Departing From: Nashville, TN (BNA)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (IAD)
ETD: 07:30 PM May 26, 2005 CDT
ETA: 01:05 AM June 10, 2005 EDT
Est. Duration: 1 hr 58 min
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 1C
Equipment: Canadaire Regional Jet
Miles:
Other: Actually serviced by Mesa Airlines
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Hotel: Gaylord Opryland
City: Nashville, TN
Chain: Gaylord Hotels
Property: Gaylord Nashville Resort & Convention Center
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive; Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1297
Phone Number: (615) 889-1000
Check Out: May 26, 2005
Second one of these I've been too, as I was at the one near DFW last year for a meeting (but didn't stay). The gimmick seems to be an overly large facility with large enclosed atrium/greenhouse areas for year round outside experiences. Billed as a "resort", but always more "conference" to me because of the non-resort city locations (except for Orlando, I guess). They are the ones developing the Washington Harbor project in PG County, apparently.
The interior areas are very nice because of the tropical plants and things, although I can honestly say I've never been in a place harder to find quiet. There is a contant noise level from all the fountains, pumps, and flowing water being pumped through the inside of the place. Very pretty, but makes cell phone calls difficult, and given the business nature of the place a little funny.
The rooms were nice a comfortable, the convention space was very nice. It was pretty easy to get a bite to eat, although some of the venues seemed overpriced which is not unusual for any "resort" facility. I think there might have been other places with more of what I was looking for, but the place was so big and I was only there three days that it was possible that I never came across them. I'm glad my room was somewhat close to the convention space, as it could have been a very long walk.
Rating:
Directions:
Last Visit: May 26, 2005 ($)
Chain: Gaylord Hotels
Property: Gaylord Nashville Resort & Convention Center
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive; Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1297
Phone Number: (615) 889-1000
Check Out: May 26, 2005
Second one of these I've been too, as I was at the one near DFW last year for a meeting (but didn't stay). The gimmick seems to be an overly large facility with large enclosed atrium/greenhouse areas for year round outside experiences. Billed as a "resort", but always more "conference" to me because of the non-resort city locations (except for Orlando, I guess). They are the ones developing the Washington Harbor project in PG County, apparently.
The interior areas are very nice because of the tropical plants and things, although I can honestly say I've never been in a place harder to find quiet. There is a contant noise level from all the fountains, pumps, and flowing water being pumped through the inside of the place. Very pretty, but makes cell phone calls difficult, and given the business nature of the place a little funny.The rooms were nice a comfortable, the convention space was very nice. It was pretty easy to get a bite to eat, although some of the venues seemed overpriced which is not unusual for any "resort" facility. I think there might have been other places with more of what I was looking for, but the place was so big and I was only there three days that it was possible that I never came across them. I'm glad my room was somewhat close to the convention space, as it could have been a very long walk.
Rating:
- Safety: 1
- Dining: 1, some good, room service overpriced
- Bar: 1, several
- Internet: 1 - included in room fee
- Wireless in Common Areas: 0
- Work Space, Power: 1 OK
- Shower: 1
- Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
- Common Areas: 1 Exceptionally cool.
Directions:
Last Visit: May 26, 2005 ($)
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Restaurant: Santa Fe Cattle Co., Nashville TN
City: Nashville, TN
Location: Near Gaylords Opryland complex
Phone:
Website:
Looking for a break from the hotel food (see other review), we wondered up the road to the Santa Fe Cattle Co. Felt kind of like a chain, but I had never seen one before so it might have been a local item. Googling indicates a chain, but no official site found.
One of those "trying hard to be casual" kind of places. They give you peanuts in a shell to make a mess with, the decor is "rustic Roy Rogers", and the menu is obviously meat-eater friendly but not too expensive. Lots of things a large group would like, assuming they like barbeque and aren't militant vegitarian. Had the ribs, which were how I like them - wet, sweet, hint of spice. Everyone else seemed to be happy with their food also.
