????"New" TSGA Facilities

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

What does everyone think of the "remodeled" hotel???? My personal opinion,,,,"give us back the old Harvey"!!!!! just seemed too cold and austere to me,,,not as "comfortable" as it used to be,,,not to mention the dining options,,,9 bucks for what they call a club sandwich,,,2 pieces of bread, turkey, 1/2 slice of bacon, lettuce and tomato,,,,,and 13-14 for the breakfast buffet??,,,,always thankful for Dennys,,

JAMES BANKS · From: Mineola,TX USA

Hey Sonny, I personally like the repainting of the main hall where the show actually takes place. The rooms are a bit more luxurious, but I'm with you on dining options. I liked the old Scoops for snacks and Blue Bell. Denny's and the convenience store got more of my money this year. We also found more resturants easy to get to.
James

Allan Thompson · From: Scotland.

Although the show was as usual brilliant the atmosohere was not the same. The moving of the bar area was in my opinion a big mistake. With the old bar area people had to pass it as they entered or left the show and that's where a lot of people met. There are a lot of changes to the Harvey, none I could see for the better apart from the decor.

Larry R · From: Navasota, Tx.

I agree, it was not the same. The room seemed smaller and reminded me of a cubicle in an office environment. I would have rather had the old mahogany looking furniture. I missed Scoops as well. Dennys stock must have doubled while I was there. They got most of my biz. Hey Albert, if you're reading this post, would the Marriot be any better at accomodating us or are they just as expensive? Perhaps TSGA should check into accomodations at a neighboring Hotel.

Sonny, didn't see ya there this time. Maybe next yr.

Larry R

Bill McRoberts · From: Janesville, Wisconsin USA

I haven't been down there since the '01 show. I just can't imagine the Harvey without the lounge and Scoops. Mr. Harvey would roll over in his grave if he saw what they've done.

mtulbert · From: Plano, Texas 75023

Just an FYI for you all.

The Harvey is being converted into a Westin and that is why all of the changes have taken place. They are attempting to make the hotel more upscale to compete with the Marriott. Like you guys, Denny's did most of my food business this time. From what I understand, TSGA has a two year deal with the hotel so we will probably be back next year. After that it is up for grabs.

If we do go to the Marriott, the prices and extras will be the same as the this hotel.

Albert, please correct me if I am wrong.

Mark

Darvin Willhoite · From: Roxton, Tx. USA

Hmm, I liked the changes, but I always drive to this show and never eat at the hotel anyway. I don't drink, so the bar changes didn't make me any difference. I thought the rooms were definitely improved.

I did notice that the main hall was packed on Saturday night. They will probably have to look for a larger facility before too long, especially if they keep bringing in the caliber of talent that has been there the last couple of years.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Bill McCloskey · Posted 23 Mar 2006 11:27 am

The prices at the bar didn't bother me. I travel a lot and am used to New York prices, so that wasn't a problem.

The problem for me was that the service at the bar was some of the worst I've ever experienced. The wait staff seemed like they had just started that day and the bar made probably the worst martini I've ever had. I sent the first one back since it was so watered down. When the replacement came and tasted exactly like slush, I gave up.

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

yeh the Harvey just seemed more "homey" and comfortable to me,,,but then I just don't like modern furniture,,,too bleak,,,or sparse,,or,,??,,,,,,jest don't seem country,,LOL. Wished they had saved their 4 million bucks,,,and used it for my discount!!!

No Larry,,,I didn't see you!!!,,we sat on the front row,,,didn't want to miss anything,,

[This message was edited by Sonny Jenkins on 23 March 2006 at 12:22 PM.]

[This message was edited by Sonny Jenkins on 23 March 2006 at 12:24 PM.]

Greg Simmons · From: where the buffalo (used to) roam AND the Mojave

Tony Palmer · From: St Augustine,FL

I never saw the "old" Harvey, but the quality of the new rooms, the decor of the lobby, etc. for $69 a night was a BARGAIN!!!
I stay at other Westin hotels, in fact I just stayed at the one in NYC and the rooms were exactly the same but cost me $275 and that was a special convention rate.
The restaurant was beautiful but expensive.
I found it a nice quiet respite from the show once in a while.
The service overall was quite slow, but friendly. I'm guessing they were overwhelmed by the crowds.

