TDY Gouge at Baseops.Net (Louisiana

Louisiana - North Carolina

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NOTE: We have reorganized our TDY Gouge for faster downloads.
(Green print = Nice Hotel, Red = Bates Motel, Purple=bar/restaurant, )
= Baseops Pick - a Hotel taking top honors, great service and facilities for crew dogs.

LOUISIANA

Alexandria Int'l, LA - is not a garden spot, but the Staff at the Hampton Inn Alexandria 318-487-8500 was EXCELLENT. The came and picked my crew up at the JET!! Then drove us to the hotel, drove and picked us up from dinner, lunch, you name it, and then back to the Airport to the bottom of the airstairs. The actual hotel is the usual Hampton Inn, but the service of the people made it a great stay!! The person to talk to.. Julie Ann..she will hook you up! Also, it's not mentioned anywhere, and the employees of the England Jet Center won't tell you (I heard and saw it from a C-9 crew passing thru), but if you give them a call about 20 mins out(130.0), they will order you a complimentary pizza! The little tricks of the trade....

Barksdale AFB, LA - Go to Superior Bar and Grill (off of Airline HWY) for good food GREAT Margaritas and Spring Break type atmosphere! A decent place to stay is Holiday Inn on North Side. Just got back from lovely Shreveport, and our crew discovered a couple of good places to chow. Ralph and Kucoos serves great food, if a little on the pricey side. The Noble Savage in the heart of downtown is more to the crewdogs liking...good cajun food at a decent price. The music is even pretty good. For late night entertainment, we strongly recommend the Havana (club) its got a nice 70s motif, and on a Sat night wasn't uncomfortably crowded, and the music was a great blend of modern dance and 80s classics. There is even an ATM in the little club next door. If you think of venturing into the strip joint called LEGS for cash, you might as well turn right around and go elsewhere....... withdrawals are EIGHT BUCKS EACH! ~Holiday Inn-Bossier City was a dump. Filthy carpeting and apparently maid take change from fellow crewmate. Schoolyard excuse may follow, but the facts remain. Avoid the dump as we from McGuire found out the hard way.

New Orleans, LA - A fantastic hotel @4 blocks from Bourbon St. is the Marriott on Canal St. Great rooms, nice hotel restaurant, valet parking, 2 pools and a gym. They gave us the gov rate, but we had to hassle them to give it to us on for the weekend and then when our planes broke down, they refused to honor the rate any more... So, make reservations early and try to hash it out with "group reservations". The last night we stayed at the Sheraton - right across the street. This hotel was a shade below the Marriott and the rooms were worse. We scammed into the wonderful Hotel Mediterranee (aka Le Midi) place for $99 a night on a weekend, which was $11 over the per diem hotel rate of $88, but worth it. Right on Canal Street, overlooking the French Quarter. Lots of good restaurants, the casino, and all the fun right there. Talk to the nice folks at the airport FBO, especially Gretchen. They set us up well. Holiday Inn in town has rates within allowances and is in the French Quarter. A GREAT crew dog-friendly restaurant in the French Quarter is Port Orleans - 228 Bourbon Street (504)528-9315 , about 4 blocks from Canal, on the right side. Great cajun/seafood, good prices - some of the best jambalaya and crawfish ever! Salvo's Seafood- 504-393-7303 (The best and if you just want to gas and go still works - right outside the NAS and duty officer will take you/crew). I set up a trip and they gave me the GOV rate on Bourbon Street with a balcony at the Royal Sonesta! (504) 586-0300 I had to beg a little but - ask for the manager and she will help you, also it's a good idea to take her a T-shirt. At NAS New Orleans, Good Numbers to hold:
VR 54 (130SQ) Duty officer - 678-3700
Transient Line - x3602
OPS - 3100
Tower - 3879
Enterprise 504-366-9400 ( They will deliver to Base ops and have key drop at duty desk)

~Ramada Plaza, The Inn on Bourbon (504-524-7611) was great! I really wouldn't say resort, but very nice. They gave us 8 rooms at the government rate on a Sunday night during Mardi Gras kickoff. Located about halfway down Bourbon Street next to Razzoo's night club. A pretty cool club for the younger crowd. A great place to eat is Patout's Cajun Cabin, also on Bourbon. Usually has a live zydeco band, and strong drinks. If you fly into Lakefront Regional, a cab will cost you about 30 bucks to get from the airport to Bourbon street and avoids most of the heinous traffic you encounter if you come in from New Orleans NAS.

~Sheraton on Canal/ Royal Sonesta -- Just a note that the Royal Sonesta seemed to be very helpful when we called and got rooms at govt. rate. Then changed the rate a few days later, then didn't hold our reservation and we were forced to find another hotel. We called the Sheraton on Canal last minute and they were able to get us 22 rooms at govt rate, no problem, no hassle. The rooms were wonderful and the service was outstanding. I highly recommend the Sheraton and stay away from the Sonesta.

