Grand Rapids -- WOW!

It's been about 10 years since I've been to Grand Rapids. The last time was with Gary for a mountain bike race. I remember that we spent most of the time in a suburb and only went downtown to go to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. I highly recommend going to the museum by the way -- regardless of your political affiliation, it is a great experience for all.

On Friday, myself and seven others from work embarked on a journey to the great town of Grand Rapids. The occasion was the near opening of the first J.W. Marriott in the Midwest. The hotel officially opens in about three weeks, but we got a preview! Let me tell you that in my 13+ years in the hotel business in addition to all my other years of travel, I never seen a more amazing hotel. This is a one of a kind work of art. If you ever go to Grand Rapids, you have to go to this hotel and check it out. There isn't one room with an amazing view. The entire building is glass so you see everything. Wow - that's all I can say.

BTW, the nightlife has picked up a bit as well, so if that is your kind of fun, this is your kind of town!

Marriott's New Venture

Yesterday, Mr. Marriott appeared at a press conference where he was introduced by none other than SPONGEBOB! The announcement was that Marriott is partnering with Nickelodeon to open Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott. At the end of the press conference, Mr. Marriott was hit with the green slime! You can catch the podcast if interested. It's a little long, so if you actually want to see the slime action, go to about 28 minutes into the press conference. On the down side, the first resort won't open until 2010.

In case you don't know, Mr. Marriott has his own blog. You can read his thoughts on the new venture and being slimed. Check it out!

I pulled it off!

Last night I pulled off a surprise party for my dad! He's turning 60 next week. We meet at Sweet Lorraine's at the Detroit Downtown Courtyard. After appetizers and some socializing, we headed to Greektown Casino. I'm not much of a gambler, but I came out $18 ahead! Everyone seemed to have a good time and I know my dad had a lot of fun!

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Thanks to the Troy Marriott, a bunch of us from work were treated to the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at the Palace. We received transportation in the form of a party bus, suite tickets, and a LOT of beverages. The night ended with complimentary accommodations at the hotel. Some of you may have received some text messages and/or photos sent from me. I hope you enjoyed them. I'm starting to get better at typing these text messages!

It was a great time and it was nice to get out. Elijah spent the night with Grandpa S and had fun as well. It was back to the routine on Saturday with a morning karate class.

Cincinnati

Yesterday I drove down to Cincinnati for a business/pleasure trip. It was to visit the Kingsgate Conference Center, and see the area. Since it was a Friday, I brought Elijah, along with Grandma & Grandpa H.

We started with a great lunch buffet. From there, we (others from my office and myself), split off from out guests and did a tour of the University of Cincinnati Rec Center and Student Union -- which BTW has a movie theatre and a bar in it -- I think I got ripped off in my undergraduate education! While we were on the tour, the fire alarm went off, so we got to see Cincinnati's finest come in and save the day (well, they would have it it wasn't a false alarm)! After that excitement, we headed off to a great place called Newport on the Levee. Great place to shop, eat and have a great time. It's on the Kentucky side, but has a great view of downtown Cincinnati.

On Saturday we wrapped up with business and were off to enjoy the rest of the weekend on our own. Thanks to the great team at Kingsgate, (and it looks like our friends at the SpringHill Suites as well), we received free tickets to the Beach Waterpark. What a great day! Elijah had a blast -- actually we all did!

We are about to go down and have dinner . . . enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Kentucky Wrap Up

I'm a few days late in posting this, so I apologize in advance.

Saturday we started off the day with breakfast in the restaurant. It was a fabulous buffet (we also enjoyed it on Sunday). After breakfast it was off in the Marriott van for drive in the country. We saw a lot of horse farms and learned about white and black fences. We also learned more about horse reproduction that I ever wanted to know.

We stopped off at Woodford Reserve for a tour and some bourbon. We got a shot of bourbon and a bourbon ball before the tour. After the tour, we had lunch that included chocolate bourbon cake.

From there we checked out a few competitor hotels and headed back to the hotel. After getting back, we loaded up the kids and went to the Kentucky Horse Park. First off, the signage is less than impressive. About our second time around, the kids had a meltdown, so we stopped a playground they setup at the park. I wandered around and secured passes for a pony ride for the kids. Elijah loved it and so did the other kids. That is until one of them had an allergic reaction and broke out in hives! A trip to the drugstore and some Benedryl fixed that.

From there, we met up with an old friend at a place called Gattitown. The website is still under construction, so you may not see it yet. Basically it's a little Chuck E Cheese with a splash of Dave & Busters. The kids had fun and the food wasn't too bad (definitely cheaper than CEC).

Sunday was breakfast and the drive home. Happy belated Father's Day to all you dads out there. Did you remember to call and wish your dad a Happy Father's Day?

Southern Hospitality

I'm sitting in a suite at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort. (www.griffingatemarriott.com). It was a crazy day getting down here, but as soon as I walked in, I remembered why I love this hotel. We had a fabulous dinner at the Mansion. (the only 4 diamond restaurant in Lexington), and now I am chillin out trying to motivate myself to do homework!

Tomorrow is a tour of Lexington and a little R&R. Sunday we hit the road to come back to Detroit! Have a great weekend y'all!

Headin down to the bluegrass

I'm leaving for Lexington, KY in the morning. A business trip with a dash of pleasure. I'll fill you in later. I thought Elijah would be excited to see some horses, but he said they are stinky. (I guess they don't keep the barn clean at The Henry Ford). Yee Haw! I'll write y'all later!

I'm back from Miami!

I went to Miami yesterday for work. I'm back today and figured out I was there for exactly 23 hours! It was fun and I got to see Uncle Chuck! Since it has been six years since I have seen him (at my wedding), that was by far the best part of the trip. I stayed at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa -- A Marriott Resort. I guess Tiger Woods is there a lot since they always have the Ford Championship there. I apologize to all those avid golf fans, but it didn't mean much to me! I got to see some old friends and made some new ones, but I'll be back to the old routine tomorrow!

I'll be back in Florida in 18 days! Yahoo!