Smiley Roberts · From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075

Well,I,obviously,was not there this year,but I've been "collecting" comments from people that were,& none are very complimentary. For instance:

no smoking ANYWHERE in the hotel (which doesn't bother me)($200 "fine" if you're caught smoking in your room.)

$9.00 hamburgers

$4.75 beer (who knows WHAT the mixed drinks are!)

no carrying any drinks out of the bar area. (which DOES bother me.)

In fact,it is rumored that Tom Morrell might not be back next year if all these rules are in effect. For that matter,I might not either.(not that,that makes any earth-shaking difference to anybody.)

Oh well,good luck Westin!

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  ~ ~


  ©¿©  It don't mean a thang,   


  mm   if it ain't got that twang.


       www.ntsga.com

Larry King · From: Watts, Oklahoma, USA

Well, let me voice my two cents worth. Our large suite (we've had the same room three years in a row) was a HUGE improvement, mainly because of the shower and I could actually sleep on the sofa bed without augmenting the comfort level with an air mattress. That being said, although the furnishings were new, they were a little too modern for my tastes. The major loss was the refrigerator (although we found a solution this year ) since they are changing to a "service" bar which normally means they're going to stock it and charge you for what was consumed. I don't vote for a change of venue, as long as Denny's is across the street and On The Border is 7 minutes away. Texas is a show I always enjoy.

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

Yes Tony,,,it's more like NYC,,,,I miss that southern country comfort the Harvey had. After all these years the Harvey just seemed like coming home, it had a comfortable atmosphere that seems to be missing in the "new upscale Westin". ,,,not complaining about the price of the rooms,,,big complaint about the cost of food!!!!,,,especially when a club sandwich turns out to be a very sparse turkey sandwich (9 bucks),,,maybe our club sandwiches are different in texas??

[This message was edited by Sonny Jenkins on 24 March 2006 at 06:52 PM.]

Larry Hamilton · From: Amarillo,Tx

Yeah, the convention was GREAT!!!!! But as soon you left the Star Steel Guitar and MSA area it sucked. The convention rates were great for any big hotel but after that......
Most of my complaints have already been covered. I am already thinking seriously about making the St. Louis show next year instead of Dallas. Hopefuly by then Albert will have something, somewhere worked out.

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Keep pickin', Larry

Tony Palmer · From: St Augustine,FL

It's funny, I've been telling people I will not bother going to STL anymore, I will make Texas my annual show!
I've been going to STL for 10 yrs and never went to TSGA, but now that I've gone, I can say the contrast in hotels is quite different.
Anyone who's gone to STL will tell you what frustration there is waiting for the elevators, dealing with rude staff, poor food, lost or bumped reservations, much older rooms, etc.
Believe me, there's nothing "down home" about that hotel.
I never saw the old Harvey and appreciate it may have been more "texas" than the Westin, but at the end of the day, it's nice to stay in a beautiful upscale room and dine out in a nice restaurant if we want to.
As for the prices of the food, well after travelling 1800 miles from RI, I'd rather sit down and enjoy a nice meal rather than a $2 hamburger!

Bill McCloskey · Posted 25 Mar 2006 7:04 am

I would have drunk muddy water and slept in a hollow log in order to hear Reece and Paul play their superslides. I don't judge whether I'll attend a show by the quality of the accomadations but the quality of the people, talent, and music. Dallas had that in spades.

Howard Tate · From: Leesville, Louisiana, USA, R.I.P.

I too, missed the meals we had there last year. But I noticed a hamburger at Dennys was $7. My wife had the $9 burger and it had a lot of beef in it, very large, and came with a nice salad. It was a full meal for her. I had a Big Texas Dip sandwich, made with prime rib, and it also had a lot of meat. Just over $20 for both and I could not have eaten any more.I complained about the price until we ordered it, it was a full meal, and nice quiet atmosphere. My only complaint about the whole deal, there was so much going on that I had to miss some things. Let's do it again next month.

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Howard

Joey Ace · From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

I liked the Harvey. I could have done without the changes, but that's a minor point. Us non-smokers had to walk thru the bar's smoking area to get to the show before. I never liked that.

The hotel is still way friendlier, and crime free, than St. Louis. Also parking is free, not $15 a day.

There's no Denny's (or similar) eatery within walking distance at St. Louis. If the TSGA show ever moves, I hope the new place will be within walking distance of Denny's. Hotel food is expensive everywhere.

