Originally Posted by ssullivan (Post 13783908)

I love how when reading online reviews of hotels in Hawaii, I find posts saying things like "The hotel was fabulous, but we were especially thrilled that there was a Cheesecake Factory and a Cold Stone Creamery within a couple of blocks. You should definitely eat at those while you're here!"

Um, no.

I guess to some people the idea of eating out on vacation means "hit all the chain restaurants." I'd much rather experience the local cuisine and spend at least one meal in one of the area's finest local establishments than eat bland reheated mass produced "food" at a chain restaurant that exists in every city with more than 500,000 residents these days.

Originally Posted by Steph3n (Post 13784074)

I have had it once, won't go back. Ever.

Originally Posted by ConciergeMike (Post 13784081)

Not sure of anyone else here, but if I'm visiting someplace new or that I haven't been in a while, I stop at flavortownusa.com and see if Guy Fieri has been through there. Love to watch Triple-D, so I will try to visit someplace he's been if I've seen the episode.

Originally Posted by ssullivan (Post 13784056)

On the other hand, this post came from someone on FT with elite status in multiple programs. To me that falls into the "You should know better" category.

Originally Posted by Steph3n (Post 13784089)

I am not so hot on the places he stuffs his face :D but they are typically not chain at least.

Originally Posted by ConciergeMike (Post 13784088)

+1. I'd rather try my own hand at some of their artisan cheesecakes anyway. It means more even if tastes like crap when it's homemade.

Originally Posted by sdm1130 (Post 13784101)

Not every frequent traveler is going to be the type of person that likes to try new/different restaurants. Some people like knowing exactly what kind of food they are going to get and avoid some of the risks that may come with a non-chain place. I personally prefer trying new places as much as I can (and rarely go to chain restaurants at home or on the road), but I understand that not everyone is like this. To each his own.

Originally Posted by ConciergeMike (Post 13784103)

Depends on what he highlights at the place. I'll try to go if a specific dish jumped out at me.

Originally Posted by ssullivan (Post 13784018)

So, any recommendations on where to burn points in Hawaii for hotel rooms? Looking at the Westin Moana Surfrider right now, but I've also got a TON of Marriott points, and a decent amount of Hilton points, as well as a stack of free night certificates from Hilton as well. I'm determined not to pay for a single hotel night on this trip. We need that cash for other things right now.

Originally Posted by sdm1130 (Post 13784101)

Not every frequent traveler is going to be the type of person that likes to try new/different restaurants. Some people like knowing exactly what kind of food they are going to get and avoid some of the risks that may come with a non-chain place. I personally prefer trying new places as much as I can (and very rarely go to chain restaurants at home or on the road), but I understand that not everyone is like this. To each his own.

Originally Posted by jrzyshawn (Post 13784139)

Stay away from the Sheraton. We stayed there and it was nothing special, at all.

Originally Posted by radonc1 (Post 13780491)

I am intrigued by a diesel due to its simplicity and great gas mileage. I have considered the Mercedes but they do not import the C class, only the E class, and that car is way too large (I want something the size of the A4). I will look at a Jetta, but I fear it is another German car and have some trepidation about it's ability to last. I tend to drive my cars till they look like that tractor. I guess I am just going to have to look around. Thanks anyway.

Originally Posted by jrzyshawn (Post 13784158)

Even though I am one of the fussiest eaters out there (no fish, chicken, pork or anything weird) I mainly eat just beef and vegetables, I am always willing to experience local restaurants when I travel. With that, China is always a challenge for me. I lost about 10 pounds last time.

Originally Posted by Trustguy (Post 13784160)

Agree, although the price is pretty good. We're there next Thursday night for 1 night.