Hilton HHonors - Hilton Lac-Leamy Trip Reports and Reviews

Yo folks!

Two weekends ago, I took my girlfriend to the new Hilton Lac Leamy in Hull, by the Casino. What a weekend we had! Brand new building opened 6 weeks ago. From the moment we got off the car until we got to the room, we must have had at least 8 staffs that greeted us! That was just the beginning.

The Casino de Hull was poorly deserved as far as hotel goes, unless you'd drove to Ottawa. Since the Casino belongs to Loto-Québec, they built their own's. I don't wannna be the one doing the accounting for that construction. We were upgraded to Executive floor (19th) with a fanstatic view of the Lake Leamy. Everything was perfect (the lounge has 30 years old scotch...hummmm)!! during that stay...except that we both ran out of luck at the Casino..I guess you can't have it all!! I highly recommand that hotel for anyone going to Ottawa/Hull. Great introductory rate of 129$/night until January 31st.

I just spent several hours at the brand new Lac Leamy Hilton just adjacent to the Hull casino (across the river from Ottawa). My parents are spending the weekend there and we took the opportunity to vist and take our daughter swimming.

While I have not visited every Hilton in Canada, I can hardly imagine that there is a nice Hilton anywhere in the country. I have stayed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas - and the rooms and lobby of this Hilton are about at par (no, I am not exaggerating - they have the marble bathrooms and everything).

The pool area is incredible. Along with a fairly large size indoor pool, a nice smallish indoor kids pool, and jacuzzi is an outdoor pool heated to 96 degrees F that you can reach from the inside! There is a similar pool at the Bonaventure Hilton in Montreal - but this one is at least 3 times the size.

There is also a very larghe play area for little children filled with great toys. There is a billiards area and small movie theatre.

We had a wonderful time. I recommend it to anyone for a short, luxurious weekend away.

I totally agree, S5. I've stayed there several times and have been upgraded to the executive level every time (as a gold). I've also received a very large fruit basket filled with at least 10 different kinds of fruit each time. The lounge has excellent breakfast, snacks and evening desserts. Overall, it is definitely one of the best hotels I have stayed in in Canada.

S5 -

Can only agree with you and GWN!

I've been there two time since the opening in October and both time got upgraded to the executive level. My girlfriend just couldn't resist and eated all the fruits in the basket! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

The last time, we went to the massage center. OH MAN!! What a relaxation we had! Next time you're around you should give it a try! The nicest thing about it is that I can claim back to my company health insurance the cost of the massage... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

All in all, one of the nicest hotel I've been in my travelling salesman life!!

OUPSS!!

I forgot to mention that the Hotel belongs to Loto Quebec, who happens to be the owner of the Casino...so the money was there to get all the bathrooms in marble!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Can somebody tell me how far this property is from thr VIA Station in YOW? How much $$$ for a cab??

Also, how far from YOW Airport? Again, how much for cabfare?

Thanks in advance!

You are best to rent a car when staying here. Quite a hike from the airport but only 5 minutes to Ottawa (if you have a car).

I have stayed there four times since they opened last fall. Always upgraded to Executive Floor. Nice views over "Lac Leamy" and woods.

Thanks, BB.

Glad to hear the property is upgrading HH members to their Exec Level. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

By chance, did you also receive one of those wonderful fruit baskets that were discussed above???

Thanks again for the info!

i've stayed there atleast 15 times since it has been open. when it first opened, my first 5 stays were upgraded to "suite" on Exec level, on that level you get this giant basket with all the soap/bath products you could ever imagine + a tv in the bathroom. And don't forget, when you make some serious coin at the Casino, you could shell out 2200.00 for the gigantic penthouse suite with piano and all the trimmings imagineable. not sure whatr the cab fare is but i would think for sure not more than 50 bucks

Yes I have always got the fruit basket and a big bottle of water.

I always rent a car for around $30 CAD per day. I know it costs about $35 to get to downtown Ottawa from airport so $45-50 to get to Lac Leamy would be about right (ie $90-100 roundtrip).

Car is handy if you want to head up to the Gatineau Park etc.

By the way, Hull isn't Hull anymore, It is now called Gatineau I believe.

