Logistics

Location

The City of Charlottesville is located in west Central Virginia, approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The meeting will be held at the NRAO Headquarters at 520 Edgemont Road on the grounds of the University of Virginia.  The hotels are 1.4 miles from NRAO (walking distance) across the grounds.  Attendees are encouraged to carpool, ride the free trolley or walk.  Limited parking is available.

Click here for directions and a map of Charlottesville

Transportation

Charlottesville is accessible via the Charlottesville Airport (CHO).  Washington Dulles and Richmond International Airports are within 100 miles each.  In addition, Amtrak runs daily trains from Washington, DC and New York City.

Hotel Accommodations

Courtyard Marriott University Medical Center
1201 West Main Street · Charlottesville, Virginia  22903
434-977-1700

A newly-renovated, non-smoking hotel, the Courtyard Marriott is in the “Corner District” of Charlottesville near the University of Virginia and many restaurants, shops and bars. Each room features free Wi-Fi, 32” flat-screen TVs, and upscale bedding.  Parking is free for guests as well. There is a Bistro onsite which offers breakfast and dinner, and beverages from Starbucks and a full bar. In addition, there is a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness room.

Rates: $159/night, king or double room

Updated = This special group rate is guaranteed until April 24, 2013.

To make a room registration:

Website:  To make reservations online, please go to www.marriott.com/chodt. Use the booking code NRANRAA when making online reservations.  Group booking links can also be provided.  These can be posted on your organization’s website or e-mailed directly to attendees.

Call In:  Individual attendees may call the Hotel directly at 434-977-2600 or Courtyard by Marriott Central Reservations at 1-800-321-2211.  All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card or accompanied by a first night room deposit. In order to receive your group’s special discounted rate, individuals are asked to mention NRAO when making their reservations.

Red Roof Inn Charlottesville - Univ of Virginia
1309 West Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-295-4333

Located next door to the Marriott, they offer flat screen TV's in all rooms and free parking.

Rates:  Doubles $89.00/night, King $99.99/night

Group rates are guaranteed until April 5, 2013.

To make your reservation:

Call 434-295-4333 and select option 2 from the automated menu for the Sales Office.

OR

Reservations may also be made through Red Roof Inn Central Reservations at 1-800-RED-ROOF (800-733-7663).  Please refer to Block Name: UVA NRAO SCIENTIFIC MEETING and Block Code: B246NRAO13 to book a reservation at our group’s discounted rate.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.