Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread

[ATL MU Warrior]

Staying at Ritz Carlton, planning on getting around by foot/MART/Uber.  Thanks ATL!

There are a few places I've been down there in that area that I would recommend.

No Mas! Cantina (Mexican)
Ray's in the City (steak/seafood)
Stats (sports bar in historic warehouse space)

Of the above, Ray's is the nicest

Other notable restaurants within a short Uber ride that are worth mentioning:
Rathbun's Steak
Two Urban Licks
Any restaurant at Ponce City Market
The Vortex (burgers)
Park Tavern (probably more for the ambiance than the food)
Fritti & Sotto Sotto in Inman Park
South City Kitchen

Honestly, the city is known for having a ton of really good restaurants at pretty affordable prices so it's hard to go very wrong. Hope this helps

[aands86]

There are a few places I've been down there in that area that I would recommend.

No Mas! Cantina (Mexican)
Ray's in the City (steak/seafood)
Stats (sports bar in historic warehouse space)

Of the above, Ray's is the nicest

Other notable restaurants within a short Uber ride that are worth mentioning:
Rathbun's Steak
Two Urban Licks
Any restaurant at Ponce City Market
The Vortex (burgers)
Park Tavern (probably more for the ambiance than the food)
Fritti & Sotto Sotto in Inman Park
South City Kitchen

Honestly, the city is known for having a ton of really good restaurants at pretty affordable prices so it's hard to go very wrong. Hope this helps

[aands86]

The Optimist for seafood,

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

There are a few places I've been down there in that area that I would recommend.

No Mas! Cantina (Mexican)
Ray's in the City (steak/seafood)
Stats (sports bar in historic warehouse space)

Of the above, Ray's is the nicest

Other notable restaurants within a short Uber ride that are worth mentioning:
Rathbun's Steak
Two Urban Licks
Any restaurant at Ponce City Market
The Vortex (burgers)
Park Tavern (probably more for the ambiance than the food)
Fritti & Sotto Sotto in Inman Park
South City Kitchen

Honestly, the city is known for having a ton of really good restaurants at pretty affordable prices so it's hard to go very wrong. Hope this helps

After seeing your list, I've been to Vortex.  It was good.

[ATL MU Warrior]

After seeing your list, I've been to Vortex.  It was good.

Should also mention that The Vortex doesn't allow kids in case there are any in your group

[jutaw22mu]

Should also mention that The Vortex doesn't allow kids in case there are any in your group

Definitely not, unless I count as one!!  Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions! :-)

[JWags85]

Ive not been yet, but one of my fav "celeb" chefs, Kevin Gillespie, opened a new spot near the Virginia Highlands called Nadair that is Scottish influenced and supposedly fantastic.  The meal I had at his first restaurant, Woodfire Grill, is still a top 5 meal Ive ever had and his newer spot in Atlanta, Gunshow, is also very good.

[pbiflyer]

Second Ponce Market. If it's nicer spend the extra coin and go to the roof for a drink, even though it's a kids gaming area.
Also The Vortex, the original in little five points. Drop into The Porter Beer bar for a great dive bar just around the corner.
Also downtown Decatur, a MARTA ride away has some good places and a great beer bar, the brick store pub.
Right across the street from the Ritz is Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint. Good southern food and good music.
Lastly, although it is a chain, the original Ted's Montana Grill for buffalo.

[pbiflyer]

Headed to Berlin for a conference week after next. Time is limited as the team opted for a side trip to Athens instead of staying extra days in Berlin.
So I will likely only have one night out and that may even be after dinner, so just looking for a place to drink. We are staying on the Spree river on the east Berlin side, near the outdoor wall museum.
Anyone have a great bar rec? Typically I like places Anthony Bourdain would drink at.
Something old school East Berlin perhaps?
There does seem to be a group of bars on the south side of the river. Between the lack of time and cold, I won't be able to just explore like I normally would.

[JWags85]

Berghain

[pbiflyer]

Berghain

Well, if you recommend it. Always love recs from personal experience. Can I drop your name to get good service?

[JWags85]

Well, if you recommend it. Always love recs from personal experience. Can I drop your name to get good service?

Please do.  Probably save you 3-4 min at the door!  I would have said the Kit Kat Club, but Berghain is likely better for a corporate outing.

