MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: 4everwarriors on January 11, 2014, 12:11:20 PM
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Won't bore ya with the stressful details, but I was in LA last weekend when Southwest cancelled my MKE bound flight home on Sunday and couldn't get me back 'til Thursday nite. Was proactive and booked Virgin America to ORD on Tuesday. While expensive, and on my dime, it was the most comfortable and relaxin' domestic flight I've experienced in years.
Adios, Southwest, you mf'er. Won't be seein' me on your cattle car again. Shove your A-List up your heine and learn how to treat your customers.
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they aren't typically Virgin any more after ZFB gets off of the flight.
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VA doesn't care about us folks in the Midwest.
My thought is that flying is a miserable experience. There are enough unknowns and things not controlled by a particular airline (i.e., weather, airport mucking things up, etc.) that I am most sensitive to (1) schedule and (2) price.
Back in the day I did enjoy cookies and gallons of wine on Midwest Express flights, but I never think "oh goodie, I can't wait to fly... this is going to be such fun!" It sucks.
That said, Southwest is insufferable. The pre-boarding lineup is sickening. Their attendants won't shut up until you tell them to. I avoid them because their flights are annoying.
I want a direct flight at the time that works best for me... and preferably at a reasonable price.
Past that, just shut up and fly fast.
I don't need a TV in front of me. I don't need complimentary peanuts (although some Biscotti is great!!!!). I'd like a semi-comfortable seat, but no matter how comfortable it is I still don't want to be sitting in it.
Eat it
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I live out West now, and after 8yrs as a corporate traveler, they are easily #1. Since 05, I've had status on United, UsAir, and Midwest/Frontier, and Virgin blows them out of the water. Just hit Gold with them, so I'm pretty stoked... I technically missed Gold by 4k miles and only would have Silver, but Virgin bumped me up.
The flight attendants not being old union trolls makes it much more pleasant.
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I'll add that VA makes most sense if your near one of their hubs. If you are flying out of Ohare, it makes sense if you are traveling to their hubs often.... SF, LA, NYC.
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Unfortunately, Southwest is the only carrier flyin' non-stop to LA from MKE. And, they only have 1 flight/day each way.
But, I'm done. Never again.
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Their attendants won't shut up until you tell them to. I avoid them because their flights are annoying.
Worse than trying to be cute like Southwest, every US Air flight has a five minute speech where they try to pitch you their credit card.
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Worse than trying to be cute like Southwest, every US Air flight has a five minute speech where they try to pitch you their credit card.
Yes! I hate that crap too.
Spirit's seats are terribly small and covered in puke, but I don't mind their red eye flights because they are so good about shutting up and letting you sleep. If you need something they come and hook it up.. but no carts coming down the aisle, no axing everyone what they want.. hit them up if you need something, otherwise.. get some rest.
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Virgin America flys to LA and San Fran from Chicago. The flights are actually very affordable. Usually in the $300 range. Best flight experience in US domestics, just wish there were more destinations from Chicago
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Flew them to LA for the first time back in November. Normally have United but it was competitive priced. Missed my flight on Thursday night and was initially really annoyed since due to their limited number of flights out of ORD, I had to wait till Friday. But that was the end of the disappointment. First time I've ever had a gate agent tell me to not worrying about paying for a confirmed seat, I'll be more than fine with standby. They remembered me the next morning and were super friendly and helpful.
The planes are cool aesthetically, the screen on your seat is great and the streaming TV is awesome, and the flight attendants being attractive doesn't hurt either. I try to fly them whenever possible in the future.
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Sorry, I am a SWA fan. Lots of flights to where I want to go, reasonably priced, no baggage fees, and a decent rewards program.
Also, almost always on time (or early). I have been on business where all of my colleagues had decided to fly into ORD on United or USAir, and I flew Southwest into MDW, and even though our flights were scheduled to leave at about the same time, I was on the shuttle bus to my car before they even boarded their planes.
And notwithstanding 4ever's experience, in the past 25+ years flying SWA, I have never had a flight cancelled for non-weather-related reasons.
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Sorry, I am a SWA fan. Lots of flights to where I want to go, reasonably priced, no baggage fees, and a decent rewards program.
Also, almost always on time (or early). I have been on business where all of my colleagues had decided to fly into ORD on United or USAir, and I flew Southwest into MDW, and even though our flights were scheduled to leave at about the same time, I was on the shuttle bus to my car before they even boarded their planes.
And notwithstanding 4ever's experience, in the past 25+ years flying SWA, I have never had a flight cancelled for non-weather-related reasons.
I just hate MDW. It's enough to deter me from Southwest.
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I just hate MDW. It's enough to deter me from Southwest.
What in the world is wrong with MDW? It's newer than most of the terminals at O'Hare. And it is super easy to get in and out of. In terms of miles, I live significantly closer to O'Hare, but in terms of minutes between my front door and the gate to my plane, it's quicker to to go to Midway.
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Sort of random, but I noticed everywhere at the BC today signs advertising Frontier as the official airline of the Milwaukee bucks, but then looked up where they flew to out of Milwaukee and the only city is Denver, their hub. Thought it was a strange choice to invest so much advert money into the mke market if you only have one route through there
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What in the world is wrong with MDW? It's newer than most of the terminals at O'Hare. And it is super easy to get in and out of. In terms of miles, I live significantly closer to O'Hare, but in terms of minutes between my front door and the gate to my plane, it's quicker to to go to Midway.
Old. Sketchy neighborhood . Riff raff. Not good food options
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Sorry, I am a SWA fan. Lots of flights to where I want to go, reasonably priced, no baggage fees, and a decent rewards program.
I'd be interested in a reconciliation of "reasonably priced, no baggage fees" with the all-inclusive price of other flights... probably fair to say there's no significant savings you're receiving... where you want to go and rewards is fine.. but the 'almost always on time' seems anecdotal... don't know what the reality is.
Do you like their boarding procedures and jagoff attendants? Even their ticker symbol makes me cringe. Annoying to the highest degree. If they just shut their stupid faces at the gate and on the plane I'd be fine with them.
That said, Bleuteaux is nuts. MDW rules. I love flying in early for meetings - so quick and easy to get in and out of when I need to grab a rental car and hit the road. Plus I get to say hi to my friends lined up and down Cicero on the way to the office.
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Old. Sketchy neighborhood . Riff raff. Not good food options
Huh? MDW is a brand new airport Bleu. Totally rebuilt about 5 years ago. Neighborhood is working class Chicago bungalows, not sketchy at all.
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I dunno. I have a friend who lives nearby in Marquette Park and id characterize it somewhat differently
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I'd be interested in a reconciliation of "reasonably priced, no baggage fees" with the all-inclusive price of other flights... probably fair to say there's no significant savings you're receiving... where you want to go and rewards is fine.. but the 'almost always on time' seems anecdotal... don't know what the reality is.
Do you like their boarding procedures and jagoff attendants? Even their ticker symbol makes me cringe. Annoying to the highest degree. If they just shut their stupid faces at the gate and on the plane I'd be fine with them.
That said, Bleuteaux is nuts. MDW rules. I love flying in early for meetings - so quick and easy to get in and out of when I need to grab a rental car and hit the road. Plus I get to say hi to my friends lined up and down Cicero on the way to the office.
JB, no doubt SWA is no longer necessarily the cheapest. But their boarding process has been shown to be the quickest in the industry. Obviously if one prefers a pre-assigned seat SWA isn't for them. And avoiding ORD like the plague is part of the appeal for us. We'll even fly out of MKE if the prices are right. Used to love the $5 buck parking. (Now $6.50.)
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I dunno. I have a friend who lives nearby in Marquette Park and id characterize it somewhat differently
Different neighborhood Bleu. Seriously. I know it's only a few miles but your on your way to some really tough southside neighborhoods by the time you get to Marquette Park.
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I flew Virgin Atlantic ORD to LHR about 13 years ago... first trip across the pond, and the only reason I booked them was so I could earn ME miles. I knew nothing about them, but the experience was spectacular. I will go so far to saw that it was fund and I looked forward to the flight home. I was stoked when they announced V America, but unfortunately they do not have enough flights to my usual destinations for me to switch... I fly just enough every year for low-tier status, so I've got to stick with AA for now, otherwise I'll never get any upgrades. If VA ever bought more routes, I'd be with them in a millisecond.
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MDW is sketchy no doubt. I won't even go to Hawthorne anymore. That says when going to LAS, can't beat Southwest out of there.
I honesty prefer ORD when given the choice. If you know what you're doing it's not difficult and when flights get delayed, there's no lack of action.
Worst major city airport is the Bush in Houston.
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MDW is sketchy no doubt. I won't even go to Hawthorne anymore. That says when going to LAS, can't beat Southwest out of there.
I honesty prefer ORD when given the choice. If you know what you're doing it's not difficult and when flights get delayed, there's no lack of action.
Worst major city airport is the Bush in Houston.
There is no worse airport in America than MIA.
LGA and Reagan are second/third worst.
Best airport is Charlotte. McCarron is much much better since the rehab, Denver is pretty nice except it's so far from downtown.
