Orlando, Florida: Fairfield Inn Orlando Airport, MCO, public transportation

 February 2022, weekday/weekend, 1-night

Arrival and check-in

We arrived at MCO in the evening, and called for the shuttle bus to the hotel. The airport was extremely chaotic, and we waited about 30 minutes for the shuttle. We observed other passengers waiting longer than us for shuttles from other hotels, so our experience was apparently not unusual. Our son arrived about an hour after us and had the same experience when he arrived. Check-in was quick, although as a gold member, I did not receive an upgraded room or even the guestroom floor location I had requested.

Above: actual photo taken of our guestroom 310 with tiny single chair only
Two photos below: from Marriott website of guestrooms with two queen beds

Two queen beds, guestroom 310

This is a basic guestroom with two queen beds. We did not have a sofa in our room, as pictured on the Marriott website. We paid for three adults when making this reservation, and only received amenities in the guestroom for two: 2 washcloths, 2 coffees, etc. You would think that an elite guest paying for three adults would at least receive the bare minimum, if not also, a larger room with sofa.

Guestroom 310 at Fairfield Inn Orland Airport
View from tiny chair next to beds

New Orleans: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot

 November 2021, weekday, 1-night, king suite 808

View from bedroom window in suite 808 Kimpton Hotel Fontenot

Pre-arrival and mishap with first airport hotel reservation 

This hotel reservation was an unplanned booking for us. We had originally planned to stay at the DoubleTree MSY airport, as our flight was not arriving until evening. We were staying just the one night, and had planned to get a ride from the airport to the cruise port in the morning. About 7 weeks before our stay at the DoubleTree, we found out our reservation had been cancelled. We were NOT notified of the cancellation, even though the Hilton website stated that a cancellation notice had been sent. I knew about the damages from Hurricane Ida, so I had been checking our reservation periodically to make sure all was well. One day when I checked, I saw the reservation had been cancelled. This may have happened as much as a week before I discovered it, as I was only checking every few days. I checked all my SPAM and trash folders after I saw the cancellation on their website, to make sure I had not missed a notification, and there was nothing I had missed. I then wrote a letter to Hilton expressing my disappointment with the way the cancellation had been handled. As a diamond member, I expected they would at least rebook a room in a similar location for a similar price. Apparently, I have too high of expectations! The reply from Hilton (3 weeks after I submitted it) basically just told me to call customer service to make a new reservation. Another Hilton diamond disappointment. I am slowly realizing the unappreciated loyalty I have been giving to this hotel chain. 

After the cancellation, I considered Hilton properties at the airport and downtown, before deciding to forgo Hilton and go with Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG property. This was our first stay at a Kimpton Hotel, and this stay won me over as a loyal guest! Since we were not arriving until evening, I contacted the hotel beforehand via email with our expected arrival time, and a few questions. The immediate reply I received said we had been upgraded to a suite, and that we would receive "a bit of lagniappe," since we were going to miss the evening social hour.

Amenity in our suite in Kimpton Hotel Fontenot 

Check-in and platinum perks

I had reserved a king guestroom with points, and as I already mentioned, we were upgraded to a suite. When we arrived, it took a few minutes to check-in at the front desk, and our amenity was in the suite.

Suite #808

The guestroom was clean, spacious, and comfortable. Even though we were not on the top floor (my usual preference), we did not hear any noise overhead. 

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot wardrobe closet in suite 808

The suite entrance from the hall opened into the living area, which was quite spacious. Other than the amenity and wardrobe photos above, I forgot to take photos of this room. Furnishings I recall included: a large desk with plenty of outlets, desk chair, sofa, coffee table, large flatscreen TV, cabinet under the TV, small table and chairs (in front of window, partially visible in amenity photo), and a padded suitcase bench.

I loved the luxurious bathrobes in the wardrobe closet. A small fridge is located behind the door under the ice bucket. The door between the living area and bedroom could be closed.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Tru by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

 November 2021, Sunday, 1-night, king guestroom 414

Sunset facing west the night of our stay.
Photo taken from car after leaving guestroom to run an errand.

Check-in, arrival, diamond perks

I checked in on the app and chose a corner top floor guestroom. I did not receive notification that my room was ready when we arrived after check-in time, so I stopped at the front desk. I was initially assigned guestroom 431, which I think is the room I had chosen. This room faces west, and would have had a sunset view. I scheduled a wake-up call for 3:45 AM during check-in. The agent gave me my keys, and said I could get some bottled water from the cooler. As I was getting the water, she stepped over with new keys, and said I was going to be in guestroom 414 instead. In hindsight, I should have questioned the room assignments. She had offered me water, so I assumed she was giving me an upgrade, or had at least checked for one.

Guestroom 414 in Tru by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

King Guestroom 414

This is a basic guestroom on the top floor. It is in the center of the building across from the elevator. It faces the parking lot and street.

The room was comfortable and clean. In addition to the king size bed, it contained a large flatscreen TV, suitcase bench, desk and chair, and small fridge. There was no microwave or coffee in the guestroom. Apparently, many people miss not having a microwave, because front desk staff had mentioned this to me. I missed not having coffee in the guestroom more than I did a microwave, as I typically have coffee first thing in the morning, before I even shower.

