From Broken hill to the Amazon jungle.

[drron]

After our quick commute down the Florida Turnpike we stop at the Broward mall.now for all those shoppers out there the place to go is Dillards.They have better sales and more selection than the other dept. stores.mrsdrron loves Dillards.
Then it is checkin again at the Sheraton Suites Plantation.Once again i plonk my platinum card down and once again they say my status isnt in the system.Well I have just checked out of a 4 points and it was in the system there and i checked out here 1 week ago and it was in the system.No reponse and I got ZIP including a smaller room than before overlooking the dirty roof of the abandoned mall surrounding the Sheraton.Dropped our luggage and on the way out gave the girl another chance-do you do anything here for platinum members?At least got the breakfast coupons that were included in our rate.At check out again told agent that i would take the points for the platinum amenity-she looked confused,then said but you are not platinum.Oh yes i am and in fact you checked me in 1 week ago so why wasnt something put in this hotels records-blank look.
The wind is now getting stronger,a bit of rain thanks to Ike but an easy drive to MIA.No problems dropping of the car.Checkin a breeze and off to the AC.The life QC really pays off.Soon on to AA2092.Service this time is excellent.The chicken salad is pretty good but thanks to FEBO those in rows 3,4 and 5 have no choice.Wine is continually topped up by FAs who inquire if we need anything else every time they pass.Not for this crew doing the food service then sitting out the rest of the flight-email AA and let them know.
Arrive at LGA 15 minutes early.Then wait 35 minutes for bags-seems to be an LGA thing.Out to taxi and in 23 minutes driver Tran has us at the Hilton 6th Ave-must be a record.Our home for the next 4 nights is the Hilton Club-that is next.

 

[drron]

Back at the Hilton Club NYC.Bought into this(basically a timeshare) as i figured that $A240 a night for a suite in NYC for the next 30 years was going to be a fair deal-half down and half as you go in management fees.Now looks like a great deal.unfortunately this visit was to be in NYC for our grandaughters first birthday.She however is back in Sydney.
So our plans have changed-4 nights in NYC now,drive to Niagara falls and back.5 days in Toronto for a conference.4 days in NYC,then to New England leaf peeping.Whilst in NYC we are going to try a couple of new restaurants and visit some old favourites.Working out that we have spent 6 momths of the last 6 years staying in NYC this report will not be of the usual tourist sights.
Our first morning was visiting a few shops-the weather forecast said it would be a fine morning with the rain arriving at 5pm.At 11am whilst walking down 47th street-the diamond district(I did tell you mrsdrron wanted some jungle jewellery)the skies opened.So these are the people who can tell us confidently what is going to happen in 20 years?Fortunately we are close to the Rockefeller centre entrance in 5th Ave so go underground to 6th Ave.Stop at The American Craftsman shop-always worth a visit.Back to the Hilton pretty wet but time to change and out to our first lunch-the Modern at the MOMA on 53rd street.I will detail the food in the next report.
After a lovely long lunch back to the Hilton for a well deserved nanny nap.We have decided that dinners will be the Hilton club lounge.Unlike the normal exec lounge alcohol here is complimentary along with the hot snacks.
Wednesday is a lovely fine day so we st off to walk through Central park just taking our time.At the lake there is a lot of activity-turns out to be a shooting of Ugly Betty(please no remarks about how that would be a good idea).Then into the Ramble-a heavily wooded and shady area where you really can think you are out in the country.Come out on the Westsiude at 81st.This is at the Museum of Natural history-a good place if you have kids in tow.Also close is the NY historical Society museum which is also worth a look.Through Theodore Roosevelt park to Columbus st.A leisurely stroll past some nice shops,branches of some of NYC's famous food chains,ABC studios and the Lincoln centre thn to the Columbus circle shops.Can never resist a walk through Whole Foods here-a good place to buy something simple to take into Central park.However for usit is a little further to 55th and a branch of one of our favourites East-cheap Japanese food.
After lunch down 7th ave.Past the Letterman theatre-cops everywhere as Obama will be a guest tonight.Further on past Lehman Bros and the network vultures are everywhere.make a comment that it looks like their time is up.Through the crowd at Times Square-you need to see it once.DDown to 42nd street before heading back to Bryant Park on 6th Ave.Finally ending up back at the Hilton.That night meet an orthopod who also writes childrens books-gives us a good lead on the USAF museum in Dayton,Ohio where there are 3-4 of the ex-Air Force Ones.Will factor this in to a future trip.
Thursday is 9/11 and a sombre day here in NYC.Go to meet our son's in laws for morning tea.Then to lunch at Le Bernadin.IMHO the best restaurant in NYC-more in next report.Back to the Hilton and Secret Service fellows everywhere-not a smile to be seen.John McCain is apparently staying the night.
Next report-food at the Modern and Le Bernadin.