MAINE

Bangor International, ME - We had to divert in to here twice to get maintenance. The Maineacs (ANG) are extremely helpful. Met us at the plane with airstairs, U-Drive, and hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn. On the outbound leg they we able to hook us up with canned flight plans since the Coronet Shop is there. Ops stocks a full supply of Maniacs paraphernalia if those stickers aren't enough. You can't get flight lunches but if you stop by the commissary they make really good sandwiches at the deli. The only place we ate was Capt Nick's which has decent seafood. Customs here is hit or miss - we just got back from 90-days in the SWA and the customs jackass wanted to crawl up our ass with a microscope. ~The MAINEiacs in Bangor really ROCK! when it comes to service. If they know you are coming, they will go out of their way to take care of you. Before I got off the jet, the bus had arrived, the fuel truck was there, and the bus driver had our hotel keys and a car for us. You can't beat service like that! The Holiday Inn Odlin Road and the Ramada across the street from it are nice places to stay. Both of them have great bars for the weekend nightlife, but The Ramada has a slightly better crowd. Dinner down at the Sea Dog is great, and Captain Nick's is a decent place to eat, as well. I highly recommend a trip to South Harbor to see the rocky coast and enjoy the area. When lunch comes around, head just slight southeast to Thurston's which has lobsters straight off the boat on their own docks. A simple lunch of a whole 1 1/2 pound lobster boiled and served with a coke and some butter will run you around $12. These guys supply the stock for the lobster place in Bangor, but the prices for them are a bit pricier if you buy them direct. I recommend you head downtown in Bangor and get some lobsters from the local guy. He'll package them up in a cooler and give them to you so they will keep for about 30-48 hours and make the trip home for a lobster dinner with your family. He charged us roughly $7/pound for some awesome large lobsters. Holiday Inn 207-947-0101 was nice. Has a wireless internet access for free. Good restaurants near by and a great pool. Access to Golds Gym next door as well, no cost.

Brunswick NAS, ME -The Q is nice here and better than what you might get in town. The cabs will take you the few miles to downtown and are only $6. Go to Joshua's or Macmillans on a weekend night and its a good time. Talk to the locals about Lobster. There are some seafood company's that deliver to base ops in a hurry, but your best deals will be at the dock from locals. Best months June-October. $4.99/lb approx. ~On base is supposed to be nice, but if you have to stay off base the Parkwood Inn is nice. Just a few minutes from base, and the rooms are quiet and comfortable.

MARYLAND

Andrews AFB, MD - ATTENTION CREWS: Avoid delays by referring to the PREFERRED ROUTING posted in baseops when filing your flight plans out of Andrews - or you can expect delays with your clearance! Andrews Base Ops... Make sure you use the proffered routings out of Andrews. Once again TACC does not use it. The Lazy Slugs at Andrews have not updated the Route book for 3 years. I have asked them to do it several times but they blew me off. These routes are updated every 56 days. Proffered route book date should coincide with your pubs dates. Get a rental car for easy access to DC - Third Edition and Champions are on 'M street' at Wisconsin Ave Georgetown Station is a block away as well, in Georgetown. Comfort Inn on Malcom Rd. is a hole, lousy service and no food nearby. Bullet-proof glass at the check-in counter is reason enough not to stay here. Days Inn Camp Springs/Andrews AFB has anthrax. There is no place to eat within ~ 2 miles. The TVs have about half the channels they advertise and the rooms are dark and dusty. If you are going to be more than just the min ground time, I would stay in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia - preferably on King Street near the bars, etc... (Andrews Transpo will refuse to drive you so just take a cab.) Double Tree, Largo Maryland -FAX (301) 773-0700 has free hot cookies on check-in! Very Very nice rooms.. kinda off the beaten path but a bakery/deli located in the hotel with a small cocktail bar. Very nice staff and good service

~After having taken time to call Andrews Lodging to ensure we were all set up for our RON, we showed up got Non-A's for the hotel and upon arrival at HOLIDAY INN CAMP SPRINGS (just out the gate), were told there were NO reservations made for us. They did have rooms however they were all smoking rooms. We declined, called lodging (loads of excuses and little action). We called the folks at the Waldorf Holiday Inn and they were very happy to have us, both types of rooms available, right beside a Bennigans and Lone Star as well. Not only that, but they gave us the rooms for the same price with no discussion or complaints. Nothing really above and beyond but the place was good, folks were helpful and food was close by - none of that was true of the Camp Springs place - AVOID IT! ~Hampton Inn Alexandria, VA (T.703-329-1400/ F.703-329-1424) was good. Offers free shuttle to and from King street for eats and drinks. About 15 - 20 min back to base. Good over all location if there for a couple of days.

