Posted by Marshall Jackson on February 13, 2010 under Commentary / General Info, Destination DC, Travel Tips | 
I wanted to get this out there now for DC area travelers. I’m a semi-frequent Red Top Cab customer. Red Top is a Virginia company but they can pick up in DC and transport to Virginia. Reagan National Airport (DCA) happens to be in Virginia, so Red Top is usually the first number I call for transportation from my home in northwest DC to DCA. They are supremely reliable, always on time, and unfailingly polite. Except for the morning that I needed them to show up. That would’ve been at 6AM on Sunday morning, January 31, 2010.
I had booked a cab online about a week in advance for a pick up at our home and transportation to DCA for our 8:20AM flight to Miami. As luck would have it, we had a few inches of snow the day before our flight. I don’t remember how much snow we had exactly, but it wasn’t anything like the nearly 3 feet we’ve had since.
Well, I rose a few minutes before 5AM to get ready for our trip. I checked the Taxi Magic app on my iPhone around 5:40AM to see if a cab had been dispatched, and it had not. At 5:50AM, I decided to call Red Top and see what was up. When I finally got through to a taxi dispatcher, they asked for details of my booking. In a minute or so, it became obvious that they had located my booking and realized that no cab had been dispatched. The dispatcher said something to the effect of “let me transfer you and see what happened.” I knew I was screwed. The next person came online soon enough, and basically said that they had no cab and didn’t know when they would.
Mrs MJ on Travel and I made a command decision to brush off the car and boogie to DCA. Luckily, it was quite cold, and the snow was very powdery. We had the car cleaned off in minutes, loaded the bags and were on our way. The streets were absolutely fine. Some snow in spots, but nothing that should cause a shortage of cabs. Exactly one hour after we made the decision to drive to DCA, we were in the Admirals Club having our first coffee, and thanking our lucky stars that things went so well.
Red Top Cab, you let me down. Worse yet, you let me down on the morning that kicked off my 40th birthday extravaganza. I won’t soon forget this. I’m sorry it snowed and all, but the minimal amount of snow we experienced that evening was no excuse to strand a customer when they needed you. The least you could’ve done was let me know. It’s going to be a while before I call again.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 25, 2009 under Destination DC, Restaurants, Starwood Preferred Guest |
I recently completed a one-night stay at the fabulous new W Washington Hotel. This stay coincided with the anniversary of MrsMJonTravel and myself, and included a visit to Bliss Spa for her and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse for both of us. If you haven’t visited this hotel since the days of the Hotel Washington, get ready for a wow experience, especially if you are fond of W’s style. One note: the hotel address is 515 15th St NW, but the main entrance appears to be on the F Street side of the hotel. If you need porter service, have your driver drop you on the F Street side, or walk around.
Check in
We arrived at the hotel at approximately 12:30pm, which is a bit early. We were prepared to wait for the room, but needed to get to the hotel for her 1:30pm spa appointment. We were warmly greeted and checked into our room. The front desk attendant was very outgoing, recognized my Starwood Preferred Guest Gold status, and stepped us up to a “Spectacular Room” from the “Wonderful Room” I’d reserved. She noted that we were DC locals and asked if we were just staying for a nice evening out. I told her that we were celebrating our anniversary with a spa visit and dinner, and she cheerfully exclaimed that she was surprised we didn’t tell her. After exchanging pleasantries, we were off to our 8th floor room.
Later in the day we were pleasantly surprised with a split of champagne and some chocolates along with a note from the Whatever/Whenever desk thanking us for celebrating our anniversary with them. (Thank you note enroute to the GM with praise for the front desk whom I’m sure was behind our surprise.)
The Room
Our spectacular room was standard W “chic” with modern accessories. The desk was polished white along with the closet. There was big focus on brighter colors in the room where most W’s I’ve visited seemed to have a darker decor in the room. W did a good job of making the typically small rooms of an older hotel very functional. The electrical panel for the work desk was underneath the desk which made for a clean space. Wired or wireless internet is available in the room for a pricey $14.95. (2 hours of free wi-fi is available in the lobby.) There was a large LCD television and DVD player as well. I’d describe the bath as “Euro-modern,” pretty large, and equipped with a very nice walk in shower. They typical Bliss products were provided.
