chiz
The W Hotel - Almost as Cool As They Think They Are
Posted by chiz on January 3, 2008 in Hotels
So I decided on my last trip to San Diego to try something new and spend a few days at the W Hotel. All in all, I was very happy with my experience there, despite the relatively high unintentional comedy factor this place exposes itself to. First the positives:
We arrived at 11am and our room was ready! And the reason?… well what I came to realize was, besides the special rooms they reserve for those high rollin or oft visiting customers, rooms are assigned as you step in the lobby and check in. Fairly simple idea, but not one used by most hotels. So we rolled up to the 9th floor, and opened our door as the cleaning crew was getting the room next to us ready for the next arrival.
The concierge desk. The W’s stance is “Whatever, Whenever”. And I must say they lived up to that as well as you can expect any hotel to. The concierge desk is staffed 24/7 with friendly knowledgeable people who anticipate customer needs and are ready with a solution to most questions asked right away.
The beds. Man are they comfortable. And if you’re a fan of the minimalist look, you’ll love the rooms.
Now the “unintentional comedy” factor:
Drink names such as Porn Star and Show me Some Love are poured into tiny martini glasses and the bartender has the nerve to take 13 bucks plus tip for one…. absolutely a racket, but it’s hilarious because all those people wanting to be seen buying one, hand it right over.
Everything has life. Inanimate objects talk to you through signs, like the headphones in the gym saying “well hello there. feel free to use me while you work out , but use the sanitary rags next to me to clean me off so I can make the next customer as happy as you”Very cute.
The rooms have chalkboards in them… yes chalkboards. Complete with chalk and an eraser. Consider the W markets a young crowd and they promote “indulging”, I can only imagine some of the creative pictures wiped off those chalkboards by the cleaning crew.
All in all, if you can find a good deal (we found a special for 200 a night), I’d say go for it just to say you’ve been there. Don’t pay full price though.
II Thumbs Up for III Forks
Posted by chiz on December 21, 2007 in Restaurants
All those years of traveling lead to lots of airplane magazine readings. Because I love a good steak, the page that always caught my eye was the “Top 10 Steakhouses in America”. For as long as I’ve been reading those magazines (close to 10 years now), III Forks has always made the list. Yes I know the Dallas location is what makes the list, but the same entrepreneur recently opened up a 2nd location in Austin. Finally, while in Austin, I got to visit this mythical steakhouse. Let’s just say it’s exceeded my every expectation. USDA Prime steaks, fresh fish and cold-water lobster were the big menu items. In typical Austin fashion, it’s a nice place where you’ll find folks in suits sitting next to those in jeans. Just my style. I had the Filet and it was the juciest, most prime piece I’ve ever tasted. The server was very educated on the wine list (thankfully considering it was the biggest mark up I’ve ever experienced). I opted for the Stag’s Leap 2004 Cabernet. At 100 dollars a bottle it represents about a 120% markup on the price you’ll find at your local Whole Foods. The trade off is one of best atmospheres and wine lists you’ll experience, all in the heart of Downtown Austin. If you’re entertaining a client, or simply looking to impress a date, spare no expense and try this place out.