~I wanted to take the chance to update your TDY gouge on Colony South 301-856-4500 (Oct2004). It seems that more crews have been moved out there recently and I had a totally different experience from what was described on your page. The hotel itself is very pleasant with a nice little gym and free internet access in the rooms (you have to ask). In addition, there is a complimentary (hot) breakfast (get there before 10am). The bar has improved a lot, and offers plenty of military discounts. I had a nice experience in the bar and ate dinner there several times. The drinks are relatively cheap and nowadays there are plenty of crews there, so you might run into some friends. Places to eat out: take 5 south about 10 miles to Waldorf to find any restaurant you can imagine. The Old Town area in Alexandria (across the Potomac river) is terrific (as described in the gouge). Sightseeing: if you get a day off and want to see DC, ask for directions to the nearest Metro station. You'll most likely have to pay for parking, but you can combine the cost of parking with your train fare so the whole process is relatively painless. ~Colony South update - we didn't get to the hotel until around 1AM. We were the only people checking in and with 2 desk clerks it took 45 min to get 7 people checked in. The bar in the hotel closed as we got there (some Marines and a KC-10 crew almost got into it, so they may have closed early) and the room was average. Would not give us a late check out without charging us for it. Front desk were rude and not very helpful with directions or basically anything we asked of them. We had heard that this was a "great hotel" and chose to stay there as we were less than 24 hrs on the ground. Not again if I can help it ~UPDATE (10/26/06): I am doing a staff weinie job here for 45 days with the ANG, and was originally put up in the Colony South. I checked in, and went to my small room with two double beds and no refrigerator. I called the front desk and was told a 'fridge would be an extra $5 a day. I went to the bar and met a buddy, who told me he had a nice kitchenette room. I went to the front desk to request that since I was here for so long. I was told "You are here too long for a nicer room." Which made no sense. I told them that i was going to go to get a different hotel if the situation was not rectified. I was told "fine, do that." And I did. Now I am at the Homestead suites in Alexandria, which is alright.

The staff seems to be getting ruder, and taking the military business for granted. Its ok when I have RON'ed there one night, but for multiple nights its not the place to go.

~Radisson Hotel Largo - (301) 773-0700. We staged out of Andrews for a week for AE. When I called Andrews Lodging, the places that had good reviews on Baseops weren't an option; the places that were options all had bad reviews except the Radisson Largo ( http://www.radisson.com/largomd ). So I took my chances. All in all, nice place. $99/night through Andrews Lodging.

Pros:
*Close to a retail area called "The Blvd" with restaurants, a theater, shops, etc. We walked there once, but it's really more driving distance. *Neat, clean rooms. "Sleep Number" king size beds.
*No problems with the front desk or other employees.
*Two computers with internet access and a printer available in the lobby. Usually occupied, though. *Right on I-95 only 8 exits north of base - no traffic issues going to or from the hotel. *There is a hotel bar, but it's largely overpriced. *Microwave and fridge (no freezer) in the rooms. *Pool and fitness center. We never used it, but I did look around. The fitness center is cardio only - no weights. *Big flat screen plasma TVs. *There's a hotel shuttle every hour. Not sure about the particulars - we never used it.

Cons:
*No breakfast. There is a $12 breakfast buffet. It's good, but nowhere near worth $12 IMHO. We weaseled one free morning, but that was just from an unsuspecting employee. The manager wouldn't give an inch. The restaurant staff was not very friendly. *Ethnically singular. We got strange looks nearly everywhere we went. *No internet access in the rooms unless you pay for it.

Other notes:
*The Outback restaurant near the hotel is awful. Don't even bother going. The filet mignon, sirloin, and ribeye were all the same thing. *Kaz Sushi Bistro (http://kazsushibistro.com/) in downtown DC is a great place. Our nav said it's not as good as Tokyo, but close enough.
*The Capitol City Brewery (http://www.capcitybrew.com/) had great service and good food. Sit at the bar. The bartenders have great personalities and were johnny-on-the-spot with the drinks. *There's an IHOP on the way to base off Pennsylvania Ave. 50% on Thursdays for military. Service was always slow or non-existent, but the food is reliable. *Pizzeria Uno, in The Blvd, has good pizza, good desserts, awful service. Don't go if you are in a hurry. Don't sit in the bar.

Don't expect separate checks ANYWHERE you go.

Andrews Command Post is manned by friggin' idiots. They forgot to tell us about an entire day's worth of missions until the morning of. I don't know what more we could have done, but you need to stay on them every day. And make sure they're checking THE COMPUTER, not just what they printed out three days earlier. We think that's what happened to us - they were going off frags they printed Monday and TACC had dropped something new in the meantime. WX and Base Ops were par - nothing outstanding good or bad.

There is an Enterprise rent a car in the pax terminal just down from Base Ops. You have to go through "security" to get there, so leave your knives and stuff somewhere else when you go pick up the cars. They close kinda early. If you'll arrive after hours, I think they can leave the keys in the pax terminal DV lounge if you arrange for that. We got a Ford Expedition for the week. No complaints. You can drive your rental to your plane, and then park it next to the hangars while you're gone for the day. The off limits areas are very obvious and marked in red.

The TA trucks were kinda slow. If you need water, get on them early so they aren't holding up your departure.

