Mar 27, 2009

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Phoenix AZ - March 27-April 3

Rating - 8.2 (driven PRIMARILY by the pool and great staff)

This was our Spring Break trip for 2009.

THIS IS NOT THE POINTE TAPATIO---that is the property I thought I booked.

Squaw Peak is better fitted for families with young (under 12) children. The room was "Embassy Suites Style" - a small room right through the main door with a pull-out couch and a small tv; a door that closes leads into the small bathroom/shower/tub and sink (that leaked); a pocket door and then 2 queen beds crammed into a small room; an extremely small patio that barely fit two chairs. The room was small, and older. We were in room 2238, located on the second floor (four floors total) next to the elevator, coke machine, and ice machine. Room was surprisingly quiet and located fairly close to the pool. The property in general reminds me of a Holiday Inn with a center court yard and pool. I used my Hilton points so the stay was "free", and I would have been pissed had I paid for it.

The pool was great for smaller kids. The deepest part of the pool was only 4 feet, and they had a smaller pool for toddlers. Had a great lazy river that was only a few feet deep, and relatively crowded all the time. That was our favorite place, it took about a 1/2 hour for two laps. They also had a small slide that Kara won a race on in 8 seconds to go down.

For a $2.95 daily fee you get the resort package. That also gets you access to the mini golf course. It is pretty basic, but the kids enjoyed playing it at least once a day. That fee is better than most charge, the Biltmore charges $28 a day in resort fees.

The chairs at the pool were pretty much full by 11 am, but the best part of the pool was the small depth (kids could run by themselves) and that they had activities 3 or 4 times a day: water slide race, balloon toss, watermelon eating contest, mini-golf, etc.

Without the pool, the rating would probably be a 3, although the staff was VERY NICE. Its just an old property. The last night we were upgraded to a casita. It was much bigger, but the master bed was on a second level loft style - so all the sound carried. In addition, there was a sky light that let the sun in around 7 am. It did have a fridge and microwave, but we ate every meal out.

Pointe Tapatio is much nicer (4 star vs. Squaw Peak 3 star), but seemed better suited for adults and older kids.

Meals are below.

Hole in the Wall Breakfast
2 Adult Buffet 28.00
3 Child Buffet 21.00
1 kid milk 2.00
Total 29.23

Pool Bar service
2 Blue Moon 14.00
1 G Canyon Chard 7.00
Total 22.74

Lantana Grille Breakfast
1 coffee 3.00
1 kid juice 1.25
1 classic eggs bene 12.00
1 mickey pancake 5.00
2 child buffet 15.90
1 full buffet 16.95
Total 58.59

Lantana Grille Breakfast
2 Full Buffet 33.90 (adults)
1 child Buffet 7.95
Total 41.85

Slim Pickins Lunch at Pool
1 The Rattler 10.00 (turkey wrap)
1 diet coke 3.00
Total 14.08

Rodeo Drive (ice cream)
5 single scoop 15.05
3 waffle cone 1.50

Total 17.92

Lantana Grille Breakfast
2 full buffet 33.90
3 child buffet 23.85
Total 61.49


Total for 6 nights: 219.98

Mar 26, 2009

Fox Valley Limo, Chicago - March 26

Rating -

I had to fire Smart Cars because they would not discount my rate of $106 to O'hare. Don't know about you but my travel budget got cut by 50% this year, and I took them to the airport over 40 times last year. They said they couldn't go any lower.

Had used Fox Valley in the past for personal travel, and their rate is $61....that's right40% less.

Don't ever use Smart Cars.

Plaza Market Bistro/Chase Building, Chicago IL - March 25

Rating - 5.0

This is the neat lunch area located in the basement of the Bank One/Chase building at Madison and Dearborn. Lots of choices. I ordered roast beef, but got Pastrami......the stir fry looked really good. There were 2 of us:

1 5 oz sandwich 5.44
1 cookie 1.59
1 Gatorade 1.49
1 kettle chip 1.09 --these are great
1 stir fry 6.19

Total 17.62

Park Hyatt, Chicago IL - March 25

Rating - 7.0

From the first time we visited the property in December our stays have each been a bit more disappointing. This is my third visit since, and the first I had to pay for.

Cancelled flight got me back in Chicago at 11:30 pm, I checked the web site and the Hyatt on Michigan Ave was $169, but it is REALLY OLD and sucks - rate at Park Hyatt was $345. I called Park Hyatt and told them how late I was arriving and they offered $279, I said it was not enough and they offered $229. I took it.