Chicago, Illinois: transportation, attractions, dining, Happy Hours

December 2019, Weekdays-weekend between Christmas and New Years

We spent three days around Chicago during our two-night stay. Following is information about some of the transportation we used and places we visited.

Sun rising in St. Joe; taken from Pere Marquette Amtrak ride en route from GRR.

Transportation

We took the Amtrak Pere Marquette route roundtrip from GRR. If you make a reservation in advance, the adult Smart Fare cost is usually $28 one-way, or 1,208 points. We were able to redeem points for part of the trip. The Christmas light decorations along the way were beautiful on the return trip. Both trips were uneventful, and we arrived on time. The train was 100% full on the way to Chicago, and it was not very full on the way back to Grand Rapids. This is the perfect situation for this trip. Grand Rapids in the first place to board the train when departing, so it was not a problem finding seats together. There are always many trains leaving Chicago, and it is nice when this route is not full, because Union Station is chaotic when it is. Click on the Amtrak label at the end of this post, if you are interested in more information from previous trips.

In Chicago, we took Uber from Sheraton Grand Chicago to Garfield Park Conservatory. There was a sign for Uber pickup in front of the hotel and Shula's Steakhouse (which is in the hotel). After I scheduled the ride, I sent a text stating our exact location in front of Shula's, because there are different street levels in Chicago, and GPS does not recognize that. The hotel concierge had mentioned rides and the different street levels during one of our conversations, and then I realized that was why my map app had been confused during some of our walks! 😁 We did not wait long, and the ride took less than 20 minutes. The cost was $12.71 pre-tip. We rode the Green Line train back to Chicago, which took about the same amount of time. You can purchase tickets from a machine at the station. The cost was $3 each for a single ticket (the website says $2.50; not sure why the price difference). The security person working in the station told us the ticket could be reused for the next two hours. There is a shelter and heating lamps in the platform waiting area. Trains run about every 10 minutes on weekdays.

My favorite room at Garfield Park Conservatory!

Garfield Park Conservatory, parks, attractions

Garfield Park Conservatory opens at 9AM, and we arrived about seven minutes early. Fortunately, the weather was nice, because there was not a covered waiting area. Others were waiting before we arrived, and they opened the doors a couple of minutes early.

Uber Experiences and Tips

We have had our share of Uber snafus, and I am writing this post to share some tips for others.

Screen shot for Uber fare estimates

• I always check fare estimates online before traveling to determine what mode of transportation we will use. Here is a link to the Uber estimator, which I use, and then compare to other local transportation options. I have heard that Uber costs are outrageous in New York City, so I checked estimates between the exact same locations for Uber and local cabs, and found this to be true. The cab fare estimate from LGA airport to Midtown area of New York City showed cab fare as $10 less than the Uber fare.
• If you are planning to use Uber, watch for Uber signs in airports, as you walk toward baggage claim/ground transportation. I have been in some airports that have signs saying, "Call Uber now."
• Do not tip or rate drivers until the trip is 100% over. Our last trip was going smoothly, and we were almost to our destination, so I completed everything on the app, including tip. Our driver then passed the turn (it was easily visible on the Uber map on my phone, and I could see the hotel logo/sign down the road he missed). He went to the next street, turned down it toward a different building, and then appeared lost or confused. Initially, I had thought maybe he knew a back way in, so I did not say anything when he first passed the road. After he looked confused, I told him he had passed the turn, and explained where I had seen the hotel. After some hesitation and excuse from him, he turned back, and sure enough the hotel was exactly where I had seen it. After we got our luggage and entered the hotel, I received an updated receipt from Uber for $2 more! Not much of an increase; however, the extra route and time was entirely his fault.

Miami, Florida / Public Transportation and more

Public transportation in south Florida has come a long way in recent years. This is great for visitors and residents alike. Getting to different areas of south Florida has become easier for travelers like us, and this is a great boost for persons looking to relocate to the area or sell. I recently discovered a new Miami real estate resource, which I love. This site is well-designed, easy to use, and an overall fabulous source for real estate information.

Following are a few of the many public transportation options available in Miami. You can find more details on the Miami-Dade transportation site.

Beautiful view at South Beach!

Miami Beach Airport Express

The Miami Beach Airport Express runs every 30 minutes and provides express service from 6 a.m. to 11:40 p.m., seven days a week, between the Miami International Airport Metrorail station and Miami Beach (with stops from 41st Street to South Pointe Drive). The cost is $2.25 one-way, and it takes less than 30 minutes to get to the area around Collins Ave.

Tri-Rail

The Tri-rail system offers transportation from as far south as the Miami airport, and north to Mangonia Park, which is just north of West Palm Beach airport. Commuter Connectors provide free shuttle service to and from select Tri-Rail stations, such as FLL and WPB airports, Boca Raton, and more. Visit the "Free Tri-Rail Commuter Connectors" tab on the Tri-Rail page for shuttle service schedules.

