So, just to put my two cents in on pricing.
In the last 5-7 years or so I've booked a few month in advance and got a room around $89-$110 a night before taxs and parking. I waited till the last month or so last year, and the prices were all over $200 dollars. This was too expensive so I didn't go, even though I really love Fanime. I thought that was because I had waited till last minute, so I'm trying to get a room early for next year, but so far it seems that for 2012, and 2013 the prices of hotels are over $200 dollars already, or are not available (for reasons you just stated). I figured you were still in negations, but please know that at least for this long time attendee, if prices of hotel rooms within walking distance (Farimount is about as far as I consider walking distance.) are much over $120 again, I won't be able to attend again this year.
I really hope I don't get priced out of Fanime!
In the last 5-7 years or so I've booked a few month in advance and got a room around $89-$110 a night before taxs and parking. I waited till the last month or so last year, and the prices were all over $200 dollars. This was too expensive so I didn't go, even though I really love Fanime. I thought that was because I had waited till last minute, so I'm trying to get a room early for next year, but so far it seems that for 2012, and 2013 the prices of hotels are over $200 dollars already, or are not available (for reasons you just stated). I figured you were still in negations, but please know that at least for this long time attendee, if prices of hotel rooms within walking distance (Farimount is about as far as I consider walking distance.) are much over $120 again, I won't be able to attend again this year.
I really hope I don't get priced out of Fanime!