If you are reading this you have found the website for Convocation Madrid 2012. Enough of you have contacted me with questions about the Convocation that I thought it would be best to address many of these questions in writing which could save you a phone call.
Our preferred travel agency (Noseworthy Travel Services located in Lakeland, FL) is holding approximately 800 airline seats on various carriers at the best possible rates to fly us round trip from the United States to Madrid, Spain. Upon arrival in Madrid, you will be transferred (airport transfer costs included in the fare) to your designated hotel. Your fare also includes taxes and airport fees. When all factors are taken into consideration (connections, flight times, airport transfers, etc.) the rates we are quoting are excellent. Also included in the full package price is your registration for the Convocation. There is a discount on the registration fee for children under 13 years of age, and the registration fee for children 2 and under is being waived. Our travel agent has posted these rate reductions on the website and the appropriate reductions are calculated into the online registration form.
Some of you have visited various airline websites to find “cheaper flights” and have quoted me flights at (what appears to be) almost half the rate. However, when I did my own research I found that the “discounted” rates were missing the taxes and airport fees which, in some cases, doubled whatever rate you are finding on those sites. In addition, if you book your own airfare, arriving in Madrid on your own and purchase either a ground only hotel/convocation package or merely register for the convocation only, you must pay for your own airport transportation to the hotel. I warn you that taxi fares in Europe, particularly Madrid are very expensive.
Some airlines might say that they will give you a 10% discount for children. However, don’t forget that a parent has to fly with the child, so make sure you bundle both rates when you are making the comparison with our online packages. Again, when you land in Madrid you will have to find your own transportation to the hotel and the 10% could be swallowed up in that cost alone.
What if you want to book your own hotel? Our rates are based on double occupancy in either a five star or a three star hotel, both of which are within walking distance to the site of the Convocation. There are very likely other downtown hotels that are cheaper. However, they are not within walking distance so you would have to use public transportation or a taxi. I personally stayed at the Hotel Melia Castilla (our 5 star hotel choice) and it was great. Remember, you will be attempting to navigate an urban transportation system that is not in English. And, once again, taxi fares are expensive.
Traditionally, European hotels have smaller rooms with fewer amenities. Our hotels are in a beautiful and safe urban setting. I cannot guarantee the neighborhood of other hotels. Both our hotels are American standard and are used to dealing with Americans and English-speaking people. There will be English-speaking staff at the hotels.
What about pre or post optional excursions being offered? I know some of you want to travel around Europe on your own. I am sure you will have a great time. If you go on your own you will have to purchase your own airfare (remember to include transfer fees).
Travel in Europe is safe! However, make sure you book your rooms in the various places through a reliable agent. I have traveled a great deal in Europe and other countries and you will find, once again, that the rooms are small and the automobiles are much smaller. It is hard to get a full sized car. There are vans available but they are small, too. Traffic in many of the urban areas is very congested and the signs are not in English. This is why the pre and post tour options that we are offering, particularly the cruise, are a great way to see Europe without any hassle and you will have a very reliable tour company in Noseworthy Travel watching over you and taking care of a lot of the details. I have dealt with our travel agency on several occasions and I know you will have a fantastic and memorable time.
I am looking forward to being with you in Madrid in July, 2012. It will be an outstanding experience!
Under His mercy,
The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch, International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