 

[drron]

The Modern at MOMA on 53rd at 6th Ave is really 2 restaurants in one.There is a restaurant for the museum and a separate upmarket section overlooking the sculpture garden where we dined.As usual for NYC we went for lunch as it is a lot cheaper but also easier to book.Booking was in order.taken straight to table.Service throughout was good though not spectacular.
Mrsdrron started with a Foie gras terrine which she liked.Her main was herb fed organic pork.This was elegantly served and pronounced magnificent.For desserts she had lemon napoleon with white cheese icecream-again very nice.
My meal started with a rabbit terrine,very good.Mains were duckling again done nicely.My dessert was a warm fig tart with olive oil icecream-surprisingly good.
All was washed down with a Californian sauvignon blanc.Total cost $245.Fair value.Enjoyed the meal but not so outstanding that I feel the need to return.
Le Bernadin.This was a return visit.Quite simply this is the best seafood restaurant in NYC.The lunch is a 3 course Prix Fixe affair at $65 a head.It is very good value.It started with a salmon rillette from the chef-very nice.Mrsdrron then had zucchini flowers stuffed with peekytoe crab and black truffle butter-excellent.She then had striped bass & langoustine in a boullabaisse with tomato cheese pasta and a light curry sauce-described as perfect.For dessert she had a walnut nougat glace which drron was not allowed to taste.
I started with tuna tartare with paprika,fennel,marjoram and lemon juice.The ingredients married well and were not overpowering.Main was halibut with pistacio and sliced almonds in a blood orange and verjuice vinagrette.Absolutely beautiful with the sauce complimenting the fish beautifully.Finally a rhubarb compote with orange,ruby grapefruit and citrus creme fraiche-very good.We finished with almond and pistachio mini cup cakes.With a marlborough sauv blanc the total cost was $240.As I said great value and one day we will return.
Next-the drive to Niagara.

 

[Keith009]

Le Bernadin.This was a return visit.Quite simply this is the best seafood restaurant in NYC.The lunch is a 3 course Prix Fixe affair at $65 a head.It is very good value.It started with a salmon rillette from the chef-very nice.Mrsdrron then had zucchini flowers stuffed with peekytoe crab and black truffle butter-excellent.She then had striped bass & langoustine in a boullabaisse with tomato cheese pasta and a light curry sauce-described as perfect.For dessert she had a walnut nougat glace which drron was not allowed to taste.
I started with tuna tartare with paprika,fennel,marjoram and lemon juice.The ingredients married well and were not overpowering.Main was halibut with pistacio and sliced almonds in a blood orange and verjuice vinagrette.Absolutely beautiful with the sauce complimenting the fish beautifully.Finally a rhubarb compote with orange,ruby grapefruit and citrus creme fraiche-very good.We finished with almond and pistachio mini cup cakes.With a marlborough sauv blanc the total cost was $240.As I said great value and one day we will return.

!!!

