Flight: American #1442 ORD-DCA

Departing From: Chicago, IL (ORD)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (DCA)
ETD: 4:10PM September 26, 2007 CST (Actual 5:30 PM)
ETA: 6:15PM September 26, 2007 EST
Est. Duration: 2 h 30 m
Departure Gate: H4
Arrival Gate: 28
Seat: 31D
Equipment: MD-80
Miles:
Other:

Full flight, way in the back next to the engines. Thank God for Etoymonic Isolator earphones. Two days of endless stress traveling due to delays, wait listed flights, and no hotels available in the Ohare area. This one left reasonably on-time and was just glad when it was over.

Do yourself a favor and avoid Chicago Ohare whenever possible. Its a chaotic place without customer service and few options if there is a problem. Gates change frequently and you'll never hear the announcements. Gate agents are overloaded, customer service counters are non-existent or unstaffed, food choices are bad or too busy to use.

Had to grab a sandwich from Starbucks - the only portable things available outside McDonald's as our gate was changed three times. Back of an MD-80 has good things - the left side is a galley area so less passengers (meaning less crowded, less noise, less luggage, etc.), but the engines mounted on the side are noisy so plan accordingly.

Flight: Southwest #2997 JAN-BWI

Departing From: Jackson, MS (JAN)
Traveling To: Baltimore, MD (BWI)
ETD: 2:55PM September 14, 2007
ETA: 6:15PM September 14, 2007
Est. Duration: 2 h 30 m
Departure Gate: 4
Arrival Gate: B something
Seat:
Equipment: Boeing 737
Miles:
Other:

Flight was not very crowded, a little turbulent with the remainder of a hurricane we were flying through.

Flight: Southwest #1161 BWI-JAN

Departing From: Baltimore, MD (BWI)
Traveling To: Jackson, MS (JAN)
ETD: 5:30PM September 13, 2007
ETA: 6:30PM September 13, 2007
Est. Duration: 2 h 30 m
Departure Gate: A-4
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: Boeing 737
Miles:
Other:

Full flight, typical Southwest experience...

Flight: Southwest #133 MCI-BWI

Departing From: Kansas City, MS (MCI)
Traveling To: Baltimore, MD (BWI)
ETD: 7:20PM (CST) August 29, 2007
ETA: 10:40PM (EST) August 29, 2007
Est. Duration: 2 h 30 m
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: Boeing 737
Miles:
Other:

Flight: Midwest #100 DCA-MCI

Departing From: Washington, DC (DCA)
Traveling To: Kansas City, MS (MCI)
ETD: 7:20PM (CST) August 29, 2007
ETA: 10:40PM (EST) August 29, 2007
Est. Duration: 2 h 30 m
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: Boeing 717
Miles:
Other:

Nice flight - very comfortable. Meals available for purchase that were good as well.

Flight: US Air 2043 BOS-DCA

Departing From: Boston, MA (BOS)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (DCA)
ETD: 4:45PM August 27, 2007
ETA: 6:15PM August 27, 2007
Est. Duration: 1 h 30 m
Departure Gate: B-18
Arrival Gate: 43
Seat: 18C
Equipment: Airbus 319
Miles:
Other:

Switched to an earlier flight - got back to the airport sooner than expected. Nice an empty, no one in the aisle with me. US Air tried the $25 stand by fee again then waived it. Silly.

Ear pain from air pressure in cabin again. Only happens on Airbus 319... Ear didn't clear until tomorrow morning.

Flight: US Air 2028 DCA-BOS

Departing From: Washington, DC (DCA)
Traveling To: Boston, MA (BOS)
ETD: 9:45PM August 27, 2007
ETA: 11:15AM August 27, 2007
Est. Duration: 1 h 30 m
Departure Gate: 45
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 10C
Equipment: Airbus 319
Miles:
Other:

Supposed to go 8:45 on 2026 - messed up tickets, changed to 9:45. US Air is trying to charge $25 for a "stand by fee", waiving it for now. Probably to let us get used to the idea. Note to self, avoid US Air. This was a full fare charge on the Shuttle, for cryin' out loud.

Flight: American #1879 DCA-MIA

Departing From: Washington, DC (DCA)
Traveling To: Miami, FL (MIA)
ETD: 7:15AM August 6, 2007
ETA: 9:40AM August 6, 2007
Est. Duration: 2 h
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment:
Miles:
Other:

Flight: American #1290 MIA-DCA

Departing From: Miami, FL (MIA)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (DCA)
ETD: 7:15PM August 6, 2007
ETA: 9:40AM August 6, 2007
Est. Duration: 2 h
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment:
Miles:
Other:

Menu: Restaurants by City

View Resturant in a larger map

California

Los Angeles

Charlie Parker's (Orange County)
Sonoma Grill (Norwalk)

Monterey/Big Sur

Sacramento

Taro's by Mikuni

District of Columbia

Clyde's (Gallery Place)
Filomena (Georgetown)
Les Halles (Federal Triangle)
Malaysia Kopitiam (Dupont Circle)
National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill (National Harbor)
Oceanaire Seafood House (Metro Center)
Papa Razzi (Georgetown)