My biggest irritations...car rental facilities miles away (Sky Harbor the worst, BWI, Sea-Tac, Dulles, MIA close for second).
Other is that everyone has status it feels like. As someone who is on the road constantly, the proliferation of Group 2 at United has been annoying to watch.
You road warriors...what hotel brand you guys/gals loyal to?
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There is no worse airport in America than MIA.
LGA and Reagan are second/third worst.
Best airport is Charlotte. McCarron is much much better since the rehab, Denver is pretty nice except it's so far from downtown.
My biggest irritations...car rental facilities miles away (Sky Harbor the worst, BWI, Sea-Tac, Dulles, MIA close for second).
Other is that everyone has status it feels like. As someone who is on the road constantly, the proliferation of Group 2 at United has been annoying to watch.
You road warriors...what hotel brand you guys/gals loyal to?
Not quite a road warrior, but when necessary I'll do a Holiday Inn Express. I go cheap on hotels, just above roach status though. Pushes me to explore more than to hunker down.
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Speaking of traveling, warm weather vacation next December...all inclusive...no more than a day of travel...what you got? Location and resort recommendations greatly appreciated. Not looking at a five digit vacation, but somewhere below that mark.
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What's with flying scheduled carriers? I head over to the Aero Club and check out a twin-engine Bonanza Baron or Cessna 310 for a week's skiing at Taos. Total air cost is $238 Round Trip Seattle to Santa Fe. Divided by 5 PAX that's $47.61 each RT. No parking at the airport, no lines at ticketing, no TSA Bull Sheet, no waiting at the gate, no delays, weather is never a problem, no baggage fees, no surly flight attendants, no fat guy reeking of BO sitting next to you, no elbow wrestling for the arm rest, no conga line to disembark, no waiting for baggage/lost luggage/broken skis. The only tips accepted by flight crew is Islay single malt.
C 310
(http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/previews/c310/images/800/REAL/FLIGHT.jpg)
Baron 58
(http://asn-xp.aerosoft.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/beechcraft_baron_g58-03.jpg)
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Speaking of traveling, warm weather vacation next December...all inclusive...no more than a day of travel...what you got? Location and resort recommendations greatly appreciated. Not looking at a five digit vacation, but somewhere below that mark.
If you want some gouge on great Asian locales I can fill you in. There is travel to and from but you can get a lot of quality for few $ and the experience of a lifetime. Culture, archaeology, diving, climbing, sailing, diving, naked Scandinavian women, golf, cabanas, etc... PM me if that might be of interest.
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Speaking of traveling, warm weather vacation next December...all inclusive...no more than a day of travel...what you got? Location and resort recommendations greatly appreciated. Not looking at a five digit vacation, but somewhere below that mark.
Honeymooned at Iberostar Grand in Punta Cana, DR. Loved it, adults only (no kids or teens), beachside drink service, solid food, about 25 min from the airport. Did 8 nights there, with flights came to around $5K.
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Hands down, the best hotel experience is the Peninsula. However, their only American presence is in NY, Chicago, and Beverly Hills.
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Hands down, the best hotel experience is the Peninsula. However, their only American presence is in NY, Chicago, and Beverly Hills.
Five Best hotels anywhere: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Raffles Singapore, Connaught Mayfair, Peninsula Hong Kong, Imperial Tokyo.
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If you want some gouge on great Asian locales I can fill you in. There is travel to and from but you can get a lot of quality for few $ and the experience of a lifetime. Culture, archaeology, diving, climbing, sailing, diving, naked Scandinavian women, golf, cabanas, etc... PM me if that might be of interest.
I do want to do Asia soon, but we don't want to dump our will be year old daughter on family for more than 5 days.
I figure anywhere past Hawaii might be pushing it for a shorter trip.
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I do want to do Asia soon, but we don't want to dump our will be year old daughter on family for more than 5 days.
I figure anywhere past Hawaii might be pushing it for a shorter trip.
Hedonism II
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Hedonism II
Gross.
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I do want to do Asia soon, but we don't want to dump our will be year old daughter on family for more than 5 days.
I figure anywhere past Hawaii might be pushing it for a shorter trip.
If you are looking for 5 or less days, stick to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Playa del Carmen and St Maarten, or the Virgin Islands are a all a quick nonstop flight from Chicago
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If you are looking for 5 or less days, stick to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Playa del Carmen and St Maarten, or the Virgin Islands are a all a quick nonstop flight from Chicago
Agree, or even PR.
St. Johns is an easy trip. Caneel Bay is a nice resort for a four night trip.
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There is no worse airport in America than MIA.
LGA and Reagan are second/third worst.
Best airport is Charlotte. McCarron is much much better since the rehab, Denver is pretty nice except it's so far from downtown.
My biggest irritations...car rental facilities miles away (Sky Harbor the worst, BWI, Sea-Tac, Dulles, MIA close for second).
Other is that everyone has status it feels like. As someone who is on the road constantly, the proliferation of Group 2 at United has been annoying to watch.
You road warriors...what hotel brand you guys/gals loyal to?
Hilton.
Also, I avoid SWA if I can. Even if they do have more direct options I still prefer delta.
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There is no worse airport in America than MIA.
LGA and Reagan are second/third worst.
Best airport is Charlotte. McCarron is much much better since the rehab, Denver is pretty nice except it's so far from downtown.
My biggest irritations...car rental facilities miles away (Sky Harbor the worst, BWI, Sea-Tac, Dulles, MIA close for second).
Other is that everyone has status it feels like. As someone who is on the road constantly, the proliferation of Group 2 at United has been annoying to watch.
You road warriors...what hotel brand you guys/gals loyal to?
I second MIA... I've flown through five times in my life. I hope that's an accurate statement 50 years from now.
DEN is very inconvenient, but easy to move through at least. Love MSP... quick, simple and rental cars on site... uncommon for a major hub. SLC and EGE are my favorites because I don't even care about the airport.
I have used Hyatt for the last few years... They had the best earn/redemption value of all major hoteliers until they screwed it up a few months ago. Almost always get an upgrade at the Regency properties and Hyatt Place are great for when traveling with kids. I'll probably stick with them for now, but may have to look at Marriott again.
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Honeymooned at Iberostar Grand in Punta Cana, DR. Loved it, adults only (no kids or teens), beachside drink service, solid food, about 25 min from the airport. Did 8 nights there, with flights came to around $5K.
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Same place hopefully not the same room (or we stayed there first ;)). Love it and easy to get to.
Recommend Traveloni.com for the non stop from Chicago to Mexico and the Caribbean all inclusives. Not my favorite type vacation, but a really warm simple quick winter break sometimes is just the ticket
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What's with flying scheduled carriers? I head over to the Aero Club and check out a twin-engine Bonanza Baron or Cessna 310 for a week's skiing at Taos. Total air cost is $238 Round Trip Seattle to Santa Fe. Divided by 5 PAX that's $47.61 each RT. No parking at the airport, no lines at ticketing, no TSA Bull Sheet, no waiting at the gate, no delays, weather is never a problem, no baggage fees, no surly flight attendants, no fat guy reeking of BO sitting next to you, no elbow wrestling for the arm rest, no conga line to disembark, no waiting for baggage/lost luggage/broken skis. The only tips accepted by flight crew is Islay single malt.
C 310
(http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/previews/c310/images/800/REAL/FLIGHT.jpg)
Figured you'd be a King Air kinda guy.
Baron 58
(http://asn-xp.aerosoft.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/beechcraft_baron_g58-03.jpg)
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You road warriors...what hotel brand you guys/gals loyal to?
If you travel to the Twin Cities try the Bloomington Hilton. GM is Jim Waldvogel, '83 and last year's Bus Ad Service Award winner from the alumni association....and a heck of a nice guy.
Keefe, he's also a Schroeder 10 North alum too.
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If you travel to the Twin Cities try the Bloomington Hilton. GM is Jim Waldvogel, '83 and last year's Bus Ad Service Award winner from the alumni association....and a heck of a nice guy.
Keefe, he's also a Schroeder 10 North alum too.
Jim comped me four tickets to the MU/Kentucky game in '03. My daughter was working at his hotel while attending St. Thomas. He was managing the Crowne Plaza at the time. That and the Bloomington Hilton are actually owned by Marcus Corp.
Jim is a wonderful man.
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Jim comped me four tickets to the MU/Kentucky game in '03. My daughter was working at his hotel while attending St. Thomas. He was managing the Crowne Plaza at the time. That and the Bloomington Hilton are actually owned by Marcus Corp.
Jim is a wonderful man.
Agreed. A couple of us '83 alum in the cities (including Jim) get together a couple times a year to watch MU games. We pick up right where we left off, if you know what I mean.
Jim's hotel hosted MU for the Sweet 16. The reception at his hotel was great, got the whole team's autograph, with the exception of Denier. Even got Hank's autograph on that same t-shirt. Hank was great to talk to that night....a great memory.
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All hotels are nasty and infested.
The Heritage in Nashville gets my vote as one of the biggest surprises - one of my all time favorite hotels... and in Nashville.
Phones in the bathroom used to be a big selling point for me. That's gone away. Good audio or TV can be nowadays.
