Last night’s Delta flight 1638 is blocked for something like an hour and 30 minutes of flight time.  With the storms in DC, it actually lasted well over 3 hours.  Not that I’m complaining.  The crew was fantastic, my upgrade had cleared, and we didn’t divert to Dulles like a whole lot of other flights including fellow BA blogger Dan Webb’s United flight.

I had arranged to be off work today in advance, so I’m just roaming around, and in truth am enjoying a cold beer at Commonwealth GastroPub in DC.  I highly recommend it if you’re ever in DC.  Take the Green Line metro to Columbia Heights and exit to your left.  After a morning visit to my gym, I’m generally enjoying my day off.

This past week’s visit to Atlanta included a 2-night stay at the Embassy Suites Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park.  Not much has changed since my last review of the property except that they’ve performed a very nice remodel of the gym, and invested in a much needed update to the equipment.  A couple of items of note.  My Hilton Diamond VIP status was not mentioned at check in, and no newspaper was delivered to my door on my first morning in the hotel.  I did have a paper the next morning, so I assume they just ran out the day before.

I don’t expect much.  My HHonors VIP benefit for Embassy Suites properties is comp internet access, which I absolutely received, but I personally appreciate it when the desk staff mentions the fact that I’ve shown some loyalty to the Hilton family in the past (and the specific hotel in particular) and thanks me for it.  Call me pretentious our old-fashioned if you want.

The Ruth’s Chris bar staff was phenomenal as usual.  I love stopping by there for an evening cocktail, whether I’m dining or not.  There’s something to be said for a pretty class establishment being located in your hotel lobby!  And the Peasant Bistro just around the corner was fantastic as always!

I’m going to get to work on pictures from Italy, Greece, and Turkey this weekend, as well as a full review of our fabulous cruise on Celebrity Equinox.  Stay tuned for more!