Indiana

Indianapolis

Carrabba's Italian Grill - Southport

Illinois

Chicago

Bella Bacino's
Volare
Wildfire

Maryland

Baltimore

Rusty Scupper
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5, Baltimore
Shula's Steak House, Baltimore

Bethesda

Baja Fresh
Barking Dog
Black's
Brown Bag
Caddie's on Cordell
Cafe Deluxe Bethesda
City Lights of China
Chipotle
Crossfire
Hard Times Cafe
Haven Neapolitan Pizzeria
Jaleo
La Madeline
Lebanese Taverna
Legal Seafood, Montgomery Mall
Mama Lucia's
McCormick and Schmick's
Moby Dick's House of Kabob

Mon Ami Gabi
Moon Gate
Oakville Grille and Wine Bar
Pasitano
Perfect Pita
Philadelphia Mike's
Pizzaria Da Marco
Quizno's
Raku
Redwood
RiRa
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Tako Grill
Tastee Diner
Terrace Deli
Vace Italian Delicatessen

Chevy Chase

La Ferme

Columbia/Ellicot City

Clyde's of Columbia
The Kings Contrivance
Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant

Kensington

China Gourmet
K-Town Bistro
Savannah's

Aspen Hill/Olney

Al Sospiro Trattoria
Big Greek Cafe
Moby Dick's House of Kabob
Olney Grill
Ricciuti's Brick Oven Pizza
Sakura - Olney
Spring Garden (closed)

Rockville/White Flint

Clyde's Tower Oaks
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Moonlight Gourmet (closed)
Ruby Tuesday
Seasons 52
Sushi Damo

Wheaton

Christina's

Massachusetts

Boston

The Palm

Minnesota

Bloomington

Twin City Grill

Minneapolis

Ruth Chris Steak House

St. Paul

Great Waters Brewing Company
Sakura
Sushi Tango
The Wild Tymes

New York

New York City

Avra
Shinbashi

North Caroline

Outer Banks

Lifesaving Station, Duck
New York Pizza Pub, Nags Head

Pennsylvania

Exton

Eagle Tavern
White Horse Tavern

Lancaster

Iron Horse Inn

Northern PA

Mary Wells Dining Room, Wellsboro

Pottstown

Inn at St. Peter's Village
Longhorn Steakhouse
Sunnybrook Ballroom

Texas

Dallas

La Calle Doce

Grapevine

Gaylord Texan Resort, Texan Station

Utah

Salt Lake City

Capo Gelateria
Naked Fish
Vivace

Virginia

Tysons/McLean

Cafe Deluxe - Tyson's
Chef Geoff's - Tyson's
Daily Grill
Legal Seafood
McCormick & Schmick's
Wildfire

Washington

Seattle

Von's

Wenatchee

Shakti's

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Umami Moto

==

Hotel: Quality Suites Oceanfront - Jacksonville

City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Chain: Quality Inn
Property: Quality Suites Oceanfront, Jacksonville
Address: 11 North 1st Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Phone Number: 904-435-3535

Check Out: March 2007



Right on the beach. A Florida Beach with palm trees and everything. A bit far from JAX airport, maybe 25 miles.

Like many beachfront hotels, the decor was a little beat up and not very stylish. Because it doesn't have to be, because you are there for the beach. It's a bit more noticeable when you are not there for the beach but are there for business.

Staff was extremely nice and courteous, and the rooms were very clean. They had free breakfast in the morning in the style of a Hampton Inn, but it wasn't very good. Too microwave tasting or something - strange. Better food/bar would have knocked up my score a bit. The hotel gift shop is stocked with beer and wine. Internet was free in the room - cabled. The rooms have a balcony overlooking the dunes and then the beach, with a wide boardwalk (concrete actually) in front.

Because of daylight savings time, didn't really see what the beach looked like since it was dark when we got in, and dark when we got up. A few quick pictures, and we sat outside waiting for our ride to the airport, which was nice.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: .5 Breakfast only (bad)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 1 (free wired)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1 (excellent)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 6.5

Directions:

Last Visit: March, 2007 ($159 a night, corporate rate)

Hotel: Sleep Inn Charlottesville

City: Charlottesville, VA
Chain: Sleep Inn
Property: Sleep Inn Charlottesville
Address: 5th Avenue, Charlottesville, VA
Phone Number: (434) 244-9969

Check Out: February 2007



Discount hotel, short on ammenities, but clean. Room ("suite" style) wasn't much on furniture but it was very large.

They provide breakfast in the morning, but there's a Waffle House across the street, and a Burger King next store. Not an interesting part of Charlottesville, but close to the Interstate.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: .5 Breakfast only (didn't try it - we went across the street)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 0 ("data jack" is a phone jack - although I found an open WiFi nearby)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: .5
  

Total: 5

Directions:

Last Visit: February 13, 2007 ($209 a night)

Hotel: Sheraton Great Valley

City: Frazer, PA
Chain: Sheraton
Property: Sheraton Great Valley Hotel
Address: 707 East Lancaster Avenue, Route 202 and 30, Frazer, Pennsylvania, 19355
Phone Number: (610) 524-5500

Check Out: February 2007



Very nice hotel. Frequented by QVC visitors (QVC is nearby), so much higher than normal ratio of famous people to regular people as they try to sell their merchendise. Rooms were nice, staff was very nice. The air conditioner in the room was way too loud and they promptly changed us to another room.