View Resturant in a larger map
Location: Near Gaylords Opryland complex
Phone:
Website:
Looking for a break from the hotel food (see other review), we wondered up the road to the Santa Fe Cattle Co. Felt kind of like a chain, but I had never seen one before so it might have been a local item. Googling indicates a chain, but no official site found.
One of those "trying hard to be casual" kind of places. They give you peanuts in a shell to make a mess with, the decor is "rustic Roy Rogers", and the menu is obviously meat-eater friendly but not too expensive. Lots of things a large group would like, assuming they like barbeque and aren't militant vegitarian. Had the ribs, which were how I like them - wet, sweet, hint of spice. Everyone else seemed to be happy with their food also.View Resturant in a larger map
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Flight: United #7103 BNA-IAD
Departing From: Washington, DC (IAD)
Traveling To: Nashville, TN (BNA)
ETD: 09:15 AM May 26, 2005 EDT
ETA: 10:10 AM May 26, 2005 EDT
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 4D
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet
Miles:
Other: Actually serviced by Mesa Airlines
Traveling To: Nashville, TN (BNA)
ETD: 09:15 AM May 26, 2005 EDT
ETA: 10:10 AM May 26, 2005 EDT
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 4D
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet
Miles:
Other: Actually serviced by Mesa Airlines
Monday, March 14, 2005
Image: MKE on a Snowy Day
Winter weather at MKE airport. A dreary, snowy day where your only wish is that your plane can get in and out on time. The snow plow equipment is spraying a liquid de-icing solution instead of the normal salt/sand us car operators are used to seeing.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Flight: United #5334 MKE-IAD
Departing From: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
Traveling To: Washington Dulles (IAD)
ETD: 06:00PM March 10, 2005 CST
ETA: 8:55PM March 10, 2005 EST
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min (actual 1 hr)
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate: G2
Seat: 7C
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet CL-65
Miles:
Other:
There was a ton to worry about with this flight. It was snowing like mad all day in Milwaukee, and while I kept telling myself that it would be OK because they can deal with snow, after the flight on Tuesday I kept thinking about how other airports can screw you up. Upon arriving at the airport, early enough to deal with changes, the United counter agent also booked me on a US Air flight through Charlotte, "just in case". By the time I left the ticket area, the US Air flight was already marked "delayed", making that effort worthless.
But, the snow started to let up around 4, and the equipment was coming in from Ohare which much be about a 15 minute flight from Milwaukee. There are worse places to have to wait than MKE, and the plane left on time.
A little bumpy at times, and wasn't able to open my laptop to work because it was too crowded. Flight ended up getting into IAD about 10 minutes early. They we're very generous with the "snacks" this time on the flight, bringing a big tray with a choice of the pretzels or the "snack mix". Everyone was grabbing the snack mix, and she encouraged me to take it over the pretzels. I told her that I was heading home and I know the snack mix is loaded with garlic. Some people put the snack mix back - kind of funny. If you're headed away from home, take the snack mix. It is good...
Even though we landed at the always to be avoided Concourse G, my bag came out about the time I made it to the baggage area so ended up being a long day with lots of worrying but an easy flight.
Traveling To: Washington Dulles (IAD)
ETD: 06:00PM March 10, 2005 CST
ETA: 8:55PM March 10, 2005 EST
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min (actual 1 hr)
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate: G2
Seat: 7C
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet CL-65
Miles:
Other:
There was a ton to worry about with this flight. It was snowing like mad all day in Milwaukee, and while I kept telling myself that it would be OK because they can deal with snow, after the flight on Tuesday I kept thinking about how other airports can screw you up. Upon arriving at the airport, early enough to deal with changes, the United counter agent also booked me on a US Air flight through Charlotte, "just in case". By the time I left the ticket area, the US Air flight was already marked "delayed", making that effort worthless.