One thing I'd like more hotels to do is have check-in procedures that allowed you to not talk to a human and get checked in quickly. It's awful starting your day in one city at 4am, working until 9pm, then waiting 12+ minutes for some dink to get you a damn key to your room.
I stopped checking under the mattress for magazines years ago. I miss those days.
That Boston Harbor spot was good.. for views and meeting rooms and the bar... Hotel Monaco in Seattle.. a little bit goofy, but I liked it and IIRC the W is across the street - easy to hop over to their bar if desired. Waldorf Astoria in NYC... as unreasonably priced as any other OK NYC hotel. Blah. Beverly Hilton - lots of good times.
Cranberry Suites in Tomah!!!!!!!!!!!
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I have never piloted a King Air but have PAX'd on them as the USAF, USMC, and USN use them as utility trash haulers. I fly Barons or C 130's for capacity reasons. When my wife was still here and we had the kids we would give the whole commercial aviation nightmare a miss and fly ourselves to and from. These aircraft hold six with ample cargo space. King Air is a great bird but I didn't need that much payload. And the King slurps JP8 like Scoopers swill Kool Aid. The smaller airframes also have the same power plants which gives a lot more thrust to weight.
Interesting side note, I ran into a Marquette alum, Lloyd Knight, who was flying the military variant of the King Air, the C 12, for the USN over in the Sandbox. I was hitching a ride to Qatar from Al Taqqadum and he was the Command Pilot for the mission. Despite being a Navy Puke he is a great guy. He's the brother of MU soccer star Haydn Knight.
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All hotels are nasty and infested.
The Heritage in Nashville gets my vote as one of the biggest surprises - one of my all time favorite hotels... and in Nashville.
Phones in the bathroom used to be a big selling point for me. That's gone away. Good audio or TV can be nowadays.
One thing I'd like more hotels to do is have check-in procedures that allowed you to not talk to a human and get checked in quickly. It's awful starting your day in one city at 4am, working until 9pm, then waiting 12+ minutes for some dink to get you a damn key to your room.
I stopped checking under the mattress for magazines years ago. I miss those days.
That Boston Harbor spot was good.. for views and meeting rooms and the bar... Hotel Monaco in Seattle.. a little bit goofy, but I liked it and IIRC the W is across the street - easy to hop over to their bar if desired. Waldorf Astoria in NYC... as unreasonably priced as any other OK NYC hotel. Blah. Beverly Hilton - lots of good times.
Cranberry Suites in Tomah!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe you mean "The Hermitage". My brother had his wedding there.
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If you travel to the Twin Cities try the Bloomington Hilton. GM is Jim Waldvogel, '83 and last year's Bus Ad Service Award winner from the alumni association....and a heck of a nice guy.
Keefe, he's also a Schroeder 10 North alum too.
Then he stands in well in my book. Schroeder 10 North: If those walls could speak...
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I stopped checking under the mattress for magazines years ago. I miss those days.
Well, we all know who to blame for that lost slice of Americana. That sonuvabitch Al Gore had to go and invent the internet...
I remember as a lad at Georgetown Prep's boarding school the thrill of finding a stash of gentlemanly reading material. The kid's nowadays have no idea just how precious such discovery once was...
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Agreed. A couple of us '83 alum in the cities (including Jim) get together a couple times a year to watch MU games. We pick up right where we left off, if you know what I mean.
Jim's hotel hosted MU for the Sweet 16. The reception at his hotel was great, got the whole team's autograph, with the exception of Denier. Even got Hank's autograph on that same t-shirt. Hank was great to talk to that night....a great memory.
Then you and I were in the same room. What a wonderful night that was. I recall Tony Smith there, being Tony Smith, if you know what I mean.
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being Tony Smith, if you know what I mean.
Share the wealth, brother
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Then you and I were in the same room. What a wonderful night that was. I recall Tony Smith there, being Tony Smith, if you know what I mean.
I remember Tony being there too.
Not sure...not familiar with your Tony Smith reference.
Agreed, great night.
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Long time Marriotts guy.
I'm not in the business profession so building points is on my dime.
Hence, Courtyard is usually my temporary bed when visiting places.
However, I will be sure to strongly recommend Kimpton hotels (http://www.kimptonhotels.com/index.aspx). My favorite when I want to stay somewhere and feel like the workers are attentive to every detail.
Rewards program is great: 7 stays equal 1 free night.
Check their Last Minute Deals...utilize their AAA discount if possible.
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When my wife and I checked into the Royal Shelbourne (now I think just the Shelbourne) in Dublin they had evidently overbooked. We were "bumped" to the Grace Kelly suite. Opulent, as least by Irish standards, but nothing compared to those fabulous Milwaukee hotels (Hyatt, Ambassador, Abbott Crest and others) where we partied on weekends in our "stuck in Schroeder Hall" days.
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When my wife and I checked into the Royal Shelbourne (now I think just the Shelbourne) in Dublin they had evidently overbooked. We were "bumped" to the Grace Kelly suite. Opulent, as least by Irish standards, but nothing compared to those fabulous Milwaukee hotels (Hyatt, Ambassador, Abbott Crest and others) where we partied on weekends in our "stuck in Schroeder Hall" days.
Is it true that in Ireland they charge PER PERSON staying in the room?
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Is it true that in Ireland they charge PER PERSON staying in the room?
I was there almost 30 years ago with my wife and a group of 6 others. I don't recall, but I don't think so, at least back them.
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Is it true that in Ireland they charge PER PERSON staying in the room?
Sneak your wife in through the back door.
Another lost slice of Americana is sneaking guys into the drive-in. 2 guys in the car and 3 in the trunk.
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Share the wealth, brother
Oh, let's just say that he had an illegal smile.
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Sneak your wife in through the back door.
Another lost slice of Americana is sneaking guys into the drive-in. 2 guys in the car and 3 in the trunk.
Along with the three cases of beer,
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Sneak your wife in through the back door.
Another lost slice of Americana is sneaking guys into the drive-in. 2 guys in the car and 3 in the trunk.
Did this all through high school. My wife and I were talking about this the other day. There is a drive in about 2 hours from our house that is still in service and we plan on taking the kids to a movie this Summer just so they can understand what it was like. In high school, we often had our drinking parties there. Good times.
I'm a Marriott guy also, have a time share with them so points are big for us. Been lucky on the company dime or other company's dimes (usually FOX or ESPN) to stay at some pretty nice places in New York and elsewhere over the years.
Airlines....I have status with American so that's the deal. If I'm lucky and it's very rare, get on the Gulf Stream 5 and fly with the company. There is nothing greater...what a ride that thing is. That's a once every 18 month experience if I am lucky, but one that is certainly an event to remember. I avoid Southwest like the plague, but often traveling in California requires I take them. If I need to get on a value airline, I'd much rather do JetBlue if I can.
To this day, never taken Virgin but always heard great things about it.
Singapore Air, JAL, a few others...very very nice. I miss Pan Am. LOL...I really do.
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Singapore Air, JAL, a few others...very very nice. I miss Pan Am. LOL...I really do.
3 Best Airlines, bar none:
SQ, CX, TG
Nothing else compares.
(http://cleod.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/428338_10151208080885285_605860284_22363609_761970978_n.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U58L3iXIP90/T8BFPP1gX1I/AAAAAAAA_iw/oWIM_N8M7oo/s1600/SQ+beauty_06.jpg)
(http://airtraxx.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/stewardess_malaysia_airlines.png%3Fw%3D498%26h%3D244)
(http://www.jaunted.com/files/6193/CXumain1.jpg)
(http://m7.i.pbase.com/g5/64/508564/2/103971847.uBNNPq3m.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MpUJvKa_CE/T2Xv1MH-rMI/AAAAAAAAMms/bpITu0PDnAM/s1600/Airasia%2Bflight%2Battendants%2B6.jpg)
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/49/0000024949/00/img97b926edzik1zj.jpeg)
(http://i0.sinaimg.cn/travel/2011/0530/U4520P704DT20110530145954.jpg)
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSpNE3RIzjqcj79cvhRkjd31beZyuj3qbCH4QiXOz7lMfiUOtI)
(http://www.thaiairways.com.au/vwm/upload/fabpics/t_511_Cabin-Crew-pic-heroshot.jpg)
Domestic American Flag Carriers
(http://www.rooshvforum.com/attachment.php?aid=9957)
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTk85exww_ysINlXCI8ZXT9ThssmejfLtVZ9Zh-2CTpFONqn8gAuQ)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QTA4z9i9CAQ/TRv0UkLGIqI/AAAAAAAAC0A/C_yK-wxVU78/s1600/o-mother-of-steve-slater-comes-to-defense-of-former-jetblue-flight-attendant.jpg)
(http://yourafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Slide_091.jpg)
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Oh, let's just say that he had an illegal smile.
Roger smile, now legal in WA and CO
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If you are looking for 5 or less days, stick to Mexico or the Caribbean.
Playa del Carmen and St Maarten, or the Virgin Islands are a all a quick nonstop flight from Chicago
The advantage of same hemisphere travel is avoiding jet lag.
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As an former co-worker explained to me, "It's all about the points."
It always Delta or any Skyteam Alliance member.
I only stay at Marriotts or Hilton brand hotels.