Attached to the hotel is a nice historic inn, with a nice breakfast in the morning. Definately worth another stay.

A little difficult to get to depending on the direction you are approaching on route 30. You might need to get off at Exton and drive down old route 30.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: ? (unknown)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: ?
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1 (awesome - high up and wasteful)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 7

Directions:


View Larger Map

Last Visit: February 13, 2007 ($209 a night)

Restaurant: La Calle Doce

415 West 12th Street
Dallas, Texas 75208
214-941-4304

Had lunch here, and it's a great little place to eat. Unique, or probably authentic, mexican cooking. Home cooked nachos, seafood soup, and great tacos and fajitas. Nice but casual.

The flan was a real treat. Much denser than what I have had in the past. Almost like a cheesecake in consistency.

Hotel: Courtyard Dallas Market Center

City: Dallas, TX
Chain: Marriott
Property: Courtyard Dallas Market Center
Address: 2150 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207
Phone Number: (214) 653-1166

Check Out: February 13, 2007



Your basic Courtyard experience, although the shower was much nicer than usual, and the dining room and room service seemed a bit more than usual. Also, a real bar with a real bartender who poured great drinks.

There's a Denny's next store if you need something different. There's a little pool and garden area in the middle of the building (outside). It seemed a bit more upscale than a normal Courtyard.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: 1 (free and slow, or paid and fast)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1 (awesome - high up and wasteful)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 9

Directions:

Last Visit: February 13, 2007 ($209 a night)

Flight: United #5351 SAT-IAD

Departing From: San Antonio, TX (SAT)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (IAD)
ETD: 12:02PM February 14, 2007 (actual: 3:00 PM)
ETA: 3:20PM February 14, 2007 (actual: 7:00 PM)
Est. Duration:
Departure Gate: 16
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment:
Miles:
Other:

I was supposed to be on a 1-stop through O'hare. But there was winter weather all up the northeast portion of the country which killed schedules everywhere. This was a flight that was supposed to leave before I got to the airport, but it was delayed because Dulles was closed. So, I was able to get on, which was a double bonus:

My connection through O'hare was cancelled later.
The equipment and crew were here, so I knew this flight would get there once Dulles was open.

So, ended up home a little later than original, but I did much better than I would have with the original tickets!

Airports: Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Airport Name: Charlotte/Douglas International Airport
FAA Sign: CLT
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Airport Web Site: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Home.htm

Airports: Reagan National Airport (DCA)

Airport Name: Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport
FAA Sign: DCA
Location: Washington, DC USA
Airport Web Site: http://www.metwashairports.com/national/

The smallest, and the best of the three Washington area commercial airports. The perfect size for lots of services, easy parking, and getting in and our easily. There is a Metro stop right there, and the daily parking is an easy walk across a bridge to get inside. Lots of dining and shopping, an incredible view across the Potomac river to our nation's capital.

Driving there can be difficult. During rush hour you are fighting every other driver in the DC area. One mistake by one driver on the GW parkway means you might miss your flight if your schedule is tight. However, heads and shoulders the best experience compared to IAD and BWI.

Restaurant: White Horse Tavern

707 East Lancaster Avenue, Route 202 & 30
Frazer, PA 19355
Phone: 610-524-5500

Historic tavern attached to a Sheraton hotel. The decor is "tavern" - a fireplace in each room, chair rail moulding, creaky floors, etc. We had breakfast here buffet style, and it was good and the service was good.

We liked all the horse themed pictures on the walls.

Flight: US Air #2043 BOS-DCA

Departing From: Boston, MA (BOS)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (DCA)
ETD: 04:45PM January 23, 2007
ETA: 06:20PM January 23, 2007
Est. Duration:
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: Airbus A319
Miles:
Other:

Flight: US Air #978 CLT-BOS

Departing From: Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Traveling To: Boston, MA (BOS)
ETD: 09:30PM January 22, 2007
ETA: 11:24PM January 22, 2007
Est. Duration:
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: Boeing 757-200
Miles:
Other:

Flight: US Air #2362 Gainsville, FL-CLT

Departing From: Gainesville, FL
Traveling To: Charlotte, NC (CLT)
ETD: 07:10PM January 22, 2007
ETA: 08:30PM January 22, 2007
Est. Duration:
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: CRJ50
Miles:
Other:

Flight: US Air #2401 CLT-Gainesville, FL

Departing From: Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Traveling To: Gainesville, FL
ETD: 09:19AM January 22, 2007
ETA: 10:36AM January 22, 2007
Est. Duration:
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: CRJ50
Miles:
Other:

Flight: US Air #1680 DCA-CLT

Departing From: Washington, DC (DCA)
Traveling To: Charlotte, NC (CLT)
ETD: 06:59AM January 22, 2007
ETA: 09:19AM January 22, 2007
Est. Duration:
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat:
Equipment: Airbus A320
Miles:
Other: