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The 59th annual meeting of the Western is marked by our first visit to the San Francisco Bay region since 1964. The Half Moon Bay area is 23 miles southwest of San Francisco airport (SFO) and our hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, is perched atop a scenic Northern California bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay”, this destination resort features the expected amenities of a 16,000 sq. ft. spa, two golf courses, tennis courts, covered swimming pool and is within easy reach of 70 wineries. The resort’s grounds are perfect for walking and the Ritz is actually in the city of Half Moon Bay (population: 11K) the downtown area of which offers dining, art and shopping and is about 10 minutes away by car.
Once known as Spanishtown, Half Moon Bay is the oldest settlement in San Mateo County, California. Dating back to the Spanish land grants of the 1840s, the intriguing history of this romantic seaside town includes a prominent role in the foundation of the Ocean Shore Railroad and colorful exploits of 1930s-era rumrunners.
Near and yet so far, the 23 miles from San Francisco International airport (SFO) is probably best spanned by a rental car which costs less than a round trip cab ride or a pre-arranged car/driver and has the advantage of mobility in the region. (San Jose and Oakland airports are a bit further away but are easier to access than SFO and rental car rates can be lower). There is no shuttle service from SFO.
Our meeting commences with an opening reception on Sunday, September 15th and the local night will be at the resort on Monday with the black tie optional banquet Tuesday evening. As usual, Monday and Tuesday afternoons are free for recreation or exploring. As is also usual, we will have three half-day scientific sessions Mon-Wed with meeting termination at noon on the 18th. The mid-September weather is classic Bay area temperate with daytime highs in the mid-60’s and lows in the low 50’s. As a resort hotel there is no strict dress code. Jackets are not required; you are welcome to wear whatever you find comfortable.
We have a room rate of $259 a night to which is added 12% in taxes. You can request a room in the main building where nearly all meeting activities will occur or in the Guest House which is 300 yards from the main building and at which self parking is free. Main building parking is strickly valet at $30/day. A costal view room in the main building is $334. The hotel is willing to offer our discounted rates for before and after the 15th-18th if reservations are made early (mid September is their high season). Reservations (cut off date is 8/13/2013) can be made by calling 1-888-293-0524 (reference the Western Neurosurgcial Society) or using the on-line link https://resweb.passkey.com/go/WNS2013. Your credit card holds your reservation but is not charged until checkout.
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