Hull will always be Hull, or more precisely, Hell, to those of us who were ethnically cleasened from our Ottawa government offices and bussed across the river to Trudeau's half acre, one of the biggest patronage rip-offs of the Liberal government, fattening the bank accounts of Roberts Campeau and Terron, and other developers. Place du Portage was a modern day version of the Gulag, comprising some of the most sterile and Stalinist architecture ever conceived by mankind. And of course, due to Quebec's labour laws, not a single Ontario-based worker could work on these projects, thus fattening the bellies of the Separatists who then took all the seats in this region in the NA. Ah, Liberal federalism, thy name is "sucker".

Even worse, some of the best and classic drinking halls in Canadian history were demolished to make way for these massive concrete mosoleums: The OH, The Standish Hall... In one stroke of the bureaucrat's pen, more history was wiped out on that side of the Ottawa River than was made on the other.

One man's spin on Canadian histor, on this eve of CANADA DAY, or rather DOMINION DAY.

As has been mentioned in other posts, there is really nothing around the Lac Leamy. It is a great hotel, the best Hilton in Canada imho but other than the hotel and the casino, it's in a wasteland. It's about a $10-15 taxi ride to downtown Ottawa, depending on the traffic but if you're not in a rush and don't mind taking the bus, you can get free bus tickets from the desk for the bus downtown and back.

I have a one week stay coming up in August and need to be in touch with the office by e-mail - does the hotel have internet access in room? If so is there a charge to access the net? If not are there free local calls as I can maybe log in that way.

What is parking like in Ottawa? If I hire a car from the airport can i find parking at the hotel and in the city (free if possible!!)

Was breakfast for gold card holders served in lounge or in restaurant - was it full or just continental?
Thanks!!

I will respond to your parking questions only.

There is tons of free parking at the hotel (the hotel is adjacent to the Hull Casino - who ever heard of a casino chaging for parking?)

Yes, you can hire a taxi very easily from the airport to the hotel. The fare should be less than CAD$30 (or about US$20).

There are many taxis in Ottawa, especially downtown. It is very easy to find a taxi. Downtown Ottawa is relatively small and so you can take a taxi from the hotel to downtown and then walk wherever you need to go. (I am not sure what a tourist would do to keep busy in Ottawa for a week - but that is an altogether different question).

Parking is plentiful in Ottawa as well - but could be pricey if you moved around a lot with your car.

Consider a side trip to the Thousand Islands or to Montreal for some variety.

(By the way, the steakhouse Le Biftheque across the steet from the hotel is a good reasonably priced steak house).

For good french food near the hotel, try Le Tartouffe or Le Henri Burger. (There is a five star restaurant at the casino as well). Also try High Tea at the Chateau Laurier. Le Cafe at the National Arts Centre has a great deal for a three course meal after 8 PM for $19.95 per person with dessert and coffee.

Have fun.

[This message has been edited by Salisbury5 (edited 07-05-2002).]

They have high speed internet if you have a lan connection. The rooms I was in on executive floor also had a keyboard for the TV and internet access on that but not sure how well it works. About $10 CAD per day for high speed access.

Just back from a quick trip to the Ottawa area - thought I'd post a quick Trip Report about the Hilton Lac Leamy. We decided to take the kids to a few museums in the capital, as well as treating ourselves to another night with Mr. Springsteen (http://www.brucespringsteen.net/live/index.html) during his current tour. With all the positive comments from FlyerTalkers who have stayed here, the choice of hotel was a natural. Those comments are justly deserved. This is the nicest Hilton I've ever stayed at - certainly the best in Canada.

After a friendly greeting at the HHonors desk in the lobby, we were immediately told to go to the lounge on the 19th. floor to check in. Our room overlooked the "lake" (which is actually a filled quarry) and was quite large. The bathroom was luxurious, as described in this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/007242.html) recent thread. The two double beds featured down duvets and were very comfortable. Lounge access was offered. The lounge features an indoor seating area with fireplace, as well as a small outdoor patio deck which was open when we arrived due to nice weather (which unfortunately didn't last). The evening hors d'ouevres were a bit eclectic for our tastes and surprisingly the bar is not only not complimentary, but very expensive. The breakfast spread was quite adequate however.

