Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Jul 31, 2017 5:50:31 GMT -5
One of my pet peeves are high end hotels who ding you for wifi, parking etc. I recently stayed in a hotel in Spokane that actually charged $25 each way for the 20 minute airport shuttle, The hotel was around $250/ night. They also charged for wifi and parking. (Had to stay there to attend a convention of a group I belng to). Grrrr When I reviewed them, I gave them a piece of my mind about the nickel and dimeing Go on Trip advisor and write a review. I do read the reviews and consider that.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2017 7:32:43 GMT -5
As others have said- clean, quiet room comes first. Coffee (at least) readily available in the AM. Gym with at least an elliptical trainer and a stationary bike- enough of them that you don't have to wait, and in working order. Space doesn't matter like it used to; for longer stays DH and I always wanted a "lounging space" for DH so that he could relax in the room and watch TV while I went out on more adventures, but now it's just me.
Pluses: a pool big enough for swimming laps (I've seen some that are a joke), refrigerator in room.
Don't care about the TV at all, I have Netflix on my PC and always bring books.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Jul 31, 2017 8:56:24 GMT -5
Pretty much what everyone else has said,clean, quiet, a place to get breakfast even if it's not free and wifi. I seldom travel for work anymore, and DH and I don't usually spend a lot of time in hotels since we are generally visiting family and stay with them.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 31, 2017 19:07:05 GMT -5
Clean and quiet. Must have wifi. Don't care if breakfast is included or not but do like breakfast nearby.
I have learned that if I stay downtown in cities, I usually have to pay to park. Usually are no other options to park.
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Aug 1, 2017 7:07:44 GMT -5
Well, I am looking for a hotel now. Gonna meet up with my sis in the town where my niece is attending Pharmacy school. It is myself, DH, DS and DD who are going. We would like to get a queen suite so that DH and I have our own bed, DD has a bed and DS would sleep on the sleeper sofa. Actually DD and DS could take turns using the sleeper sofa and queen bed. So, that is one issue. Getting a roll away cot is very uncomfortable. And, I could sleep with DD and DS could sleep with DH but nobody seems to like that lol. SO what i am finding is that a lot of hotels have King suites with a king bed and separate room with sleeper sofa. Very few queen suites. And, the hotels with 2 queen beds don't seem to have sleeper sofas anymore! And, some of them don't even offer a roll away cot. The other thing we like is free breakfast. Now, my sis wants and indoor pool and hottub. Some of the hotels only have an outdoor pool. And some have an indoor pool and no hottub.
So, to find a hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, sleeper sofa and free breakfast is the quest! First world problems! OMG!
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Aug 1, 2017 9:12:50 GMT -5
Well, I am looking for a hotel now. Gonna meet up with my sis in the town where my niece is attending Pharmacy school. It is myself, DH, DS and DD who are going. We would like to get a queen suite so that DH and I have our own bed, DD has a bed and DS would sleep on the sleeper sofa. Actually DD and DS could take turns using the sleeper sofa and queen bed. So, that is one issue. Getting a roll away cot is very uncomfortable. And, I could sleep with DD and DS could sleep with DH but nobody seems to like that lol. SO what i am finding is that a lot of hotels have King suites with a king bed and separate room with sleeper sofa. Very few queen suites. And, the hotels with 2 queen beds don't seem to have sleeper sofas anymore! And, some of them don't even offer a roll away cot. The other thing we like is free breakfast. Now, my sis wants and indoor pool and hottub. Some of the hotels only have an outdoor pool. And some have an indoor pool and no hottub. So, to find a hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, sleeper sofa and free breakfast is the quest! First world problems! OMG! If it's Albany, NY I can give you some hints on where to avoid.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Aug 1, 2017 9:14:58 GMT -5
Location Clean (includes no bed bugs) wi-fi.
If it's vacation travel, I want a pool and hot tub. If traveling with the kids, I want breakfast included.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Aug 1, 2017 9:21:39 GMT -5
Depends on why I'm staying there. If I have an early am flight, I spend the night in a hotel near the airport. I want good sound proofing and a free shuttle to the airport. If I'm staying in a city where I want to sightsee, I want a good location: walking distance to major atractipns and/or easy walking distance to public transportation. Also a good selection of restaurants and eateries nearby. Cleanliness, of course. I do check reviews. I don't care about breakfast as long as there is a Starbucs (or similar) nearby. I recently booked a room in New Orleans for the weekend prior to my cruise. I chose one that's a couple blocks away from Bourbon St, I think an Embassy Suites(?), but still a chain that had good reviews for cleanliness. I wanted to be close enough to get home after having a beverage on Bourbon, but not close enough that I won't be able to sleep from the loud partying going on around me. but my basic requirements are that the place is clean and safe. I'm not a fan of buffets in general, people are gross. I don't need all the amenities, just a place to sleep. when I was travelling for work, I'd seek out the names that qualified for frequent guest programs, but that's no longer an issue. I tend to lean toward Courtyards because that was my first choice back then.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Aug 1, 2017 9:41:49 GMT -5
I guess my basic requirements are location, cleanliness, Wi-Fi.
