As my valedictory post for this visit, I want to share some of the insights gained by spending spring break with my family in the very hotel where the Law and Society Conference will be in June. It is a beautiful facility, but it is expensive; almost all of the on-site restaurants are pricey (and, I suspect, not as good as some of the nearby alternatives). Some tips for dealing with the costs.
First, Hilton HHonors Gold and Diamond members get free breakfast, internet and use of the fitness center, which retails for over $40 a day. If you are not Gold already, there is a promotion for certain Visa cardholders for instant Gold membership, or you can get an AmEx Hilton HHonors Surpass card, which comes with instant Gold. Anyway, join HHonors if you are not already a member so you can use the much shorter HHonors lines at the front desk.
Second, consider attending a Hilton Grand Vacations Timeshare presentation early in your visit. Now, I didn’t say consider actually buying a time share–there seem to be a lot for sale on ebay for $1.00 or less. But in exchange for a two hour presentation, we got cookies and coffee, and $100 in Hilton Dollars and a discount card for many of the activities and shops at HHV.
Third, all rooms have a mini-fridge. Cabs are plentiful, and we took one to a supermarket and stocked up on lunch items. (There were also cab stands at all of the shopping centers we visited.) If you go to a mall, and have kids, buy a boogie board and other beach equipment; it is much cheaper to buy and pass along to another tourist than it is to rent.
Fourth, if you want to go to one of the high end restaurants, or one of the top tours, like the Hole in the Wall Food Tour, it is not too early to make a reservation; they book up.
Well, I am excited to attend what promises to be a very stimulating conference. Danny, I’ll see you at Leonard’s.
Posted by Jack Chin on May 7, 2012 at 04:07 AM
Comments
There is a supermarket at the Ala Moana shopping center, which is within (comfortable but long)walking distance to the Hilton.
There is a chain called “ABC”, the equivalent of 7-11s. There’s one on just about every block. They sell everything from swimsuits to fresh fruit. Not always the cheapest, but convenient. And their prices on souvenirs and things like t-shirts seem to vary by location.
Posted by: howard | May 27, 2012 5:01:00 PM
One should read Bryant Garth’s article, Law and Society as Law and Development, to get a feel for the once “radical” Law and Society’s transition into Gramiscian intellectual oblivion. Comfort and co-optation goes down smoother on tropical islands.
Posted by: anon2anon | May 7, 2012 10:10:09 PM
Not optional: the sushi at Sasabune, a modest-seeming establishment on the east side of town. The Owner’s Special of the Day, every day: “Trust Me.” That’s what you should do.
Posted by: Jim von der Heydt | May 7, 2012 2:25:49 PM