Sheraton Seattle

Seattle Sheraton and Loulay, Fountain Bar.  3 stars.

Sorry for the lack of pics:

I was there for a gala event so I stayed at the host hotel.  Nordstrom is a block away.  

The on-site nice restaurant, Loulay has awesome drinks, just don't have too many.  If you look closely, the nice crystal skull decor is kinda cute.  

I have no words for this other than I drank a lot.

The ballroom was nice and large for an over 300 person event.  Rooms here are standard.  The Fountain Bar is fine, but overpriced and service is spotty, so just go to Loulay for a drink as they cost about the same but the atmosphere is a lot nicer.

They have the "regular" amenities, I don't know what brand they are but they are separate bottles for shampoo etc. Nothing special.  They are adequate but you won't be sorry if you bring your own bathroom amenities.  This should all end soon as I hear Marriotts are going all to the bulk toiletries, but in the meantime, don't hope for anything special like the W Bliss toiletries. I would have stayed there but for fear of rain and having to walk all dressed up fancy.

Chicago Westin River North and RPM Italian! Also, airport homelessness.

Chicago Westin River North:

Absolutely nothing notable other than it's next door to the ABA Mothership.  Last time I was here I had to complain about the totally rude front desk.  This time I was given a room (as I should be, arrived after 4) and no mention of my Gold status or anything.  Got a boring room on the 8th floor.  Could sort of peer at the river out of my window, but mostly at the parking garage across the street.

The best part of this trip?  RPM Italian.  Never fails to deliver.  We had a group dinner with a private room.  Everything was delicious.  I felt bad I couldn't take our leftovers home!!!

The meatballs, burrata, bucatini and filet were excellent!!!  If I had to pick just one, it would definitely be the bucatini even though I love cavatelli as well.  I love this place!  http://rpmrestaurants.com/rpmitalian/chicago/

I also took Ventra in from the airport as I landed around 4.  It was $5 and like taking the light rail in Seattle.  I actually hate Ventra, affectionately apparently known as the "L ".  I don't know why, but it's awful in the rain, in hot weather, or if you have to pee.  At least if you're in an Uber, you can ask them to stop.  Ventra drops off about 2 blocks away, across the river from the ABA/Westin.  Clark/Lake station.

I won't go into the hell of O Hare delaying my flight, me taking an "earlier" one, sitting in a middle seat, getting stranded in SEA by Alaska Air and sleeping on an airport bench, etc etc.  I still have PTSD and cannot talk about the matter.  SEA lounges are closed overnight.  The closest hotel is Hilton, but wasn't worth hiking there and sleeping for 3 hours. Notably the best sleeping bench in SEA is across from McDonald's in B Terminal as the other homeless folks are sleeping near the Alaska gates in C.  No compensation for an MVP 75K for screwing up flights, sleeping in an airport, etc etc.  Notably weather delays get you NOTHING.  This is terrible for GEG fliers, as if you are commuting from the East Coast, if your plane is late and you miss the 11PM something flight to GEG, you are essentially stranded.  I'm a little concerned about upcoming trips that have to make that connection.

Alaska Air N Gate Lounge at Sea Tac

This was a pleasant surprise.  This lounge rivals that of the JFK Alaska Lounge and others.  Barista as well as bartender with numerous microbrews.  The best part?  Spacious and relaxing oasis in a crowded airport.  Plenty of outlets and seats.

Same food otherwise, but the layout makes you feel relaxed.  The fireplace is also cozy/nice.