If money were no object then I'd stay in Kimpton properties every trip. We sometimes book a fancy suite night just because. I have my wine in the jetted tub, wine during the happy hour in the lobby, go out for a lovely night on the town.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Aug 1, 2017 9:57:23 GMT -5
Depends on why I'm staying there. If I have an early am flight, I spend the night in a hotel near the airport. I want good sound proofing and a free shuttle to the airport. If I'm staying in a city where I want to sightsee, I want a good location: walking distance to major atractipns and/or easy walking distance to public transportation. Also a good selection of restaurants and eateries nearby. Cleanliness, of course. I do check reviews. I don't care about breakfast as long as there is a Starbucs (or similar) nearby. I recently booked a room in New Orleans for the weekend prior to my cruise. I chose one that's a couple blocks away from Bourbon St, I think an Embassy Suites(?), but still a chain that had good reviews for cleanliness. I wanted to be close enough to get home after having a beverage on Bourbon, but not close enough that I won't be able to sleep from the loud partying going on around me. but my basic requirements are that the place is clean and safe. I'm not a fan of buffets in general, people are gross. I don't need all the amenities, just a place to sleep. when I was travelling for work, I'd seek out the names that qualified for frequent guest programs, but that's no longer an issue. I tend to lean toward Courtyards because that was my first choice back then. Speaking of New Orleans, last time there, we stayed at an iconic hotel right on Bourbon street (though the room was on the other side, so quiet). I was absolutely and completely underimpressed. It looked worn, and I'd stayed at much nicer "fancy" hotels than that. Decided that I really appreciate a minifridge and microwave, too. The Hilton we stayed at on our way down had that set up, and it was so nice, despite being more basic in decor. (We had our 2 yo with us on that trip, so it would've been really nice to be able to warm up the leftover outrageously priced mac and cheese we bought for him.)
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murphath
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Post by murphath on Aug 1, 2017 10:38:20 GMT -5
Most of the time we'll search out a bed and breakfast. Never been disappointed and the breakfast is usually very good. An added bonus is the ability of the b&b owner/s to give advice on things to do, best place for lunch/dinner etc. Going to Smoky Mountains in September and have booked what looks to be a lovely B&B--atleast the reviews are great. Just $145 night which isn't bad when you consider the inclusion of a good breakfast (with tip/tax etc. that could run from $25-$30 for two people). Just what we'll need to start the hiking off to a good start.
When travelling abroad, we'll opt for a airbnb approach. Usually much less expensive that a hotel and we like the idea of a kitchen to prepare breakfast and/or a few other meals.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Aug 1, 2017 10:46:18 GMT -5
Location, wifi, at least a fridge, a microwave would be nice, breakfast and a chain I have rewards with. If I'm staying for more than a night a pool and gym would be nice. I go for Marriott brands first, Holiday Inn second and Hilton or Choice if I have to.
Breakfast isn't a hill to die on. It's nice because I need something but nothing huge. I can't have eggs so most big breakfasts are a waste to me. I stayed in a Marriott for my wedding weekend. I'm gold status so I could get in the lounge. I had yogurt, a little fruit and either bacon or sausage. Quick and easy and just enough for me.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Aug 1, 2017 10:49:16 GMT -5
Location, wifi, at least a fridge, a microwave would be nice, breakfast and a chain I have rewards with. If I'm staying for more than a night a pool and gym would be nice. I go for Marriott brands first, Holiday Inn second and Hilton or Choice if I have to. Breakfast isn't a hill to die on. It's nice because I need something but nothing huge. I can't have eggs so most big breakfasts are a waste to me. I stayed in a Marriott for my wedding weekend. I'm gold status so I could get in the lounge. I had yogurt, a little fruit and either bacon or sausage. Quick and easy and just enough for me. Congratulations!
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 1, 2017 11:01:17 GMT -5
Most of the time we'll search out a bed and breakfast. Never been disappointed and the breakfast is usually very good. An added bonus is the ability of the b&b owner/s to give advice on things to do, best place for lunch/dinner etc. Going to Smoky Mountains in September and have booked what looks to be a lovely B&B--atleast the reviews are great. Just $145 night which isn't bad when you consider the inclusion of a good breakfast (with tip/tax etc. that could run from $25-$30 for two people). Just what we'll need to start the hiking off to a good start. When travelling abroad, we'll opt for a airbnb approach. Usually much less expensive that a hotel and we like the idea of a kitchen to prepare breakfast and/or a few other meals. I've gotten some phenomenal recommendations for restaurants from B&B owners. Restaurants that there would have been no way I'd have found them on my own. B&Bs usually have better breakfasts too.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Aug 1, 2017 11:14:09 GMT -5
Mainly I care if the place is clean. It's a place to lay my head at night, not some place I plan on spending a large of amount time in. DH wants a hot tub and pool.