 

[drron]

Friday and check out from the Hilton club.Waiting for the lift.Only one working and full.This is where it is worth knowing someone.Called back by manager,through a doorway and ushered into the staff lift.It appears The First Lady is also visiting the Hilton today so the secret service have commandeered 2 of the 3 lifts.Leave mrsdrron and the baggage in the lobby and to 55th street and Hertz.Secret service here to as apparently they are renting some extra cars.No hassles,back to the hilton and mrsdrron.Manage to turn left onto 6th Ave and it is closed down.Have to spend the next 40 minutes sitting in front of the hilton until john Mccain speeds off.
As soon as we get going it is off to Woodbury commons.Yes another outlet centre that has virtually every designer represented.No need for me to have GPS as it is right onto 57th,left onto 1st Ave,left onto I-87 then exit at the outlets-no problems.As usual when we are there lunch is at the Positano and have the mussels.After mrsdrron has her fill of shopping it is back down the road to Nanuet and the Hilton garden inn-you know what you will get-always a large room,well appointed,free internet,a laundry and if gold or diamond hhonors you can set your preferences to a full breakfast as no point in upgrades.
After unpacking we are off to the Pallissades mall.Here drron can hang out in Barnes and noble whilst mrsdrron indulges her passion.Then dinner-we opt again for Legal Seafoods though considered East(the cheap japanese chain).
The next day we start early and go back on the Thruway to Harriman to head west on Hway 17.We drove down this road 15 years ago when it meandered by trout streams through the foothills of the Catskills.It is now about to become I-86.You can however detour on the old road at places and scenically this is worth it.always worth a look at some of the old towns along the way.Some are quite quaint,others nearly ghost towns with abandoned old factories.
We are heading to Corning and the Glass Museum,visited it 15 years ago and loved it.When we arrived nothing looked the same.Now a modern building and very commercial but still worth the visit.Good if you have kids in tow as they get in free.Also a 20% discount by showing my RACQ card.
Next Corning to Niagara.

 

[drron]

That night stayed at the Hampton Inn,Corning.checked in,unpacked and a rest before dinner.Then mrsdrron discovered the brown stains over the toilet seat-didnt need to be a CSI to know what it was.Mrsdrron bless her heart carries Pine-0-clean wipes everywhere.Didnt want to repack and change rooms so at checkout complained and told them where we left the evidence.No contact from GM after 48 hours so have invoked the Hampton 100% guarantee.
That night we had dinner at tony R's Steakhouse in Corning.Very good prime rib.Found a brochure on the Glenn H Curtiss museum not far from Corning and only a slight detour the next day.Decided to visit.
This was one of those unknown gems.The museum is at Hammondsport near Lake Keuka,one of the finger lakes.The name may be familiar but what a guy.Born locally he grew up racing bicycles.As a teenager he began building bicycles.He then began adding engines-Hercules motor bikes.He became the first US motor bike champion.In 1907 he added a V8 engine to a bicycle and claimed the world land speed record.It was broken in a car in 1911 but it was 1930 before it was bettered on a bike.
By this time he had been asked to supply engines for dirigibles then planes.In 1908 he made the US's first advertised flight.He won the Scientific American's prize for flight on 3 occasions and awarded it permanently.1910 was the first to drop a bomb from a plane.In 1911 got US licence number 1.Built first US seaplane.First dual control plane.Patented the aileron and first retractable landing gear.landed a plane on a battleship.
He then went on to become a successful land developer in Floridaand developed the streamlined travel trailer.He died in 1930 after having his appendix out.His company went on and the P40 and C46 during WW2 were from the Curtiss company.This weekend was also the annual seaplane flyin-included a flying reproduction of his seaplane that was first across the Atlantic.Reccomended visit.Admission $7.50
From there continued up I390 through Rochester and along route 18-thought we would have good views of Lake Ontario but only fleeting.At Somerset came across an icecream place that had not closed for the season and had a huge 2 scoop cone for $2.25.Then to the Embassy Suites Niagara.No problems with the border crossing.
Next the falls.

