed that so many Fodorites are coming on short notice to meet Debi. She sure knows how to draw a crowd!!

Now me....I tend to clear a room.


This GTG will be loads of fun, I can't wait.

OMG! I leave the computer for the day and looks what happens! SO COOL!

Sheila, looks like you are getting good info from the locals re airport and hotels.
There are a few options that I can think of:

1.we can simply gather in the atrium area of the lobby and perhaps bring our owns nibbles etc. I will find out tomorrow if we can do that w/out causing problem to byob.

2.we can meet in the restaurant here and order drinks, food etc.

3. they have a private dining room

4. they have a lounge here.

Not sure if they have any kind of meeting rooms available, will check into that too.

How about setting a time? 3 pm?? Will that work for everyone?

Debi

Works for me.

3pm is fine.

As for hotels, I see someone got the JW Marriott on Priceline for $65. That's a nice hotel right across from the Galleria (our big upscale mall) with lots of restaurants nearby.

On Hotwire, they're showing a 4* for $72, which is likely the Sheraton Suites in Galleria. Or if you want something nicer, a 4.5* for $122, which looks like the Omni. Over in Downtown, they have a 4* for $89, which looks like the Hyatt.

wow! thanks for all the info on hotels!!

Are we doing anything other than the 3pm gtg? Just curious as I'm trying to book my air accordingly.

Thanks everyone!

3P works for me as well--I can only play for so long, though, as DH and I have a dinner to attend that night at 7P.

Let me know what I can bring (a little Texas vino, perhaps?) So excited to see everyone!

Sheila, As far as other activities; I am going to have to pass the torch to someone else to decide, IF, WHAT and WHEN it will be. The GTG is about all I will be able to handle. Anyone?
Lots to do here; Museums, Park,Zoo etc.

Debi

Will also be glad to bring something. Just let me know. If we're set for 3 pm, has place been confirmed?

Yep, it will be held at the Jones Rotary House on Holcombe Blvd 3pm.

I think we're waiting to hear from Debi on the 'rules' for snacks and byob.

Oh, Debi, I'm impressed you're up for a gtg -- I know you're not able to do much else. I was just wondering about the schedule since I'm flying in and not driving.

I just found out my niece will be in Houston as well so we are trying to plan our short time together! How fun!

Really looking forward to meeting you all!

OK -- We are making progress. We will meet at 3 pm in the Atrium of the Rotary House.

To find the Atrium:
Park in garage 10 using entrance 2. Enter the Main Building of MD Anderson from the garage on 3rd floor and then take the "Skybridge" across to the Rotary House. This will bring you to the second floor of the Rotary House. Take elevator down to Ground Floor. When you exit the elevator, turn right and then make a left. [At this point, the Registration Desk will be right in front of you.]

The Atrium will be on the left, just before going out of the BIG glass doors to the garden.

We can bring food; I think that "adult beverages" will have to be purchased in the lounge in The Oaks Lounge on the second floor.

I will leave it to you guys to figure out what each of you would like to bring. And as I said, we can easily just go up to the lounge and order off the menu there.

What say you?
Debi

If food and drink are available there, that sounds like it is easiest. I had made the offer not knowing that there were nibbles available there.

I'll sit back and see what the others say. Really, I'm flexible either way.

Me, too. If things are available upstairs that's fine with me.

I'll go along with whatever the group wants to do.

Beachgirl - Is there any other information you need for Houston?

I agree, that works for me as well--thank you!

Does that mean moldy isnt bringing me a wee bit of chocolate from that place she told me about last month? LOL

I think it would be easiest to buy what we want to eat here too.

Debi

Have fun, guys! And don't forget the most important thing: CAMERAS! As we'll demand pictures.