LaffingBear

While on this topic.... has anyone had a carryon refused as slightly too big? I was on Alaska Air 3 weeks ago. My carry on meets their requirements.... which are changing next month. At present, Alaska permits carryons about 1" bigger for each dimension. Taking United next week. My bag is, technically, 1" too big. Ive never seen anyone forced by the airline to put their bag into one of those sizers.... Ive heard announcements that full flights mean you can check carryon at the gate without charge. Websites say if too big, fees apply, even at the gate.

Several of my bags have cup/water bottle holders. Thought it was a handy-dandy feature. Never once used it.

I dont know what that means. I dont take it as a reflection on me... not my fault. Not a behavior I believe to be disproportionately occurring for me. I can shrug it off. I can't not notice. I hope Im not ever immune to lack of civility, as that would probably only occur when I behave the same towards others. .

One the most difficult things for me is today's norm that no response by electronic communications is an acceptable form of saying no. I've worked with a rentguy multiple times. Extended visits. Assured me he's interested last time I saw him, even contacted me when coming to my area. Now, no reply to texts or other messages. Yet he's still active on RM, I even retain access to his private material. Hired a young person to work in my yard. Polite, hardworking, completes whatever is asked. Assured me he's available and interested in more work. But now a no show for scheduled work, and no response to communications. I know this isn't a new topic. I've moaned and complained about it on the forum previously. But I can't wrap my head around it. Strangely, if either guy said "hey, not interested" I'd move on without fuss, never contact again. Wouldn't take it personally. But no response leaves me wondering... is it a tech problem? Miss the message? Too busy and forgot to reply? Should I keep trying, or does that become bitter or creepy stalker behavior? In practical terms, no response really isn't efficient if it's intended to stop communications. I've adjusted my expectations of communications civility... but one of most evident examples that I'm older without contemporary social values is that I'll never fully accept no response as an acceptable substitute for a negative response.

No, you're not the only one. Mostly, I disregard the list, and ask. One exception: if the list is very short AND missing a service I desire, I interpret that to mean they took time to eliminate what they won't do.

Location according to what? Published? Shared directly by the guy? The RM or another site's GPS? There could be any number of reasons. Maybe called away on emergency Maybe more lucrative outcall Maybe fell asleep Maybe got cold feet Maybe a social retard who gets his jollies disrupting others' lives. And mom yelled "come up out of that basement for dinner now!" Youll never know... just move on

Treasure Island is a good location. My first ever LV visit was there, 20+ years ago. Rooms were fine... dont know what its like since divested from the MGM group. I have comp offers, although I am anything but a player. So not a good source for rates. But I considered a Harrahs offer for a free room - a studio/suite, highly recommended by reservation agent for all Caesar's properties - but I stayed somewhere else. After playing a bit in Harrahs, glad I didnt stay there... felt like a dump, incredibly smokey, etc. They even have a restrictive free-drinks policy while playing at the tables, something I didnt experience at Paris or Planet Hollywood, two other Caesar's properties. Friends in the know recommend Paris. And Ballys, as long as a recently renovated room. The Caesars and MGM websites have all started promoting "recently renovated" in describing some rooms/towers on their giant properties, so its easy to identify. And, the rooms at LINQ are reportedly nice, new, but small and spartan.

Wheels. Unless it's a very small duffel, you'll appreciate not bearing the weight of the luggage on shoulders during long waits in lines, long airport walks, etc. Even little things, like setting the duffel down on wet pavement, whereas wheels keep the bag dry. The ability to attach and carry the personal item on the wheeler is also nice. I have an old 2-wheel set in all sizes. Still in excellent condition, sturdy double wheels. I always thought the 4-wheel rollers were silly, seemed less stable. But I realized this past trip, the 4-wheelers take all the weight, even when rolling; I'm taking some of the weight of the 2-wheeler when in motion. Not too much for me, but, given the airline's reduction in carryon luggage size allowances, and not owning something the maximum carry-on size, my next purchase might be a 4-wheeler.

