Hello!

Sounds strange. Being an early bird I tried to book the hotel as soon as they released the rooms. Today.
Early morning it seemed that they still wasnt released then around 1500 I came through but several attempts came up with no rooms available. Even called the hotel which confirmed that they are fully booked after only two hours. It now says so on the homepage.

Im not sure but something smells fishy here. How could it be sold out that early and so fast?
Are some booking bulks?

What do you think?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

Hi Janne,

Nothing fishy here the (potential) traders were allowed to book their rooms a couple of weeks ago.
So it does not surprise me the hotel is full all ready. It is like this even for the SMC show.

Hope you find a local hotel..
As it should be a good show.

Looking like hotel rooms in Eindhoven are going to be a problem, some already sold out others not allowing bookings as they haven't worked out prices yet-sounds ominously like price hikes in the offing? If that's the case I'll be bailing out.

Think I'll pass too. Pity the information on the WE site was contradictory. Giving 2 booking dates, the first and the seventh.

The fact that the potential traders were given the opportunity to book a couple of weeks ago makes a farce of the booking information on the site. The traders, according to the information published, cannot register until mid November when 'special' invitations to attend will be sent out to those on the traders mailing list. On the assumption that there will be in excess of 100 traders, each with 2 or 3 staff + 'helpers' then it becomes obvious what has happened.
Given that this is the norm even for SMC what was the point of promoting a discount code in the first place?

I, and two old friends, were contemplating going next year for the experience, as we are of an age where travel is just starting to be a problem. That looks to be a non-starter, even though it would have been great to take in some WW2 sites again.
A huge shame that it all looks like the usual scrabble for somewhere to lay a weary head after a decent meal and a glass or two. We can save our pennies and spend them instead on all the new figures that are bound to pop up in time for THAT show

Alan

I think it is a bit strange show if only traders are at the convention hotel? Im not sure what to do, but I think its more likely that I and others might just have a one day visit thus letting display pieces decline. And what fun is it to have som brew with your friends when you have to find a cab to get back to the hotel in the middle of the night.

Additionally, has this been a problem with previous SMC? Although the number of the traders shouldnt differ much?

What I think add to this is that they dont charge any non refundable deposit fee for the hotel booking and that you can cancel the booking FOC up until 7 days prior to arrival. You can book a bunch of rooms instead of only the one or two you need. NH Hotel Konigshof has 509 rooms. Hotel room scalpers?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

It is possible that Eindhoven has been chosen with scant regard for the infastructure required for such an event. As Eindhoven is a busy commercial city then rooms were always going to be difficult when competing with business requirements. I have only been to one previous expo at Stresa which was not only a wonderful venue but the convention was within walking distance of a myriad of Hotels with prices to suit all levels.

It seems that this is going to be a bunfight and the organisers have done nothing to organise accommodation beyond the immediate venue or given any indication of where accommodation might be found. It doesn't take a genius to work out that if there are 50/100 traders many of which require substantial staffing then 500 rooms would be sufficient for their needs only and the customers would have to look after themselves.

A responsible organiser would have made an effort to contact all of the hotels in the area notifying them of the potential business increase and negotiating discounts for visitors to the show. Failure to do this lends me to believe that either they are naive or knew this was going to be a problem.

With a year to go I am not sure how this will unfold.

Keith

This seems to justify my point about the lack of thought given to an Expo when the standard event is already creating difficulties.

A friend of mine organised two single rooms for another friend and myself at the Koningshof but he could not get a double/twin for himself and his wife so he has had to book a hotel about a mile away from the venue.

Regards
Brian

Perhaps also July is generally a busier time than October when SMC is usually held?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

Just booked 2 single and one twin room at this hotel
https://uk.hotels.com/ho293519/?pa=...0&SYE=3&q-room-0-children=0&q-room-0-adults=2
When Scale Scotland was held at the Hilton at Edinburgh Airport the hotel provided a free shuttle service, available for guests and non - guests.
Perhaps given that the Konigshof is fully booked at non-discount rates, then difference could cover a shuttle bus service from central Eindhoven to the venue ....... wouldn't bet on it.

Its all a scam...Terrible organization and disgusting for Potential visitors,Eindhoven is getting really arrogant,we should all stay away and put them back in their place.
Regards
Pete

I've been to Eindhoven many years ago. It is dominated by Philips and caters to the tech industry. Presumably, there are other competing conferences around that period.

It sounds as though many of us will be doing the same thing, namely booking hotels in Eindhoven proper and sorting out transport to the venue afterwards. Perhaps we planeteers can band together and arrange to split cab fares and such? I had a look a Derek's hotel, thought it looked great, and have promptly booked my wife and I into the same accommodation. So I am up for sharing transportation costs if anyone else is interested.

Here are 110 hotels around Veldhoven:

https://www.google.com/travel/hotel...0wNy0zMCIYCgoyMDE5LTA3LTI5EgoyMDE5LTA3LTMwUgA


The WE is held in Veldhoven wich is a very small town. The greatest city near Veldhoven is Eindhoven. We can't blame the organizers for that.
Beside that, the Netherlands are one of the most expensive country's for staying at a hotel.
That's why I do just one day at the SMC and no difference at the WE. Its a 2 hour drive from my home. I know it's alot nearer then most of you.
I hope the prices where not the main rule for not coming.

Marc

Well I have booked a room in town. Seems to be a 25 minute busride to the NH Hotel Konigshof should I not go by car.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

I'm giving a lot of thought to this. If I was building it into a longer holiday then perhaps I could justify the complexity of travelling from my house to Glasgow city centre then to Edinburgh, then a flight to Brussels, then to the railway station and then to Eindhoven and then transport back and forward to the show. A lot of hassle and cost for a weekend albeit a bit special.
Next year I'll be going to S&L and Scale Scotland and am very tempted by a trip to Dublin for the Irish Model Soldiers Society show, go a day early and take in a visit to see the Book of Kells and the Tour of the Guinness Brewery..... and let's be honest rather wonderful 'craic' and music in just about every pub.
My visits to shows have to fit round a number of planned family holidays, so never easy.
Will be really keen to find out if Euro Miniatures Expo is planning a show for 2020.
D.