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MIA is the worst airport, had a couple just incomprehensibly stupid experiences there(like multi-level, multiple people stupid). It's at it's worst when transiting from international locales.
ORD and MSP are good, and so is DET after the renovation especially as a transition point surprisingly.
I fly United because of status. Don't mind Delta either. Avoid US Scare is at all possible.
Hilton brand, again because of points, but when I'm on the road in the less the major cities I find the Hampton Inns to be a perfectly acceptable low cost location...free breakfast is nice :)
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I have never piloted a King Air but have PAX'd on them as the USAF, USMC, and USN use them as utility trash haulers. I fly Barons or C 130's for capacity reasons. When my wife was still here and we had the kids we would give the whole commercial aviation nightmare a miss and fly ourselves to and from. These aircraft hold six with ample cargo space. King Air is a great bird but I didn't need that much payload. And the King slurps JP8 like Scoopers swill Kool Aid. The smaller airframes also have the same power plants which gives a lot more thrust to weight.
Interesting side note, I ran into a Marquette alum, Lloyd Knight, who was flying the military variant of the King Air, the C 12, for the USN over in the Sandbox. I was hitching a ride to Qatar from Al Taqqadum and he was the Command Pilot for the mission. Despite being a Navy Puke he is a great guy. He's the brother of MU soccer star Haydn Knight.
The C-12s are interesting as "non-combat" aircraft. Lost one of the ISR birds almost a year ago
http://swampland.time.com/2013/10/30/the-crash-of-independence-08/
Lesson as always, never, ever get behind the power curve.
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I did Playa del Carmen already, try to Royal if you're looking there.
Thinking maybe St. Lucia, anyone been?
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I did Playa del Carmen already, try to Royal if you're looking there.
Thinking maybe St. Lucia, anyone been?
We toyed with it, supposed to be the closest thing to Hawaii, without going to actually Hawaii. Keep in mind, the travel to the resorts is on the other side of the island from the main airport (UVF). And it's something like 2-3 hour drive, (or $$$ helicopter ride). Not the easiest place to get to either, most trips take 9-12 hours of travel time, plus driving to the resorts, with flights costing around $1200 apiece.
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I did Playa del Carmen already, try to Royal if you're looking there.
Thinking maybe St. Lucia, anyone been?
Yep, did a Sandals in St Lucia. St Lucia was awesome, though depending on the resort can be a bit of an adventure to get somewhere (airport is in the middle of the island so no easy way to any where from there).
While St Lucia was great, I can't say that Sandel's was all that great. The theory is you pay more for better facilities and service(no tipping is allowed) but I had done a couple of Dreams all inclusives in Mexico(lower end all inclusive) and found the service and food to be much better than Sandals. Facilities are very nice, especially at the Grande(most expensive of the three there). Stand at La Toc, was very nice. Halcyon was the lowest cost of the three and you could tell. If you stay at one you shuttle to any of the other resorts and use them free of charge. La Toc and Grande are about an hour apart via shuttle.
If you go to St Lucia, I highly recommend taking one of the big speed boat tours around the islands, had a lot of fun and saw a lot.
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Yeah, I was looking at the BodyHoliday which is a solid 90 minutes from the airport. That sucks. Plus no direct flights from ORD. 9 hours from airport to resort isn't awesome at all.
Really don't want to go Mexico again, but leaning towards it being so easy.
Anyone ever stay at Excellence resorts?
http://www.excellence-resorts.com/caribbean-and-mexico-destinations/excellence-playa-mujeres
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We toyed with it, supposed to be the closest thing to Hawaii, without going to actually Hawaii. Keep in mind, the travel to the resorts is on the other side of the island from the main airport (UVF). And it's something like 2-3 hour drive, (or $$$ helicopter ride). Not the easiest place to get to either, most trips take 9-12 hours of travel time, plus driving to the resorts, with flights costing around $1200 apiece.
This is correct, you have a long flight typically with a connection somewhere(avoid Miami at all costs) then a long bus ride to get to the resort. We flew out of OHare going there at 630AM, switched planes in Charlotte, got to the St Lucia airport around 300PM and got to the resort around 530PM or so. Makes for a long day.
The couple we were traveling with had also done Jamaica and they highly recommended it as an FYI. Travel is easier there.
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trip #12 to Jamaica in just a few weeks, easy 4 hour direct flight from MKE then just over an hour private taxi to Negril. Of course you could stay in MoBay and skip the hour ride to Negril
we don't do all-inclusives any more but can see the appeal for some, we like to get off the compound and see the area (and save money)
lots of small family owned boutique hotels on the beach or the cliffs in Negril
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I like this thread, enjoy hearing people's experiences and takes on travel.
St. Lucia is as close to Hawaii that I've seen. Most Carribean locales are tough to get to only because of the connections. Barbados is excellent too, just really tough to get to. Had to do Sandals in Antigua for a customer event two years ago...awful experience. It was my first all inclusive, and left very sour taste.
I like St. Thomas and PR. More flight options, don't need a passport.
Anyone been to Atlantis? Like/dislike?
For those that stay at Marriott's, on company dime, do you typically stay at Courtyards or full service? I have status with Marriott (not that anyone should care), but I typically stay at full service on the road for the full breakfast and lounge access (due to status).
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St Lucia is awesome. Did a sunset catamaran trip (through Sandals) was the best "add on" we did all week.
Plus, they have a great local beer, Pitons, named after the mountains.
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trip #12 to Jamaica in just a few weeks, easy 4 hour direct flight from MKE then just over an hour private taxi to Negril. Of course you could stay in MoBay and skip the hour ride to Negril
we don't do all-inclusives any more but can see the appeal for some, we like to get off the compound and see the area (and save money)
lots of small family owned boutique hotels on the beach or the cliffs in Negril
I'm going to look at Jamaica again. Mrs. PTM is fussy with money, so all-inclusive is a must. If she doesn't actually exchange money other than tips, it's for the better.
Think I'll save Saint Lucia for when we can do a full week with travel.
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St Lucia is awesome. Did a sunset catamaran trip (through Sandals) was the best "add on" we did all week.
Plus, they have a great local beer, Pitons, named after the mountains.
Agree the beer is fantastic, and I never tired of making Mount Piton jokes around the pool.
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I like this thread, enjoy hearing people's experiences and takes on travel.
St. Lucia is as close to Hawaii that I've seen. Most Carribean locales are tough to get to only because of the connections. Barbados is excellent too, just really tough to get to. Had to do Sandals in Antigua for a customer event two years ago...awful experience. It was my first all inclusive, and left very sour taste.
I like St. Thomas and PR. More flight options, don't need a passport.
Anyone been to Atlantis? Like/dislike?
For those that stay at Marriott's, on company dime, do you typically stay at Courtyards or full service? I have status with Marriott (not that anyone should care), but I typically stay at full service on the road for the full breakfast and lounge access (due to status).
I 2nd Puerto Rico, while they don't have all inclusives, still very reasonable, leave by 6am, on the beach by 1pm. This year Mrs. Reinko and I are renting a small condo in the Condado area of San Juan thru vrbo.com (Vacation Rental By Owner).
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I'm going to look at Jamaica again. Mrs. PTM is fussy with money, so all-inclusive is a must. If she doesn't actually exchange money other than tips, it's for the better.
Think I'll save Saint Lucia for when we can do a full week with travel.
Mentioned it earlier, check out Punta Cana in the DR, best beaches that I have been to in the Caribbean (PR, Jamaica, Mexico)
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I 2nd Puerto Rico, while they don't have all inclusives, still very reasonable, leave by 6am, on the beach by 1pm. This year Mrs. Reinko and I are renting a small condo in the Condado area of San Juan thru vrbo.com (Vacation Rental By Owner).
VRBO is nice, we use it for our big summer family vacation every year.
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I 2nd Puerto Rico, while they don't have all inclusives, still very reasonable, leave by 6am, on the beach by 1pm. This year Mrs. Reinko and I are renting a small condo in the Condado area of San Juan thru vrbo.com (Vacation Rental By Owner).
That website is awesome, using it as we speak to book something for me and the misses to travel to Charleston for a nice weekend. Booked several such trips with very pleasant results.
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trip #12 to Jamaica in just a few weeks, easy 4 hour direct flight from MKE then just over an hour private taxi to Negril. Of course you could stay in MoBay and skip the hour ride to Negril
we don't do all-inclusives any more but can see the appeal for some, we like to get off the compound and see the area (and save money)
lots of small family owned boutique hotels on the beach or the cliffs in Negril
We met 4 other people on the layover in Tampa. They were on our plane from MSP. They needed 2 more for a 6 person puddle jumper from the airport to Negril. About $60 per person R/T.
We have been to Vieques, PR and St John the last 2 years and they are highly recommended. Found lodging on VRBO.com.
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For those that stay at Marriott's, on company dime, do you typically stay at Courtyards or full service? I have status with Marriott (not that anyone should care), but I typically stay at full service on the road for the full breakfast and lounge access (due to status).
For me it has to have breakfast's included so it's usually a Springhill Suites or Residence Inn and if not available then a Fairfiled Inn.