No. But not for any particular reason.... just never happened. & No

I never heard of that site... although I see it has a history with HooBoy, which I knew well. thanks for posting

Good luck enforcing that. You're paying for time. If very firm on that policy, and paying a reduced fee, or no fee, I'd include consideration of consequences. Is it worth the argument? The aggravation factor? Potential follow up text- or email-bombs, or whatever cyber bullying is possible? If in your location, could he break stuff out of spite on the way out. I negotiate contracts in my career. Im often critical on these forums of guys who allow themselves to be victimized. Ive departed at the start or very early in a session. I forced a faker out of my home last Fall when he started the session with intolerable actions, paying him a portion just to get rid him. Ive even picked up a hotel room phone and asked for security (the guy bolted, so I said "never mind.) But I cant imagine doing more than expressing disappointment to the guy who spends the time, but doesnt get hard.... maybe hoping for some acknowledgement.

Ive never been asked for my full name. I wouldnt give it first meeting. I used to give a fake first name. Now I use my real name. In an odd way, using a fake name reminded me of being in the closet. Its simply too much work to keep track of the lies, an extra layer of caution/pressure on all communications and interactions. I suppose recent repeat rentguys might know my full name. Theyve had run of my house eventually. Might have seen a piece of mail, etc. Last guy, 4th visit, got into a scheduling mixup... I was only scheduled for an hour on his last day in area, so he asked and I let him spend night in my guest room, which is also my office. I doubt he did, but he could have opened any file or drawer and found out alot about me. Caution makes sense. I wouldnt give a guy full name before or during first visit. Wouldnt volunteer my last name unless necessary. But I have no illusions that privacy exists in 2018.

I think Im going to be in LV same time. Im checking RM and other sites, but preplanning nothing. Because Ive arrived at the conclusion that today's guys dont rely on plans.... and I cant say I blame them... as vacated plans, wasted time and ghostings are the norm in the age of cellphones. I always preplanned for travel in prior decades. But for current era, Ill see whats up when I get to town.

Texted. No response Edit: responded politely many hours later, apologized for not responding sooner. Told me neighborhood he's working, can host incalls, rate. I asked no further questions, told him I wouldnt waste his time, but would contact when ready to schedule same day. And provided link to the forum.

Its ok to ask anything. But its ok for them to decline. I'll admit, its a hot button issue for me, and was a bit of a negative in my hiring decisions. I met a guy who has fake pics on RM, but hes actually more attractive. Extremely concerned about discretion, with a back-story regarding embarrassment and exposure when he had used real pics. I have no interest in video or nude or even suggestive pictures. I dont seek attention by posting my activities on social media. But he wouldnt even take a head shot selfie for my phone contacts after 4 visits, including overnight. Walked to dinner in neighborhood with him, and noticed he behaved evasively at my front door due to security cam. I asked him if he'd like to travel with me. But Ive decided not to pursue it if hes going to be too cautious due to discretion concerns. Id probably still do hourly. At some point, my expectation of an ongoing client relationship includes at least a moderate level of trust and openness.

Most of my travel was corporate. And in considering the posted question, I realize Ive rarely stayed in hotels truly characterized as super high-end luxury. And most of my favorite stays were in Hyatts. The Grand Hyatt Tampa, where they always upgraded me to what they called Casitas... a grouping of separate buildings at the waterfront. I was always in a large suite, with a loft bedroom and a patio only feet from waters' edge. The Park Hyatt DC, particularly for the location. The Grand Hyatt NYC, above Grand Central Terminal. Due to a series of poor customer service at prior properties and with telephone reservations, I was greeted by the general manager on arrival and upgraded to a huge suite, with windows facing north east and south. And met at checkout by the reservations manager and told that, all future stays, to book the cheapest online room available and email her.... I was upgraded to suites with Regency Club concierge level access every stay. Due to corp HQ in Westchester, I spent weekends there 4-5 times a year. And fell in love with NYC, Broadway, even the subway. I also learned the lesson that politely complaining usually pays off. The Hyatt Suites on Michigan Ave in Chicago. I worked for a corporation that was buying a new property in Chicago and arranged an ongoing corporate rate. I was there twice a month. Brand new at the time, great little suites... they really had their customer service act together. I was walking away from checkin once, when the agent called me back to say "I see in the notes here that you found the mattress in that room uncomfortable on a prior visit. Lets put you in a different room." I think its now an Omni. The Grand Hyatt SF, where Ive stayed many times, and even arranged a corporate retreat. Fantastic location. The Seascape Resort south of SF, and the Bodega Bay Lodge to the north were both great. Hotel Pacific Monterey, all suites, and a great location for walking to downtown or out to the wharf. Neither the Palace nor the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco was more than very nice... not the extraordinary experience I'd hoped for given their reputation.

