I was going to suggest that if they had put you in The Fredonia. Only fools stay at The Fredonia.

In any event, the HIEx there isn't bad, but it is on the south side of town where there is little other than fast food. It's been five years since I was there last but my buddy who lives in Longview now states that several decent places have opened up across the street or near to the university.

Hah. As I say that, I try to book a stay via their website for poops and giggles. I cannot, at this very moment, book a stay at The Fredonia online. In 2009. Wow. :rolleyes:

Of course it is, as I just learned.

Oh well, i get to YVR on time.

I've stayed there, but it was in the early 1990s, not long after the massive renovation they did when the place was reopened after years after being shuttered. It was nice at the time, but given the age of the building, and the fact that it appears it hasn't had much in the way of a massive overhaul since that time, that it's looking worn these days.

I don't care about good restaurants being close to the hotel. I regularly drive 30 miles when at my Los Angeles client to good restaurants, given the lack of them nearby the client and my hotel. I've been to Nacogdoches many more times than I can count in my life, and know my way around the town pretty well, so I'm kind of looking forward to going there for work. It's not an awful place, and certainly nicer than many of the other towns in the area.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.40 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

Eqp swap but no downguage, thankfully. The gate lice are :rolleyes: in front of E9.

Only the Marx Brothers stay at The Fredonia!

Ah, ok. I didn't know you were familiar with the area. And you're right, I'd stay in Nacogdoches forever if it meant never having to go to Broaddus again.

So, my trip might be back on & with a tagon from HKG. Would Mrs. MBM3 like BKK, SIN or TYO best for 2 - 3 nights?

Sounds like many of the Regus locations - I've used the free gold account VS gave me (especially for a free office at ATL).

Or Choice when the promos are right.

I'm thinking of doing the VS card with the sign-up bonus, 1.5 miles/dollar, reward seat sales, and Regus membership being the major contributing factors.

Ahhh. I got rid of my AA card when I stopped flying them for work in 2006.

I don't know of any SPG card deals, but I do have the second user and received two SPG50 certs in the mail.

I recently tried to do round 2 on the AA cards and was declined because of too many hits on my credit report??? I just checked my credit score (free with AMEX) and have a 774. I guess Ill just wait until the end of the year to go for round 2.:(

Yeah...I did the application and I'm now awaiting the decision. I don't know if it should have been instant or not but mine definitely failed if it was supposed to be. We'll see what happens in the week.

I like my Regus membership from AmEx, though I use it less these days. And you have to be very careful when trying to value the VS points. Because of all the partners they have there are often intriguing redemption opportunities, like via NH for NYC-LON, that can make the 1.5x less appealing since once the miles are in VS they are more tightly restricted in terms of partners available.

The SPG card looks like 10K up front and 15K for $15K in purchases in 6 months. I suppose I can take advantage of the Mint to get there easily, but normally I wouldn't necessarily have $15K in 6 months.

IMHO, VS miles are worth far less than miles of most US carriers. Among other things, VS has absurdly high YQ on award tix.

TYO
BKK
SIN

In that order. SIN is too hot and not much to do but look at stores.
BKK is interesting with some great sights, lots of shopping but hot as well.
TYO is just different. Old with the new, Japanese vs Chinese.

All three places are very clean, no crime and visitor friendly. I guess it all depends on what you want to do.

I just picked-up a Nikon D60 + 4G Ultra SD card for $430 at Best Buy. I <3 being able to negotiate with them. :D