 

[drron]

Checked into the ES Niagara Falls.I had been able to get a very good AARP rate for a Junior Presidential suite so had changed my choice from Upgrade to Free internet.However at check in not only got the free internet but an upgrade to a Presidential suite-dont get too excited there is basically one on every floor-but they come with magnificent views of both Canadian and American falls along with a huge spa bath.Unpack then down to the Managers reception-only 1 free drink here and only 1 white and 1 red wine.As everyone staying here gets this and this is a large place this goes from 3.30 to 10pm.
After our drink trot across the road to Tony Romas-another of our favourite chains-fill up on baby backs.Back to the room and sit watching the light show on the falls-spectacular.However hurricane Ike catches up with us-the winds blow,the windows rattle and physically move and the rain comes down.Fortunately by 10am the next morning it has all gone so we can take our leisurely walk down to the Maid Of The Mist and take our little cruise-basically a must do.We had been here 15 years ago but in April and the River was still iced over so the Maid had to wait.Then walked up and down the park then through the Casino.
Now I have often heard Canadians claim they are ripped off when the yanks charge more for Canadians on book prices etc.However let me tell you the Canadians are pretty good at doing their own ripping off.Money changers give you an effective 10% discount if you are foolish enough to change currency.At the much maligned Starbucks if you pay in US dollars they convert it at close to the quoted daily rate.However at Canadian stores they want to give you 95cC for your US dollar when the bank rate was near $1.10-trying to tell you their bank charges commission to change the US dollars.So they all got paid by CC and got less.
That night stayed in house and ate at the ES restaurant-The Keg.Had the prime rib which is meant to be their specialty-not great.But great views.Didnt get sick of the view from our room so was happy with choice of hotel.
Next-off to Pittsburgh PA.

 

[Tiki]

Hey Drron, very cool trip report! I am only just catching up after being away from AFF for awhile. The first part of your trip was like an upscale version of mine last year-Tahiti, Rapa Nui and the Amazon though you did Ecuador adn I did Peru. I'm glad you got to see a macaw clay lick that was the highlight of my trip last year!

 

[drron]

Good to hear from you Tiki.Yes it does sound like your itinerary because your trip acted as the catylst for the first part of this trip.I have really enjoyed Rapa Nui,the Amazon and the Galapagos.Will definitely go back to South America.

 

[drron]

Tuesday morning and set off from Niagara to Pittsburgh.have to go through Buffalo-not the worlds greatest cities.Decided to go via route 62 rather than the interstates.In NY state there was so much roadwork going on that this was probably not the best choice.However soon after entering PA it follows the Alleghany river and is a nice drive.Go through Oil City where oil was first discovered in the USA.On through Grove City and another outlet mall-I'm sure consumer spending in the US for September will be up.Our empty bag is now full.
Staying at the 4 points Greensburg as we have already visited Pittsburgh.Thoroughly reccomend a visit with the Andy Warhol gallery,the Frick and the Phipps Conservancy-which we visited again this time and another place that has changed dramatically.However here Ike catches up with us again.When it went through there was a great storm and many are still without power including the Phipps-we were counting on our morning cappucino but it was not to be.
The 4 points is apparently an old Sheraton that failed its standards.Very motel like.2 stories and no lift.However the staff were great.Got upgraded to the "bridal suite"-well it is a much bigger room with an awesome shower.No problems with recognition and plat amenity offered immediately,given a coupon for a free drink and when we got to the room a "piece of pie" was delivered.Just pity about the physical stock of the place.
Greensburg is 30 miles east of Pittsburgh.A convenient spot to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright houses Fallingwater and Turkey Knob-both worth a visit.Also Fort Necessity where a young george Washington was in charge.Dinners were at Smokey Bones(part of the Red Lobster group)where ribs are a good standby.The second night was our old standby Red Lobster.
Next of to King of Prussia and back to NYC.

 

[Tiki]

Good to hear from you Tiki.Yes it does sound like your itinerary because your trip acted as the catylst for the first part of this trip.I have really enjoyed Rapa Nui,the Amazon and the Galapagos.Will definitely go back to South America.

I hope you got lots of pics, especially of the wild parrots. When you get home, I will give you a link to my eco-tourism site, I have heaps of pics there plus my blog that's on Travelpod. It's in my FT siggy, I don't even know if I am allowed to have a siggy here. Very few people do.

I'm be in the USA next month, doing a cruise of the western Caribbean, then a road trip up the east coast. Good chance to rake up the PC and SPG points! I see you are gitting the Four Points, don't forget to sign up for the Sept SPG special on FT.

