reporting from Newark, NJ

The Days Inn, Newark airport - avoid it at all costs. Don't go, don't recommend, just stay away. Even at $79.99 a night it is almost too awful to bear. Ilan, I thought, you told me in October, we were staying at a Marriott!
This Days Inn hotel is a nightmare and it is not just because I am a jaded business traveler (I don't think). Let me explain - I called for hotel shuttle from P4 hotel shuttle pick up area at EWR as the hotel does not send the shuttle on a routine (this *is* a airport hotel mind you). I saw the Marriott portfolio properties, Wyndam, even Howard Johnson's shuttle 3 times before I finally called again. The front desk is staffed by what seems to be a loud, angry, "my way or the highway" type woman whom obviously never heard about hospitality & friendliness, but ok....., the shuttle arrived 50 minutes after my call. The driver seemed almost as unhappy and was busy drinking his soda while we negotiated tight highway ramp turns at full speed, got to hotel to be scolded about what payment do I want to provide - cash or charge (who pays for hotels in cash?). Anyway, my room & tax was suppose to be hosted so I advised that maybe she had a billing form; to wit, I got a quick, "NO"! Ok. I will solve that tomorrow, so, provided my DC card and went to room. Is this hotel 40 years old? I hate bathrooms in the guest room area, old polyester comforters (didn't know they still made them and REALLY don't want to know who has been doing what on it since the last washing. I will toss it on the floor) and rocks with pillow cases on them. Alright still, busy day catching up on email so at 8pm I realized I had only the small nibble they give on the plane so I went to find food. There is nothing within walking distance. Not one quickie mart, fast food joint or anything. Only a very overpriced on property restaurant. So, feeling trepidation, I entered. Who is the waiter? The hotel manager! I am not kidding..... that is what his name tag said. I ordered iced tea. I was thirsty so I asked for a carafe so he isn't running back and forth (although I was only person in restaurant). He advised iced teas are purchased by the glass. Only hot coffee and tea are all you can drink. Now, wait a minute; isn't hot tea the same as iced tea but with ice? I didn't want to fight it but I think this may be then only restaurant in America that does not provide complimentary iced tea refills. Now, menu prices..... $18.95 for spaghetti and that was the daily special! I think not. I know Gordon Ramsay, Paul Dean or Bobby Flay are not in the kitchen nor are likely to show up for a throw down of Days Inn spaghetti . So, a $8.95 pizza it is. The manager/waiter brought the pizza but did not offer more water, I had to get the crushed red peppers and parm cheese shakers from salad bar...... and the 15% gratuity was included on my check as mandatory! I am a table of one and they have the nerve to mandate a gratuity. Isn't a grat for exceptional service?

I am just glad I will be seeing several professional friends tomorrow I have not seen since October and we will spend the next 5 days enjoying ourselves; good food, good wine and good company. Wish you were here Hanson!