Trip Report: A 'conference' in Las Vegas, and a short stint in NYC

[JMFK]

I was very underwhelmed with the Hiltons in the US. I guess I got used to the much better properties in AsiaPac. Same goes for the airline lounges. I guess the US is all about the sightseeing, and there is plenty to see

This was exactly my experience. I will not be loyal to Hilton in the US in the future, especially when travelling on my own dime.

 

[JMFK]

Couple of questions, you mention Uber a bit. Is it worth going down the track over a normal taxi when I'm over there?
Also in regards to coffee, I heard its a bit of a night mare to get a latte and saw that you mentioned a double shot at one point... What should I be asking for while I'm over there?

Uber is fantastic. If you'd like to use it, you can download the free app and use this code 'egps1' for $20 off your first ride. I'll also get $20 bucks if you decide to use it

Uber is available in many cities now (though not LAS due to the taxi mafia) but certainly in the US.

They have fixed fares from airports to the city ($65 for UberX from JFK to Manhattan) I took an UberBlack from JFK to Millennium Hilton @$85. Though this was by accident, haha, I meant to grab an UberX.

Uber Black is a higher class of car, where as UberX could be a Camry.

I did take UberX for the majority of trips in LAX and they were fine. Nice clean cars and cheaper than a taxi in most cases. Plus you can track where they are etc. In the US, there is plenty of availability and wait times are sub 5 minutes. My UberX airport trip from FD Hilton to JFK was in a Chrysler 300C.

The main benefit for me is the automatic payment to my credit card, emailed receipts and tipping being included. You arrive at your destination and just get out.

As for coffee - it's hard. If you're going to go to a Starbucks, I ordered a 'Short double shot latte', to get close to what I have in Melbourne, which is a strong latte.

It's served in Starbucks' espresso cup, and they charge you for a 'Tall' latte (which is their small) but it is closer in size to a regular size latte you get in Australia.

If they don't have the espresso cups, (sometimes I had to ask for them) I just got them to 3/4 fill a 'Tall'.

There are plenty of hipster places around though, you just have to search for them!

WTF Coffee lab are recommended if in Brooklyn. And Intelligentsia Coffee locations in LA are fantastic. Locations | Intelligentsia Coffee

I didn't get to try their NY location.

 

[cove]

With Omni,Fairmont,Four Seasons and a few others the only Hilton we do is the one in Orange CA as it is close to Angels Stadium. Even Ayres can be better than most Hilton Hotels and then there is InterContinental ,Loewe's, Little America, Shangri-La and Ritz Carlton.
But then Westin has the heavenly bed.
Certainly most of these plus Marriott put Hilton into the shade or darkness in comparison.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

As for coffee - it's hard. If you're going to go to a Starbucks, I ordered a 'Short double shot latte', to get close to what I have in Melbourne, which is a strong latte.

It's served in Starbucks' espresso cup, and they charge you for a 'Tall' latte (which is their small) but it is closer in size to a regular size latte you get in Australia.

If they don't have the espresso cups, (sometimes I had to ask for them) I just got them to 3/4 fill a 'Tall'.

<snip>

Ha. Exactly my experience with Starbucks in Canada. I do a lot of work over there and have been going to the local office Starbucks for several years now. A 'short double shot latte' it is!

I've almost got them trained! Main problem is as soon as some of the staff understand 1) my accent (although I try to talk clearly) and 2) what I want, they move on. But the manager keeps on keeping on, and a couple of the office also order "an Aussie" from time to time, so as soon as I go in now, he immediately writes up the cup.

There are a couple of good coffee shops in Calgary (hello DeVille ), but when its minus 30, Starbucks is just fine.

 

[JMFK]

Ha. Exactly my experience with Starbucks in Canada. I do a lot of work over there and have been going to the local office Starbucks for several years now. A 'short double shot latte' it is!