But, the snow started to let up around 4, and the equipment was coming in from Ohare which much be about a 15 minute flight from Milwaukee. There are worse places to have to wait than MKE, and the plane left on time.
A little bumpy at times, and wasn't able to open my laptop to work because it was too crowded. Flight ended up getting into IAD about 10 minutes early. They we're very generous with the "snacks" this time on the flight, bringing a big tray with a choice of the pretzels or the "snack mix". Everyone was grabbing the snack mix, and she encouraged me to take it over the pretzels. I told her that I was heading home and I know the snack mix is loaded with garlic. Some people put the snack mix back - kind of funny. If you're headed away from home, take the snack mix. It is good...
Even though we landed at the always to be avoided Concourse G, my bag came out about the time I made it to the baggage area so ended up being a long day with lots of worrying but an easy flight.
Hotel: Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West
City: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (outside Milwaukee)
Chain: Radisson
Property: Radisson Milwaukee West
Address: 2303 North Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone Number: 414-257-3400
Check Out: March 10, 2005
"Milwaukee's West Business District"
Nicer than the usual hotel I stay in, although not tremendously interesting. But, clean, comfortable, quiet. Very close to business meetings.
The hotel was equipped with the "Select Comfort" matresses with the dial control for firmness. I know my "sleep number" is neither 60 nor 40. 98 more to try.
Rating:
Last Visit: March 10, 2005 ($129)
Chain: Radisson
Property: Radisson Milwaukee West
Address: 2303 North Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone Number: 414-257-3400
Check Out: March 10, 2005
"Milwaukee's West Business District"
Nicer than the usual hotel I stay in, although not tremendously interesting. But, clean, comfortable, quiet. Very close to business meetings.
The hotel was equipped with the "Select Comfort" matresses with the dial control for firmness. I know my "sleep number" is neither 60 nor 40. 98 more to try.
Rating:
- Safety: 1
- Dining: 1, a real resturaunt, good food.
- Bar: 1, although not used.
- Internet: 2 - Wireless, free!
- Wireless in Common Areas: 0, I think. Not tried.
- Work Space, Power: 1
- Shower: 0 - Way too low, on the wall just above the 5 foot mark.
- Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
- Common Areas: 0 Not a great place to hang out. No view.
Last Visit: March 10, 2005 ($129)
Image: CL-65 Unloading at Night
CL-65 unloading at night. Ground grew is unloading baggage in the back, passengers disembarking. I was trying to capture the probes that poke out the plane to measure airspeed, etc., but they only show up here as weird shadow marks (look on the nose just above the red line that divides the color on the bottom and the grey on top). Too dark for my little camera anyway.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Flight: United #5473 IAD-MKE
Departing From: Washington Dulles (IAD)
Traveling To: Milwaukee Wisconsin (MKE)
ETD: 06:40PM March 8, 2005 EST (actual 10:10 PM EST)
ETA: 09:00PM March 8, 2005 CST (actual 11:10 PM CST)
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min (actual 1 hr 45 min plus delays)
Departure Gate: G10
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 8C (exit row, aisle)
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet CL-65
Miles:
Other:
In my experience, the primary reason a flight is delayed is because of a problem with the equipment. Sometimes, there is a mechanical problem with the plane, and its just the luck of the draw whether they can get things going in time or not. Mostly, the problem is that the plane isn't there at all due to some delay in the flying schedule somewhere on its way to this airport. Logistics in the airline business seems to be a constant ballet of equipment moving its way from airport to airport, usually in some back and forth path between two or more airports. There really aren't spare planes sitting around to be swapped in at a moments notice, especially from the perspective of a single airport. I guess the planes are so expensive that if they aren't in the air moving people or cargo around, you're losing money. So, the first thing to do is to check out the window and see if the equipment is at your gate, particularly around an hour before departure assuming that its coming in, passengers get off, they get the plane ready, and you load and go.
Today I learned that the crew are an important part of this equation also.
