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.

Home Sweet Home - Luna Spokane / Remedy Brunch

When I'm actually home, where do I like to go?  Luna.  I'm sad that the weather is changing because there's nothing better than the Luna patio in the summertime.  It's not cheap, but you can dress up or down and it's a great date.

Their coffee press service is great.  Masselow's is a tad better due to the rock candy, but this is much closer to home...

Also a shout out to neighborhood Remedy.  Luna's chilaquiles went to hell when they took out the chicken, did not crisp it, and is no longer spicy.  Go to Remedy for brunch, have their Sunrise Verde.  You won't regret it.  I was too hungry to take a pic that day, but trust me.  http://www.remedycrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/remedy_brunch-1.pdf

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.

Moses Lake, WA Fairfield Inn

Well, I'm here for an arbitration and thought I'd try out the Fairfield Inn (Category 2, Marriott) rather than the Holiday Inn Express (IHG) that I stayed at last time here.  So far so good.  Parking free. This place still has the stand alone Paul Mitchell soap, shampoo and conditioner.  Fridge and microwave.  No water bottles, so bring your own, but there is cold infused water at the front desk with small cups.  There is a "business center" printer in the lobby despite not saying so on the website.  Free paper.  Free breakfast.  The best part?  Taqueria a couple blocks away.

Last time I stayed: Holiday Inn Express next door.  These were the nicest staff folks ever.  From the front desk to the breakfast lady - grade A.  There was only 1 computer in the business center so I had to ask a guy if I could use it for a second to print, but other than that, the Holiday Inn Express was a delightful stay in this small town.







Nothing special, but clean and adequate.

Makeup wipe, cotton and nail file, but no lotion...

More Vegas and random SFO. Bellagio, Delano, Cosmopolitan, MGM Grand

Bellagio
This time we went to Vegas for bf's conference.  Stayed at Bellagio on a comp, which is perfect as it's next to Cosmopolitan, my favorite.  Check in was perfect on a Tuesday and as a MLife Platinum.  I hear Bellagio check in gets pretty crowded, and by Friday we saw that it definitely was, so that worked.  They first assigned us a crap room but we asked for higher, and she gave us higher with a fountain view.  Food is pricey here, so visit CVS across the street for water, etc.  Bathrooms only had 1 sink but were roomy.  Rooms were a little dated, but sufficient, normal room.  Pool was ok, but most chairs were taken.

Delano
We checked his parents in to the Delano.  Nice rooms as always, real suites. 1 and 1/2 bathroom.  Went to eat at the restaurant on top, Rivea.  Great restaurant, great views.  Always makes lists for "best of" in Vegas.  The bar next door Skyfall is also cool, but they won't reserve tables for you unless you are spending over $50 each, unlike before when you could book a table for after Rivea.

view from Skyfall 

Cosmopolitan
Also went to Cosmo for cheap eats at Pok Pok Wing.

Jaleo best G and T

 Jaleo at Cosmo was a good deal for their prix fixe lunch at $30.  Also, their Gin and Tonics claim to be the best, and I think they are, considering I don't like Gin and Tonic.  Beauty and Essex is always a hit for dinner.  China Poblano also good for the prix fixe dinner - more than enough food and pair it with the drinks!

Marriott Marquis, San Francisco
Quick trip to SFO Marriott Marquis.  Room was not ready.  Upgraded me to a "suite" as I was a Gold.  The "suite" was basically an angled room with only 1 bathroom and sink next to the door.  There was a big open area that seemed like a waste of space.  There was a small couch and bed around the corner, but no door, so I'm not sure how it was a suite. Oh well.  Chargers on both sides of bed.  At least it didn't feel suffocating, but by no means would I call it a suite.  Also, no more breakfast for Golds.  Avoid painfully slow and dirty Starbucks at Target next door, go to the "real" one across the street.

MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Also had another "quick trip to Vegas during a week just because we felt like it.  Got upgraded as an MLife Platinum to a King executive suite.  Room was nice but dim.  Desk in middle of room also had TV.  Kuer amenities in bathroom.  2 sinks.  No private door to toilet.  Room big but a lot of empty space. No fridge.  The lazy river was a hit, as was TopGolf!

Also had to hit up Lotus of Siam and Morimoto...

My first post! PDX, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, LAS, and Northern Quest at GEG

Well, it's been too long.  My old blog was at shoesandcrafts.blogspot.com but of course I can't figure out how to login.  I am making this new blog to keep track of amenities and such at hotels and to help others with travel plans!  Hope to see more of you around.

First reviews:

PDX - Residence Inn Pearl District (Marriott chain):

  https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pdxpd-residence-inn-portland-downtown-pearl-district/

 No photos.  (This blog is not off to a great start)...  I think all rooms are suites.  The room itself was clean and nice with 3 sets of towels.  There was a full kitchen with dishes, dishwasher, microwave, large fridge.  Unless you are starving, skip the free breakfast unless you also have 10 kids each, in which case you will feel right at home in the cafeteria.  The iced coffee was good.
Bathroom amenities: Paul Mitchell soap.  Ok, used to be a good brand.  The "facial soap" disintegrated if you used it to wash your hands and left a residue.  There was still a decent lotion, but for shampoo/conditioner/shower gel, they've moved to some brand named "tea tree" and they were in the large wall dispensers.  It wasn't awful, but I hate those eco-dispensers.  The good part is I didn't see homeless folks right outside as in some places downtown.  Not a scary neighborhood.  I stayed on points, and so that was a good deal. (35,000 points Fri/Sat).

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas  (Marriott chain):  

http://cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
I've stayed here 3 times since December, and the terrace view rooms are great.  This place is in the middle of the strip.  The Boulevard Tower is closer to the good restaurants and to get outside.  There's a Japanese soaking tub, and the room is set out like a suite with a living room area.  Bring your own water or pay $10 a Fiji water when you are dehydrated.  The best part was the restaurants in the hotel.  There is an Alice in Wonderland theme in an understated way. There are a couple speakeasies, and the "food court" had the great PokPok wings.  Beauty & Essex is also a hit.  Jaleo prix fixe lunch

 for $30 was delicious, but you must add the $5 "cone".  Small but delicious.  My favorite restaurant of all time was the "library" in Rose Rabbit Lie.  The "secret" drink (Verbena) at the Chandelier Bar is also kind of cool.

The "Verbena"

I've clubbed at Marquee and I really like it for a club scene.  Everything costs $$$$, but if you are foodie and love entertainment, this is the place. Blue Ribbon had great food but the caviar accoutrements weren't as good (toast not blinis)  The new "barbershop" had great service and drinks, but I wouldn't pay a cover (they ask men to pay cover).

The bathroom amenities are decent but not memorable, but no need to bring your own.  Don't bring your kids here, this is not a kiddie resort. Con: Marriott Golds no longer get the nice VIP check-in area.

Drink and app at RRL

terrarium at Rose Rabbit Lie

The Study at Rose Rabbit Lie, remniscent of Chateau Marmont living room

RRL take on beef wellington

caviar taco app, and other apps at RRL

Northern Quest Hotel and Casino (Spokane, WA):  

https://www.northernquest.com/
Great rooms.  My dad apparently gambles enough that I get free rooms sometimes.  These rooms are awesome.  The showers are like a spa with three water nozzles.  The rooms are clean.  I've only gotten the "airport view" mostly but I doubt any rooms have a great view, so it doesn't matter.  This place makes for a good stay-cation.  There's a spa, so try to make time for that.  Masselow's restaurant has a great breakfast/brunch to use your casino $$ on.  The french press coffee setup and breads with 3 types of butter are out of this world.  The cigar bar is kinda cool if that's your thing.

Next time I will take more pics!