Arrived late, had them park the car, and they said I was "upgraded"....they must say that to everyone to make them feel better. Room was small, but quiet. They got rid of my favorite lotion in the bathroom.

Don't know that I will be back, they did not in any way exceed my expectation. I would rather stay at Ritz or Peninsula (each a block away).

Total - $309.25 (room + valet for 45)

Yard House, Newport Beach, CA - March 24

Rating - 9.2

Located in Fashion Island Mall, it is a really solid spot. We took a customer, and I usually really enjoy any of the Yardhouse I have been in (Pasadena, San Diego, Scottsdale). Service was great, and we sat on the patio.

Food is really good.

Ice Tea $2.95
Arnold Palmer $3.45
Roast beef dip 11.65
Seared Ahi sandwich 13.65
Lunch special (1/2 salad/sandwich) 8.95
Diet coke 2.95

Total $46.97

Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach CA - March 23-24

Rating - 7.0

This is usually one of my favorite properties. However, I had a room in the main building on the third floor (320) and it was complete garbage. In fact they should just take down the main building, it is old, has a bad oder, and is shows its age.

I do LOVE the little 9 hole golf course that you play with a wedge and a putter. Its $12 per player, and $2 to rent the two clubs, and they tried to scam us to buy some golf balls---just ask them for some they have sitting there.

We each had 1 glass of wine at the fire pit the first night ($28 for 2 ---- rip off). Breakfast was marginal in the main restaurant, and I would continue my theme of blowing up the entire main building.

I had to take a town car to LAX to catch my flight and should have used the limo service from the hotel for $120 because I paid more.

I will go back and give them another chance.

Total - $270.55 (base rate 180) - included golf and wines

Gulfstream, Newport Beach CA - March 23

Rating - 9.89

This is a great place to have dinner, or watch all the beautiful rich people in Newport Beach. Have been here several time with clients and it never disappoints.

Pre-dinner drinks
Bass Ale draft $7.00
Pyramid draft $7.00
Total - $15.09

Dinner
Dip Trio $10 - some horrible app
Scottish Salmon $25 - my dinner, it was huge and perfectly cooked, included some wonderful mashed
Bottle Adams Ridge $68
Ono $26

Total $139

After Dinner drinks
(2) Neal Family wines $28
Total $30.17

Then went and sat by the fire pit so Pete could have a smoke and enjoy the "fresh" air

Love it, love it, love it!!!

Chicago Bulls vs. LA Lakers, Home game - March 21

Rating - 9.0

It was really fun even though we were in the LAST ROW in the 300 level (section 330, row 17, seat 9). There were a lot of standing room only people around us, and the place was electric. Kobe was great, and after the Bulls got out to a large lead, the Lakers came back and blew them out. How these tickets were $46 is a joke, no wonder the NBA players are so overpaid.

It was my second NBA game of the year, and that is enough!

Not too many beers after being stuffed to the pig at Third Rail, but 2 draft beers were $12.50

Had one more in the UC bar after the game, but it was horrible, I don't think the lines have ever been cleaned.

Real Time Sports, St Charles IL - March 20

Rating - 9.1

We were with a big party (10+) for the first Friday in the NCAA tournament. It was tons of fun, all the games on, full of men but you could still move around and get to the bar. And they never were all the way full. Excellent service.

Good times!

No idea how much it was, left $80 on the bar and headed to Stockholms.

Third Rail Tavern, Chicago - March 21

Rating - 8.77

We made it over here after trying to get into West End to have lunch and watch basket ball (it was the Sat of the first weekend in the tourney). West End was full of 22-29 year olds and it was standing room only. We were too old to stand and eat, but the place was rocking.

So, we headed two block east to 1133 W Madison. We walked right in and got a table for the three of us....two more eventually joined us. They had 1/2 price martinis, but we drank beer.