TACC will never file the correct or preferred routing for departing ADW, so expect your clearance to be nothing like what your flight plan says. Navs - don't program SCNS until you've called Clearance Delivery and expect multiple reroutes once airborne. An east coast navaid/fix database would be a huge help if you can make one at home station to take with you. If you're filing for yourself, like somebody else said, there's a long poster of preferred routings in the flight planning room. We seemed to get the Manne Four and Irons Four arrivals mostly on the way in and the Tyson One departure on the way out (it's text only, published with the Trouble Ts).

The flight kitchen is a good deal - $3.05 for a decent box lunch. It's located south of Base Ops. Cokes are $0.40 each if bought separately.

If you can get non-A's from lodging, the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria (across the bridge in Virginia) does have the government rate or even their 'best' rate (which was about $30 lower than the government rate). Cooked to order breakfast and managers reception in the evening (snacks, $1 beers and $2 drinks). Right across the street from the Metro. Easy walking distance to all the bars and restaurants on King Street (they even have a shuttle which runs till 2200). Check out more details on Washington DC TDY.

BWI, MD - Do not stay at the Sheraton BWI at the airport. They say they are military friendly , but refused to reverse the charges on 5 rooms although they were cancelled. Unfortunately, we had to cancel them once we got to the hotel because the crew was airborne coming back from the desert and was unable to call before 4 pm. Some of the crew managed to catch a flight home to CA. but we still had some crew stay at their hotel, and we had guys rotating in and out of that hotel during rotations. The GM finally said he would eat half the charges after much persistence months after the stay and numerous phone calls.

MASSACHUSETTS

Springfield, MA - Springfield Marriott is a great hotel 20 minutes from Westover ARB right in downtown Springfield. Hotel is attached to a mall with a pretty decent sports bar called Champions.

Westover ARB, MA - Best Western Sovereign Hotel (413) 781-8750, fax (413) 733-8652 was okay. Probably the best you're going to do in the west Springfield area of mass. has three bars + an indoor pool and a small gym. good selection of cable channels and nice tv's in rooms. the best part was free shrimp on fridays down in the sports bar. ~Was heading out on a deployment to SWA. MX break at Westover. Westover base ops provided great service. They coordinated for a couple of vans from Enterprise. Enterprise picked and dropped off from base ops. Holiday Inn-Downtown Springfield (Tel:413-781-0900/Fax:413-785-1410) had good rooms, but had a great bar/restaraunt called Zaffino's on the 12th floor with great views of the city and very good service/food. Govt rate was @ $65. Best part of the overall experience was the flexibility of everyone concerned. Each day for five days my ESTA crew of two pilots and 15 maintainers checked out of the hotel and turned in the van keys, but something would come up with the 130 breaking again and again. Both the Holiday Inn and Enterprise were cool with getting us rooms back and keeping our vehicles. No hassles or questions, just great service. Holiday Inn also great at insuring you have all necessary invoices for voucher purposes; is also the American Airlines hotel for their aircrews. Close to downtown attractions with the Mardi Gras strip club, Hippodrome dance club, and other great restaraunts such as Spaghetti Warehouse and Pioneer Valley Brew Pub with some good beer specials. Holiday Inn-Downtown is located about 10 miles from Westover and about 18 miles from BDL-Bradley, Connecticut Airport.

MICHIGAN

Selfridge ANGB, MI - Holiday Inn Express was pretty nice. For min time on the ground, this place isn't all that bad. The base gives you a U-drive and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around the area (i.e. Hooters). The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express were surprisingly spacious and the hotel was in a central location. Again, we were only there for 16.5 hrs so we weren't able to explore too much. Hopefully, someone else will add to this. Baymont Inns & Suites (586) 296-6910 was decent. The Baymont Inn is 20 minutes south of Selfridge on the way to Detroit. They have nice rooms and a free complimentary breakfast, but not much else. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, a few within walking distance, but if you get a U-drive from the base, you'll have more choices. I recommend a great bar called Wild Woody's on 13 Mile Road with decent food and an attractive wait staff. Good atmosphere and a good place to hang out for the evening. Cracker Barrel, Lone Star, and Chili's are among the many other restaurants seen nearby. The Amerisuites off of Hall Rd was a friendly and nice establishment. Nice size rooms and surrounded by restaurants and bars. Dooley's bar and Grill a couple of blocks away has a very attractive wait staff and some decent food, with average priced drinks. During happy hour there is some good drink specials as well. It's is a good time for an evening close to the hotel.

MINNESOTA

Duluth, MN - Duluth is not as bad as you may think. Their is an area on the waterfront with outstanding hotels and brew pubs. The ANG uses the Days Inn for their out of towners, but don't think you have to go there!!!!!!! The Comfort Inn and Suites looks very nice with a view of Lake Superior. Overall great food......nice people! Try not to stay greater then one night if possible. Fitzgers is the local brew and rates as an OUTSTANDING.

