BASED ON POPULAR DEMAND, I'M GOING TO TRY TO COMBINE ALL OF THIS IN ONE TRIP FORUM!

A Dear Friend is Delayed!

After traveltoomuch (Kathy) met me at the gate we went to the Cheers pub for a Sams. We found out Tribe Flyer's Flight on SOuthwest is very delayed. So TraveltooMuch decides to drop me off at the Renaissance and we plan to go to Hyde Park for steak and hopefully Tribe Flyer showing up!

Another "They don't build hotels like this anymore" Hotel

The Renaissance Cleveland was built in the early part of the last century and was run by the Stoffers (of frozen food fame) for years. It's a class hotel with a grand staircase, marble and chancellers. Some of the most friendly staff, three people offered to take my bag. Fast check in and a nice king size bed on teh 10th floor with a view of the river.

WIth some time I wanted to go for a swim. Went with swimtrunks and my Shania Twain T-shirt on tot he fifth floor Health club. Noticed there was NO ONE in the pool (the pool is enclosed with a large atrium. Then I saw people setting up some private reception/DO. I asked if I could go for a dip in the pool and Mr. SNooty gave me this look. SO went to the nautic track, did about 1.5 miles and sauna and upstairs to change for dinner.

ANother Classic SteakHouse

TravelTooMuch told me there are several great Steakhouses in CLE (I've been to the Ruth's twice and it was very good.) But Hyde Park is in the range of a Sparks, NYC or a Bern's, Tampa or a Forge, Miami or a Harris', San Fran. Classic design, Excellent service and some of the best beef around.

We were joined by Lonnie, a very charming woman and a lurker on Flyertalk. We both told her to get on board -- there are friendly people here. A facinating woman and as friendly and fun as Tribe Flyer (who was STILL delayed!)

Lonnie has a very good salmon and TTM and I had great steaks. FOr a change of pace I had the steak in garlic sauce and musherooms. Very good but after seeing the original steaks I think I will go for the original the next time I come to Hyde Park.

Excellent creame boulet (SP?) It was after 9pm and I, being up since 12:10a was ready to crash. SO TTM and I said good night and Lonnie waited for Tribe Flyer (who finally arrived at 9:30pm.)

NEXT: Take me out the Jacobs Field!