Okay, so housing report!
The biggest downside was that we weren't actually able to get into the house and take a look in the interior, because apparently someone had rented it out the day we went and are staying there for three days. Oops. That said, we did get a good look at the general area, and have an idea of the house's spaciousness.
THE GOOD:
- The house's view is spectacular. Here's a
screenie standing on the street in front of the house: (Yes, that beach is within reasonable walking distance. It's not the most private beach ever but it's something.)
There's a balcony to boot.
(By the way, do you see that weather? Fog in the distance, generally lookin' a bit chilly? That
will be our weather in July. Dress WARMLY, folks. >_>)
- It's located within reasonable walking distance (15 minutes or so, through a hill and some lights) to a shopping center which includes a Safeway, Starbucks, deli, donut stop, Quinzo Subs, etc. etc. basically you're going to have no issues getting food or essentials.
- Speaking of beach, beach is indeed there and about the same distance of walk. Taco Bell right next to it too if you get the munchies.
- A bit over a mile away is the Seabowl Bowling Alley. Too far to walk (it involves highway travel) but the ease of access of driving y'all over there is a perk.
- Air hockey table. What more could you ask for? Doesn't suck up your quarters too!
- Distributed wi-fi throughout the entire house. That means that anyone hauling along their laptops should be able to get net (or desktops, if someone is generous enough.)
- Laundromat is available within the house.
- Four TVs: one in the main entertainment area (right next to the kitchen, and the gathering place in general, I think -
here's a screenshot) and three in the bedrooms. Hopefully the cables aren't locked in so they can be utilized for console use - we weren't able to check, but the question will be asked of the realtor.
THE BAD:
- The house is on a hill. While this makes for a good view it's somewhat of a hassle to walk up and down it to get anywhere. Not a major concern but one worth noting, and when QR and I pick you up and drop you off we WILL be doing it at the base, because driving up that hill is a pain and mildly scary to park on.
- From a brief conversation with the folks who were renting the place out, while it will accommodate the projected 11-14 folks that will stay here, there will definitely be couch and floor sleeping involved. Think the count is something like seven beds total, although there's plenty of space to just sleep, it'll be a bit crowded. In the plus side, it's still far more space than DLC1 or 2 attendees reputedly ever got.
- Food access IS a fair walk and not a five minute detour. Group grocery/food trips may not be a bad idea since, unless you're aiming to get your exercise in, it's a bit more than casual to head down there and grab a sub.
- QR owned me in Uno. Actually she owned us all in Uno. ;_;
For those who aren't interested in staying at the house and want to make hotel arrangements: there's a
Best Western Lighthouse in the same general area, also right in front of the beach and basically the best spot to be if you still want to be close to where the majority of the con is going to take place (likely the beach house). Stipulation: it's $150 a night, and that's a quote
now (website says $190, easily could go up past 200 when summer rolls along.) As far as price efficiency goes, beachhouse has hotel beat squarely.
If there's something I didn't cover here that you'd like clarification on, feel free to poke. Again, I echo the need to know what everyone's housing plans are so we can set this up - the earlier the better.