I could take or leave free breakfast but I find with kids that it is handy because I can fill them up with cereal and yogurt before we leave. They happily eat while DH and I get dressed. I save money and I don't have to try to make them sit still in a resturant first thing in the morning.
Mini-fridge is a must. DH likes to store pop in the fridge and I often end up buying fudge. This year I am bringing sandwich fixings so I can feed the kids for free if they don't like where we choose for lunch/dinner.
I like if there is free coffee and tea in the room but it's not a deal breaker.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Aug 1, 2017 12:21:36 GMT -5
The only time we book hotels is for overnight stops when we're headed somewhere. Or *very short* stays when other accommodations require a minimum number of nights. Other than that, we always seek out a B&B, or a home on VRBO or Airbnb. If we're going to be somewhere for any period of time, we'd much rather have the quiet, the un-rushed check-out times and access to laundry and a kitchen (we're not big on eating out, especially when we travel - - DH has hypoglycemia/blood sugar and travel-tummy issues. So cooking our own food is pretty much a 'must' if I want him to be willing to travel).
We've staying in some wonderful, homey places here and in Europe. When we travel for pleasure, we'd much rather live close to the ground with the natives, grocery shop in the local stores, etc. To some people, cooking is the antithesis of vacation and they think we're crazy. To me, living in a hoity-toity room floor and floors above life on the streets and spending a fortune eating out is not appealing at all. To each his/her own, I know .
What we look for in those stop-in-along-the-road hotels: no bugs (!! I bring bug spray ); clean; decent beds; safe/secure location on the hotel grounds. Other amenities are not important because we're not staying for more than an overnight of sleep.
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Aug 1, 2017 12:47:30 GMT -5
Well, I am looking for a hotel now. Gonna meet up with my sis in the town where my niece is attending Pharmacy school. It is myself, DH, DS and DD who are going. We would like to get a queen suite so that DH and I have our own bed, DD has a bed and DS would sleep on the sleeper sofa. Actually DD and DS could take turns using the sleeper sofa and queen bed. So, that is one issue. Getting a roll away cot is very uncomfortable. And, I could sleep with DD and DS could sleep with DH but nobody seems to like that lol. SO what i am finding is that a lot of hotels have King suites with a king bed and separate room with sleeper sofa. Very few queen suites. And, the hotels with 2 queen beds don't seem to have sleeper sofas anymore! And, some of them don't even offer a roll away cot. The other thing we like is free breakfast. Now, my sis wants and indoor pool and hottub. Some of the hotels only have an outdoor pool. And some have an indoor pool and no hottub. So, to find a hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, sleeper sofa and free breakfast is the quest! First world problems! OMG! Embassy Suites have queen doubles plus a sleeper. Otherwise you could try some of the extended stay suite hotels, usually you'll find more options in the configuration. Your sister though is probably going to be out of luck and beds trump pools and hot tubs when it comes to hotel choice. Usually though hotels tend to be clustered together so if it's her hill to die on she can find a close hotel with all the things she wants. Generally speaking you'd be across the street or next door to something that has what she wants. They actually have an Embassy Suites and that is where i wanted to stay! Lol. But, it's in downtown and my sis hates to drive in traffic. But, if i was deciding we would stay there. However, she's kind of a creature of habit, so back to the Hampton inn we go. No sleeper sofa so just gonna make it work for a couple days.
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Aug 1, 2017 16:36:50 GMT -5
They actually have an Embassy Suites and that is where i wanted to stay! Lol. But, it's in downtown and my sis hates to drive in traffic. But, if i was deciding we would stay there. However, she's kind of a creature of habit, so back to the Hampton inn we go. No sleeper sofa so just gonna make it work for a couple days. Why don't you get 2 rooms? Or connecting rooms? Cuz i would rather be cheap. lol
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Aug 1, 2017 16:47:48 GMT -5
Ok, if you're going to be cheap and give in to your sister, I don't think I can offer anything except hardy good luck in your endeavor.
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 1, 2017 17:29:12 GMT -5
Ok, I'm seriously reconsidering my prior stance on free breakfast. DS #2 and I are on a quick last hurrah trip before school starts and the place we're staying is pretty nice. I'm sitting in the club lounge on the top floor enjoying drinks and fantastic nibblies. If the breakfast tomorrow morning is anything approaching how nice cocktail hour is, I will be there. Heck, the cocktail nibbles have included filet on sweet potato, housemade shumai + hummus + baba ghanoush + tabbouli, and other stuff I haven't had time or energy to check out.
