For the 2012 meeting in New York SSPC will not have a headquarters hotel since we are meeting at the Orensanz Center. We have, however, managed to secure small blocks of rooms at discounted rates at four hotels in the City. Each hotel is different, as are the prices. All but one have been personally visited and inspected by Liz or a member of the Program Committee and the one we did not see is part of the Marriott family so there is some reasonable assurance of cleanliness and safety of the surrounding neighborhood. However, guests are responsible for making their own reservations, paying their own bills, and resolving any differences they might have  with the hotels.

Reservations at all hotels must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival. We advise you to book early, as rooms will go fast. The hotels with which we have negotiated rates are listed below in order of proximity to the Orensanz Center. Please note that all rates are net of 14.75% tax plus $3.50 per room occupancy tax.

• Best Western Bowery Hotel, 231 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013 Phone (212 )925-1177. This hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the Orensanz Center and less than half a block from the subway. It has been completely renovated. Amenities include expanded complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary wired and wireless high speed internet access, complimentary local phone calls, copies faxes and printing in their business center and a state of the art fitness center. The rate is $219.00 and is available from May 5-through May 14. When booking please ask for the SSPC group rate.
• Comfort Inn Manhattan Bridge, 61-63 Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002. Phone (212) 925-1212. The rate at this hotel, which also is walking distance from the meeting site, is $189.00 plus taxes. Major differences between this hotel and the Best Western, which are under the same management, are that the Comfort Inn s-serves a full American buffet breakfast daily and lacks a fitness center. Again, ask for the SSPC rate which is available two days before and two days after as well as during the meeting. Note, we have not inspected this hotel.
• The Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, 333 Adam Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Phone (718) 246-7000, is a short subway or cab ride from the meeting site, and the distance can be walked, especially on a nice day. The special rate at this 5 star hotel is $229.00, and it is available only from May 8 to 11. Breakfast is not included, but the hotel has a great fitness center and an indoor swimming pool.
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott, LaGuardia Airport, Astoria. 45-20 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11103. Phone (718) 267-0008. This hotel is one mile from LaGuardia  airport . Its amenities include free transportation to and from the airport and to the nearest subway station where a single connection brings you within walking distance of the Orensanz Center. Breakfast is free and pretty bountiful, and there is a fitness center and free internet access. The rate is $159.00 plus tax.

If none of these hotels appeal to you and you don’t have a place to stay, we recommend that you consult Trip Advisor (www.TripAdvisor. com). You probably won’t find the best prices  at that site and may want to shop further to save money, but you will get the straightest and most accurate report on specific properties.