I've almost got them trained! Main problem is as soon as some of the staff understand 1) my accent (although I try to talk clearly) and 2) what I want, they move on. But the manager keeps on keeping on, and a couple of the office also order "an Aussie" from time to time, so as soon as I go in now, he immediately writes up the cup.

There are a couple of good coffee shops in Calgary (hello DeVille ), but when its minus 30, Starbucks is just fine.

Hahaha, ' an aussie' that's classic!

 

[drron]

The time to be loyal to Hilton in the states is when you are driving and in a small place or the burbs.We like Hilton Garden Inns.All built to a design,comfortable,reasonable food and you can do your laundry.
We usually don't stay in the cities apart from NYC and there it is the Hilton Club.

 

[trentusjuventus]

This was a great TR, I really enjoyed reading it so thanks for taking the time to post. I've also been hearing a lot about Uber so will be looking in to this more as well. Thanks again!

 

[JMFK]

The time to be loyal to Hilton in the states is when you are driving and in a small place or the burbs.We like Hilton Garden Inns.All built to a design,comfortable,reasonable food and you can do your laundry.
We usually don't stay in the cities apart from NYC and there it is the Hilton Club.

If I were to stay at a Hilton again in the US, it would be at lower tiered properties like a HGI as I don't see the value in staying at DT or Hilton's in the states. This is my opinion formed by my limited experiences to date.

 

[JMFK]

I've also been hearing a lot about Uber so will be looking in to this more as well

Feel free to use 'egps1' for that $20 credit

 

[Demon_fan]

Thanks JMFK!!!

 

[jastel]

Good TR...bought back some memories for me.
I stayed at the Hilton Times Square, crowded lobby (on 20th floor or something) but great views and location.
I never eat at hotels if I can avoid it, so cant comment on the food.

I wanted to do the high walk in NYC as well but it rained...


Hilton LAX I found a bit noisy with all the planes taking off, my room wasn't double glazed.
Radisson LAX had double glazing but had no curtains...so the light woke me up.
I couldn't win that trip.

 

[JMFK]

Hilton LAX I found a bit noisy with all the planes taking off, my room wasn't double glazed.

Thanks for reminding me, I forgot to add this - I agree, a bit noisy. Not double glazed which I found odd for a airport hotel.

Whilst I didn't sleep there, the noise was noticeable during the day so it must be super annoying at night!

 

[cove]

Marriott Marquis in Times Square worked well when there were five of us but you have to work on getting the price. Sometimes they try to snag you for $500 to $700 when sub $300 would be ok.
Thanks JMFK for the TR. A very enjoyable read.

 

[Melburnian1]

Thank you JFMK for the superb report.

I have yet to read every TR posted on AFF, but from what I've read thus far, this is probably the best (Pushka's cruise, while not something I would do, wins the silver).

JFMK, I love your writing style and how you meld the text and clear, excellent resolution pictures, even when they are closeups. It isn't always super easy to photograph food and drink when one is sitting in a plane seat.

 

[Kangarucci]

Thank you for the great read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading along.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Great TR JMFK !
I take my hat off to you for taking the time in putting together a superb Review of not only various flights, but also hotels, restaurants & attractions.

Your comments & Pictures of Hover Dam in Particular was of particular interest to me.

I throughly enjoyed reading your review & by sounds of things as did so many others on AFF.

Once again.....Thanks again.

 

[docjames]

Great TR, thanks for taking the time to post, especially with all those pics.

 

[TomVexille]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I enjoyed following your trip.

 

[JMFK]

JFMK, I love your writing style and how you meld the text and clear, excellent resolution pictures, even when they are closeups. It isn't always super easy to photograph food and drink when one is sitting in a plane seat.

Shucks, you'll make me blush!

I'm glad you enjoyed my incoherent, often over-tired ramblings!

 

[Nug300]

Great report, very much looking forward to holidaying in NYC and will definately use some of the suggestions here.

I am not too worried about the coffee as i dont drink it at all, but my wife love the suggestions on here