The apps were fantastic, and the entrees were acceptable. Friendly service and never too crowded. Only downside was they only had one game on at a time.

matilda 8.00
blue moon 5.00
Molson (6@5.000) 30 -- Maggi
Wings (3@7.00) 21 --- these were simply fantastic!!!
Pyramid 5.00 --- not the real one, this beer was horrible
Hacker-Psorr 7.00 ---wonder who that was
Miller lite (2@4.00) 8.00
Goose Seasonal (3@5.00) 15.00
Labatts Blue (2@5.00) 10.00
Chips n Pico 5.00
Fries (2@6.00) 12.00 ---these are the Pub Fries covered in garlic and cheese----SO GOOD
Schneider Weiss (2@7.00) 14.00
Tavern Burger 9.00
Third Rail Grilled Cheese 6.00
Bacon 1.00
BBQ Burger 10.00
Coors lite 4.00

Total $176.56 --- and too full to move

We stopped back in after the game and it was pretty crowded, all the tables full, but you still could elbow in at the bar if needed.

I would go back!

Stockholm's, Geneva IL - March 20

Rating - 9.7 (that low because we had to wait 1/2 hour to get seated and it was crowded)

Another Friday in Lent. Food was exceptional as always

1 cup chowder $2.49
1 pub burger $8.34 - that was for the Heathen Maggi
1 lobster cobb $13.99
1 fish and chips $9.99 - me, and it was excellent
1 kid gr chees $4.00
1 kid chicken $4.00
1 kid smilley fries $2.00
Food $44.81

3 franz $18.75
3 hob nob pinot noir $24
Beverages $42.75 ---- dont you hate it when the bar bill is bigger than the food bill!!!!

Total - 94.13

Donalds Famous Hot Dogs, Chicago - March 18

Rating - 10.0++++

My FAVORITE hot dog joint in all of Chicago. Very convenient when you are near Midway.

Address is 4759 S. Central, Stickney, IL ---- really located south of I55 at Central.

Really quaint, neat place. Plenty of parking, and AWESOME FOOD.

(2) Large Italian Beef $4.34
(2) Fries $1.75
(2) Pepsi $1.35

Total - $16.37

Donalds Famous Hot Dogs, Chicago - March 18

Rating - 10.0++++

Hertz, Pitsburgh - March 17-18

Rating - 8.2

Well I had to pay an extra $25 to upgrade as two joined me who had delayed flights. Had the Ford Crossover and it is really a nice car. Newer model, clean and drove great.

Total - $133.35

Embassy Suites, Pittsburgh Airport - March 17-18

Rating - 5.7

The property is a bit hard to get to off the expressway. I was in room 107 and it was pretty crappy - old and smelled bad. But at midnight, who cares.

The breakfast was ok, but Embassy must be cutting back on what they offer, not that many breakfast choices.

It is not that close to the airport, about a 15 minute drive.

Total - $169.86, and that is TOO MUCH

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Atlanta Thrashers, PIt - March 17

Rating 8.9

Mellon Arena is old and needs to be torn down and replaced (it is). It reminds me of the old arena in St Louis. I sat in Section B5, Row A, Seat 9, great seats in the corner where the Pens shoot once.

The team is great, Crosby and Malikin are amazing.....and they won 7-2 with a fight right in front of us.

A great evening, beers were around $6 a pop.

Ticket Price - $77.00 per

August Henerey's, Pittsburgh - March 17

Rating - 8.0

Took some customers to dinner before the hockey game, it was St. Paddy's day. There were two customers and two of us. The place is perfect for before a game, not too crowded, decent service and GREAT WINGS. Food was on the high side of bar food. Done with plenty of time to take a couple of block walk to the game.

2 apps
4 entrees
lots of beers

Total $108.01

Tonic Bar and Grill, Pittsburgh - March 17

Rating - 7.0

Located right across the street from the Westin and our customers office. Met them there for a drink. The prices were dirt cheap, and the place was just ok. Strange crowd, but there was a convention in town.

1 Nugget nectar $4.50 - some kind of draft beer
1 Miller Lite $2.25
1 Rusty Nail $5.50
1 Sam Adam btl $2.75

Total 16.05

GAB Bakery, O'hare - March 17

Rating - 8.9

Located on the right just before you enter terminal K. Its always good, although service can be slow. Not this time, they were quick and order was perfect.

1 bagel w/meat $4.79
1 OJ Btl $2.59

Total 8.23

Stockholm's, Geneva IL - March 13

Rating - 9.9999999

Family dinner on a lenten Friday. It is always FABULOUS. We had to wait a bit, but the kids like to sit at the video games while we have a cocktail. I love the Franz beer. Food was exceptional.