Apparently, resort fees arent the only add-on. Im headed to LV soon. Staying at Mandalay, because a friend is staying there same time... not a gambler, he loves their wave pool and lazy river. I had this brilliant idea to buy an oversized tube for floating on their river...cheaper, bigger, more features, etc. Free shipping direct to hotel, to avoid heavier/bulkier luggage. Turns out, all the LV hotels charge a fee for receiving guest shipments - even a small pkg. Based on size & weight. I get that the origins relate to convention business when presenters or sponsors ship displays, giveaways, handouts, etc. And, I remember when travel pundits were advising people to ship their clothes and avoid luggage. No shipping for me... Ill just buy the hotel's tube. Probably save a half-mile walk to some receiving center in a convention center, and avoid delays, as well.

Dont stay at Parc 55. Keeps changing ownership/brand-affiliation. ( currently a Wyndham?) And bad karma.... it was the site of a big prostitution bust many years ago.

Well... the opinions here are going to be varied. I think it depends on prioritizing factors. More inclined to host in-calls or make outcalls? Feel locals or tourists are bigger market? How time off the clock will be spent? The comment regarding traffic is accurate. I was driving around SF this past Saturday. I wouldn't drive around Union Sq, SOMA, Financial District business weekdays. Historically, weekends were tolerable. But even on Sat, traffic was nightmarish. There is so much construction everywhere... it feels like city planners forgot to consider the combined effects. There is literally only one clogged route to many destinations. When its that bad... Uber, bus, cab also suffer. I expect most visitors wouldnt bother with a car. And locals know not to try to drive. Choice of a walkable destination may merit extra consideration.

There are tons of other things to do. The Asian Art Museum, many of the GGPark attractions, dining, neighhorhood exploration, etc. I even recommend Beach Blanket Babylon, and would see it as often as once every 7-8 years. I was identifying the recommended, once-is-enough activities for visitors, that I choose not to repeat.

For tourists... I would never recommend staying at Fishermans Wharf. Fishermans Wharf is a must see&do, but once in your life is enough. Theres no reason to stay in that area. One of the experiences of living in SF Bay... friends and relatives visit. I have the same routine with all of them. "Choose a weekday I have to work. Spend a day as a tourist. Ride a cable car. Go to Fisherman's Wharf & Ghirardelli Square. Take a bay cruise or go Alcatraz. I'll meet you after and we'll go for a nice dinner." I also use the exact same route/itinerary to show visitors around the city that relatives used with me on my first visit in the 80s.

Marriott took over the holiday inn in union square. Great location. Added benefit of proximity to NobHill Theatre, which should be a good source of clientele. There was a time NobHill lodged their headliners at that Holiday Inn. I havent been in the rooms since visiting with NHT performers... but Marriott's probably upgraded some.

The advice to not stay at Fishermans Wharf is good. Try the Union Square area.... or Nob Hill. Anything along Market Street, or in the Financial District would work for clients' access. Although its been years, my recommendation for a San Francisco getaway is Hotel Majestic in Pacific Heights. But probably not advisable for hosting.

Regarding RISE: I've arrived at the hypothesis.... someone at NBC/Comcast has a passion for broadway, and any series NBC tries related to the Broadway genre will fail. SMASH Grease: your the one that I want RISE

Just as additional info... I have no personal or discretion-based concerns about Lobby meets. I actually prefer it. In addition to possible security enhancement and identity/photo-accuracy verification, I just like the extra anticipation of watching how a guy carries himself walking through the public space. Its just that, 12+ years ago, and earlier, several guys hesitated at the idea of meeting me in tbe lobby, and a few said "never mind." Perhaps I successfully avoided some scammers......