WiFi isn't Free at Hartsfield

I actually like Hartsfield, but that may just be a comfort level attained from having spent my entire life flying from it and watching it grow.  For the being the world's busiest airport (depending on how you measure), I think Hartsfield does a decent job.

Unless you can get into an airline lounge, however, WiFi isn't free.  There is one exception.  The E Concourse food court has a free WiFi hot spot.  E Concourse is the one farthest from the Terminal, so it probably doesn't make sense to take advantage unless, 1) your flight is leaving from E Concourse anyway, or 2) you find yourself with a long layover.  If you do head that way, One Flew South, a restaurant out there is supposed to be very good (I've never tried it). 

Free In-Flight WiFi on Delta in August

I am not personally a huge advocate of joining the WiFi network onboard planes.  There's a certain tranquility for me in that 6-miles above the earth, for my hour or two in the air, my phone won't ring or buzz with an e-mail  I typically use the time to catch up on reading I've fallen behind on or just think through the problem of the day uninterrupted.  But I do occasionally succumb to the need to fire off some e-mails, especially if the flight is long enough.  This month you won't have to pay for the privilege if flying Delta. 

Delta Air Lines has teamed with Diet Coke to offer travellers free WiFi on all flights during the month of August.  The code you'll need is "DIETCOKEGOGO".  I haven't tried it personally having been uncharacteristically grounded for the last couple of weeks.  I've heard it is working though, and I will give it a whirl on a few flights in the week upcoming.

Il Localino, Atlanta Italian

I try to maintain an honest distance in these posts, an unclouded perspective.  In this case, I'd be lying if I said I was completely unaffected.  I've been eating at Il Localino for more than half my life.  If you don't have in your life a place that feels like Cheers, I highly recommend you cultivate one.  I've just been exceptionally lucky in that mine is one with exceptional food and a persistent good time. 

If you love Italian food (an honestly who doesn't?), you have to give Il Localino a try.  The food is immaculate, the owners and staff are warm, and the environment is a constant party.  I personally go with the veal scaloppini in a champagne sauce with mushrooms, but you can't go wrong with the menu.  Stop in and say hello, enjoy the food and the party.

Alaska Airlines

Were it not for the arrangement between Delta and Alaska Airlines, I would probably have never found myself on Alaska.  As it is, I end up in an Alaska Air seat semi-regularly. 

There isn't much to complain about.  The fleet feels very fresh, from the regional prop planes to their trademark 737s.  The service in the air was well above average.  All of the drinks are free, and they are constantly offering a new microbrew and wine from the northwest.  All of that is capped off by an easy and smooth process on the ground from check-in to boarding.  If my travel plans drop me somewhere on Alaska's route map, I definitely look to book on them first.  They are well worth consideration if your travel plans do as well. 

Variety of Packages at Rosewood Tucker's Point, Bermuda

The Rosewood Hotels & Resorts family is a smaller family of luxury resorts (around 20 properties around the world, predominantly North America and the Middle East).  In my experience, however, each of their hotels is worth a visit.  They are truly remarkable luxury hotels.

Right now, the Rosewood property at Tucker's Point Bermuda is offering a variety of specials to suit your vacation needs.  These include:

• a 5 nights for the price of 4 special, or a 7 night for the price of 5 special.
• unlimited golf and range time
• private golf instructions
• a romance package
• a spa package

Rosewood hotels are rarely an inexpensive place to drop your bags, but these specials offer some attractive discounts to the rack rate.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai

Long day, I almost forgot to post.

This particular hotel made a cameo appearance in the movie Body of Lies for any movie buffs out there.

The Jumeirah family of hotels has made a name in opulence, think the Burj al-Arab (the one that looks like a sail, rooms go for $1,000 nightly, you can't go in without a reservation, and is a self-declared seven star hotel).  The Jumeirah Emirates Towers isn't as decadent as the Burj al-Arab (turns out if you make a reservation for tea, they will actually let you in the hotel-for a minute).  But, the Burj also isn't a fair benchmark for a hotel.  The Emirates Towers has a decadence much more aligned with my personal taste. 

It's a business hotel for the most part, but one of the highest caliber.  The staff are impeccable, accommodating without being over-attentive to the point that you feel someone is always standing over you.  The rooms are exceptionally comfortable and comparatively large.  All of the right amenities are in place, Molton Brown personal care products, great robes, tastey minibar, and the on-site food is nothing to complain about.  An all around solid value.  If Dubai is on your list of stops, and the Burj seems a little over the top (as many things in Dubai can be), give the Emirates Towers a try.  It was a truly pleasant experience.

JW Marriott Special

I wasn't so sure when a friend sent me to the JW Marriott.  I was expecting something akin to the Courtyard.  I was actually really pleasantly surprised.  The brand deserves to be counted among the Ritz's of the world.  I will gin up a review of the property in Shanghai here shortly.

I think the rates are commensurate with room and service, an overall good value.  Right now, they are sweetening the deal with 20% off of spa or golf activities, a $50 resort credit and free breakfast.  It requires a three night stay and must be booked before August 22nd.  If you're planning an excursion to escape the debt debate/debacle, and there is a JW Marriott at your destination of choice, I certainly wouldn't look past it. 

The Willard, Washington DC

Barring a successful campaign or an invitation to a slumber party in the Lincoln bedroom, you're unlikely to ever sleep closer to the White House than spending a night at The Willard in Washington DC. 

The Willard is now a member of the Intercontinental hotel family and encompasses all of the comforts you would expect from a luxury hotel.  The mystique of spending a night at The Willard, however, isn't in the plush appointments or friendly staff, it is the history that exudes from this building.  The combination of proximate location and 19th century construction left me with a sense of awe for everything that transpired within those walls.  You can stay for the luxury and I don't imagine you'll be disappointed, but in a city with no shortage of things to do, don't forget to pause in the lobby for a few minutes and wonder at the majesty of the place.