Donna Dodd · From: Acworth, Georgia, USA

There’s absolutely nothing I’d complain about with the new décor. The main hall is very elegant with the subtle beige tones – even the main-hall chairs are very nice. With the previous gold baroque wallpaper as background, my photos always had a bit of a sallow glow, making it look like I’d been to a Yellow Jaundice convention.

MUCH better photos this year!! Also, like many others, smoke gives me a very bad headache and makes my eyes burn. But, I know people have had the right to smoke in the hotel - and I have survived that just fine for years. So, the newly implemented no smoking ruling satisfied my head and nose just fine. The downside is that our watering hole was moved.

Most of us understand intellectually that things always change in business and life, and that it’s pretty much out of our control. The Harvey had become an old, comfortable shoe we just didn’t want to take off. But I think now that we know what to expect next year, we’re all resourceful enough to budget accordingly, BYOG (bring your own goodies), or just bring a pair of comfortable shoes and night reflection gear for your many jaunts across the street to Denny’s.

The DUH Factor
Even though we are expressing our personal accommodation preferences, I think we can all agree that this show is REALLY about being with our friends in the steel guitar community and hearing fantastic music. THANKS to the TSGA organizers who worked tirelessly spending their time, energy, money and HEART making it possible for memories that will last a lifetime!

[This message was edited by Donna Dodd on 25 March 2006 at 07:25 PM.]

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

The remodeled rooms are a vast improvement, very comfortable, and layed out so that it is very convenient. The old rooms (suites) had junky old cabinets, furnature, and carpet. The rooms were so gloomy, that every morning I'd wake up and think I was at my own funeral in the funeral home.

I used to move everything around and out of the way as it was poorly arranged.

The new beds were the best. I slept better there than at home.

My first day there (Thurs) I had the $14 breakfast and then dinner (which was quite good). I then requested a fridge and went to the nearest supermarket. I had food for the entire weekend, ate well and ate cheap. I had BBQ chicken, salad, fruit salads, sandwiches, cerial, bananas, granola bars, cheese, jello, yogurt, small carrots, bread....etc.

When the convention is going full swing, I hate to spend time waiting for a table, and then waiting to get served. Remember the line at Scoops at lunchtime? You can kill an hour easily dining.

My way, I'm fed in 15 minutes and back downstairs.

And that's how I do it.

Oh, and ya'll better be thrilled with $69.00 per night rooms, 'cause when they're history (and it won't be long), we'll all be playin' the blues..... >

[This message was edited by HowardR on 25 March 2006 at 07:24 PM.]

Bill McCloskey · Posted 25 Mar 2006 7:53 pm

That does it. I'm rooming with Howard next year.

Billy Murdoch · From: Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.

This was our second visit to the Harvey for the jamboree.Thr room decor was much nicer than last year but we did not spend a lot of time in the room so for me it was'nt a factor.
The new bar was very cold most nights and we asked for the temperature to be raised to "comfort level" but there seemed only to be one setting.
The old bar area which is now a lounge is definately lacking character and we did not at any time see it busy.
All in all it was a pleasant stay,the convention rates were good value,I wonder though if the prices will be the same next year,I read the notice on our closet door which stated the rate for our room and the lowest figure was $319 per night.
Several of our friends stayed across the road at the Red Roof Inn and speak very highly it.I think somehow we will be there next year
Best regards
Billy

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

Being a first visitor I didn't notice the hotel decor at all ---- I was buried in Steel Guitar stuff and didn't check out the wallpaper ha !!

Really enjoyed my beers with you and your wife at the bar though Billy -- didn't notice the cold there either! Just got home from Canada yesterday and had a ball.
Should be out of this economy class coma in a day or two, which will get me the chance to listen to the 3,000 CD's I came home with.

Rick Jackson · From: Carson City, Nevada

There were some remarks about the service people i.e. waiters and waitresses. These people as it turns out were interns from different countries in Asia and Europe. They really tried hard but there was most assuredly a language issue. Sadly enough, on sunday morning in the resturant we were sitting next to a table of blue haired ladies that were reaming this poor kid out because he didn't wait on them fast enough. He didn't have enough command of the english language to lie to her and give some lame excuse why her order was not ready. He just apologized and then she turned really nasty. It appears this Westin is going to be a training location for foreign interns so be prepared for slow service. At least these wait people are trying to please unlike Saint Louis where they just plain don't give a damn about customer service. Just my 2 cents worth...rj

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