Tri-Rail route map

When we took the rail from FLL to MIA in 2016, the trip took less than 45 minutes. The rail schedule shows that it takes just under two hours to travel the entire length of the route, which is pretty similar to the length of time it would take to drive by car. 

Brightline

I am excited about the new passenger rail system, which is coming to Miami. The new station [MiamiCentral] currently under development in the Government Center District of downtown Miami will include residences, as well. The real estate link above provides information about many different properties in downtown Miami.

Brightline currently offers express service between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Service to Orlando is in the plan after the Miami portion is completed.

Transportation Choices: to/from Orlando Airport (MCO), Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral

February 2018

We flew into the Orlando airport for a cruise from Port Canaveral. We needed transportation three different times: from the airport to Cape Canaveral, from our hotel in Cape Canaveral to the port, and from the port back to the airport. Following are the options we found, and our experiences.

Transportation for three from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Cape Canaveral

• If you are heading directly to the cruise port, the Carnival shared transfer service is $35.99 per person one-way. 
• There is also a link for a private car service on the Carnival page, which looked to be around $66 before tip. This seems like the best choice, if you do not want to use Uber.
• The online cab fare estimator said this trip would cost over $100 in a cab.
• We chose Uber, and the fare was less than $50 before tip. We were happy with the end result of this trip; however, we had some difficulty at the start. The first Uber driver who showed up refused to take us. We are three small to average size adults, and we had three pieces of luggage; one large bag, and two medium to large size bags. He said he did not have room, which was untrue. The second driver who showed up was Murat, and he was great. He had a smaller vehicle than the first driver, and we all easily fit in his car with our luggage in the trunk. I think the first driver did not want to take us that far, and then have to drive all the way back, most likely without a fare (it is about 45 miles one-way). I wanted to report the first driver; however, his name disappeared from the app as soon as he left. I had received a text from him before he arrived, and his number is (407) 439-2406. I will make sure I never do business with that number again, and I will advise others to avoid it. After we waited 10 minutes for him, we had to request the trip again via the app, and then wait for another driver. The Uber app says you have to be ready when requesting the ride; however, at MCO I observed three other passengers also waiting over 10 minutes for Uber drivers.

Map of the area

Transportation from Cape Canaveral hotel to Port Canaveral (Carnival cruise port)

Carnival Magic Cruise ~ 7-day Western Caribbean [Cozumel Plus] from Port Canaveral

February 2018

Sunrise from Carnival Magic cabin 7455

This is a long post, which covers our experience on the Carnival Magic. You can find additional photos in the Carnival Magic album on my Facebook travel page. I will have separate posts for the ports of call, and information about John Heald's For Fun Sake (FFS, formerly called bloggers cruise) activities. Being on this cruise to join the FFS group was an exciting coincidence for us, as we had this cruise booked long before it became designated as a FFS cruise.

Pre-cruise

We checked in online and printed our boarding passes, as usual. This was the first time we experienced "setting an appointment" for our arrival time. We have Platinum status, so I am not sure if we actually needed to schedule our arrival; I chose the first time slot available when I checked us in. 

We purchased the Cheers package, and one Carnival shore excursion beforehand. A better shore excursion price was offered through a different company, so after booking the excursion through Carnival, we filled out their "Best Price Guarantee" form. You can find details for their price guarantee in one of my previous blog posts. There was not much price difference; we received an onboard credit of $5.49 per person. The Cheers package cost including the 15% gratuity was $57.44 per day. Carnival raised the daily price to $59.74 (with the 15% gratuity) at the end of 2017, and it is 10% higher, if you purchase it onboard.  

Arrival and check-in ~ Port Canaveral

Our appointment time was scheduled for 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM, and we arrived around 11:15 AM. Everything was well marked for Priority Boarding, and we were on board in less than 20 minutes. Priority guests had already boarded when we arrived, so we were ushered into the priority lounge, where we had no wait to check-in, and then we boarded the ship. Our son was not able to board with us this time, even though we had our reservations linked together, so were not able to get our boarding photo taken together.

View from Carnival Magic cabin 7455 at Port Canaveral

Balcony Cabin 7455, category 8B

I did not take as many photos of our cabin as I usually do. We had this same cabin on the Carnival Breeze, and the layout is exactly the same. The furnishings in the Breeze cabin were a bit more deluxe than this one. For example, the in-room chair on Carnival Magic was a straight-backed chair with cushioned back and seat only, rather than the soft cozy seat and footstool on the Breeze. You can see the room layout and balcony photos for the Breeze cabin in that blog post.

Carnival Magic cabin 7455; balcony door open, bathroom door on right

Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Public Transportation Options

February 2016

This blog post contains information about several transportation options in southern Florida. We started our day with a beautiful sunrise, and view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan as we departed Laguardia airport.

view from plane

view from plane

Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) shuttle pickup for Dania Beach Tri-rail airport station

Since it can cost anywhere from $50 to over $100 for car service between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, we decided to take the Tri-rail from FLL to MIA for $3.75 each. The station is not accessible from the airport, so we needed to take a shuttle bus to the Dania Beach Station. The shuttle sign was straight ahead when we came down the escalator to baggage claim in terminal 2.

sign in terminal 2