My Travels

I'm in Sin City for some R&R and family time. I flew out on United Airlines into McCarran International Airport . On this trip, I opted to stay at HGVC at Flamingo . Similar to HGVC at Trump International, the two bedroom configurations are a lockout style meaning that the one bedroom suite is married to a studio via a shared foyer. I thought it interesting that this year, the redemption rates for the Flamingo location is on par with the other non strip hotel locations and Trump/Elara are on higher rates this year. Last year, Flamingo and Trump were reverse. Overall, for a first time stay, I liked the location as I was constantly in Harrah's or Venetian. There is now a walkway between Flamingo and Linq that connects people from the strip to the High Roller. I found it nice and there is an In n Out and Sprinkles Cupcakes and Ice Cream ! HGVC at Flamingo One Bedroom Living Room My eating expeditions included Fulton Street Food, Guy Fieri's Vegas, Lotus of Siam, Ti...

Made the drive from New Haven to New York in about two hours. The traffic into the city was doable. Very different feel when driving into the city. Checked into the Elements Times Square West . This particular hotel has an agreement with the garage across the street for parking but it doesn't allow in and out. It is similar to the park and ride concept for airport hotels. This is my first time at an Elements. I like the concept, similar to Home2 Suites by Hilton. The room comes with a kitchenette and is fairly spacious for NYC. I was surprised the hotel wasn't more expensive for NYC. I think it's a bargain when you can get rates in the mid $100s. The complimentary breakfast was good, the potatoes were done just right. I was also impressed with the bagel selection. No stiff bagels here. I guess it would be bad that a NYC hotel had bad bagels. I'm also impressed with the manager's reception in the evenings. Not much food but the free beer and wine is always impressiv...

On my roadtrip from Boston to New York, the monotony of driving needed to be broken up. A pit stop in New Haven was in order. I have never been to Connecticut and can now strike that off. Before getting into New Haven, made a pit stop at Costco in Springfield, Massachusetts to grab some snacks and do more shopping. Passed through Hartford, Connecticut and it seemed like a nice enough town. I always see the city name for financial companies. I pictured a more city like feel but it felt like a small town as I cruised through on the highway. Hampton Inn West Haven South New Haven King Room Checked into the Hampton Inn and Suites West Haven South New Haven . The rooms were spacious as expected for a small town. In some respects, the décor reminded me of the Drury Inn when I stayed in Flagstaff, Arizona. I have been regaled over the years of this clam pizza by Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana . Something about uniqueness and coal fired pizza. I do enjoy the NYC style pizza and Grim...

It’s been a few years since I last visited Bean Town. Caught a afternoon direct flight on United Airlines . I landed fairly late in the evening and was surprised how busy the airport was. It took about 15 minutes for the taxi to get out of the airport and into the city. The Hampton Inn Boston Crosstown Center actually offers an airport shuttle but it didn't operate at the time I landed. Comparing Uber and the regular taxi, it ended up being the same amount of money and no waiting for the regular cab. Hampton Inns have been a reliable brand for me and I've always enjoyed my stay. Outside of the check-in process, I found the hotel updated and roomy. Looking back, I think the front desk person could have been a little bit more helpful given that it was near midnight and no one was around. I had picked the accessible room on the mobile check-in so I can't tell if my room was roomier because of the ADA or if all rooms are that spacious. Word of caution, the hotel is next ...