The hotel adjoins the casino, where Mrs. yyzflyer unexpectedly won enough to pay for the entire weekend. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

We took in the Museum of Science & Technology, which was kind of a waste of time when compared with similar attractions elsewhere in Canada and the U.S. Many displays were not open due to the time of year. The Boss rocked the Corel Centre on Friday night. (Setlist is here (http://discussions.brucespringsteen.net/thread.jsp?forum=32&thread=44745) for you Bruce fans.)

All in all, a great weekend. I highly recommend the Hilton Lac Leamy and plan to return. (Also planning the next Springsteen excursion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)



[This message has been edited by yyzflyer (edited 04-22-2003).]

I'll be there next weekend for my 5th return visit . . . I do like the place (only negative thing is drink charges in lounge, which I can live with given other amenities). Fruit basket and wine/champagne I hope will be waiting for me.

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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BlondeBomber:
Fruit basket and wine/champagne I hope will be waiting for me.

</font>

Is this a Diamond perk or something for multiple-return guests?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yyzflyer:
Is this a Diamond perk or something for multiple-return guests?</font>

Actually I'm Gold and I've been there 4 times so far and had the fruit basket everytime (no wine/champagne http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif )

Not sure why I have been lucky--I think I have had it (wine/champagne) on at least 2 occasions. I always get wine at Toronto airport but now with cutbacks, who knows.

Fruit basket everytime at Lac Leamy (and not some piddly little thing either!)

If you can, you should book a dinner reservation at Le Baccarat restaurant at the casino. A lovely place to eat with impeccable service and a wine cellar that many in the world would drool over.

My two stays at the Hilton (honeymoon and first anniversary) were great including the mega fruit basket and a bathroom that my wife now wants in our house.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Cloud Lounger:
If you can, you should book a dinner reservation at Le Baccarat restaurant at the casino. A lovely place to eat with impeccable service and a wine cellar that many in the world would drool over.

My two stays at the Hilton (honeymoon and first anniversary) were great including the mega fruit basket and a bathroom that my wife now wants in our house.</font>


CL,

You're right! I had dinner twice at the
Baccara and my wife still talks about it! And so is she about the bathroom!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif The only thing missing in the bathroom is the heated floor. At 6 am it is quite a shock, unless you sleep with your socks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

How far is this place from downtown Ottawa. If I was going to Ottawa on business, how long and how much would the taxi ride be?

There are shuttles that take you from Ottawa hotels to the Hull Casino and Hilton. I don't have the exact information now but the hotel concierges in Ottawa or the Hull Casino can certainly help you. I seem to recall a taxi ride costing $25.00 cn.

The hotel is about 5 miles from downtown Ottawa and a taxi ride is usually around Can. $12 without tip, depending on traffic and which route the taxi driver takes. The ride will take you about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Rush hour will take much longer, I would allow 30 mins. if you have to be at a meeting.

There is a shuttle bus that leaves at 20 mins. after the hour, every hour, from 9 in the morning until 11 at night. The bus meanders and takes about 25 minutes to get down to the market area. It does stop at the Museum of Civilization and near the National Art Gallery. The concierge will give you free tickets if you ask. Otherwise, the bus costs around $1.60, but I'm not sure. (You will need exact change) The bus stop, marked #21, is outside the casino at the lower level.

Robert

I never had the opportunity to visit Ottawa before, since it is a little out of the way for me, but decided recently to make a weekend of it before heading over to the the Hilton Montreal.

Unbeknownst to me, it just happened that there was an international fireworks festival happening that weekend beside the hotel, so it was completely booked. However, as usual, the diamond desk was able to secure a room for points on-the-spot just a few days ahead. Great job as usual on that end.

The hotel is only a few years old, well-kept, state-of-the-art, and from the moment you walk in the door you know it's a classy place. There's blown glass art hanging from the walls and ceiling, like walking into the lobby of the Bellagio.

It's connected to the Casino du Lac-Leamy (Ottawa's gov't-run casio), making it seem even more like you are in Las Vegas. The casio, however, is smoke-free, which I found to be a nice environment for gambling. They also offer vegas-like shows and entertainment (although our short trip didn't allow time for it, it's very convenient, as we walked right past the doorway to the showroom a couple times on the way into the casino).