[pbiflyer]

Please do.  Probably save you 3-4 min at the door!  I would have said the Kit Kat Club, but Berghain is likely better for a corporate outing.

Dude, if I was looking for the Berlin equivalent of a Chuck E Cheese, I would have said so.
Was looking for something a little more wild than the Kit Kat Club.....

[MuggsyB]

I was pleasantly surprised by ANA business class on their 777.  It was actually as good or better than Singapore Airlines.  Especially for diminutive citizens. 

[JWags85]

I was pleasantly surprised by ANA business class on their 777.  It was actually as good or better than Singapore Airlines.  Especially for diminutive citizens. 

Was it The Room?  Their previous business class was nice, but the new Room business class is probably the top business class seat in the world, def better than Singapore.  Only Q-Suites is close.  And ANA service, catering, and drink selections are elite.

[MuggsyB]

Was it The Room?  Their previous business class was nice, but the new Room business class is probably the top business class seat in the world, def better than Singapore.  Only Q-Suites is close.  And ANA service, catering, and drink selections are elite.

Yes, it was "The Room".  Tremendous comfort and service JWags. 

[CreightonWarrior]

What's Maui like since all the fires? Still plenty of touristy stuff to do?

Any resort recommendations welcome as well.

[warriorchick]

What's Maui like since all the fires? Still plenty of touristy stuff to do?

Any resort recommendations welcome as well.

I would recommend the place that I stayed, but it burned to the ground.

Most of the really cool stuff is gone. The Hyatt, the Marriott, the Hilton, and the giant corporate mall are still there.

[pbiflyer]

I lived in Hawaii for three years. Maui was my least favorite island.(though like saying between a lambo, Ferrari, and Bugatti which is your least favorite)
But Lahaina was awesome. And if you only go to one island, Maui is a great sample platter.
Hilo on the big island is similar to Lahaina. And you have a real live volcano! Maybe N alternative?

[MuggsyB]

I lived in Hawaii for three years. Maui was my least favorite island.(though like saying between a lambo, Ferrari, and Bugatti which is your least favorite)
But Lahaina was awesome. And if you only go to one island, Maui is a great sample platter.
Hilo on the big island is similar to Lahaina. And you have a real live volcano! Maybe N alternative?

I couldn't agree with you more.  I love the Big Island.  In particular the Hamakua coast near the Waipio Valley.  Honokaa is a gem. 

[MuggsyB]

I'll be Vegas for the MU/UCONN game March 5th.  Not a fan at all of that place but where would you watch the game on the strip?  Ty.  Also, has anyone stayed at the Hilton Elara or the Waldorf Astoria?  Ty. 

[tower912]

Spending my first weekend ever in NYC right now.  Tightly scheduled tour culminating with my kid's high school choir performing at Carnegie Hall.  Having a great time.  Now have the itch to come back. Big East tourney doesn't work.  Fun to visit.  Would not want to live here.

[JWags85]

I'll be Vegas for the MU/UCONN game March 5th.  Not a fan at all of that place but where would you watch the game on the strip?  Ty.  Also, has anyone stayed at the Hilton Elara or the Waldorf Astoria?  Ty. 

I don't know much about either hotel, but their locations are both good.  Waldorf I've heard very good things about.  Its either that or Vdara for elite mid Strip hotels that don't have casinos.

As for watching the game, Circa is an incredible sportsbook to watch a game.  Otherwise Caesars is always a good spot that isn't too far from either of those hotels.

Spending my first weekend ever in NYC right now.  Tightly scheduled tour culminating with my kid's high school choir performing at Carnegie Hall.  Having a great time.  Now have the itch to come back. Big East tourney doesn't work.  Fun to visit.  Would not want to live here.

Where are you guys staying?  I'd assume somewhere Midtown or adjacent?  Always interesting to hear people's initial impressions of NYC, especially when the first visit is as an adult.  A desire to return is always a good sign.

[tower912]

Sheraton Times Square, 53rd and 7th.

[Scoop Snoop]

I was pleasantly surprised by ANA business class on their 777.  It was actually as good or better than Singapore Airlines. Especially for diminutive citizens.

Why? Did they have a ladder up to the overhead storage bins so you could lie down and take a nap?