Atlanta: Day 1

Nick and I have the opportunity this week to travel to Atlanta, GA for a business trip. Nick has passed all of his actuarial exams (YAY!) and is currently attending the final event before receiving his "credentials" as an accredited actuary.

Nick Fiechter, FSA :)))))

So we drove (b/c I am 37 weeks pregnant and well...really b/c I hate to fly! lol...) 11 hours and arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, GA. Go ahead. Google it. (WOW!) It is a 5 Star hotel (the only one in Atlanta, or so they say...)

 

What have we learned about a 5 star hotel? Let me tell you. ;)

• We are out of our element here. We arrived in pj pants (c'mon, we were in a car for 11 hours!) BUT - you can be proud of me. I packed in a suitcase, NOT my normal ( a laundry basket!) I learned my lesson about that. ;)

 

• A doorman is a man who greets you at the hotel while you are still in your car. He opens the door for you, insists on you taking a bottle of water, makes you feel very welcome, tells you all about how he'll take great care of your car and park it for you. I mean, they do valet service here (oh, and it costs $35/day!!!!!!!!! AH!). AND....this guy is to be tipped. $1 per bag, no less than $2. 

• If you insist on carrying your own luggage, it doesn't really work. If you ask for a luggage cart, they'll bring you one, but you aren't even allowed to push it. That's the Bellman's job.

• The Bellman is a man who brings your bags on the luggage cart (that you are perfectly able to push yourself) up to your room. Then when he gets to your room, don't attempt to unload the cart. He'll do that for you. AND....this guy is ALSO to be tipped. $1 per bag, no less than $2 if you only have one bag. 

• The front desk lady will not hand you your keys over the countertop. She'll walk ALLL the way around the long marble desk, addressing you as Mr. & Mrs. and personally welcome you to your hotel, and hand you the keys with a hand shake. (even if you are dressed in pj clothes that are much too warm for the climate, and even if you do have messy hair and no make up! eeks!)

• If for some reason your 5 star hotel overbooks themselves for the 3rd night of your stay, they'll move you next door to another hotel and oh, don't worry, the Bellman will take care of your luggage. ;) 

• And to apologize for their mistake, they'll offer you free Wifi service, bring you a bottle of tea, a personal letter, and candied pecans and leave them in your room while you are out for dinner. (How did they know we were out? Are there hidden cameras in our room?)

• OH! Don't forget the 30% discount they offered on their spa! Duh! Now instead of paying $125 for my pre-natal massage that I could get if I wanted, I'll only have to pay $87.50. Oh, don't forget the 20% expected tip.... ;)

 

• The Varisty is a fun restaraunt to visit if you are in the area. It is basically a "Bummies on steriods" and very yummy. According to Nick, their milkshakes and onion rings are shhhh! (actually better than Bummies!) I have to say I thought they were about equal (I'm VERY loyal to my Bummies!)

• The Boston Celtics also like 5 star hotels and have a basketball game Monday night. No, they are NOT a NCAA team, but still famous all the same. IF there happens to be a player working out in the fitness center, it is apparently very funny to try to trick your wife that you can't get the 50lb. bar off your chest. But really, the jokes on you when the fitness coordinator comes to your rescue before your wife even notices your joke. ;) (she was too busy "checking out the treadmill beside the Celtics player!" ;) ) 

:) We are having a fabulous time!