The hotel offers valet parking as well as plenty of free-parking, which is just 100 yards from the front door and easy enough to get to.

The hotel is actually just outside of the city limits of Ottawa, in Gatineau, just over the river from downtown Ottawa -- and only takes a few minutes to drive over to everything: the Parliment, Museums, Canadian Mint, etc., as well as a lot of shopping.

I received a large room on the 18th floor (18-20 are Exec Levels, which need your key for access). The room had a marble entrance and bath, plenty of space for toiletries and such. The minibar had its own little cove within the room. There was a nice, comfortable leather chair and ottoman to sit back in at the end of the day.

There's also a sharp little multi-CD-player/radio hidden in a cabinet that holds the minibar (supposed to be in each room I've read); the sound from it is well-beyond its size. The TV was actually hidden in a cabinet that popped up electronically with the flip of a switch, which was rather James Bond-like (but I doubt those are in every room).

They provided the standard Hilton throw-away white slippers, which were nice to use given the cold marble floors, an assortment of toiletries in the bath, etc. It had both a large bath as well as a shower stall, all in marble.

The view was great, and from the layout of the hotel I would doubt there is a bad view from any room in the hotel. There's a lake outside both sides of the hotel, since it sits on a little island of it's own.

For fun, there are lighted tennis courts, an outdoor pool area, walking paths, a children's gym play area, a nicely-equipped gym, a very nice looking spa (although we didn't get to enjoy that). We just wished we had more time to enjoy all of these, as they all looked well-kept and alluring.

The main dining room has great food, and a buffet on Sundays. We tried the buffet in the casio as well, and it was good too.

The Exec Lounge on the 19th floor is fantastic, with at least 14-foot ceilings and large glass windows overlooking the lake below. Plenty of snacks and a well-stocked self-serve honor bar. It's the type of lounge that you don't mind hanging out in for a while. Large space with plenty of seating, but a cozy feeling.

The service at the hotel is top-notch. In fact, I ended up leaving a pair of shoes under a chair when I left. Following up with the hotel security they found them and shipped them home to me.

At the end of our last night they had the fireworks competition, which ended up shooting off just ourside our window! What a view; we just sat back and relaxed with some drinks and watched the fireworks go off right in front of us. They do it every year in July/August I'm told, and it's well-worth making it part of your travel plans. Amazing fireworks like I've never seen before.

A perfect ending to a fantastic weekend. I'd highly recommend this hotel. One of the nicest Hiltons in North America in terms of overall quality of the place. ^

Have to agree this is still a nice one--it's been a couple of years since I've ventured over here.

I am sitting in my King Suite (upgraded during online checkin) on the Exec Floor. Nice sized living room, decent bedroom and lovely marble bathroom with nice touches (but no jacuzzi!). Staff have been very helpful. No fruit basket or wine anymore but great for $140 CAD!

I am thinking of taking hubby here for his birthday in mid-July. Since we are not gamblers or heavily into sports, we would be more interested in seeing the historic sights/sites in Ottawa proper. If one does not have a car, how easy or difficult would it be to get to and from the hotel to Parliament, museums, etc.? Would it be necessary to use taxis (i.e., no public transport, nor transport provided by the hotel)? Any idea of the costs for taxis?

It sounds like a lovely hotel, and the airfare to Ottawa is good, so we would be interested in staying there if the logistics of getting around are not too formidable.

Thanks for any info,
Jackie

P.S. The other locale in the running for our trip is Quebec City. Although it is a little pricier all around, if it would be a more interesting/memorable/better destination than Ottawa (yes, I know, French vs. British -- but we like both :) ) we would choose to go there. Between Ottawa and Quebec, which would you recommend?

It would be difficult without a car. Taking a taxi would run you about $20-25+ each way, depending on traffic. I don't know how fast transit can get you in.

Ottawa has a lot of museums so is good if you're into that. However, the downtown core dies after 5-6 pm.

Personally, I'd choose Quebec City.