Around the Hotel
While MrsMJonTravel enjoyed the Bliss Spa, I enjoyed a glass of wine in the lobby, referred to as “The Living Room” by W. The wine was nice, but not worth $16.50 per glass. At least the internet was free. If you haven’t been since the old Hotel Washington days, you’re in for a surprise. W did a nice job with the lobby, and I thought it was beautiful. My visit offered the opportunity for some people watching and it was evident that the hotel was quite busy.
Washingtonian’s will remember the rooftop of the Hotel Washington as offering some of the best views in the city. This hasn’t changed, but W has stepped things up a notch with its remake of the old rooftop bar now called P.O.V. (Point of View). After enjoying our fabulous dinner at Bobby Van’s we returned to the hotel and decided to enjoy a nightcap at P.O.V. The lobby of the hotel was packed with a party crowd, and there was a line for the dedicated elevator to the roof. However, a flash of our hotel keycard indicating that we were guests got us a spot on the next elevator ride to the top. The views are still unbeatable and the crowd was trendy. It was a nice way to end the evening, but this particular Saturday night was very busy at P.O.V. Based on my conversation with the bartender in the lobby, weekends can be quite crazy at the W Washington.
The hotel’s restaurant, J&G Steakhouse, has had some good reviews, but we did not partake. You can read descriptions of J&G and the other hotel lounge and dining options here.
Nearby Dining
You read my mention of Bobby Van’s. Our steaks were wonderful. I made our reservations via Opentable.com, and noted in the comments that we were celebrating our anniversary. We hadn’t been seated for more than a minute before our waiter appeared with champagne glasses in hand wishing us a happy anniversary. A great start to a simply fabulous meal.
Washington favorite, Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from the W as well. Old Ebbitt is part of the Clyde’s group of restaurants and has a similar menu. It can be relied upon for good food, and the half-price raw bar happy hour is not to be missed. It is a very popular spot, so I highly recommend reservations if you would like to dine there.
There are other restaurants within walking distance, but these are the 2 that I’m most familiar with. I highly recommend either of them. Just be aware that if price is a concern, Old Ebbitt will be your most economical option. But you won’t get a bone-in ribeye like I had last night at Bobby Van’s!
The Bottom Line
The W Washington is a great hotel in the center of everything that Washington has to offer. If you like the W brand, you’ll love the W Washington. Give it a try the next time you’re in town.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on October 24, 2009 under Destination DC, Starwood Preferred Guest |
We checked in a few hours ago, but I wanted to get this out there now. I’m really enjoying our stay at the W Washington. MrsMJonTravel is at the Bliss Spa while I peck away on my computer at the lobby bar!
We are celebrating our first anniversary with a trip to the spa for her and a trip to Bobby Van’s Steakhouse for me. I’ll post a full review of the W Washington this week, but do know that I really like the hotel.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on September 8, 2009 under Destination DC, Starwood Preferred Guest, Travel Tips |
Just completed a one-night stay at the Aloft Washington National Harbor hotel over the Labor Day weekend. This was a short “staycation” for Mrs MJ on Travel and me, our first visit to the National Harbor, and my first stay at one Starwood’s newest brands, Aloft. Billed as a vision of Starwood’s chic W brand, but at a lower price point, you won’t have to look far to see the W influence. Music fills the lobby, and the place has a certain…well…vibe.
Check-in
Check-in was swift and pleasant. We were warmly greeted upon approaching the desk, by a staff member who was on his toes. My Starwood Preferred Gold status was immediately recognized, and soon we were on our way to our 7th floor river view king room which was touted as an upgrade by the front desk staffer.
