WABC 2007, lodging, hotels, WABC2007, World Aquatic Babies Congress 2007, World Aquatic Babies & Children

WABC wants you to have the type of lodging you most desire and that which fits your budget. You are free to select the lodging that you wish. There are many choices to fit your taste and budget. Select the lodging you wish and be sure you make your own reservations in advance.

The conference meeting will be held in downtown - city center in St Petersburg, Florida, USA at 33701 postal code. The following lodging options below have been identified, and researched, and unless otherwise noted, they are within walking distance of the meeting venue. These are interesting blocks to walk so don't be afraid to get out there and see things and get a little exercise while participating in the conference.

Hotel rates as with airline rates vary widely depending on the way in which you inquire about rates.
We suggest that you

1. look over the properties below
2. select those you are most interested in and then
3. if you wish also double check the websites here listed to get the best rate for that particular     property.
4. check these also regarding airfares

http://www.kasbah.com/

http://www.expedia.com/

http://www.orbitz.com/

http://www.hotels.com/

http://www.travelzoo.com/

http://www.travelocity.com/

Note: If you are a teacher or program director who might not otherwise be able to attend the conference due to cost of lodging, WABC may be able to help with special arrangements. Email WABC about your need and situation and we will see if we can help you info@WABCswim.com.

Be reminded that if you are traveling in from outside of the United States you will need a passport or visa. Contact your consulate at this time....these official papers often take months to secure. Take action NOW so as not to be disappointed.

Lodging listed are walkable in distance to conference meeting location ... 1 is closest 10 is furthest.
= luxury = economy

Street Map with lodging locations marked

1. Hilton St Petersburg Bayfront

333 1st St S, St Petersburg, FL 33701
(0.02 miles / across the parking lot from the Mahaffey Theater)

727-894-5000 pool   business class property
Hard to get a best rate at this property - 'Group rates' offered by this property exceeded by $20-$25 per night what you can get yourself online. Our suggestion is to check rates yourself and book through http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SPTSHHF-Hilton-St-Petersburg-Bayfront-Florida/index.do WABC saw on June 2, 20007 that AARP rate $124 US, AARP rate of $130 for standard room plus taxes. $140 plus tax otherwise. Reserve now to get lowest rates.

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2. Ponce De Leon Hotel    80 rooms

95 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL 33701
(0.26 miles / 4 blocks away)    older hotel

727-550-9300 no pool   phone reservations only, no online European style.
Good location and economical property - trendy restaurants (all meals) on first floor.
Mention WABC to get full size bed/1person $79...2-$89; queen bed/1person...2-$99; two full beds/1person$99...2-$109 plus taxes.   http://www.poncedeleonhotel.com

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3. Hampton Inn & Suites

80 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
(0.31 miles / 6 blocks away)   newer hotel

727-892-9900   pool    Business class property
Nice property and great location but not cheap. To capture the best rates go online to the url below   http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=WQRFL3GTZ0YX2CSGBIWMVCQ?ctyhocn=PIEHSHX
WABC saw on June 2, 20007 that Oct. AAA rate $190 US, AARP rate of $180 for standard room plus taxes. Otherwise $199 plus taxes.

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4. Pier Hotel

253 2nd Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33701
(0.45 miles / 9 blocks away)

727-822-7500   no pool    older hotel
Good location and economical lodging. You can reserve online at http://www.thePierHotel.com/ $98 plus tax....indicate that you are part of the World Aquatic Babies & Children (WABC). Rate includes afternoon hospitality hour and light breakfast. Not new but a good choice by many St Pete event attendees.

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5. Grayl's Historic Hotel

340 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
(0.57 miles / 10 blocks away)   older hotel

727-896-1080   727-502-0820    no pool
Great location and nicely renovated rooms.    website is http://www.GraylsHotel.com/
Oct. rates range from $99 to $175 plus taxes.   Not new but a good choice and location.
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6. Heritage Hotel St Petersburg

234 3rd Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33701 (0.54 miles / 9 blocks away)
727-822-4814     pool
Good location next to Baywalk shopping and entertainment - restaurants
ABC saw Oct. rates of ~$150 plus taxes Next to Baywalk.
Check website at http://theheritagehi.com/

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7. America's Best Inn

342 3rd Ave N, St Petersburg, FL
(0.60 miles / 10 blocks away)

727-894-3248   no pool   little out of the way
Modest yet pleasant economical accommodations. Across from Courtyard Marriott #8 below.
online details and reservations at: http://www.americasbestinns.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=3695   On June 2, 2007 WABC saw Oct. rates of $77 AAA or corporate rate plus taxes

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8. Courtyard Marriot @ the Historic Pennsylvania Hotel

330 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL (0.62 miles / 11 blocks away)

727-502-5192 indoor pool     business class hotel
details and reservations online at
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasd-courtyard-st-petersburg-downtown/
WABC sees Oct. rates of AAA at $169 plus taxes...weekend rates of $129 rising on the 22nd to $169 weekday rate. newly renovated throughout
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9. Mansion House Bed & Breakfast

105 5th Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL (0.71 miles / 11 blocks away)

727-821-9391    pool   bed & breakfast
Good location - little off the path. Private baths. Snacks & refreshments all during stay - wine in the evening. WABC sees Oct. rates at $169, $179 & $220 depending on room.

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10. Renaissance Vinoy Resort

501 - 5th Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL (0.79 miles / 12 blocks away)

727-894-1000   pool    business and resort class hotel
WABC sees AAA rates through the Marriott website, at $249 for basic room plus taxes and services fees and parking. Clearly the nicest and most expensive property in Downtown St Petersburg. check Expedia.com and other online hotel websites to get best rate

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Beach Hotels   (12.0 miles away)
'the Beach' is St Petersburg Beach, Florida USA 33706
It is 12 miles west and nearly 20 minutes by car from downtown city center St Petersburg
it is however where people stay when they want a beautiful white sandy beach setting.

WABC President's two picks on St Petersburg Beach...the Tradewinds & Inn on the Beach

The Tradewinds Resort & Sandpiper Hotel casual style

http://www.tradewindsresort.com/default.asp online details and reservations. on the beach in the heart of the Beach District
from within the US phone 1 800 360-4016
They have a variety of price levels - Island Grand being most expensive and Sandpiper being the least - all are attractive. Guests share the common property amenities no matter which of the several buildings you are in. You won't be disappointed here. Lots to do, great service and setting.

Inn on the Beach   beach front inn

Quite romantic beach front inn with interesting Pass-A-Grille village two blocks away away. Can walk for 4 miles on sugar sand connecting beaches of Pass-A-Grille and St Petersburg Beach. http://www.innonbeach.com/

Consider also -

The Don Cesar (old money beach hotel)

http://www.doncesar.com/
'old money' hotel
Very nice but not what we would guess that most swim people would choose - not casual enough but definitely worth considering.

Others
can be found at http://www.hotelstpetebeach.com

Camping/Camper/Motor Home
Fort DeSoto Park

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
It is half the distance and along the same path as going from downtown St Petersburg to St Petersburg Beach. 'Fort DeSoto Park is THE place for these types of accommodations. World Class in many ways - Beach is routinely selected as among the top 3 beaches in the United States. Offers boating, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, skating, running, nature trails, historical fort, fishing piers, doggy beach, shelling, birding, camping, and swimming. This park was voted by Dr. Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach) as the number one beach in the nation in 2005.   No park entrance fee but there are tolls - less than $3. ●

If you have special requests or need assistance in finding lodging, please email info@WABCswim.com with your request and we will be happy to assist you.