The Saint Louis Airport Marriott
St. Louis Airport Marriott
10700 Pear Tree Lane
St. Louis, MO 63134
(314) 423-9700
PLEASE NOTE: Our room block is currently sold out. We are currently taking a waiting list and as rooms open we will get you added to the host hotel block.
Click here to get on the room block waiting list
It's true....as of July 28, 2019, the host hotel for FLOAT has completely oversold our room block of discounted rooms. In other words, the block is full and as of now, there are no more discounted rooms available for the convention in January.
Let's address the various questions we've been getting from you.
Q - How did this happen?!?
A - Well, it's pretty simple to be honest. People took action earlier than later in reserving their rooms. Combine that with a large spike in interest for the convention, and you have the situation we are in right now.
Q - Can they expand our room block?
A - Sadly, the answer is no; we've already tried that. The problem is the host hotel will be going through another round of renovations during FLOAT 2020, and a large chunk of hotel rooms will not be available during our event as a result. And because they have contracts with various airlines and companies to have rooms available to them at a moment's notice...well, there you have it.
Q - Will you be working out a deal with another hotel for discounted rooms?
A - No, we will not. Added rooms at other locations are an extremely risky undertaking for us producing FLOAT because should they end up not being rented out, we will still be financially responsible for them. At the very first FLOAT Convention in 2008, we had to absorb a cost of over $7000.00 in hotel expenses that went uncollected from delegates simply because the rooms were not rented. We cannot take such a financial risk again with overflow accommodations.
Q - Are there other hotels in the area?
A- Yes, there are LOTS of nearby hotels, but the closest one is the Pear Tree Inn. If you have ever been to FLOAT before in St. Louis, you'll know it as the same hotel that hosts Bandana's BBQ Restaurant. According to Hotels.com, right now you can book every night for FLOAT 2020 at an average price of $90.00 per night plus taxes. If you're keeping score, it's actually $1.00 less per night than our discounted room block rate.
However, there are other factors you NEED to know when choosing to stay at the Pear Tree Inn. Yes, the building is within walking distance, but please keep in mind that there are no sidewalks that connect the two properties. As such you will have to walk in the grass to get back and forth on foot.
In addition, you need to remember that our convention takes place in St. Louis....in January. Average temperatures are easily in the 20s with wind chill going lower. It also means there is a good chance for snow or ice on the ground where you will be walking.
One more thing...no, the shuttles will not run you back and forth between properties, and Uber will probably not pick you up to drive you a couple of hundred yards. If you wish to drive over, you're looking at a cab more than likely, and we estimate that will run you $6 or $7 each way.
Q - Are you telling me I cannot get a room at all at the Marriott?
I never said that! I only said you cannot get a room at our discounted price. The host hotel is more than happy to book you a room at the regular rate if you really want to stay there. Right now, that pre-pay room rate averages about $145.00 per night plus tax, which is still a fairly reasonable room price compared to other events in other cities.
Keep in mind, however, the longer you wait to book a room at the Marriott this way, the more you will pay. Last year at FLOAT 2019, some last minute individuals were getting quoted $295.00 per night.
Q - How do I find a roommate for FLOAT?
A - We have a thread going in the FLOAT Facebook group right now on that very topic. Click here to get in on the roommate conversation.
Q - How do I get on the waiting list for a discounted hotel room at FLOAT?
A - Click this link to get in line for a discounted room. Please note, however, that we are only putting people in line who are registered for FLOAT 2020; if you are not registered for the convention, we cannot and will not place you in line for a discounted room.