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We met 4 other people on the layover in Tampa. They were on our plane from MSP. They needed 2 more for a 6 person puddle jumper from the airport to Negril. About $60 per person R/T.
We have been to Vieques, PR and St John the last 2 years and they are highly recommended. Found lodging on VRBO.com.
We did a family vacation to Vieques in March of '08. Beaches are beautiful. My beef with the place is every once in awhile I would have liked to have had a place to walk to on any of the beaches and purchase a beer or a burger. There was nothing there, which is wonderful, but you have to haul everything. Perhaps some development has occurred since then, but a few creature comforts would have been nice to have.
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I 2nd Puerto Rico, while they don't have all inclusives, still very reasonable, leave by 6am, on the beach by 1pm. This year Mrs. Reinko and I are renting a small condo in the Condado area of San Juan thru vrbo.com (Vacation Rental By Owner).
I like PR and have been there a decent number of times. I used to go to Puerto Rico at least once a year for work. My previous company's main factory was there before the China facility sprouted up. I have been wanting to go on vacation there for some time as I never made it to see El Yunque (the rainforest) or Arecibo. I only saw Dorado beach in the evening after work and never made it the water. Viejo San Juan is a nice visit. Plus if you go in the summertime hotels are surprisingly not pricey and airfare from New York City at least is cheap. English is spoken in San Juan and tourist areas.
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For me it has to have breakfast's included so it's usually a Springhill Suites or Residence Inn and if not available then a Fairfiled Inn.
Only issue I have with those places is you only get 5 points for every dollar spent. All other classes of Marriott, you get 10 points.
When I get certificates for free nights, and it's category 1-5, Residence Inn is always my choice when taking the family and using those certificates.
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When I get certificates for free nights, and it's category 1-5, Residence Inn is always my choice when taking the family and using those certificates.
Same here when I'm with the family!
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I'm going to look at Jamaica again. Mrs. PTM is fussy with money, so all-inclusive is a must. If she doesn't actually exchange money other than tips, it's for the better.
Think I'll save Saint Lucia for when we can do a full week with travel.
the exchange rate is right about 100:1 so now its easy doing conversions in your head ;)
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Not a beach vacation, but the fiancee and I did a Machu Picchu trip in 2013. I highly recommend the trip, absolutely breathtaking. We spent 4 days in Ollantaytambo and 4 days in Cuzco. Took the train from Ollantay to MP for a day trip, it was enough for us. If you go, do the hike up either Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Strenuous climb, but totally worth it.
We preferred the sacred valley to Cuzco and Ollantaytambo was the perfect base. The food in Peru (particularly Cuzco) was pretty spectacular.
Great trip if you can swing it.
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For those that stay at Marriott's, on company dime, do you typically stay at Courtyards or full service? I have status with Marriott (not that anyone should care), but I typically stay at full service on the road for the full breakfast and lounge access (due to status).
Depends where. In bigger cities, stay at the W. In smaller locales, Residence Inn or Courtyards. Springfield if that's the only option. Most of the travel these days is to Dallas, NYC, Denver, Atlanta so bigger hotels. If I have to go to a Boise, Missoula, Tulsa or Chattanooga, then the smaller hotels. Use the Marriott credit card also to rack them up.
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Curious if anyone else has ever tried tipping the front desk clerk to get a better room.
I've done it a few times now, only when travelling with my wife/kids. So far it's worked every time for me.
As an example, stayed last summer at the JW Grande Lakes in Orlando on points for a week. When I checked in, I tipped the young woman behind the desk $50. Ended up getting a two bedroom suite that was nicer than any place I've ever stayed. Couple weeks ago (right after Christmas), took the family to the Marriott on Michigan Ave, tipped a $20, only got a slightly better room, but my kids got Marriott backpacks loaded with stuff and we had a bottle of champagne sent to our room as a thanks from the clerk.
I've heard it's hit or miss, obviously wouldn't work as well at a Courtyard, and I don't do it when I'm on company dime, but worst case is they give you your cash back.
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Curious if anyone else has ever tried tipping the front desk clerk to get a better room.
I've done it a few times now, only when travelling with my wife/kids. So far it's worked every time for me.
As an example, stayed last summer at the JW Grande Lakes in Orlando on points for a week. When I checked in, I tipped the young woman behind the desk $50. Ended up getting a two bedroom suite that was nicer than any place I've ever stayed. Couple weeks ago (right after Christmas), took the family to the Marriott on Michigan Ave, tipped a $20, only got a slightly better room, but my kids got Marriott backpacks loaded with stuff and we had a bottle of champagne sent to our room as a thanks from the clerk.
I've heard it's hit or miss, obviously wouldn't work as well at a Courtyard, and I don't do it when I'm on company dime, but worst case is they give you your cash back.
This will work literally every time in Vegas, but YMMV on what the upgrade is. It's called the $20 dollar trick, and there's a lot of info on the web about it now. There's even a website now where people compare their results. You take a folded $20 bill and put it between your ID and credit card... when handing it to the clerk when checking in, just say "are there any complimentary upgrades available?" Even though it sounds shady, everyone working at Vegas hotels is comfortable with it and it's been around for years.
I've only tried it once in NYC for the BET and it worked to get a better room at Hotwire'd boutique hotel.
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Curious if anyone else has ever tried tipping the front desk clerk to get a better room.
I've done it a few times now, only when travelling with my wife/kids. So far it's worked every time for me.
As an example, stayed last summer at the JW Grande Lakes in Orlando on points for a week. When I checked in, I tipped the young woman behind the desk $50. Ended up getting a two bedroom suite that was nicer than any place I've ever stayed. Couple weeks ago (right after Christmas), took the family to the Marriott on Michigan Ave, tipped a $20, only got a slightly better room, but my kids got Marriott backpacks loaded with stuff and we had a bottle of champagne sent to our room as a thanks from the clerk.
I've heard it's hit or miss, obviously wouldn't work as well at a Courtyard, and I don't do it when I'm on company dime, but worst case is they give you your cash back.
I never tried, but I think you just gave me enough incentive to try at least once.
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I never tried, but I think you just gave me enough incentive to try at least once.
I've probably been lucky more than anything, all depends on who is checking you in. Kinda have to scope it out, if you see a manager type figure, pass him/her up, and wait for someone younger. The awkward part is when they take your credit card and license and realize there's money inbetween them. I usually just say something like "if there's any upgrades, that'd be awesome, if not, enjoy a cocktail after work on me for working hard and being on your feet all day". Generally speaking, they seem to appreciate it. That can be a tough job, and they don't make a ton of cash.
Ultimately, they control your stay. Treating those front desk people like gold always pays off, especially if you are a repeat customer.
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The C-12s are interesting as "non-combat" aircraft. Lost one of the ISR birds almost a year ago
http://swampland.time.com/2013/10/30/the-crash-of-independence-08/
Lesson as always, never, ever get behind the power curve.
Classic mishap story - he pulled up and bled off all his lift.
I have worked with the C 12 ISAR guys out of Beale and the Mississippi ANG. In Iraq we pioneered C 12 engagement as part of Task Force Troy which was the Counter IED effort. Obviously, as a TACP/JTAC we worked very closely with these ISAR platforms in HVT ops in Afghanistan. One observation - the Guard guys all had thousands more hours each since they were airline pilots whereas many of the USAF fliers are still in the hundreds. The increased flight hours makes a huge difference in Situational Awareness. Reading through the article I would say those guys lost SA way too fast then compounded it with bone headed rookie mistakes.
By the way, are you a Black Shoe or a Brown Shoe?
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Unfortunately, the only 20 dollar trick F*ckin' knows, walks up and down Wisconsin Ave.
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Mentioned it earlier, check out Punta Cana in the DR, best beaches that I have been to in the Caribbean (PR, Jamaica, Mexico)
I am for sure.
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I've probably been lucky more than anything, all depends on who is checking you in. Kinda have to scope it out, if you see a manager type figure, pass him/her up, and wait for someone younger. The awkward part is when they take your credit card and license and realize there's money inbetween them. I usually just say something like "if there's any upgrades, that'd be awesome, if not, enjoy a cocktail after work on me for working hard and being on your feet all day". Generally speaking, they seem to appreciate it. That can be a tough job, and they don't make a ton of cash.
Ultimately, they control your stay. Treating those front desk people like gold always pays off, especially if you are a repeat customer.
The best upgrades happen when I arrive late in the evening at a hotel (usually after 11pm or midnight) and see the night auditor behind the desk... be extra nice to those guys, because a) most of them hate their job, b) they really don't care, and most importantly c) they have general manager-level access to the computer system... especially helpful at hotels that lock out the ability to make a non-essential upgrade without a manager override.
I've also had success with checking in with the clerk who just took a complaint from a customer... A quick "what was up his/her butt" or a "hi, you must be God since everyone wants you to fix their impossible problems today; I'm Mr. _______ and I have a reservation" usually pays dividends. Unfortunately, you can't control when that might happen, but part of being in the right place at the right time is knowing what to do.
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The best upgrades happen when I arrive late in the evening at a hotel (usually after 11pm or midnight) and see the night auditor behind the desk... be extra nice to those guys, because a) most of them hate their job, b) they really don't care, and most importantly c) they have general manager-level access to the computer system... especially helpful at hotels that lock out the ability to make a non-essential upgrade without a manager override.