Sucks that the Aussie $ has gone down so low, at least I paid off the tickets and the cruise in July when the Aussie was peaking. :mrgreen:

 

[drron]

A siggy-sorry i dont smoke!Havent got a clue what you are talking about Tiki.You will have to try and get to the Galapagos-truly amazing.The only experience that has come close is a small boat cruise of the Inside passage in Alaska and kayaking with the whales.

 

[drron]

We set off from Greensburg on route 30 east-the Lincoln highway.Using these lesser highways you see a different America.The small towns and villages.This way you also get some incredible panoramas.Not far from greensburg there is a 5 mile deviation to the Flight 93 memorial.Too emotional to return there.
When we hit the PA turnpike we take that to Harrisburg the State Capitol(some magnificent buildings)and then head to Lancaster and Amish country.If you continue on route 30 you will go through Gettysburgh.In Lancaster the central markets are well worth a visit.
We head for King Of Prussia and our stop at the Hampton Inn.Why King Of Prussia-because here is the USA's second largest shopping mall-a great place to drop the wife and go and visit Valley Forge.Here you learn why Old George was successful-he knew when not to fight.
For our dinners here we went to our old favourite-Legal Seafoods but aalso to Bahama Breeze-however orders mucked up,slow service.It is another in the Red lobster chain of restaurants.
Up early on Friday and head off down the PA turnpike-a fantastic sunrise.Head north on the New Jersey turnpike then east on I-278 across the Verrazano bridge and on to LGA.Unfortunately as we hit Brooklyn there are roadworks and broken down cars meaning a slow trip.You do however get great views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridge from this road.
In to LGA,drop off the car,turn up at the first class checkin with no one in line.Have an Aagent wth a sense of humour.Mrsdrron asks if it is OK to take an umbrella into the cabin-well unless you intend to open it up,strip and dance naked down the aisle noone will notice.She calmly overlooks our overweight case.Only an hour before flight so decide to go to gate in terminal C rather than do 2 lots of security to visit the AC.
Next our first flight on the ERJ of american Eagle-AA4839 to YYZ.

 

[Keith009]

Just got a chance to catch up on your TR - nice work as always mate, a most interesting read and makes for a great way to pass time whilst resting.

A siggy-sorry i dont smoke!Havent got a clue what you are talking about Tiki.

She's referring to her signature.

 

[drron]

Well just goes to show you the little I know!
Anyway back to American eagle.Take off from LGA on time.A good view of Manhattan then the Hudson Valley and the Tappanzee bridge.Towards the end of the flight a good view of Niagara Falls-the Captain does a slight turn giving everyone a great view.Land at YYZ ahead of time.On boarding our carryons were valet checked.No problems getting them on arrival.Unfortunately a little later mrsdrron was looking for her nail polish which was in our ziplock bag-totally smashed so now a carryon that smells a lot like nail polish.
Through Immigration with no problems-but why do all the Canadians wear bullet proof vests?As we arrive at the carousel our bags appear.Now for the problems-I had spent the little Canadian cash we had so needed some for the taxi in.Be warned at Terminal 3 at YYZ there is only Travelex and their rate is awful-$A1.30 for a $C-in town $A1.09.Alsdo advertise no fees which is prominently printed on the receipt you get-right above the line that says service CHARGE!A rip off.Also at terminal3 no ordinary taxis but airport taxis-again a ripoff.All Travelex booths,the taxi coordinator and every taxi driver I have seen here so far is from the subcontinent.There will be words on the tourist survey form they give to everyone.
Once in the taxi we find the Gardiner Expressway into town has been shut down for the weekend-So a very slow 1.30 hour trip to the Hilton.Just as we turn into the Hilton the street is shut down for a movie shoot.Go to checkin-we have booked an alcove suite-agent goes Oh Oh!They have all gone.So we get a suite on Exec floor-unfortunately not one of the named suites-but if on Exec floor the internet is free,otherwise it would just have been lounge access.
Get to room and the filming is going on right outside our window with a half collapsed window cleaners rig and a black helicopter flying past every 20 minutes until 10pm.So we wander down to the harbour-28C and everyone is out.Have a late lunch/early dinner at the Boathouse Grill.Share some nice calamari.Mrsdrron has a scallop salad which she pronounces very good and I have a Meditterranean pizza which is quite good-certainly better than the rubbish that passes for pizza in the USA.

