The Quail at Carmel...

[Homemade 911]

Is falling victim to the economy...
I just read somewhere that The Quail Lodge will close on 16 November.
I'm not sure if this means the entire facility, or just the actual lodge itself...

I guess those $400+ admission fees during Monterey Week didn't help them much, eh?

I'm waiting to see what's going to happen - over the next couple of years - to the overall complexion of "Monterey Week" in the wake of Earle's departure from the Historics. The Historics (along with the PB concours) really was the cornerstone from which all the other events came forth...

Just some thoughts - what say you?

Cheers
R/Thom

[Nine17]

I'm on the Quail Lodge mailing list. They are closing the hotel; their most recent message was that the golf facility and the events (including the Motorsports Gathering) will continue to operate. As for the Historics, rumor on the street has it that while Earle is leaving, a more local player who has been very active behind the scenes for many years will take a more prominent role in an event which SCRAMP actually wishes to expand in conjunction with the other well-established events on the Peninsula in August. Change isn't necessarily a bad thing.

[Chuck Miller]

I'd like to comment on the events lack of finical consideration for the attendees for the entire 'weekend' (somewhere between 3 to 9 days)
......... Yeah, I know that's naive of me, and for some the businesses THAT'S their objective.

Here's an example,
Did anyone besides me buy a Historics race poster this year??? ... And then try to frame it keeping the entire image!!!!! The Laguna Seca event poster was a completely odd size, and imaged corner to corner ... SO... There was NO other option but to custom frame it !!!!! For 3 times the money as a 'standard' frame size poster!!!!!!!!! ....... It made me NUTS !!!!!...

Sorry, my rant for this year's Historics....

[John Straub]

A lot of vintage racers are concerned that the quality of the Historics may go down. Let's hope it does not! I do know that some people had not a lot of good to say about Steve Earle, but he has always treated me fairly, sometimes I was rejected...this year I got in.

My hope is that the event keeps the same standard of cars and driver conduct on the track.

My hat is off to Mr. Earle for making "Vintage Racing" what it is, here on the west coast!

John

[Jeff Trask]

From the Quail Lodge website:

Media Alert: September 9, 2009

Carmel Valley’s Quail Lodge Hotel to Close

On September 9, 2009 the owners of Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club ("Quail Lodge") announced the closing of the hotel portion of Quail Lodge on November 16, 2009. Acquired in 1997, Quail Lodge has been unable to produce a net profit for the last eight years, despite tens of millions of dollars invested to fund capital expenditure and operating losses to maintain the AAA Four Diamond property in Carmel, CA.

The current intention is for the Golf Club and its Clubhouse to remain open for its 300-plus members and to service events, although services will be reduced.

At this time there are no plans for the sale, re-development or other uses for the hotel property. The owners do not anticipate the reopening of the hotel.

Please check the Press Room for the webcast of today's news.

All media inquiries should be directed to:
Brooke Van Natta
Email: quaillodgepress@gmail.com
Phone: 650-714-0733

[Mike Baum]

Damn - Where do I get wasted now on Fri morning up there?

Not the best of times for hotel operators.

[carsinpedia.com]

Wow, most like this wont affect the Gathering since it is only the hotel that is closing...shame though.