1 kid chicken $4
1 kid gr chees $4
1 kid smily fries $2
1 fish & chips $9.99 - mine and it was YUM
1 lobster cobb $13.99
3 ice cream $9
Food $42.98

3 Franz (beers) $18.75
2 trapiche Malbec gl $15.00
"Beverages" $33.75

Total $82.48

Grand Hyatt Room Service, San Francisco - March 11

Rating - 8.9

I don't really enjoy the hotel. I only got room service for lunch because the rate I used had a $25 credit for room service.

I went for a walk before lunch, ordered before I left, and they arrived right on time. I had a really good burger, and part of a brownie sundae (I only got that because I was trying to spend the entire credit).

Delivery Charge $3.00
Angus Cheddar Burger $16.00
Warm brownie sun $9.00

Total $35.13

Scala's Bistro, San Francisco - March 10

Rating - 7.1

We had a customer lunch seminar here. The location is NOT in the restaurant, as the RUDE host told me when I walked into the restaurant, but in the hotel that is connected. We got a weird meeting room that was way off to the side, I had to stand in the lobby to direct people to the right spot, and that was interesting because there was a trial lawyers meeting on the other side.

Meeting room was pretty bad; old, dingy, needs to be retired.

Food was excellent.

Don't know the price

Scala's Bistro
432 Powell StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102
Phone 415-395-8555

In-n-Out, Fisherman's Wharf - March 10

Rating - 10.0

At least I had a cup of chowder first down on the wharf. I found the infamous in-n-out while walking down the strip, it was AWESOME as ALWAYS.

Double double $3.30
FF $1.39
Med Coke $1.50

Total $6.72 - YOU CANT BEAT THIS EVER

Grand Hyatt, San Francisco - March 10 -11

Rating 6.0

The hotel is just ok. If you have read my blog from last year, you know I had a horrible experience last stay. It was a bit better this time around.

When I checked in I asked for a room on the Regency Club level, was told I had one, and then once I got to the room realized it was one floor below. I called down, and they moved up the one floor, but I had to go all the way back to the desk to get the new room key.

The Regency Room has a GREAT view, and the break fast is pretty good.

As for the room itself, its just ok. King bed, small desk, ok bathroom. If I was not a Diamond Hyatt member I would stay somewhere else.

Another post to come on the room service.

$192 for one night (it included a $25 credit for room service)

Gold Coast Dogs, O'hare - March 2

Rating - 9.8

This is located in the "reject" AA terminal all the way to the left, its terminal "L".

I had the excellent beef, fries and a drink for $8.45.

More than you would pay in the city, but it is excellent.

Hertz, Orlando - March 3-6

Rating - .1

Hertz sucks, their service is slipping as are the cars. I was told by an employee in LA that they were keeping cars longer, they were in worse condition, and the fleet was less so they could charge more.

Pretty much reflected at Hertz Orlando. It is off the airport, so you have to take the shuttle and return it out of the airport complex. Tricky to get to, and DON'T BUY GAS AT THE STATION ACROSS THE STREET.

I paid over $4 a gallon, when the weekend before in Chicago the rate was $1.60--literally high way robbery!!!!

Oh, and my car was small, dirty, and in general awful!

$231.22 for three day rental.

JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando FL - March 3-6

Rating 6.1 --lowered on further review based on rate

Property was nice, but in the middle of nowhere. Easy to get to from the airport, but nothing around it at all. There was a Ritz that shared the property and the meeting rooms, health club.

Room was decent; clean and big. Bed was OK.

We had a customer event at the hotel over three days, and the meeting rooms were just OK. It shows its age, and I don't think I would go back there.

Health club was pretty good, bunch of cardio machines, good free weight area, and it was close to the rooms.

Pool looked nice, never was there.

There was also a Greg Norman golf course where we had a cocktail reception in the evening...that was very nice.

If I was bringing the family back to Orlando I would stay in Disney and not here.

Maid gets big props for finding my wedding band in the bathroom for me!

$989.58 for three nights ($279/night) is WAY TOO MUCH in this economy.

Mar 8, 2009

Life Time Fitness Spa, Warrenville IL - March 8

Rating 10.00

Got the 1 1/2 hour massage from Patty.

Awesome

Ballydoyle, Aurora IL - March 6

Rating - 8.99

Located at 28 W New York Street, right across from the Casino. Just opened two weeks ago, it a really great Irish bar. Authentic, good beers, Irish Dancers and a band....will be even better this summer when the deck opens (it will hold 150). We arrived around 7, a party of 8, and were immediately seated in a back room. That worked out well, because the main room is open, has the bar, and the stage in it.