There was a bit of weather around the northeast as we're getting those last few snowstorms before spring gets here. But, the plane was out the window so I figured we were OK. We then found out that the crew for this plane was coming in from Albany NY, and they hadn't left the ground yet because of snow. So, a 3 hours wait before the crew could get here. I didn't realize that the crew were as tightly scheduled as well. Of course, this is a regional carrier operating under the United Express banner, so they really don't have the whole United army behind them.
A couple hours to kill is horrible at Dulles any time, but Concourse G... -shudder-. Went on the bus shuttle over to Concourse C to wait in the Red Carpet club. Ended up not being so bad, except for getting to Milwaukee so darn late with a meeting early the next morning. Rough.
Flight was half full, so had the two seats to myself with no one in front or back. Not too bad, able to get the computer out and get some work done during the flight. When we landed in Milwaukee it was kind of empty, so we cruised through there pretty fast.
Traveling To: Milwaukee Wisconsin (MKE)
ETD: 06:40PM March 8, 2005 EST (actual 10:10 PM EST)
ETA: 09:00PM March 8, 2005 CST (actual 11:10 PM CST)
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min (actual 1 hr 45 min plus delays)
Departure Gate: G10
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 8C (exit row, aisle)
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet CL-65
Miles:
Other:
In my experience, the primary reason a flight is delayed is because of a problem with the equipment. Sometimes, there is a mechanical problem with the plane, and its just the luck of the draw whether they can get things going in time or not. Mostly, the problem is that the plane isn't there at all due to some delay in the flying schedule somewhere on its way to this airport. Logistics in the airline business seems to be a constant ballet of equipment moving its way from airport to airport, usually in some back and forth path between two or more airports. There really aren't spare planes sitting around to be swapped in at a moments notice, especially from the perspective of a single airport. I guess the planes are so expensive that if they aren't in the air moving people or cargo around, you're losing money. So, the first thing to do is to check out the window and see if the equipment is at your gate, particularly around an hour before departure assuming that its coming in, passengers get off, they get the plane ready, and you load and go.
Today I learned that the crew are an important part of this equation also.
There was a bit of weather around the northeast as we're getting those last few snowstorms before spring gets here. But, the plane was out the window so I figured we were OK. We then found out that the crew for this plane was coming in from Albany NY, and they hadn't left the ground yet because of snow. So, a 3 hours wait before the crew could get here. I didn't realize that the crew were as tightly scheduled as well. Of course, this is a regional carrier operating under the United Express banner, so they really don't have the whole United army behind them.
A couple hours to kill is horrible at Dulles any time, but Concourse G... -shudder-. Went on the bus shuttle over to Concourse C to wait in the Red Carpet club. Ended up not being so bad, except for getting to Milwaukee so darn late with a meeting early the next morning. Rough.
Flight was half full, so had the two seats to myself with no one in front or back. Not too bad, able to get the computer out and get some work done during the flight. When we landed in Milwaukee it was kind of empty, so we cruised through there pretty fast.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Menu: Hotels by City
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California
Laguna BeachMontage Spa
Los Angeles
Courtyard by Marriott - Foothill Ranch
DoubleTree Anaheim/Orange County
Marriott Norwalk - Norwalk
Marriott Residence Inn - Long Beach
Millennium Biltmore Hotel - Los Angeles
Sheraton Cerritos Hotel - Cerritos
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Westin Mission Hills Resort
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Courtyard by Marriott - Sorrento Mesa
Hawthorn Suites - San Diego
Marriott Resort & Marina (Convention Center)
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The Fairmont
Marriott - San Francisco Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport South-Burlingame
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DenverFairfield Inn, Denver
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JacksonvilleQuality Suites Oceanfront
Miami
Four Seasons
Orlando
Courtyard by Marriott (International Drive)
Walt Disney World - Hilton (Downtown/Pleasure Island)
Walt Disney World - Contemporary Resort
Walt Disney World - Port Orleans
Tampa Bay
Hilton North Reddington Beach
Illinois
ChicagoHyatt Regency, Downtown
Suissotel, Downtown
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Marriott Courtyard, Urbana
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Holiday Inn - Peoria City Center
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IndianapolisHilton Garden Inn South
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Hampton Inn - Cambridge
Hilton - Boston Back Bay
Midtown Hotel
Sheraton - Convention Center
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Twin CitiesHilton Garden Inn, St. PaulOakdale
Holiday Inn Select, Bloomington
Holiday Inn St. Paul NE
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Marriott Mayo Clinic
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Holiday Inn - St. Louis/RiversideSheraton St. Louis
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Hampton Inn - Newark Airport
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BuffaloAdams Mark Hotel - Buffalo
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W Hotel 541 Lexington Avenue
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ClevelandCourtyard by Marriott - Independence
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Homewood Suites, Hilliard
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Hampton Inn & Suites Dayton-Airport
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Allentown/BethlehemComfort Inn University (Lehigh)
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Courtyard by Marriott Collegeville
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Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
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Sheraton Great Valley
SpringHill Suites, Plymouth Meeting
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Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh University/Medical Center
Tennessee
NashvilleHoliday Inn - Nashville Brentwood
Texas
Austin
Hilton - Convention CenterMarriott Austin at the Capitol
Radison Inn - Austin
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Courtyard Dallas Market CenterGaylord Texan Resort Hotel and Convention Center (Grapevine)
Hilton Lincoln Center
Hyatt Regency DFW (Grapevine)
Stoneleigh Hotel
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Comfort Suites - HoustonWashington
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Roosevelt Hotel
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Radison Inn - MadisonMilwaukee
Best Western MequonDoubleTree Milwaukee Downtown
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Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West, Wauwatosa
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Charlottesville
Holiday Inn - MonticelloSleep Inn
Outside US
Iceland
Akureyri
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Reykjavic
Hilton Nordica
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Flight: United #1270 DEN-IAD
Departing From: Denver International (DEN)
Traveling To: Washington Dulles (IAD)
ETD: 06:40PM March 3, 2005 MST
ETA: 11:55PM March 3, 2005 EST
Est. Duration: 3 hr 15 min
Departure Gate: B32
Arrival Gate: C8
Seat: 26C
Equipment: Boeing 757
Miles:
Other:
Completely full with too much carry on luggage. I'm way in the back, past the acceptable land of Economy Plus. These are the inhuman seats that keep a million bad comedians working.
Took off a little late. Too long for everyone to get on board. Couldn't really work (couldn't open up the laptop all the way). The in flight movie was someting with Woody Harrelson and Pierce Brosnan about stealing diamonds. Predictable and forgettable.
I wish United could get its act together as to when they are going to serve meals and when they aren't. This was a "buy for $10 meal flight, although nothing in the itenerary to indicate this and the gate agent suggested I get something before boarding. Tried to upgrade, but I was way down the list. Doesn't seem to be a way to cash in miles either.
Traveling To: Washington Dulles (IAD)
ETD: 06:40PM March 3, 2005 MST
ETA: 11:55PM March 3, 2005 EST
Est. Duration: 3 hr 15 min
Departure Gate: B32
Arrival Gate: C8
Seat: 26C
Equipment: Boeing 757
Miles:
Other:
Completely full with too much carry on luggage. I'm way in the back, past the acceptable land of Economy Plus. These are the inhuman seats that keep a million bad comedians working.
Took off a little late. Too long for everyone to get on board. Couldn't really work (couldn't open up the laptop all the way). The in flight movie was someting with Woody Harrelson and Pierce Brosnan about stealing diamonds. Predictable and forgettable.
I wish United could get its act together as to when they are going to serve meals and when they aren't. This was a "buy for $10 meal flight, although nothing in the itenerary to indicate this and the gate agent suggested I get something before boarding. Tried to upgrade, but I was way down the list. Doesn't seem to be a way to cash in miles either.
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