The Room
The room was spacious enough, and we had a great view of the Potomac River as promised. My first thought upon looking things over was that I felt like I’d landed in Sweden. The furnishings are very European in style and function. A 42″ LCD television was mounted on the wall, and the work desk included an electronic “box” with a/v inputs to the TV as well as electrical outlets. Wired and wireless internet access are provided free of charge. The bathroom was much like the entire room, European in style, with a large walk-in shower stocked with dispensers of the necessary Bliss products.
The hotel has a nice fitness center and indoor pool. I didn’t try these services so I can’t comment on them.
The Area
National Harbor, the convention-entertainment-residential multiplex, is located just south of Washington, DC on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Anchored by the huge Gaylord National hotel, National Harbor offers dozens of retail outlets, numerous restaurants and bars, and no shortage of people watching. We sampled a bit of everything dining on small plates at several restaurants, beginning with Rosa Mexicana, and proceeding around the complex with stops at McCormick and Schmicks as well as Cadillac Ranch. Service and food at all were acceptable, with Rosa Mexicana being our favorite for taste and quality, but getting more of a “C minus” for speed of service. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t have any need to leave the complex to keep yourself fed and entertained. The hotel itself, hosts the WXYZ Lounge, which was empty at its 5pm opening, but every seat at the bar was occupied when we returned to the hotel late in the evening.
The Bottom Line
I liked the hotel, and am really intrigued by the Aloft brand in general. Aloft makes a lot of sense for any number of potential customer groups, from families with children and pets to hard-charging business travelers. The W influence gives this great value hotel a cool vibe that makes it worth checking out.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on June 25, 2009 under Destination DC |
Last week, we had the pleasure of attending the 48th annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Stadium. This is truly one of our favorite things to do in DC during the summer.
I started attending the Congressional Baseball Game when I returned to DC in 2000 to work for a Member of Congress. The game is very much ingrained in Capitol Hill culture for both Members and staff. For Members, it’s a great way to get to know one’s colleagues in a more casual setting, get a little exercise, and raise money for charity. For staffers, it’s an opportunity to socialize with one’s colleagues and cheer for (and sometimes laugh at) their bosses.
This is a good old-fashion, 7-inning baseball game. The teams are established by party affiliation, so the Democrats play the Republicans. Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Joe Barton (R-TX) manage their respective teams. And they’re serious about it. Both teams start practicing in March or April for the June game. The stakes are high – the coveted Roll Call trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights.
Both teams roster players representing districts across the country. While the game is open to both House Members and Senators, most of the players come from the House side, and only a few women elect to try out for the teams each year. Although the younger Members are often sought after for their athleticism, there’s no age limit. This year, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), age 72, helped base coach his team to a victory. Players show their hometown pride by wearing a uniform from a team local to their Congressional district, state, or alma mater.
Even though tickets are only $10, the game typically raises over $100,000 for the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. The seating is open, so if you get there early, you can usually snag a seat along the first or third baseline, depending on which team you care to cheer for. In my opinion, it’s quite the bargain given the entertainment value.
This year was particularly exciting. It was a high scoring game, and the Democrats beat the Republicans for the first time since 2000. The final score was 15-10.
I’m not a baseball fan. I don’t follow the Nationals, and unless someone gives me a free ticket, I don’t go to the games. But I love the Congressional Baseball Game. I love that a handful of our elected leaders take time to do something most average employees are encouraged to do at their office picnic. I love watching a Subcommittee Chairman bang himself up sliding into a base or going after a fly ball. They strike out, and they get frustrated. They’re not debating policy; they’re just trying to get on base. Most of all, I love the fact that at the end of the game, they shake hands with each other, and tell their rivals it was a good game. If I could bottle up this camraderie and sprinkle it over the House Floor, I would.
If you happen to find yourself in town around the time of the game, you should definitely make it a point to attend. Just buy your tickets on the day of the game at the stadium. And I’m sure your Congressman’s Office would be happy to answer any questions you might have about it. And for area residents, I strongly encourage you to make it a point to go to next year’s game. You may see Congress in a whole new light. This isn’t just a baseball game. It’s the Congressional Baseball Game!