I walked around, and there is a second bar behind the main one (smaller, but quieter) and several really quaint other rooms. There are windows internally that can be opened, so everything does open to the main area/stage.

They do not take reservations, and there was a wait for tables later. I would assume once the word spreads about this place it will be much more popular. The crowd was mixed between families (early), couples, and some scum (it will be intereseting to see if they can keep that out). About the only downside is the parking situation, you can park in casino lot, or walk a few blocks.

Beer was great (guniess, or Franzinkaner for me), apps were really good, and entree was above average. I think everyone at the table ordered fish and chips (it was a Friday during lent) and it was good but there were only 3 small pieces, chips/fries were great. We had the Irish chips as an app, and these are homemade chips that were awesome.

Lots of beers, lots of apps, and dinner for all 8 = $350 for the table. Not bad at all.

I ordered 1 more round after dinner and it was:

1 franz $5.50
1 Guiness $5.50
1 Baileys Coffee 7.00

Total - $19.80

I will be back

Mar 6, 2009

JW Marriott, Orlando Grande Lakes - March 3-6

Rating 8.22

It is a nice venue, great lobby, pool and very friendly staff. My room (9023) was big with a nice bathroom and a good view (king bed).

We hosted a meeting here, and the place is designed to have big conventions. The meeting space was just ok, looked a little beat, and the space for our rooms was strange (long and skinny).

We did a couple of cocktail parties outside and they were nice. Although it was cold on Wednesday night by the pool, Thursday night was much better overlooking the golf course.

I was not impressed Thursday night when the "turn-down" service knocked on the door at 9:55 pm. The maid service was GREAT.

Would not take the family there, ok for a meeting.

Moon Fish, Orlando FL - March 3

Rating 7.0

It was very crowded for a Tuesday night at 8 pm. Lots of big parties and guys in suits.

The service was excellent, and the food was ok. It was a bit disappointing since we had a customer event here a year ago and it was outstanding.

I had a bone in sword fish, it was pretty good. Bevin had the crab legs and was not impressed. In fact she was very disappointed that the soft shell crabs were $69 for a "bowl" or $15 per.

I did have a great beer that was served in a bottle that looked like a wine bottle, Chimay - very good.

Total - $87 (approx)

Mar 1, 2009

Riva, Naperville IL - 2/28 Coctails

Rating 9.0

This is located in Calamos's headquarters building. The restaurant is good, but we like to have a few after dinner drinks here. They always have a small band playing on Saturday nights, and the three piece jazz band was great.

They also have a nice bar, with great chocolate martinis and cold beer. I like the two tvs behind the bar. They had a good crowd. I am pretty sure they decreased their prices.

1 choc martini 10.00
2 312 beers 9.50

Total 21.11

Hot mamma LOVEs the martinis

Capri Ristorante Italinano, Naperville IL - 2/28 Dinner

Rating 10++

2155 City Gate Lane, Naperville, 630-904-8101

No question it is the BEST restaurant in the Western Suburbs. And they had a great crowd for a Saturday night, when we left at 8:30 every table was full, the bar was full, and there were people waiting for our table.

Bobby was our waiter and is our favorite. He is always honest about what to order ("special" or chicken parm - Bobby "you will have the chicken parm"). Andy was working as host, and papa was in the dining room watching over it and giving advice. So glad they are doing well.

Dinner:

Chicken Parm -- (my favorite)
Home made rigatoni with Vodka sauce (Katie's favorite)
2 glass of wine
3 peronis

$70.14

AWESOME

Rosebud Prime, Chicago - 2/26 lunch

Rating 9.9

This is an absolute favorite for business lunches in the Loop. Located near the Rosebud at 70 W Madison.

There were five of us, service excellent, food better, and atmosphere great.

I had my favorite bacon cheese burger (too much for me to finish), and it was cooked to perfection. Fries are unbelievable, just like Steak and Shake.

We also had the mac and cheese for the table and it was awesome.

Don't know what the final bill was, but it was worth every penny.

Pizz Rustica, NY - 2/25

Rating 10

Had to go for a few slices of cheese on Ash Wednesday........2 of us, 2 slices each, 2 drinks all for:

$12.50

Can be beat