Here's the deal - hotel had a fire a few days ago. We just found out. This is why the price dropped (Because they can't provide certain services, etc.) The rooms are okay we're told, but the banquet center is not.
As this all came to a head today, we're still trying to figure out what the best plan of action is. The hotel will give us the lower rate, but they can't guarantee the banquet facility will be back together. Which means we A) have to cater it ourselves outside under a tent, B) find another facility that caters or C) move the catering (And possibly rooms) to another hotel.
Here's the deal on finding a hotel in the first place. First up, we have a month and a half (This time around.) Most places with a banquet hall are now booked.
Second, we have a lot of "requirements" for a hotel. Since most people want the car show, dyno and banquet at the hotel, we try to meet those requirements. Further, hotels in the past don't always want us back after they see us take over their entire parking lot (Leaving little to no room for other guests) and after we complain to them. The hotel last year told us they had to comp a Shootout member their room for the entire weekend because they complained the heater in the hot tub wasn't working and they made a big deal. I'm not going to bat for the hotel last year, but really? Way to get a hotel to want us back.
So our options get more and more limited each year. This is also why we looked at Ohio (And other locations.) But the majority wanted it to stay in Kentucky. We're more than happy to look at new hotels each year, but it has to check all of the boxes to keep most members happy. Beyond that, we don't want to get too far from the track.
If anyone (Especially from the area) knows of another hotel close to the track that will check all these boxes (Even if it means the hotel price goes up a little), let's hear it and I'll personally call and check things out.