Frequently Asked Questions

General

When can we register for the convention?

After July 5, 2006

Can we register online and pay by credit card?

Yes you can register online and print an invoice to mail in your payment. Make checks payable in US funds to Touch A Quarter Century. We cannot accept credit cards for payment on registrations, but we are accpeting credit cards in our store for tours and merchandise.

Where is the host Hotel?

The Renaissance is located on Public Square in the heart of downtown Cleveland. You can easily walk to restaurants, entertainment and tourist attractions.

Where is the over flow Hotel?

The Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center is located one block from our host Hotel in the heart of Cleveland's business district. You can easily walk to restaurants, entertainment and tourist attractions.

When can I make my Hotel reservation?

The hotel computer system accepts reservations 11 months prior to an event. Ours will start July 1, 2007.

Are there enough Hotel rooms?

We will be using the entire host hotel exclusively for TAQC. In the event that attendance exceeds previous years, we have contracted additional rooms with The Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center.

Is there a pool? Gym?

Yes

Is internet access available?

Yes, the hotel is wired for business travelers. Check with the hotel for your needs.

Are there restaurants in the hotel?

Yes, there are two: A casual dining restaurant and a semi-formal one.

Does the host Hotel and staff know we are a gay event?

Yes.

Is everything in the Hotel or will we be outside for any event?

All events are inside the host Hotel, except the Fun Badge Tour and pre / post convention tours.

Is there a Piano bar?

Yes, in the main lobby by the host Hotel bar

Transportation

Which airport serves Cleveland?

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the city's primary commercial airport. Burke Lakefront Airport (BLK) is a small commercial airport for private planes. It is located on the lakefront in downtown Cleveland. Akron - Canton (CAK) airport may be an option for smaller carriers, but will require rental of a car. It is approximately an hour drive from downtown Cleveland.

Is there an Airport Shuttle?

The host hotel does NOT have a shuttle of its own. You can use one of the general hotel shuttles, the Rapid Transit System or Taxi cab.

What is the Rapid Transit System?

It is a light rail train; the airport station is located inside the airport terminal on the lower floor and will take you directly to the Tower City Complex. You will then walk less then five minutes to the host hotel. The walk is inside and you do not have to go outside. Cost is approximately $2.00 one way.

Are taxi cabs easy to get?

Yes, at the airport and hotel. A taxi ride form the airport is approximately $25.00. Taxi service within the city itself is best accomplished by phoning for a cab rather then trying to flag one down.

Will I need to rent a car?

No, if you are planning to just attend convention events. If you are planning any events outside of the downtown area you can use our extensive bus system or rent a car.

If I drive to Cleveland, is there somewhere to park my car?

Both Hotels offer indoor and outdoor parking at an additional charge.

Does Amtrak serve Cleveland?

Yes, the station is located in downtown. It is a short cab ride to the host hotel. For those that pack lightly, it is about a 15 minute walk. Check with Amtrak about times.

Does Greyhound serve Cleveland?

Yes, the station is located in downtown. It is a short cab ride to the host hotel. For those that pack lightly, it is about a 15 minute walk. Check with Greyhound for schedules.

Dining

Will there be a meal deal offered?

No, we have decided not to offer a meal deal since we have so many resturants in close walking distant.

Are there restaurants in the Hotel?

Yes, one casual dining and one semi-formal

Are there fast food restaurants nearby?

Yes, inside the Tower City Complex there are a number of fast food places.

Are there any good quality restaurants we can have a special meal at?

Yes, there are over a dozen quality restaurants within a 10 minutes walk of the hotel

Is there a grocery store nearby we can buy our own food at?

There is a grocery store, Constantino's, in the Warehouse district which is about a 5 minute walk away. You can also take a bus or taxi to other grocery stores. Check with our Information table during convention.

Entertainment

Is there anything to do if I want to take a short break from dancing?

Yes, a number of tourist attractions are located within walking distance of the host Hotel (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, USS Cod submarine, City walking tour Guide)

Is there anything interesting to do if I come to Cleveland early or stay additional days after?

Yes, there are a lot of tourist sites. Visit our website or check out one of the visitor web sites. We are also planning guided pre convention tours. We will also list a number of self guided tours designed for individuals, couples and small groups.

Are there any theaters or special venues places nearby?

Yes, Playhouse Square offers shows, check out the tours section of our website for information on seeing Jersey Boys Tuesday evening July 1, 2008. Progressive Field is the home of the Cleveland Indians and is located about a 15 minute walk away. We also have comedy clubs, The House of Blues, Metropark Zoo and a Rainforest. Cleveland also has many world class museums nearby.

Is there anything we can do on Lake Erie?

Yes, there are tour boats you can take.

Where are the gay bars?

There are a number of bars with crowds ranging from leather to country western to drag to metro to neighborhood. We are planning on providing a shuttle bus system you can buy a pass for.

Are there any Bathhouses?

Yes, there are two: the Club Cleveland and the newly opened Flex (billed as the largest gay bathhouse in the world).

Is there a gay neighborhood for shopping or visiting?

Not really, we do have gay stores and restaurants. A guide will be available at the information table during convention.