Minneapolis, MN - Holiday Inn Metrodome is downtown, near the metrodome and right next to the University of Minnesota. About a 15 minute drive from the airport and to the Mall of America. Great bars within 200 feet of Hotel. Go to Sgt Prestons Bar and order a fish-bowl--a fish-bowl full of your favorite alcoholic beverage. Days-Inn Mall of America (612) 854-8400does not cater to the crew dog at all. Made reservations for a crew of 6 and held them all on my credit card. Ended up flying to SC that night and called to cancel all 6 rooms. Instead, the hotel cancelled my room, but not the other 5...ended up with a $500.00 room charge that the hotel said they would NOT reimburse me for, even though the original resrvation was cancelled.

MISSOURI

St. Joe's, MO - Ramada was decent - hot breakfast slips issued at check in, (good breakfast) pool was filthy, I couldn't see the bottom. workout room closed all week. it's probably been closed for a while. Whiskey Creek bar & restaurant attached. Drury Inn (816-364-4700) offers free hot breakfast bar with room stay. Nice hotel, but not a resort by any means. But clean and adequate. Indoor pool if you do that sort of thing. Cost is right at Max Lodging Rate. Nice place to stay if going thru Rosecrans/Missouri ANG Base, for AATTC or just RONing. Nice rooms, cable, a chit for three beers every night and a good continental breakfast. 15 minutes from the Guard base, with lots of places to eat nearby. Stoney Creek is brand new, opened June 2002. Very nice, do everything you can to go there!...Ramada Inn is nearly a health violation these days. Drury Inn is not bad, but not great either.

St. Louis, MO - For all you C-9 guys who come to Flight Safety-Boeing for the simulator refresher here is some poop you cannot do without. The Embassy Suites (1 800-EMBASSY) at the Landings is a hotel that gives you a suite at the government rate $90 a night, and you can't beat the free hot breakfast and free happy hour. This hotel is GREAT. Nuf said. Beyond that the Landings is the happening place down on the river with restaurants and bars, not to mention the TWA dome and Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch all within walking distance. You will need a car to get to and from the airport for your sims. UPDATE: Embassy Suites (Landing)- no longer available in St. Louis. It was bought out by another hotel chain and is currently undergoing renovation.

Whiteman AFB, MO - Stay at Billeting! In the Ramada Inn, I discovered water leakage in my bedroom and bathroom (soaked carpet between bed and bathroom wall). No Sprint Cellular coverage in Sedalia, MO. If you have to stay off base, try Applebee's across the street. Better yet, eat at Kehde's BarBQ. Lots of food for the money. Better still, avoid RONing at Whiteman.

MISSISSIPPI

Biloxi, MS - The place to stay is the Beau Rivage. Casino Magic is a HORRIBLE second choice!!!!! If the Beau Rivage is full try the Grand Casino(MGM), there is one in both Biloxi and Gulfport. I recommend Biloxi first even if you land in Gulfport. Boomtown is only a Casino and considered the "LOCALS" casino. The Emerald Palace is new and very, very nice although a bit isolated. The Palace Casino is another smaller casino BUT they just added a good size resort and from what I hear they are VERY nice. Across from the Palace Casino is the dumpiest looking cafe' you have ever seen called The Ole' Biloxi Scooner with the absolute B-E-S-T PoBoys and Seafood Gumbo you can get in Southern Mississippi!!!!! Dining---Ocean Springs is across the bridge at the end of Casino Row and the location of probably the top 3 restaurants on the coast. Aunt Jennies-fried catfish and shrimp, old antebellium home converted with great food. Jermaines- Small but outstanding food, a little dressy. Josalins- again small but great food, little dressy. THE BEST PLACE TO EAT ON THE COAST IS CHAPPY'S IN PASS CHRISTIAN. ~Boomtown Casino is for the locals but the All You Can Eat Buffet is buy on the Coast. Beau Rivage is the second best Buffet and a bit pricier.

Gulfport, MS - Islandview Casino and Resort, just redone after Katrina, awesome rooms with great amenities (great beds/flat panel tv's) . Gov't rate with short notice, and concierge (rene) service arranged for free shuttle service to and from airport which is 5 miles away after hours. Incredible service.

Meridian, MS - Microtel Inns(601-553-8100) was real nice. Great location in the NE of Meridian. Right next to the mall and lots of places to eat. La Fiesta Brava has $1 draughts between 4-7 p.m. It is on the back side of the mall. Not any night life or places to watch football games except for Applebees or OCharlies.

Pascagoula, MS - La Font Inn was aDump! Do not let your travel clerk book you at this place. Although the rooms were clean and adequate, some of our crewmembers had to call the front desk to get soap and the proximity to the railroad crossing is UNSAT. The trains run regularly at 0130, 0330, and 0530 and blast their horns as they pass. I highly recommend the Beau Rivage all-you-can-eat seafood buffet @ $14.95. It is well worth the 45 minute drive to Biloxi and whatever wait in line. Crab legs, shrimp, roast beef, etc. as well as cajun/creole style foods in an elegant setting. I'll definitely try to get billeting there on my next trip.

