Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and TransgenderedHealth Science Librarians
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgendered
Yes, MLA '98 is a good 5 months away; but it really is not too early to announce our arrangements for Philly next May; and to begin planning for next year--at least budget-wise.
We have a block of 20 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown, 1305 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. (There are other Holiday Inns downtown, but we want "Express Midtown.") Reservations can be made direct to the hotel at 1-800-5-MIDTOWN. A credit card is necessary to guarantee such, with cancellation permitted up to 6 pm of day of arrival. Room rate is $100.00, single or double occupancy. Tax at this time is 13% . Plz identify yourself as members of the SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (however, you might want to embellish with Les-Bi- Gay Group of Medical Library Association. I realize SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP sounds closety and bland vanilla but simplicity goes a long way) when making reservations.
I have been advised you can e-mail the hotel for reservations at midtown@erols.com ---indicate:
Our room block consists of 2 bedded (queen-size) rooms, which can sleep up to 4 persons. The rate is still the same for up to 4 persons in the room, using exisiting beds. Rates include partaking of the "deluxe breakfast bar," free local phone calls, an outdoor pool, which may be available-weather permitting, and free access to a local health club. The hotel is located within 3 blocks of the Marriott which is also the MLA convention hotel. Self-parking at the hotel is available at $11.75 per day (as of this time). There is door to door airport service to and fro, at $8.00 each way (at this time).
The room block is held until April 22. Afterwards, rooms can be obtained on an availability basis only. Pre and post extensions--at our convention rate--may be available depending on occupancy factors. But this should not discourage you from planning as need be.
The Holiday Inn Midtown Express is located in Philadelphia's gay and lesbian district, making it most convenient to get to bars, restaurants, local emporiums et al. Also, within walking distance are numerous shops, fine restaurants, department stores, good public transportation, theaters, historic and may we add toney Rittenhouse Square. Just a bit to the East is America's most historic square mile: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross' House, and Ben Franklin's stomping grounds, etc.
IMPORTANT: There is also another Holiday Inn, nearby, which is called the Holiday Inn Select, located on Market Street. I believe this is a MLA conference hotel. Please do not confuse this with our hotel: Holiday Inn Midtown Express on Locust Street.
For the historically deprived, Philadelphia is one history lesson after the other in US colonial history. The 18th century Georgian architecture just seems endless. In addition, Philadelphia is a cultural cornucopia, with several theatres and the Academy of Music within very easy walking distance of the hotel. To say nothing of a number of world class museums. If you want to get out of town, there is nearby scenic Brandy Wine Valley, and gay-friendly New Hope just to the North.Furthermore, for such a large metropolis, Philadelphia is reputed to be rather friendly.
Anyway, since space is limited--and May is graduation time in Philly--and a Memorial Day weekend again--it is a good idea to make reservations earlier rather than later. Once can always cancel. Should you require further information, you can contact the hotel or me.
Richard S. Klein,
Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Library, rklein@scholl.edu
PLZ SAVE THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. Though I'll update as need be. (or correct immediately any glaringly wrong, misleading information or omissions!)
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This page was last updated on September 15, 2004. Credits