Updates on the hotel room availability

Sept. 23, 2005:

The latest overflow location - the Las Casitas Villiage and Spa - is almost completely sold out (only a few nights still available - hurry!). Because of the continued shortage and increasing need for rooms, we have succeeded in securing a room block at the last hotel in the area - the Paradisus Puerto Rico Resort. The specifics are as follows:

  • Room Rate: $240/per person/per night, single occupancy - $195/per person/per night double occupancy. Additional occupants are $170/adult/per night (third adult occupant), $135/per youth (13-17 years old)/per night, and $85/per child (7-12 years old, under 7 years old are free)/per night. Total of 4 people in a room (maximum of 3 adults).
  • Rates include: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages, nightly shows and all applicable taxes and gratuities. All inclusive food & beverage served at hotel restaurants and room service.
  • Excluded are telephone, parking, business center, spa, shops, laundry/dry-cleaning, golf, motorized sports and similar charges.
  • Rates also apply up to three days before and three day after the conference dates.
  • We will be providing a complimentary shuttle to/from the El Conquistador, just as we are for the Westin, and operating on a fixed schedule of morning, afternoon, and evening round trips. Please note: The shuttle will not be running continuously throughout the day.

Though the room rate is significantly higher for multiple occupancy, this is an all-inclusive resort that includes all meals, taxes, and hotel fees. Considering this feature, the net cost is less per person than the existing hotels.

Reservations can be made by using this reservation form (phone, email, or FAX to the hotel). Tell them that you are with the IEEE NSS/MIC.

This is absolutely the last space to be organized, so reserve NOW!!!!!,

Sept. 22, 2005:

We have received confirmation that additional rooms are released for reservations. Please try to reserve your rooms ASAP, as many attendees are still in need of rooms. When you call to make a reservation, you will likely be told that the El Conquistador is sold out. You may then need to tell the reservation agent that you are with the IEEE NSS/MIC Conference and are looking for a room in the Las Casitas Village & Spa.
We have a block of rooms (actually small condominiums or timeshares - typically one bedroom, a parlour, a kitchen, and a private balcony), in this facility that are adjacent to the El Conquistador (very convenient) and can accommodate up to 3 people (one bedroom with a king or 2 twin beds and a convertible sofa). The cost is $225/night with no additional charge for the extra people. This is higher than the conference rate at the El Conquistador, but these are not hotel rooms and they normally rent for $600-$1400/night. The only alternative will be the last hotel that still has rooms, but the cost is much higher. There are no other rooms available in the area, though you can always try to find a bed and breakfast, though we would suspect that the cost will also be higher and you will need a rental car.

Reservation phone number:
+1-800-468-8365

Again, be sure to tell them that you are with the IEEE NSS/MIC.

Reserve NOW!!!!!

PS: Please note that if you would like to share a room, a new link "Room Sharing" is available on the web site, once you have signed in. You can place an ad or answer to an ad already posted.

Sept. 6, 2005:

Due to an early and overwhelming response, the conference hotel (El Conquistador) is sold out. We have arranged for additional rooms at another hotel, the Westin Rio Mar, though space is quite limited. We strongly suggest that you arrange accommodations very soon. Call the Westin Rio Mar Resort reservations desk at (787) 888-6200 or 800-4 RIOMAR and mention that you are with the IEEE NSS/MIC Conference to get the conference rate. The Westin is another all-inclusive resort that is located about 20 minutes away from the El Conquistador and is also a luxury property. We have arranged for a complimentary shuttle to run at predetermined times throughout the day. The Westin's conference room rate ($159/night) is comparable to the El Conquistador ($150/night). Do not delay! 

 

Wyndham El Conquistador Resort 

1000 Conquistador Avenue
Fajardo,  00738
Puerto Rico
Phone: 1-787-863-1000

Special room rate for the NSS-MIC Conference: $150/night, valid till October 7.

Please make your own hotel reservation by telephone +1 800 468 5228 or with Wyndham reservations at +1 800 996 3426 or contacting Wyndham at www.wyndham.com. You'll need to reference IEEE NSS/MIC or group code IE10215 when making reservation to obtain the contracted conference rate. The reservation cut-off date is Friday October 7, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific time).

The Hotel may require a deposit in advance from individual guests to guarantee a particular reservation. To guarantee an individual reservation, a guest must either (1) send a check or money order covering the first night’s room rate plus applicable sales tax, (2) send a signed letter or form authorizing the Hotel to charge the room deposit and applicable sales tax to the guest’s major credit card or (3) give the guest’s major credit card by telephone.

The hotel is located about 45 minutes  (31 miles) from the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).  Shuttle bus service is available between the airport and the hotel at a cost of $40 round trip.  The cost of taxi between the hotel and the airport is about $110 each way.  If you want to use the shuttle service, complete the reservation form (in Word and PDF format) and fax it to Global Tourism Alliance, Inc. (GTA) at 1 340 778 2859.   Self parking at the hotel costs $8 per day per car for guests staying at the hotel.

 

Here are some tidbits about Puerto Rico:

  • Both Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.
  • The local currency is the U.S. dollar.
  • No visas or passports are required to enter Puerto Rico from the United States (domestic travel).  There are no customs duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland.
  • Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Time Zone, but does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
  • The island uses standard U.S. electric current. European appliances require an adapter. 
  • Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses, and ATMs connected to major US and international networks are easy to find (one in the hotel lobby).
  • Major U.S. cell phone companies provide service to Puerto Rico.  Please check your cell phone plans on the applicable rates for use of your cell phones in Puerto Rico.

 

Map of the Meeting Rooms