I live in Ottawa and think it's a great city, but I also really enjoy visiting Quebec City, so here's a couple thoughts on both places.

(And yes, Braindrain is correct, downtown Ottawa is dead past 5pm, though the Byward Market is very alive until the wee hours, if that matters to you!)

In terms of hotels, Lac Leamy is WAY nicer than the QC Hilton. Newer, swankier, superb Exec lounge, gorgeous rooms, great facilities all-round. The QC property is better located (just outside Old Quebec, walking distance to everything) compared to Lac Leamy, but the hotel is a bit tired. Not awful- it's perfectly satisfactory and some rooms have great views, but it isn't anything special. Staying at Lac Leamy, on the other hand, was a treat.

I also enjoy museums, and I personally think Ottawa has the edge there - although Quebec City certainly has more/longer history and is fascinating. I guess I'd say if you want more in-depth history of one place, go to Quebec, but if you want a broader scope (i.e. museums of civilization, natural history, science, currency, National Gallery, Parliament Bldgs, etc), go to Ottawa. Both cities are lovely places to wander about in, plenty of greenspace in the core.

As for getting around, in QC, from the Hilton, you can walk easily. In Ottawa, Lac Leamy is "further out" and you will need a car/ taxi/ public transit to get to the museums. (Myself, I would rent a bike, as it's right on the bike path network. But I don't know if that's an option for you). The hotel website says it provides "local transportation", but I don't know what that means exactly. Taxis will be expensive. However, public transit in Ottawa/ Gatineau is generally pretty good. That or you might want to rent a car, self-parking at Lac Leamy is free. Driving around Ottawa is not difficult.

Hope that helps, and enjoy your trip whatever you choose. PM me if I can help with any more info for you!

Braindead and There Yet?,

Thank you both for your inputs. As it is hubby's b-day, it's his choice and he wants to go to Quebec City. Lac Leamy sounds wonderful and so we will save that for another day; I would really like to check it out.

Thanks again to you both,
Jackie

Have anyone stayed at this hotel lately? Do they serve you all alcohol beverages in the executive lounge? Do they also fill out cost of alcohol for you as well?

Have anyone stayed at this hotel lately? Do they serve you all alcohol beverages in the executive lounge? Do they also fill out cost of alcohol for you as well?

We are staying here now!

We do not drink alcohol, so we do not know if they serve "all" alcoholic beverages in the executive lounge, but they do serve a wide variety of beer, wine and hard liquor in the lounge. Serve is not quite the right word, since the alcohol is available on a self service basis? You merely pour your own drink and then you self report what you consumed on a little piece of paper with a check box list of drinks and prices. It is an honor system, but unfortunately, I have caught people cheating (taking drinks and not reporting them).

Lac Leamy is great place and in my estimation the most under-rated Hilton that I know. Two caveats though. One is that they no longer allow children under 18 in the executive lounge after 5PM when they open the honor bar in the executive lounge. This appears to be a province of Quebec rule. This makes for a nice atmosphere for adults in the executive lounge, but it does make for a logistical nightmare for Golds and Diamonds traveling with children.

Second, the downgrading or over extension of Gold and/or Diamond status is apparent at the Lac Leamy executive lounge. The lounge is literally busting at the seems during breakfast and hors d'oeuvres. Now I know that the time between Christmas and New Years is a particularly busy time, but once when they were verifying the room numbers and identities of the people in the lounge, I had the chance to take a quick peek at the list the hotel was maintaining as the server was flipping through each page (I did not look at the names, just the room numbers). It seems that there were at least two rooms on each of the 17 non-executive floors referenced on the list (and many more on some of these floors) on top of each of the rooms on the executive floors. I think it was best summed by a fellow passenger on an elevator as she saw a whole gaggle of us separately use our keys to swipe access to the executive lounge; she remarked "Is there anyone staying at this hotel who does not have access to the executive lounge?"

By the way, it is the Province of Quebec who runs the casino and the hotel, not the Canadian federal government.

I ask about the service because it was what happened last I was there. There was a waiter whom served all the alcohol to people in the lounge. This way, he maked sure no one over poured on any drink (as I may be guilty of paying 1 drink while it is over 1oz of alcohol).