I've also had success with checking in with the clerk who just took a complaint from a customer... A quick "what was up his/her butt" or a "hi, you must be God since everyone wants you to fix their impossible problems today; I'm Mr. _______ and I have a reservation" usually pays dividends. Unfortunately, you can't control when that might happen, but part of being in the right place at the right time is knowing what to do.
Usually letting them know you are in the military gets you in First Class or a Junior Suite without any groveling.
To Doc's original question, VA bumps military up to 1st automatically. Last time I flew them we had 5 guys heading down to LV/Nellis AFB. Not only were we upgraded but the flight attendants gave us upgrade passes for future travel and about 10 shot bottles each.
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Classic mishap story - he pulled up and bled off all his lift.
I have worked with the C 12 ISAR guys out of Beale and the Mississippi ANG. In Iraq we pioneered C 12 engagement as part of Task Force Troy which was the Counter IED effort. Obviously, as a TACP/JTAC we worked very closely with these ISAR platforms in HVT ops in Afghanistan. One observation - the Guard guys all had thousands more hours each since they were airline pilots whereas many of the USAF fliers are still in the hundreds. The increased flight hours makes a huge difference in Situational Awareness. Reading through the article I would say those guys lost SA way too fast then compounded it with bone headed rookie mistakes.
By the way, are you a Black Shoe or a Brown Shoe?
Loss of SA was the big issue, but to your point the lack of stick time was probably the driver, especially in that particular airframe since the props don't counter rotate. Also think the AC was a little slow to exert control but that's hard to say unless you are there.
Long story, was brown shoe and set to fly rhinos and had an issue with my eyes. If I couldn't be the pointy end of the spear, wasn't interested. My dad was a nav crew dog on Combat Talon's for years so grew up around aviation and learned to fly when I was 7.
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Loss of SA was the big issue, but to your point the lack of stick time was probably the driver, especially in that particular airframe since the props don't counter rotate. Also think the AC was a little slow to exert control but that's hard to say unless you are there.
Long story, was brown shoe and set to fly rhinos and had an issue with my eyes. If I couldn't be the pointy end of the spear, wasn't interested. My dad was a nav crew dog on Combat Talon's for years so grew up around aviation and learned to fly when I was 7.
You must have spent some quality time at Hurlburt then growing up. Don't know if your dad knew him but the AFSOC commander, Brig Gen Jon Weeks just got fired last week. Interesting story so if your father knows him he might want to get the gouge on what happened.
AFSOC owns the MC 130s so we often did our para drops from them over in A Stan. Hitched rides in Talons and Spears many times. The American taxpayer has definitely gotten his money's worth from Lockheed in the C 130. Despite $300 toilet seats it is the most durable, versatile airframe ever constructed.
Worked with Rhinos extensively in Afghanistan. USN, USMC, RAAF, and CAF (eh) fly them. There were significant issues with precision until the Block II's came on line which gave them longer legs and tighter CEPs. Great aircraft but the Hawg is still the finest close air support platform God gave to the Free World.
Did you make it through the RAG before the NAMI Whammy bit you?
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Alright, enough with the acronyms.
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You must have spent some quality time at Hurlburt then growing up. Don't know if your dad knew him but the AFSOC commander, Brig Gen Jon Weeks just got fired last week. Interesting story so if your father knows him he might want to get the gouge on what happened.
The purging of the brass in the last 5 years has been something to withhold. Staggering and no one wants to touch it in the press.
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You must have spent some quality time at Hurlburt then growing up. Don't know if your dad knew him but the AFSOC commander, Brig Gen Jon Weeks just got fired last week. Interesting story so if your father knows him he might want to get the gouge on what happened.
AFSOC owns the MC 130s so we often did our para drops from them over in A Stan. Hitched rides in Talons and Spears many times. The American taxpayer has definitely gotten his money's worth from Lockheed in the C 130. Despite $300 toilet seats it is the most durable, versatile airframe ever constructed.
Worked with Rhinos extensively in Afghanistan. USN, USMC, RAAF, and CAF (eh) fly them. There were significant issues with precision until the Block II's came on line which gave them longer legs and tighter CEPs. Great aircraft but the Hawg is still the finest close air support platform God gave to the Free World.
Did you make it through the RAG before the NAMI Whammy bit you?
Got bounced just short of RAG, stupid astigmatisms and needs of the service ;D Could not wait to get my hands on one of the Super Rhinos, but alas.
I was born at Eglin, spent a fair amount of time at Hurlbert on several other tours as well as McDill for a stint. My dad rode the Talon I into a fair number of interesting events including another desert 800 miles west of A Stan. At that point it was a 20 year old airframe, now it's 50 years old, amazing stuff they could do with it. They've all since been retired, replaced by the Talon II, Spear, and Commando II. I believe he knew Weeks when Weeks was a nugget, but I'd be surprised if he's still in touch. AFSOC and JSOC are just getting decimated and by all accounts from his contacts things are starting to turn into a witch hunt. There were same pretty shady behaviors back in the day that needed to be curtailed but it's starting to sound like major CYA by upper levels if there is even a whiff of something.
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I am staying at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, in a standard room, in a month or so. The best news is I am staying for free. Mrs. Bleuteaux is traveling there for a work conference and I am going to hack it up on the golf course for a couple days.
Do you guys think the tip thing would work there? What amount should I try?
I worry that this place might actually be "too classy" for such a gimmick and that $50 would mean nothing to those people. Just wondering about your thoughts...
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I am staying at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, in a standard room, in a month or so. The best news is I am staying for free. Mrs. Bleuteaux is traveling there for a work conference and I am going to hack it up on the golf course for a couple days.
Do you guys think the tip thing would work there? What amount should I try?
I worry that this place might actually be "too classy" for such a gimmick and that $50 would mean nothing to those people. Just wondering about your thoughts...
Depends where you are. I stayed at the Ritz in Sarasota for work not long ago, and while its a gorgeous fancy hotel, its also one of the few larger hotels in the area, so it functions a little less high brow than you would see at the Ritz in Chicago for example. Additionally, the front desk people are still not rolling in fat stacks just cause they work at a nicer hotel, might be just as apt to work I'd think.
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Depends where you are. I stayed at the Ritz in Sarasota for work not long ago, and while its a gorgeous fancy hotel, its also one of the few larger hotels in the area, so it functions a little less high brow than you would see at the Ritz in Chicago for example. Additionally, the front desk people are still not rolling in fat stacks just cause they work at a nicer hotel, might be just as apt to work I'd think.
Ok. Its in Naples Florida, FWIW...
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Got bounced just short of RAG, stupid astigmatisms and needs of the service ;D Could not wait to get my hands on one of the Super Rhinos, but alas.
I was born at Eglin, spent a fair amount of time at Hurlbert on several other tours as well as McDill for a stint. My dad rode the Talon I into a fair number of interesting events including another desert 800 miles west of A Stan. At that point it was a 20 year old airframe, now it's 50 years old, amazing stuff they could do with it. They've all since been retired, replaced by the Talon II, Spear, and Commando II. I believe he knew Weeks when Weeks was a nugget, but I'd be surprised if he's still in touch. AFSOC and JSOC are just getting decimated and by all accounts from his contacts things are starting to turn into a witch hunt. There were same pretty shady behaviors back in the day that needed to be curtailed but it's starting to sound like major CYA by upper levels if there is even a whiff of something.
The one thing they don't mess with in Mil Air is eyeballs. I still have 20/13 and 20/15 but recently began needing reading glasses (you'll find out.) Funnily enough, USAF has started giving out waivers to guys who had certain RK procedures (though not LASIK) so being born with bad eyes is no longer the insurmountable hurdle.
Too bad about that. The Rhino is a great jet. I've taken a few back seat hops in T variants and it is a very sweet ride. It was imperfect at birth but they have retooled her into an awesome war fighter.
You are correct that there is a major blood letting happening with our Spec Ops community. The hand of politics has reached down and taken out a number of fine officers and men in the past two years. Jon Weeks is an outstanding leader; what is happening to him is an outrage. I know a senior enlisted TACP and a SEAL 0-6 who both got bounced. Each had a Silver Star, 3-5 Bronze Stars, and several Purple Hearts paid for in blood. They are consummate Warriors. Their sin? They were dating women who were legally separated. I say again, the women were legally separated. Someone in DC felt that violated the UCMJ standard on adultery and that as leaders they should have exercised better judgment. What is really happening is that numerous SEALs, Rangers, and JTACs are getting skewered for reasons that are more politics and less about ethics. The tragedy is that this is not making our Spec Ops cadre morally superior but, rather, severely diminishing what was once a game changing combat capability.
Since your dad has AFSOC stink on him he likely knows what is happening throughout JSOC. And like me, I am certain he is saddened by what politicians are doing to our military.
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Ok. Its in Naples Florida, FWIW...
My advice is to call the hotel a day or two before, inquire as to the availability of suites during your stay and also ask what the occupancy rate is currently. If it's a high occupancy rate, or suites are limited, could be tough.