MONTANA

Great Falls, MT - If you ever get unlucky enough to get here then use the guard unit and Holman Aviation to set you up. With prior coordination you can work every thing you could need through them. The Holiday Inn Express is decent, and only 5 minutes from the airport and within 10 minutes from downtown. The guard may be able to check out a U-Drive for you. Steak Houses are good downtown. Good number of bars, pool halls, and clubs as well. ~The O'Haire Motor Inn, downtown Great Falls, was a cool little joint (ie old). Has a greasy spoon attached for breakfast. The bar upstairs the Sip and Dip. A vintage 60's vodoo-tiki lounge. Complete with balck velvet pictures of pin-up girls, an 80 year old lady singing Niel Diamond covers and behind the bar is a wall of glass that looks into the pool, where a gal in a mermaid get-up swims around, a very cool place to end the night. Across the river was an excellent steak house, non-chain establishment. Overall Greatfalls is good for a night or two. ~LaQuinta Inn & Suites (406)868-5224 was very nice. Staff was very friendly & helpful. Good pizza place with a brewery, within walking distance and lots of other choices within a mile.

NEBRASKA

Lincoln, NE - Flew into LNK, got a TMP vehicle from the NENG C-12 drivers (Thanks guys!). Only halfway decent hotel we found on Google was the Holiday Inn Downtown. It was acceptable, but in the middle of renovations. Come to find out there is an Embassy Suites two blocks away (Corner of P and 11th St). Will be staying there next time. As for bars and restraints, Lincoln is a college town, so lots of options. You gotta try the Old Chicago's 'World Beer Tour' (West P St across from Holiday Inn). Had 30+ kinds on tap, and another 100 or so in bottles. If you're looking for some great steak, check out Misty's (Right accross the st from Embassy Suites on N.11th St) which is also a microbrewery. The Haymarket district is supposed to be where all the nightlife is, but we didn't make it down there this time. Oh BTW, the average year round temp in Lincoln is 51*F. It was -21F when we landed. Bring your long johns!

Omaha, NE - Stayed off base first night (right out the gate) at a Best Western -- "The White House" -- not bad, but certainly nothing great.... Downtown Omaha is a about a 10 minute drive from Offut and HIGHLY recommended --head towards the "Old Market" district (any one at Base Ops, WX, etc can hook you up with the basic and easy directions)... hit the Upstream microbrew pub for good beers and great food.... also recommend the Underground bar and the Dubliner... many other good bars and restaurants within the district... Offut has u-drive-its available, and surprisingly, the high hook-up is on-base.... 55 kickin' suites (ask for the suites)are available in their on-base billeting and they are highly recommended as a top-choice... the only better option you may want to ask for first is to get to the Embassy Suites located right in the Old Market district downtown -- well within stumbling distance of the goodies... Omaha turned out to be a pleasant surprise and a great town -- enjoy! ~Some good entertainment options for all: First and foremost, the Dundee Dell. 5007 Underwood, Omaha (cross streets 50th and Underwood, just north of Dodge St). A little off the beaten path, but well worth it. Cigar friendly, and they have the best selection of Single Malt Scotch in the entire U.S. No boast. Last count was 337 different labels--not bottles, labels. Usually 2-3 deep in each. Outstanding staff, great atmosphere, excellent web page for additional info. Tell Pat (the owner) that Hollywood sent you. www.dundeedell.net Second, McKenna's Blues, Booze, and BBQ. 7425 Pacific, Omaha (just west of 72nd and Pacific). Near Aksarben, Omaha's big sports complex. The best BBQ I ever ate, and I've had a bunch. Excellent live music every nite, and excellent McKenna's brews. www.mckennasbbb.com Third, David's Briar shop, with 2 locations to serve the cigar hunter. Top notch selection, affordably priced. At least they used to be, I PCSd outta there about 6 years ago. www.davidsbriarshop.com. Fontenelle Hills Apts was a freaking Palace! If you are PCSing into Offutt and need a place to live definitely check out these Apartments, they are the nicest anywhere in town and for the price much larger. The only downfall is in the winter when it snows they are hard to get out of. So if it snows stay home and sleep.

NEVADA

Fallon AFB, NV - Since most crews are in Fallon for a month you can do it all but it get's expensive. First you need wheels. Reno and Carson City are an hour away. There is a ton to do in Reno, gamble at the Bird Farm in Fallon for craps lessons then hit the strip in Reno to loose big money. Mens Club downtown Reno has the best looking dancers you have ever seen but is really pricey. The Midnight Roper in Fallon is great unless the Airwing is intown. Then there are 7 guys per girl. Hit the gun/liquer/porn shop on the end of town for the best price on booze. Rent a 4x4 and hit the desert to tear it up. Tons of trails allover! Fallon's not bad if you have wheels.

Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV - Don't stay at Super 8 if they try to put you up here. And don't let the billeting office tell you they can't move you, they can, but they will want a reason in writing. The place is right out side the front gate, and is a real dump. Crew rest will be impossible due to all the cars parking 3 feet from your door. Barcelona Hotel (right outside the gate - what a roachmotel). Stay downtown - make reservations EARLY. Hotel for Las Vegas is the Royal Hotel and Casino - It's on the contract quarters list and is close to everything. The Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and Casino is still reasonable on prices and a good spot to party. Radisson "New Frontier" (702)794-8200 is an older hotel with acceptable rooms. Big plus = right on the strip. The Normal Clubs, restaurants, and casino stuff are downstairs. When you call about price you can talk to the manager and get a Military rate. Another place to to check would be Circus Circus (same type of Hotel). Do not stay at Vacation Village - it's nasty, carpet sticks to your feet and rooms cost $70! UPDATE: World Trade Center =No longer a viable option...will be closing after 31 Apr 01. Apparently the owner told the gambling commission to "pack sand" and as a result lost it's gambling license. No license, no business, no hotel. Also, during the first wk of April 01, 3 murders within a block of the hotel. Hotel scheduled for demolition at end of April or May 2001. Residence Inn Hughes Center (1 800 331 3131) is great and only 1 mile from Bally's (East on Paradise). Mon-Thurs: free beer (MGD) and dinner in the evening. Free breakfast in the mornings. Inconvenient to Nellis, but then again, it's VEGAS, BABY! Big room, kitchen, pool fair jogging area. Gov't rate- NO PROBLEM ($72). Nevada Palace is the worst place I've ever stayed! The rooms smelled like they haven't been cleaned in over a month and when you walked on the carpet your feet stuck to it. San Remo Hotel & Casino (702-739-9000 / Tropicana Blvd) is decent, but it's located only a hundred yards off the Strip, within a 5 minute walk of MGM Grand, New York, NY, and the Tropicana. Room rates are well within the perdiem rate and the 2 for 1 happy hour rocks...~We were put in the San Remo by Nellis billeting. It's a cut rate casino hotel. Not too bad for food and rooms, but who bitches about rooms on the strip anyhow? It is right across from the MGM Grand and NY/NY. Say no more. When we were getting the non A's from billetting I let them suggest this joint. I'm not sure if acting coy helped or if we could have better dealed it.~Stratosphere is an excellent Hotel and Casino! Tons of stuff to do in the area. 5 minute cab ride to Cheetah's. Viva Lost Wages. ~MGM Grand (702-891-7777) was Awesome! Great rooms within per diem, 7 days a week. Food in hotel is expensive, but a lot to choose from. Just a few miles from Signature FBO. Take cab ($7) or rent car from FBO. Free valet parking. ~Luxor 1-888-777-0188 was great! Flew in for an overnight (student cross country). Signature Flight Svc screwed up our fuel order and didn't fuel us until we showed up to depart the next morning! Get a reduced rate from the Luxor through Signature.. only $75/night. Nice room on 9th floor with great view of "The Strip." Service was good, room was clean, 2 queen beds per room so if you can stand to split the room, it's a great deal! Y'all have plenty of "to-do" info for Vegas, so I won't bore you with more. ~Be very careful dealing with Las Vegas Signature Flight Support / Casper Executive Services. An Alaska ANG C-130 recently stopped at McCarran using the gov't contract holder, Signature Flight Support for RON parking and fuel services. During trip set-up we had Signature reserve lodging for the aircrew using the pilot's credit card to guarantee the rooms. After arriving at KLAS the Signature crew bus took the aircrew to the hotel where they thought their reservations were. A month later the pilot's credit card bill had an additional charge for another hotel. He was charged a "no-show" at the Doubletree Inn, the initial reservation was made by Signature Flight Services at the Hampton Inn. The charge was disputed, but The Doubletree Inn will not drop the charges and Signature will not intervene and pressure the Doubletree Inn to drop the 7 no-show charges. Signature claims they sent out a FAX with the reservation changes, but have no proof of transmission. Their response now is "that person doesn't work here anymore", but the charges are still there.

~Las Vegas Travelodge 1-702-733-0001 was A Dump. This is the Travelodge on W. Sahara Avenue (there are three near the strip), and it was a total roach motel! I think even the roaches left since I didn't see any. My room smelled like somebody had just taken a piss in the corner, was hot and the air conditioner didn't help much. It was only 85 that day, I can't imagine what it's like in the summer! It's not too far from the Strip, but it's impossible to walk there since there's fenced-off yards and railroad tracks between the hotel and the Strip. Plus, the clientele looked like the folks in the mutant bar in Total Recall. Stay away! On a brighter note, I talked with the Group Sales department at the Las Vegas Hilton, they will give you a government rate any day of the week with no minimum stay required. Talk to Ryan Leibowitz in Group Sales, his phone is 702-732-5879. Unfortunately, they were sold out when we were in town, but Ryan said he'd take care of USAF crews if he's got vacancy. ~We got put in the LaQuinta on Paradise. Great rooms with fridge, microwave, in-room jacuzzi. Nice workout room and big, clean pool. Across the street from Gordon Biersch, down the road from PF Changs, next to Morton's. Free continental breakfast. On the approved list, $72/night. Shuttle to strip.

