LODGING

Sample beachfront condo Photo courtesy of Pajaro Dunes Resort

Contents of This Page 1. Where? 2. Availability & Reservations 3. Rates 4. Roommates & Bulletin Board 5. Traveler’s Guides

The Ultimate “Education Vacation”

Picture yourself in a beachfront condo for a weekend or extended retreat. Each two-bedroom is single or double occupancy, or you may rent an entire condo—your choice, while availability lasts.

These Pajaro Dunes Resort units are a few steps away from our workshop facilities. Each uniquely furnished condo comes with kitchen, fireplace, sun deck, BBQ, VCR, and other amenities. Our blockbuster group rates are lower than those of area hotels and quality motels, yet offer condo comfort with extraordinary ocean views.

1. WHERE?  

Our workshop takes place in a popular resort area; thus, most summer weekend lodging is sold out months in advance. However, we’ve reserved beachfront condos at Pajaro Dunes—our conference facility and a gated community approximately one hour south of the San Jose International Airport (secluded, but just ten minutes off the freeway).

2. AVAILABILITY & RESERVATIONS

Workshop enrollees book their own units from our block. Ask for the group named “Writers Workshop.” (Just those two words.) 

Although we don’t complete our “priority” applications until after April 20, for best selection we suggest you reserve a condo at your earliest convenience. Enough units are reserved for our group through July 20—but some bedrooms are single occupancy; others, doubles. (See RATES, below.) For the most options, reserve a room early! You MUST be fully registered in the workshop before reserving our discounted units.

To learn more about Pajaro Dunes Resort, visit their website, or phone 800-564-1771. Our amiable contact person is Lori.

3. RATES

The rates below reflect our 20% group discount, including tax, on workshop and “shoulder” dates. Availability with ocean view is guaranteed through July 20, 2010. Should you wish to extend your vacation, pre-and post-workshop shoulder dates are offered at our group discount. (Week night rates may be $10-$20 lower.)

Two types of units are available—your choice until they fill:

A. Two bedrooms, each with attached bath
Both bedrooms must be occupied by workshop enrollees, or by an enrollee with family or guests. If both bedrooms are occupied for four nights, take a 15% discount the fourth night.

• Single occupancy of one bedroom: $177.00 per night
  
• Double occupancy of one bedroom: $102.00 per person, per night
  

B. One bedroom, with one or two beds
Available to enrollees alone, and to enrollees with family or guests. Inquire about rates for extended stays.

• Entire condo: $285.00 per night
• Adequate for one to two adults and/or child

Lodging FAQs

May non-workshop enrollees share a condo with enrollees?

Yes, but only if they have booked an entire one-bedroom condo.

May my family or friend eat at the workshop if they pay for their meals?

Sorry, no. To maintain an intimate workshop environment, our private dining areas (indoor and outdoor) are open only to workshop participants.

Which meals are included with the workshop? May we bring our own food?

Lodging includes breakfast for workshop enrollees only. If you are renting an entire one-bedroom condo, any non-workshop guests—friends, family—must provide their own meals.

However, all guests may bring food onto Pajaro Dunes’ premises, and enjoy their rental condo’s full kitchen, barbeque, and deck overlooking the ocean. The facility has a snack shop; we will also provide a list of nearby grocery stores and restaurants. Pajaro Dunes’ private beaches are open to any guest with accommodations—great for picnics!

Does Pajaro Dunes Resort charge other fees?

During the workshop, if you decline to stay at this extraordinary retreat, a $99 facility usage fee will be charged for the weekend (payable to the workshop).

4. ROOMMATES & BULLETIN BOARD

If you’d like a roommate, check our bulletin board in June to find another enrollee who wants a roommate. If there is none (yet), reserve a double for yourself and keep checking the board. Pajaro Dunes Resort will also pair you with a roommate if you haven't requested someone by August. 

Note: Roommates are not automatically assigned. Workshop enrollees handle all bookings. But feel free to mention to the workshop director that you’re looking for a roommate!

The bulletin board also helps enrollees find others with whom to carpool to the workshop, share a limo to the airport, go out for Saturday dinner (“Writer’s Night Out”), and do optional peer critiques. The board is open from June through September, which includes post-workshop dialogues.

5. TRAVELER’S GUIDES
 
The Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council offers a free 75-page, full color Official Traveler’s Guide. Includes info about lodging, restaurants, attractions, and events throughout the county; also provides maps. Or, see a brief but comprehensive overview online. Workshop enrollees also receive a detailed, locale-specific packet after registering.