The Ritz is tough. Since they are a part of Marriott, I've stayed in quite a few. Their staff is so well trained for the most part, they almost seem like robots. I've never attempted it at a Ritz, but worst thing that can happen is the clerk gives you your cash back.
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My advice is to call the hotel a day or two before, inquire as to the availability of suites during your stay and also ask what the occupancy rate is currently. If it's a high occupancy rate, or suites are limited, could be tough.
The Ritz is tough. Since they are a part of Marriott, I've stayed in quite a few. Their staff is so well trained for the most part, they almost seem like robots. I've never attempted it at a Ritz, but worst thing that can happen is the clerk keeps your cash and you don't get any upgrades
ftfy
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I've never attempted it at a Ritz, but worst thing that can happen is the clerk gives you your cash back.
Color me odd but I just think slipping money with your plastic then asking for an upgrade is cheesy, if not insulting. When I check in for a flight or a hotel I ask if they can do a military upgrade since the brand names all have that policy. If they have space they will always accommodate you. If I didn't have Air Force stink on me I doubt I would ask.
When I was in Panama once we drove off base looking for roast chicken and beer. Almost immediately after leaving the gate the Panamanian Defense Force cop pulls us over. He spends 10 minutes telling us how much trouble we are in but fortunately there are ways to avoid such unpleasantness. It was clear what he wanted but we refused to give in. He finally got pissed off and let us move on.
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The one thing they don't mess with in Mil Air is eyeballs. I still have 20/13 and 20/15 but recently began needing reading glasses (you'll find out.) Funnily enough, USAF has started giving out waivers to guys who had certain RK procedures (though not LASIK) so being born with bad eyes is no longer the insurmountable hurdle.
Too bad about that. The Rhino is a great jet. I've taken a few back seat hops in T variants and it is a very sweet ride. It was imperfect at birth but they have retooled her into an awesome war fighter.
You are correct that there is a major blood letting happening with our Spec Ops community. The hand of politics has reached down and taken out a number of fine officers and men in the past two years. Jon Weeks is an outstanding leader; what is happening to him is an outrage. I know a senior enlisted TACP and a SEAL 0-6 who both got bounced. Each had a Silver Star, 3-5 Bronze Stars, and several Purple Hearts paid for in blood. They are consummate Warriors. Their sin? They were dating women who were legally separated. I say again, the women were legally separated. Someone in DC felt that violated the UCMJ standard on adultery and that as leaders they should have exercised better judgment. What is really happening is that numerous SEALs, Rangers, and JTACs are getting skewered for reasons that are more politics and less about ethics. The tragedy is that this is not making our Spec Ops cadre morally superior but, rather, severely diminishing what was once a game changing combat capability.
Since your dad has AFSOC stink on him he likely knows what is happening throughout JSOC. And like me, I am certain he is saddened by what politicians are doing to our military.
Yep, the Navy is not as forgiving as the Air Force. The irony is if I had followed my dad into the Talon community like I thought about instead of blazing my own trail I might have had the privilege to throw you off the tailgate. Air Force grants waivers and allows RPK correction, Navy not so much but such is life.
It's funny how things are cyclical, in the late 70s and early 80s AFSOC and all SOF communities are red headed step children fighting for morsel. They literally had to use speed tape one time to secure an engine mount to get the bird back to Hurlbert. Then Eagle Claw happened, the "advent" of asymmetrical warface and COIN...money came flooding in and SOF was all kinds of sexy. Politicians liked death from afar and unlinked to American life. Now SOF is under attack for political reasons under the guise of security concerns and morality clauses.
As pointed out by Chicos, media either ignorantly or willfully ignores it allowing it to continue. Just blunting the sharpest tip of the spear.
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Color me odd but I just think slipping money with your plastic then asking for an upgrade is cheesy, if not insulting.
Consider yourself colored odd.
Front desk staff deals with a holes all day. They make pennies. Be nice to them, show them love by greasing the skids...it works. Those guys/gals appreciate someone who looks out for them.
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Speaking of traveling, warm weather vacation next December...all inclusive...no more than a day of travel...what you got? Location and resort recommendations greatly appreciated. Not looking at a five digit vacation, but somewhere below that mark.
Excellence Playa Mujeres (just north of Cancun). Was there last December. Spectacular. Rated in the top 10 all inclusives in the world. Short flight from ORD. Adults only. If you're bringing kids their sister resort is next door, called The Beloved. Booked a private maxivan for the wife and me to and from the airport for $60 round trip.
http://www.excellence-resorts.com/caribbean-and-mexico-destinations/excellence-playa-mujeres
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Headed to Four Seasons - Jackson Hole in Feb. Would appreciate any upgrade tips.
And any recommendations beyond that, too.
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Headed to Four Seasons - Jackson Hole in Feb. Would appreciate any upgrade tips.
And any recommendations beyond that, too.
If Herb's there, don't stand in front of him in any buffet lines.
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Excellence Playa Mujeres (just north of Cancun). Was there last December. Spectacular. Rated in the top 10 all inclusives in the world. Short flight from ORD. Adults only. If you're bringing kids their sister resort is next door, called The Beloved. Booked a private maxivan for the wife and me to and from the airport for $60 round trip.
http://www.excellence-resorts.com/caribbean-and-mexico-destinations/excellence-playa-mujeres
I was actually looking here from the get go. How's the food?
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If Herb's there, don't stand in front of him in any buffet lines.
I knew the Senator has land in WY. Didn't realize it was Jackson. I usually see the Senator at The London or Zaffiro's. I think I'd have a heart attack if spotted him at a Four Seasons.
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I was actually looking here from the get go. How's the food?
Fantastic. They have I think 7 different restaurants, so you can have Mexican one night, Indian the next, Italian, Mediterranean, Lobster... you get the idea. They have like 2 or 3 restaurants open each night to choose from. The breakfast buffet is huge. We also ordered a ton of food from room service. You can ignore the menu - just tell them what you want, and they'll bring it to your room. We loved it. My daughter and her husband went there after we did. They've been all over the world, and are talking about going back there again.
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Fantastic. They have I think 7 different restaurants, so you can have Mexican one night, Indian the next, Italian, Mediterranean, Lobster... you get the idea. They have like 2 or 3 restaurants open each night to choose from. The breakfast buffet is huge. We also ordered a ton of food from room service. You can ignore the menu - just tell them what you want, and they'll bring it to your room. We loved it. My daughter and her husband went there after we did. They've been all over the world, and are talking about going back there again.
...and booking. Did you do the Excellence Club? Any room recommendations?
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I knew the Senator has land in WY. Didn't realize it was Jackson. I usually see the Senator at The London or Zaffiro's. I think I'd have a heart attack if spotted him at a Four Seasons.
Dude may be more of a Motel 6 traveller. Bet The London gets sick of cleanin' the same ratty blue sport coat he's always wearin', a'ina?
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Dude may be more of a Motel 6 traveller. Bet The London gets sick of cleanin' the same ratty blue sport coat he's always wearin', a'ina?
You think he cleans that thing?
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...and booking. Did you do the Excellence Club? Any room recommendations?
We didn't do the Excellence Club. They had a separate roped off area on the beach, but it's the same beach, so I don't see the point. I'm sure there's other stuff as well, but the whole place is so nice I really don't see any reason to pay extra. The only room I saw was the one we stayed in. It was their standard room, (jr suite) and it was wonderful. It was exactly like the pictures below. If you go on tripadvisor.com people talk about the suites. I don't know how much extra those are, but I was totally happy with our room. My daughter booked the trip for us (our kid's sent us - guess we raised them right) and told them it was my birthday. (It wasn't.) When we got to the room it was covered in balloons, and flowers, and liquor, and food and. You could hold a party in the shower, it was huge. One complaint I read was that because the toilet area was covered in marble, if you tend to be noisy when you go others in the room might hear you. Big problem, huh? We also had our own private hot tub in our room, which opened up to our balcony. Most of the people we met there were back for repeat trips. I started talking to a guy in a Chicago Police t-shirt. He said it was their 4th trip. When you arrive, as soon as you step out of your transportation they hand you a glass of champagne and a cool towel.
We went there for 5 days. On the 4th day my wife told my daughter how much we were loving it. My daughter called back an hour later and said she had made the arrangements for us to stay another 3 nights. Love those kids!
(http://www.excellence-resorts.com/media/xpm_jr_suites_gallery_Day02_988_1704.jpg)
(http://www.excellence-resorts.com/media/04_1702.jpg)
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Headed to Four Seasons - Jackson Hole in Feb. Would appreciate any upgrade tips.
And any recommendations beyond that, too.
Genevieve and Calico for dinner. You won't be disappointed. Gamefish and Granary are a step up but worth the price.
If it's your first visit grab a beer at both the Moose and Stagecoach so you can say you did. For serious drinking head over to Snake River. Their brown and pale ales are stunning. If you want something shaken and not poured then try The Rose.
I would really recommend checking out the performing arts calendar at the Center. They host world class talent during the season.
Great place to plow some powder.
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If you want something shaken and not poured then try The Rose.
How did you know?
Thanks Keefe, great insight!
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How did you know?
