I am of course describing the result of 9/11. Flying is not fun, I am amazed there are as many flying as there are, count me out in the future. I just got back from the American Accounting Association meeting in Oklahoma City.
Airports are a hassle as one poked, prodded, de shoed, you dare not take anything sharp and I mean a penknife or a nail file with you or you face ejection and the process starts all over.
The cab ride to downtown Oklahoma City was $25, one way. The Renaissance Hotel is owned by Marriott. MAR now trades at a 14 P/E earning a dollar. I look for those earnings to decline. The young staff could not have been nicer from the bell captain stand, porters, wait staff in the dining room, and the guy that came to check the television. The business plan however is hardly targeted at the current environment.
This hotel handily connects to the massive downtown convention center across the street. However this is Oklahoma City not New York City. But
the room was $129 and went to $149 Friday, and that is with the convention discount.
Alone and not knowing the town I tried the dining room, whoops. The young ladies waiting tables could not have been nicer. but,, $35 for an entree on Thursday night? I talked them into a salad with grilled chicken for $13 but it was not on the menu. $14 for a breakfast. $12.95 a day for internet in the room? Wi fi was free across the street at the convention center. Okay it was a nice room but...
I mentioned this to the bell captain and he said that was the common complaint they heard from guests. Why not a $3.95 egg mcmuffin? Good question he answered! Apparently this is a popular topic among the staff. Friday night I walked two blocks down the street to an Abuelo's, and had a nice meal with cup of soup all with tip for $15. Sigh, why let guests walk out the door to your empty restaurant to go down the street? Beats me.
The last sraw was the $30 bill to park the car at the airport for two days though I am sure that is calculated to make me pay for three.
By the way, a survey about the next meting revealed that San Antonio is THE most expensive location among Houston, DFW, Little Rock, Okla City, Austin, and Alburquerque. The reason cited is the inordinate charge for the SA convention center. Needless to say, San Antonio will not be chosen, a sad story for a city dedicated to tourism.....Government strikes again.
Next time I will not be staying at the 'convention hotel' no matter what the city. And frankly if I have to fly, I just won't go, the thirty bucks to park the car was the last straw for me. the shoe bomber won......
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