I ask about the service because it was what happened last I was there. There was a waiter whom served all the alcohol to people in the lounge. This way, he maked sure no one over poured on any drink (as I may be guilty of paying 1 drink while it is over 1oz of alcohol).

I now know what you are referring to . . . As of my most recent stay, no waiter was available to serve the alcohol. It was a self pour situation. Again, I think it was becuase the executive lounge staff was too besieged with accomodating guests to have the time to pour the alcoholic drinks for the executive lounge patrons.

I remeber the regime you are referring to. As soon as you walked in, a staff member would greet you and ask if he or she could help you (either with a drink or with some other amenity). The staff was friendly and professional, but they were too much in the guests' face. It was like having some really unpopular kid from one's school follow you around as you went about getting drinks (even non-alcoholic drinks) and snacks in the executive lounge.

I go to the Hilton lac leamy a few times a year.I alwas book on the gold floor.Up to this time everything is almost perfect.We get there @ 3:00 just in time for happy hour.They said sorry the gold floor room is booked for a wedding.I was there with family and of course we some what upset at this.The main point of booking on this floor was to access this room.It was closed from 4:00-12:00 am.Now we said ok we will order room service for super.We got up early and went to the gold room for breakfest and yes again this weeding takes over.Most of the wedding party and guests are eating.We had to eat in the hall we were not happy at all.I told the csr at check out we should get some points for this and they said no.Should we have demanded something in return for this.

I go to the Hilton lac leamy a few times a year.I alwas book on the gold floor.Up to this time everything is almost perfect.We get there @ 3:00 just in time for happy hour.They said sorry the gold floor room is booked for a wedding.I was there with family and of course we some what upset at this.The main point of booking on this floor was to access this room.It was closed from 4:00-12:00 am.Now we said ok we will order room service for super.We got up early and went to the gold room for breakfest and yes again this weeding takes over.Most of the wedding party and guests are eating.We had to eat in the hall we were not happy at all.I told the csr at check out we should get some points for this and they said no.Should we have demanded something in return for this.


Questions


What is your Hilton Honors status?
Do you mean "executive level"? (I have no clue what "gold" floor is :confused:)
If indeed you booked the "executive level" and had your confirmation in hand they should have:
Refunded the difference between a regular room and the executive level
(I think, based on the above) Given you vouchers for the hotel resturant


Once you respond, we can better advise you.

1)My membership level is gold vip.
2)Yes the gold floor is the same as the exuctive.The gold floor is the 18th floor.
3)At check in they said yes your on the gold floor.
4)The room we had was $800.00 for 2 nights.A reg room would have been $400 for 2 nights,.

Yes, you should immediately call the Gold Desk and explain the situation. If you didn't get the room you booked, you should have received a refund.

You can also email Gold@hilton.com and copy flyertalk@hilton.com.

Good luck and report how things turn out!

I really like this hotel. I was upgraded to the Exec floor (they have 3). The room was clean, with a gorgeous view of the city - the leaves are changing. The bathroom was mostly marble, huge, with a sunken tub and separate shower. You will find bathrobes and slippers in the closet which you can wear to the pool and spa.

The exec lounge served a variety of delicious hors d'oeuvres in the evening and was quiet with attentive staff (drinks priced well considering). There is a smoking deck which I really appreciated.

The casino was a little whack to me, however, I am not really into casinos anyway. You could not drink on the gambling floors only at the bar. There is a short indoor walk between the hotel and casino and you will pass a restaurant, shop, and theater.

The maids stalk the rooms which I did not like at all. I had to tell the maid to leave us be at least 3 times on the morning of departure (no door sign in room). At night the maid came into the room for the turn down service, my boyfriend told her in french that we did not need it yet she was in the room changing ice, and offering chocolates. I told her that I don't speak french and she continued to start up a conversation. All in all the maids actually do a good job.

I asked for a late check out and was denied before I could finish. It was Thanksgiving weekend so I decided not to challenge the desk person.

Gatineau and Ottawa are decent places to visit but I don't know enough about the city to make any recommendations on restaurants, bars, museums, etc. I would recommend staying at this hotel if you are ever in the area. The best part of it was that it was an award stay.