 

[Tiki]

A siggy-sorry i dont smoke!Havent got a clue what you are talking about Tiki.You will have to try and get to the Galapagos-truly amazing.The only experience that has come close is a small boat cruise of the Inside passage in Alaska and kayaking with the whales.

LOL, sorry drron!! I'm on quite a few forums so use a lot of "lingo"!

How's the price of gas in the US? We are doing a road trip from Florida to NJ in Nov after the cruise.

I would LOVE to go to the Galapagos someday, it sounds amazing!

 

[drron]

Price of gas-$3.85 in NY state,$3.58 in PA and $3.54 in NJ.
Will be travelling through New England next week and will update prices.

 

[drron]

The Hilton Toronto has had a recent makeover-actually the gym is not finished yet.The lounge is spacious and quite attractive.Continental breakfast-no hot items apart from oats.Snacks from 5-7pm are reasonable.An honour bar from 1-10.45pm.I have watched closely and it appears honour is in short supply around here.
Sunday and I am off to a symposium-boy have to start using my brain.After that we decide to go to the entertainment district as a lot of trendy places there-bad luck most closed on Sundays.Although it is quite a cold day we decide to head back down to the harbour and end up at Wallymagoos.The mussels are fantastic.Then we both have the fish and chips-the fish being halibut and good.fortunately as soon as we sat down the sun appeared and it turned out to be a good afternoon.
Monday,tuesday are full days at the conference-of course this is the only reason I am making this trip.Monday we eat at the Hilton at Tundra-we have been told it is quite good and one of Canada's top chefs.Well we arrive and there are 40 Australians on an Insight tour.We talk very softly.The meal wasnt too bad but I dont think great.I hadThe tuna carpaccio,rabbit pasta and a very good local cheese plate.Mrsdrron had a scallop salad and these were the biggest scallops we have seen and quite delicious.she then had the salmon and a creme brulee.Washed down with a Chilean sav blanc-$C170.
On tuesday we heade down to the Fat Belgian on John st.,3 blocks from the hilton.Here we both had Moules et Frites-you must know by now how we like our mussels.These were fantastic-several styles to choose from.A great choice of Belgian beers.I couldnt go past the Delirium Tremens-served in a glass with flying pink elephants.A reccomended stop.
The conference was only for the morning on Wednesday so we decided on a late lunch at 360-atop the CN tower.A fine day but smog++.You dont have to pay the $23 each to go up the tower but as you can imagine the restaurant is not cheap-as all tourist revolving restaurants.The food though was good-I started with the smoked fish sampler-large servings of salmon,trout and mackerel.Then the prime rib.Mrsdrron had a mushroom salad then the prawn and lobster omelette with reasonable amounts of lobster.Shared a pannacotta which was huge.Washed down with a Marlborough sav blanc and the bill was $C220.
This brings an end to our time in Canada-I am christening it LOTFAEMP-land of the free and even more paranoid.But boy do they dislike and rip off the yanks-the exchange rate for the US dollar is virtually the same as the Aussie and we are at 84c US.
So tomorrow back to the Big Apple,the Waldorf Towers and lunch at Per Se.