I may not go home.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2017 18:14:09 GMT -5
Ok, I'm seriously reconsidering my prior stance on free breakfast. DS #2 and I are on a quick last hurrah trip before school starts and the place we're staying is pretty nice. I'm sitting in the club lounge on the top floor enjoying drinks and fantastic nibblies. If the breakfast tomorrow morning is anything approaching how nice cocktail hour is, I will be there. Heck, the cocktail nibbles have included filet on sweet potato, housemade shumai + hummus + baba ghanoush + tabbouli, and other stuff I haven't had time or energy to check out. I may not go home. If you don't mind volunteering- which hotel? This sounds even better than the Executive Lounges in the Hiltons in Europe. DH and I used to stay there, frequently on points, and back then my Gold status (through the Hilton Amex) got us lounge privileges. They're stingier now but we had some great experiences. Our hotel in Reykjavik in 2015 (not a chain hotel) had a beautiful breakfast, including a bottle of cod liveroil and a supply of tablespoons for those who were inclined. (We weren't.) No comparison between those lounges and a standard Hampton Inn breakfast!
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 1, 2017 18:16:56 GMT -5
Ok, I'm seriously reconsidering my prior stance on free breakfast. DS #2 and I are on a quick last hurrah trip before school starts and the place we're staying is pretty nice. I'm sitting in the club lounge on the top floor enjoying drinks and fantastic nibblies. If the breakfast tomorrow morning is anything approaching how nice cocktail hour is, I will be there. Heck, the cocktail nibbles have included filet on sweet potato, housemade shumai + hummus + baba ghanoush + tabbouli, and other stuff I haven't had time or energy to check out. I may not go home. If you don't mind volunteering- which hotel? This sounds even better than the Executive Lounges in the Hiltons in Europe. DH and I used to stay there, frequently on points, and back then my Gold status (through the Hilton Amex) got us lounge privileges. They're stingier now but we had some great experiences. Our hotel in Reykjavik in 2015 (not a chain hotel) had a beautiful breakfast, including a bottle of cod liveroil and a supply of tablespoons for those who were inclined. (We weren't.) No comparison between those lounges and a standard Hampton Inn breakfast! Mandarin Oriental in DC. Very nice - highly recommend it.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Aug 1, 2017 18:23:08 GMT -5
Sounds a bit like a boutique hotel I stayed in once in Chicago. Can never remember the name of it, though.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Aug 1, 2017 18:32:48 GMT -5
If you don't mind volunteering- which hotel? This sounds even better than the Executive Lounges in the Hiltons in Europe. DH and I used to stay there, frequently on points, and back then my Gold status (through the Hilton Amex) got us lounge privileges. They're stingier now but we had some great experiences. Our hotel in Reykjavik in 2015 (not a chain hotel) had a beautiful breakfast, including a bottle of cod liveroil and a supply of tablespoons for those who were inclined. (We weren't.) No comparison between those lounges and a standard Hampton Inn breakfast! Mandarin Oriental in DC. Very nice - highly recommend it. Can you check out the spa for me? It's the only place around here that seems to have a spa like the ones I've gone to overseas. But ouch on the price tag if they suck!!
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 1, 2017 18:35:24 GMT -5
Mandarin Oriental in DC. Very nice - highly recommend it. Can you check out the spa for me? It's the only place around here that seems to have a spa like the ones I've gone to overseas. But ouch on the price tag if they suck!! Funny you should mention that. My son is swimming and I'm in a lounge chair at the indoor pool right next to the spa... we walked through the spa to get to the pool. Smelled fantastic! Looked very nice. If I get any spa services in the next few days I'll report back.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Aug 1, 2017 18:36:37 GMT -5
It looks very nice. But it also has a very nice price tag!
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 1, 2017 18:37:07 GMT -5
Haven't been back since we moved away 10 years ago but in Phoenix both the Camelback Inn and the Biltmore had nice spas that were a whole day trip.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2017 18:38:04 GMT -5
I look for cleanliness, safety, extra pillows Mom and I had a horrible fight last week because I was exhausted after my 4th day of 9 hours driving and all that we could find was a Super 8 and I was adamant I was sleeping in my car instead.
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 1, 2017 18:38:22 GMT -5
It looks very nice. But it also has a very nice price tag! I didn't make the arrangements. DS did. But he got everything (including flights and events) within the budget I gave him so maybe he got some screaming deals?
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Aug 1, 2017 18:40:29 GMT -5
It looks very nice. But it also has a very nice price tag! I didn't make the arrangements. DS did. But he got everything (including flights and events) within the budget I gave him so maybe he got some screaming deals? I think it was like $500 or something for what I wanted. I wouldn't part with the cash. I think hotels are cheaper right now in DC. Summer recess and all that.
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