Travel and Accomodations
Travel
1. Portland airport (PWM) is serviced by American, Delta, Elite, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.
2. Manchester (MHT) and Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS) are also good flying options. There is no good public transportation from Manchester to Portland, so a rental car (2 hours drive each way) and parking in Portland must be added to the flight cost.
One can take the bus or train from Boston. The bus is a better deal as it leaves directly from Logan airport airport every hour or two (http://www.concordcoachlines.com ). Renting a car in Boston is done, but driving in the Boston area will raise one’s blood pressure.
3. Two clean, comfortable bus companies serve Portland from other cities, Greyhound and Concord.
4. Amtrak is a nice option, with only one caveat. If coming through Boston one must detrain at South Station, take a shuttle bus to North Station, and board the train (the Downeaster) to Portland. It is easy, almost seamless, unless heavy luggage is involved.
5. Driving to Portland is easy as it is along Route 95.
Accomodation
The Holiday Inn By the Bay and the attached conference center are within the city of Portland (http://www.innbythebay.com ). It is within an easy walk (if you don’t mind the hill) to the waterfront, city center, and Old Port district. There are many good to excellent restaurants and interesting shops within a stroll.
The Holiday Inn is offering us a conference price of $129 (plus 9% tax) per night for a standard single or double occupancy room. WiFi is included. More occupants or upgrades are available at a small increase in price. If you would like to stay longer, you can do so at the same rate for two days before and after the conference if room is available.
To make reservations, call the hotel directly (1-800-345-5050) and let them know you are with the NASOH conference, May 11-14. They are holding 70 rooms for us until April 11. Do not try to make reservations online or through the national Holiday Inn registration office.
The hotel shuttle will pick you up for free from the airport, or at the train or bus terminal. One caution if you drive in or rent a car, parking is not inexpensive within Portland. The best deal near the conference center is at the hotel, at $10/24 hours if you are registered there.
The conference center is a three story building attached to the hotel. We will have the entire second floor. Registrations, sessions, breaks, book tables, and lunches will all be on the second floor.
