MTTS-LA: Totally Unofficial Hotel Recommendations

[Updated, Monday, July 14, 2008, 01:59 PM]

Since a big group of friends from out of town are coming up for MINI TAKES THE STATES-LOS ANGELES, I tried to get some reliable information about hotel accomodations in the Pasadena area. And, since I'm writing it down, I figure I may as well post it for others who may be in a similar situation of not having a clue where to stay aside from the Hilton.

Please note these are not my personal suggestions, as I have not been to any of these establishments. Think of it more as a "starting point" for your own research. :)

I will update this post as more information becomes available. Feel free to use the comment feature to add your own recommendations or "warnings"!

"The List"-- along with comments from people I trust to give me decent info (in no particular order):

Holiday Inn Express
full breakfasts, nice amenties. good rates

The Hilton - 168 S. Los Robles Avenue

The Westin - 191 N. Los Robles Avenue
(closest hotel to Rose Bowl) (California Pizza Kitchen and McCormick and Schmicks on the Property)

Courtyard by Marriott - 180 N. Fair Oaks Ave.*
(close to Rose Bowl) (near old town Pasadena, lots of shopping, restaurants nearby, very freeway close - can hop right on the 210)

The Sheraton - 303 East Cordova
near Paseo Colorado (large shopping complex)

The Langham - 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue
(formerly The Ritz Carlton) very expensive!!

Saga Motor Hotel - 1633 E Colorado Blvd
a good value.


*While I've attempted to keep my own opinion out of this post, I will mention that this particular location was recommended by three different sources.

MINI Takes The States 2008! Registration now Open!

If you are a new MINI Owner, a non-MINI owner, or just been living under the overpass the last two years, you may be saying "what is 'MINI Takes The States'?" In my own words, it's a four-part, nationwide party sponsored by good ol' MINI USA! In their words...

Two years ago, MINI Takes the States motored coast-to-coast with thousands of MINI Owners and enthusiasts joining up for a legendary motoring extravaganza. This year, though, everyone hoped even more folks could get in on the fun. So MINI owners voted to visit four U.S. cities for four separate weekends of good times, including the chance to drive a MINI on an aggressive autocross course.

Plus, the net proceeds from registration fees are all going to help out a regional MINI Motoring Hearts ™ charitable organization. So mark your calendars for one or more of these unforgettable events, register today and start picking your co-pilots...

Highlights in each city will include:

* MINI Parking Corral at festival grounds
* MINI-Autocross Test Drive
* Live festival entertainment
* Headliner band Saturday night
* The “Bootload of Fun Zone” with activities for all ages
* MINI Vendor Village
* An official MTTS Welcome Kit for each paid attendee
* Friday night Meet & Greet (MINI Owners only)
* Rise and Shine Saturday Rally (MINI Owners only)


And the list goes on! (click here for the rest)...

This event takes place in MIAMI, BOSTON, CHICAGO, and L.A. Now, here's the kicker- EVERYONE IS INVITED – EVEN IF YOU DON’T OWN A MINI!!

Now that's marketing, baby!

MiniTakesTheStates.com

This just in! MTTS in 2008!

For those who foolishly opted out of MINIUSA emails...

Here is the full text of the MINI Takes the States (MTTS) email, followed by what you will see once you log onto the Owners' Lounge (This probably violates several copyright laws, so enjoy it while it lasts!)

The Email:
The first time we pulled this thing off in 2006, MINI Owners had so much fun that we swore we would do it again. So now we're starting to gear up for an even bigger and better MINI Takes the States in 2008.

But here's the best part: this time around we want YOU to decide where we're going. This event is all about bringing as many of our incredible MINI Owners together as possible. So we figured it would only make sense if it was MINI Owners like you who actually decided what the event was going to be. Now is your chance to weigh in and help make MINI Takes the States 2008 as Motortastic as possible.


In the Owners' Lounge:
MINI TAKES THE STATES 2008. MINI is taking the states again in 2008. But this time around we want YOU to help decide what we’re doing. So don’t be shy. Cast your vote (only once per Owner) and then let us know if you have any big ideas or little suggestions for making the event even better.

OPTION
#1: THE ROAD TRIP TO END ALL ROAD TRIPS.
If you’re an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” kind of person then this option is for you. It would basically be a similar concept as last time. A roving herd of MINI Owners would motor along a pre-determined, nationwide route, stopping in different locations along the way. This approach lets participating MINI Owners join up for the entire journey or just a few legs.

OPTION #2: THE BIG BANG.
In June, MINI United 2007 gathered MINI Owners from around the world for one giant party weekend in the Netherlands. So maybe we try something similar for Owners here in the U.S.? We would hold one spectacular festival over a long weekend in the summer, giving MINI owners the opportunity to motor from all across the country to one central location.

OPTION #3: CLOSER TO HOME.
Even though all our MINIs would jump at the chance to stretch their cross-country legs, we’d love as many MINI Owners as possible to make it. So maybe we arrange for 4 smaller events to take place in different regions of the country? Maybe we even stagger the events so that the hardcore Motorers could make it to more than one event next summer?

COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS: Was there an element from the first MINI Takes the States that you loved and would want to keep even if we change formats? Do you have a brilliant idea for how to get even more MINI Owners to come? Here’s the place to suggest any and all ways to make the next MINI Takes the States even better.

###

now get out there and vote people!