Thanks Keefe, great insight!
My three favorite ski towns are Ketchum, Jackson, and Taos/Santa Fe. If this is your first visit to Jackson, you are in for a treat. You cannot help but love it. Enjoy!
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When you arrive, as soon as you step out of your transportation they hand you a glass of champagne and a cool towel.
A lot of places do this and I always like that after a long travel day and you finally arrived.
Never use the glassware you find in your hotel rooms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6uQC9MM5cQ
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Going to NYC in few weeks. Have always stayed at EWR Renaissance because I typically fly into there, then train it into Manhattan.
Marriott Marquis? East Side? Renaissace Times Square?
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Going to NYC in few weeks. Have always stayed at EWR Renaissance because I typically fly into there, then train it into Manhattan.
Marriott Marquis? East Side? Renaissace Times Square?
If this is for business I would recommend the Mandarin (Lincoln Center,) Nomad (Flower District,) or the Mark (Upper East Side.)
If this is personal but you are with a lady go for The Kimberley.
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Going to NYC in few weeks. Have always stayed at EWR Renaissance because I typically fly into there, then train it into Manhattan.
Marriott Marquis? East Side? Renaissace Times Square?
Sorry Dish. I can't help. I always just take the train home.
I've only spent one weekend overnight in NYC and it was a Hilton Grand Vacations Club on 57th Street. Wonderful place stay.
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Sorry Dish. I can't help. I always just take the train home.
I've only spent one weekend overnight in NYC and it was a Hilton Grand Vacations Club on 57th Street. Wonderful place stay.
No worries, appreciate the response. Have you been to Barclay's Center? Is it worth going to? Every time I've been to NYC for work, I've been in/out pretty quick. This upcoming trip I padded extra time into. Went to Lombardi's for pizza last time I was in town. Curious what pizza places you like or other Italian places. Thanks in advance!
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No worries, appreciate the response. Have you been to Barclay's Center? Is it worth going to? Every time I've been to NYC for work, I've been in/out pretty quick. This upcoming trip I padded extra time into. Went to Lombardi's for pizza last time I was in town. Curious what pizza places you like or other Italian places. Thanks in advance!
Unfortunately, as Nutmeg has correctly pointed out, the best Brooklyn-style pizza is the coal-fired stuff you get in CT.
The place we went is in the Financial District - Adrienne's. Classic thin style without being a cracker crust. Very good pizza.
Best Italian in Manhattan is Mario Batali's place, Babbo. Superb.
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I mentioned Babbo in NYC which is Mario Batali's place. Batali is from Seattle and his dad runs a fabulous Italian deli here, Salumi. Batali Sr. makes his own cured meats and is only open for lunch. It always has a line outside the door but is worth every second. If anyone comes to Seattle I would strongly recommend visiting this gem.
http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/
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No worries, appreciate the response. Have you been to Barclay's Center?
No on the Barclay's. My friend and his wife saw Pearl Jam at the Barclay's Center last month. He said it was a wonderful new arena and easy to get too.
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I mentioned Babbo in NYC which is Mario Batali's place. Batali is from Seattle and his dad runs a fabulous Italian deli here, Salumi. Batali Sr. makes his own cured meats and is only open for lunch. It always has a line outside the door but is worth every second. If anyone comes to Seattle I would strongly recommend visiting this gem.
http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/
I have been to both Babbo and Salumi. Definitely must stops on both coasts.
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Unfortunately, as Nutmeg has correctly pointed out, the best Brooklyn-style pizza is the coal-fired stuff you get in CT.
The place we went is in the Financial District - Adrienne's. Classic thin style without being a cracker crust. Very good pizza.
Best Italian in Manhattan is Mario Batali's place, Babbo. Superb.
I was going to say the same thing. Pizza was covered in it's own thread just recently.
Coincidentally, my brother (who lives in Minnesota) sent me this last week on The Pizza Belt. Note [3] applies to me.
http://gawker.com/the-pizza-belt-the-most-important-pizza-theory-youll-743629037
On our weekend stay my wife and I ate at Nino's Tuscany Steakhouse. (An Italian steakhouse, huh?) They dry age the steak for like 40 days. It was delicious. We found it on accident simply looking for an interesting restaurant near our hotel that could get us to Carnegie Hall in time for our show. (As a side note, it was expensive and the YELP reviews are very polarized on the place?)
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Going to NYC in few weeks. Have always stayed at EWR Renaissance because I typically fly into there, then train it into Manhattan.
Marriott Marquis? East Side? Renaissace Times Square?
It really depends on what you're looking for and what budget you are looking at. Me and Mrs. 'Port go to NYC from MKE a couple times a year to eat and see shows. I personally don't like the hotels near Times Square -- too busy and too touristy. Plus, not near any of the great restaurants or clubs. The only selling point IMO is that they are near the theaters. The Marriott Marquis is in the middle of it all -- just a monstrous hotel with something like 12/14 elevators.
For the med- to higher-end hotels, we've had varied experiences at the Waldorf (a great room one time, a mediocre the next) and Parker Meridien. The best experiences we've had recently were at the Nomad and the Soho Grand -- highly recommend. Like the vibe and the area a lot. The best stay we've ever had was at The New York Palace and it was not even close, but it is always expensive. For budget, The Roosevelt has never let me down (think going with a buddy to BE tourney and it doesn't matter other that it's clean). I would stay away from the Ian Schraeger boutique hotels like the Hudson, Belvedere, etc. The rooms we've had barely fit the bed and the price can vary a lot. Like probably a lot of business travelers, many times we stay at the Hiltons to get the points -- nothing special, but always consistent.
When we were in town 15 years ago, I asked our waiter where he likes to eat. He told me about a place that all of the chefs and service people go to after they close their restaurants. It's called Blue Ribbon in Soho. He said it gets pretty busy late night. We went there the next night after a night of live music -- we got there at 1am and it was packed. I wasn't hungry for anything specific, so again, I asked the waiter what he would recommend. He said "you need a Duvel (Belgian Ale), bone marrow and the fried chicken." My wife ordered the cheese fondue. We have probably had that meal 20+ times since. It's my last supper. The other recommendation I would offer, if you like theater, is to see Kinky Boots -- one of the best shows we've seen in the last few years.
I second Keefe's rec on Babbo. Others we love are all of the David Chang restaurants (Ma Peche, Momofuku Noodle Bar, Ssam), Craft, Bar Boulud, DB Bistro, Minetta Tavern and Spotted Pig. Have fun.
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No on the Barclay's. My friend and his wife saw Pearl Jam at the Barclay's Center last month. He said it was a wonderful new arena and easy to get too.
Grunge lives!
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I mentioned Babbo in NYC which is Mario Batali's place. Batali is from Seattle and his dad runs a fabulous Italian deli here, Salumi. Batali Sr. makes his own cured meats and is only open for lunch. It always has a line outside the door but is worth every second. If anyone comes to Seattle I would strongly recommend visiting this gem.
http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/
I go at least once every time I am in Seattle - great stuff.
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If this is for business I would recommend the Mandarin (Lincoln Center,) Nomad (Flower District,) or the Mark (Upper East Side.)
If this is personal but you are with a lady go for The Kimberley.
Andaz. 5th Avenue if you're there for fun. Wall Street if you're there for work. Really hard to beat.
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Andaz. 5th Avenue if you're there for fun. Wall Street if you're there for work. Really hard to beat.
I haven't stayed at their NYC properties but have lodged with them in Napa town. Had a real footed bath tub. Excellent accommodations. I think they are owned by Hyatt, perhaps their boutique positioning. Nice place to be with a female.
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Had a real footed bath tub. Excellent accommodations.
That's great, but the problem is that some fat naked freak dude was jerking off in that same tub the night before you checked in. Hotels are nasty.
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That's great, but the problem is that some fat naked freak dude was jerking off in that same tub the night before you checked in. Hotels are nasty.
My wife always did the spa thing and thought soaking in a tub like that with candles burning about was Nirvana. As for me, outside of Japanese Ofuro and hot tubs filled with nekkid women I'm not a big bath tub guy and usually forgo sitting in hot water with green sh1t and cucumber slices on my face.
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My wife always did the spa thing and thought soaking in a tub like that with candles burning about was Nirvana. As for me, outside of Japanese Ofuro and hot tubs filled with nekkid women I'm not a big bath tub guy and usually forgo sitting in hot water with green sh1t and cucumber slices on6 my face.
4ever loves the Sybaris in the quon.
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I haven't stayed at their NYC properties but have lodged with them in Napa town. Had a real footed bath tub. Excellent accommodations. I think they are owned by Hyatt, perhaps their boutique positioning. Nice place to be with a female.
Yep, owned by Hyatt so you get points as well. Waterfall showers, automated shades, great restaurants on property, and most of the time, it's reasonably priced. The Gild is the alternate spot when the Andaz is $400+. Great if you get upgraded, not so much in a regular room.
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4ever loves the Sybaris in the quon.
Depends who you're with, Chief.
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Apologies for my ignorance, but are ZFB and 4ever in some sort of love triangle?
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Apologies for my ignorance, but are ZFB and 4ever in some sort of love triangle?
Depends who you're with, Chief.