Mrs. MJ on Travel, Deandra Brooks, is the author of this post. Deandra can be reached at deandra@mjontravel.com.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on June 20, 2009 under Destination DC |
Last night, we went on a Seadog Cruise. These 100-passenger speedboats sail from both the Gangplank Marina in DC and National Harbor, Maryland. We sailed from the Gangplank Marina for a monument tour.
Seadog describes itself as a “the most exciting way to see the sites on the Potomac!” But we found it to be a very relaxing, laid-back way to take in the monuments and learn some less common facts about them. Our cruise took us around the channel and up the Potomac to view the Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington Memorials. Along the way, we also saw Fort McNair, Reagan National Airport, and Arlington Cemetary. The 45-minute tour combines fun with fact: when the tour guide isn’t highlighting the sites, they play rock music. For the best view, sit on the starboard or right side.
A Seadog cruise would be perfect for the business traveler who wants to see the monuments, but doesn’t have the time or energy to trek around them after a day of meetings. For area residents, it’s a great way to feel some ocean-like breezes without sitting in beach traffic.
Either way, combine your Seadog cruise with a stop at Cantina Marina. This open air, waterfront restaurant/bar attracts an eclectic mix of patrons. Serving a number of different beers and strong margaritas, it’s DC’s version of a beach bar. The menu is fairly simple, but the food is always pretty decent. Nothing too fancy, but there is a variety of Gulf Coast-inspired appetizers, salads, and sandwiches to chose from. Because Cantina Marina is an open air bar, smoking is permitted, and so are dogs.
Links:
http://www.seadogcruises.com/dc/
http://www.cantinamarina.com/
Note: This post was authored by Mrs. MJ on Travel herself, Deandra Brooks. Deandra can be contacted at deandra@mjontravel.com.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on under Destination DC |
If it hasn’t become clear through my posts, Mrs. MJ on Travel and I reside in Washington, DC. No, we don’t live in Virginia or Maryland, we call the District of Columbia our home. Washington, DC offers a wealth of opportunities to explore new things and broaden the mind, a key reason I love to travel. We consider ourselves very fortunate to live in such a place, and want to encourage more people to enjoy what our Nation’s Capitol has to offer.
Accordingly, I’ve created a new category for the blog called “Destination DC.” From time to time, we will share stories on things we’ve found here that you might not otherwise find in the “tourist” brochures….and we’ll probably have a story or two about things that are in those brochures too! So if travel brings you to DC, check out “Destination DC” for tips and suggestions of things to try while you are here.
Posted by Marshall Jackson on August 30, 2008 under Destination DC, Restaurants |
Edited 9/24/09: Apparently my review wasn’t enough. Rumberos closed this week. But you can still visit its sister restaurant, Rumba Cafe, in Adams Morgan.
Rumberos is located in the up-and-coming Columbia Heights neighborhood in northwest D.C. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday (closed for lunch on Monday). On Sundays, Rumberos offers a fantastic brunch menu followed by dinner.
Rumberos features fantastic Latin and South American inspired cuisine with a little bit of Caribbean thrown in for good measure, all at reasonable prices. I recently enjoyed the Bife de chorizo for dinner. Translation: a 14 ounce ribeye, which is prepared Argentinean style over a wood fired grill. The steak was perfectly prepared and the “wood fired” flavor really came through. Frankly, it was one of the better steaks I’ve had in D.C. Service was polite but not fast. That was fine by me. I spend enough time in a hurry and it was nice to slow down, enjoy wonderful food and soak in the great atmosphere the restaurant offers.
If you’re in the market for lighter-fare, Rumberos has a decent happy hour special featuring $4 dollar beer and wine and $6 dollar Mojitos. They also offer a menu of Tappas specials for $4 dollars each. Bar service has always been top-notch with a good drink list and nice array of wines. On many weekends, you’ll find live music at Rumberos in the evenings. It gets crowded so get there early for dinner and then enjoy the music.
If you’re looking for a new place to dine, give Rumberos a try. You won’t be disappointed. And for you miles junkies out there, Rumberos is a participant in the idine program, so you’ll get miles for dining too.