 

[drron]

Last day in toronto.No problems getting a late checkout from Hilton.Despite poor reviews on FT as to diamond recognition I found this one of the best Hiltons for status recognition.A further good point they actually had a recycling tray in the room for paper and plastics.Top marks.
Found out that whether you took a limo or taxi to the airport the tariff was the same $C56.Naturally we took the limo.Fast trip to the airport,checkin no problems but of course you must then schlepp your checked luggage through US immigration and customs before putting them on a conveyor belt just before going through security.Now people rant about the TSA but this Canadian security guy was taking pleasure in emptying out peoples stuff from the bins you put shoes,coats etc in.Yelling shoes straight on the belt.Fortunately noticed this as several saw all thgeir small change upended everywhere.
Admiral's Club was hard to find.You turn right immediately after security between Travelex and Duty free.pretty typical AC but we did get our drink chits without asking.A lot in there were on the QF codeshare to LAX,Included tim Ferguson,hope he didn't forget his toothbrush.Fellow behind me was talking loudly on his mobile to QF protesting his seat allocation on QF from LAX.But I am a Chairmans lounge member-you should have my profile and i dont want the middle row of the J cabin.I'm glad to see the Australian egalitarian spirit in action-a CL gets the same lack of attention from QF as an old f*rt with no status!
Hadn't been called so checked board-AA1084 delayed so go to desk.Agent says I am just off the phone and about to make an announcement-delayed 3 hours because of weather in NYC.AC was to close at 7.30pm but we were not boarding until 8.30pm.They shut down bar and food but let us stay there.
When boarded we got a glass of wine immediately and another very soon after take off but the captain puts on the seat belt sign saying expected turbulence all the way.FA's take their seats and only get up to serve the pilots their meals.Hardly a bump until we landed.Then had to sit on the tarmac for 10 minutes as a plane still at the gate.Fortunately the bags are out quickly and soon into a cab.Arrive at the Waldorf at 11pm.That is next.

 

[drron]

We arrived at the Waldorf towers at 11pm just as reception was about to close.checked into the type of room we booked-not unexpected as the UN was still meeting and the waldorf is popular with delegates.We had however chosen the Waldorf Towers as this is probably going to be our last stay in the Big apple for some time after spending 6 months of the last 6 years staying here.We had an underwhelming stay at the Waldorf 6 years ago when I first made diamond so decided not to risk an upgrade and book straight into the Towers as especially at 11 months out it was no more expensive than the W-A.
We got to the room feeling very hungry,not having had a proper meal since breakfast.First problem-no room service menu.The room service number was not answering so we asked the porter when he delivered the bags if he could have a menu sent up.Next the room safe wouldnt work.A fellow was sent straight up to fix that.As 30 minutes had gone by when he said he had to go and get a new battery we asked if he could find a room service menu for us-when he came back he bought us a photocopy of one.He however couldnt fix the safe so we arranged for it to be done at 9am the next morning.
Rang room service at 11.45pm but we could now only order from the after midnight selection.Got a Philly cheesesteak,told it would be there in 20 minutes,it took 45 minutes and came with cold fries at a cost of $40.The room service menu beat it to the room by 20 minutes!
Next morning went to breakfast in the Astoria lounge-continental breakfast only.At least got to eat it with a 1 star and a 3 star general along with probably a fellow from the Aussie diplomatic service working on a group from an African nation-we do want that Security Council seat.During our stay we had a Secret service agent outside our door 24/7.Probably for the suite over the hall-every morning an Arabic newspaper delivered there.When we went out for our lunch the safe still had not been fixed and we learnt later that the restaurant had to ring twice to reconfirm our booking as at first they were told we werent staying there.
That evening went down to the lounge-evening hors d'oeuvres still advertised-but we found it now closes at 1.30pm.Next morning were told this had been so for 2 months(hmmm about the time diamonds quaranteed lounge access-then again it is not described as an exec lounge).
Coming back to the hotel after dinner on saturday the 50th street entrance was shut down by the SS.Mrsdrron goes up to one of the agents and tells him in no uncertain terms that we are staying at this hotel and no one is going to stop us going to our room-we are escorted in-priceless.
We were certainly underwhelmed again-peeling wallpaper,dripping taps-certainly a faded lady.Left a list of complaints on checkout.Porter left us to load own bags into car.Then later when checking folio they added a mini bar charge that we certainly did not have.
I do not reccomend the Waldorf or the Towers.Only go if you are impressed by tradition.Even then you can walk through the foyer for free any way.Take your computer-wifi is free in the lobby and it wouldnt take much to work out which network to use-so they'll all think you are staying there anyway.
Next Per Se.