~Palace Station was a dump! Highly recommend that you stay elsewhere. One of our crew members got fleas from the sheets! He was given a $50 comp and new sheets. will never stay here again. ~I'm just a bottom dwelling scum sucking low life contractor (I work for Boeing), but I noticed something in the Nellis portion of the TDY gouge. The Hard Rock Casino is one of the best places for eye candy, but you must NEVER gamble there. I have been there many times and I have never seen any of my friends win. I don't know how they do it, but the house always seems to win. My buddies win at other casino's, but never at Hard Rock. I watched three of them lose $1400 in a matter of less than 10 minutes. Although this provided me with great amusement, they were not as happy. I guess my advice would be to be very careful when gambling there. Watch the tables for awhile before trying anything!

~Boulder Station was a great hotel. Stayed at Boulder Station for 2 weeks. So-so location on the Boulder Hwy but hotel was great and they had plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as a decent movie theater. 99 cent breakfast was a plus for the late-late night crowd. Minuses included no fridge or laundry machines. Key Largo Hotel and Casino was decent. Pretty much a locals hang out, around the corner from the Hard Rock. It had a small casino and sports book downstairs and a descent pool complex. there were some little things like the lacking of ESPN in the rooms that annoyed a lot of people but for two weeks it wasn't that bad

~Alexsis Park Resort was a total dump! So called "recently renovated", Paint is peeling off the walls, basic amenities like fixtures are either loose or don't work properly, etc. I don't how this place didn't get in the gouge sooner. It is located close to the approach/departure end of one of McCarren's runways. See "Noisy" in the dictionary. Hotel is walking distance to Hard Rock and strip but neighborhood is questionable at night. There are much better places to stay in sin city.....

Reno, NV - During off season, book the Reno Hilton through Mercury Air (FBO at Reno Int'l) and get weekday rates at $25, and weekend at $55. 2000 rooms -definitely the best rooms in Reno, awesome casino, many restaurants in the hotel, although further from the strip. A great hotel closer to the strip is the El Dorado. Atlantis Resort and Casino is an excellent place to stay. Under max per diem. Everything you want under one roof. FBO is Mercury Air, very helpful. ~El Dorado was fantastic! Set up hotel through Mercury FBO. Great hotel, with casino right there. Brewpub right in hotel, service is a bit slow, good food and prices. Automatically upgraded to next available room category available when we checked in. Park in valet and get reimbursed, self-park is a pain.

~An Alaska ANG TDY C-130 crew ops stopped at Reno Jet Center (Mercury) to drop off PAX. They have changed their procedures, if you don't buy at least 1000 gallons of fuel you will be charged a $900.00 ramp fee. On the return trip, the crew called a "box lunch" order in through Mercury. The crew was charged $330.00 for 15 assorted box lunches! $22.00 each for one sandwich, a bag of chips, a small cup of potato salad, two small cookies, and no drink! We only get $30.00 a day per diem.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Boston AFS, NH - Billeting is dormitory style rooms (only ten available) with private bath. Full kitchen in building. The Q isn't luxury but the beauty of the area is worth the TDY.

Pease International Tradeport, NH - Hampton Inn offers free drinks and chowder from 1700-1900 daily!! Indoor pool/hottub. Pease TTF provides vehicles for crew (usually 2). Incredible shopping at the nearby outlet stores. Visit the RedHook Brewery! Fairly good bar scene downtown. 10 minute cab ride. Boston is close if you have the time (1+10). If you like Lobster, check out Warren's on the Water. Very expensive, but worth it. About 5-10 ,miles from the base is Newicks. Last time I was there you could get THREE lobsters for around 15$ they serve you on plastic and its definately no frills but 3 lobsters and all the fixins for under 20bucks - ain't a bad deal. ~I'm a retired crewdog living in Seacoast NH area. Seafood restaurants: Yes, Newick's remains THE place for TDY crews; the food is good, but it is like eating in a cavern. It can get quite noisy! Alternative: WEATHERVANE...either their "flagship" property over in Kittery, ME [not far from the malls] or the one on Dover Point Rd in Dover. Been eating at the latter since '86. It has its good days & bad days like all restaurants; bad days are usually triggered by not being able to get help that has more to offer than a pulse!

NEW JERSEY

McGuire AFB, NJ - For good food: Mastoris' where 206n and 130n split great prices and tons of food... in Trenton about 20mins from base only 16 miles is a bar called Tir Na Nog the owner plays irish music wed thru sat.. best guiness on the east coast.. Spent 6 years here at a KC10 pilot, and a year as a command post duty officer, so I know where we put crews when they came in TDY. GOOD EATS: If you're quick turning, try 3 Brothers Pizza (turn right out the 24 hour gate) or for great Japanese food Bamboo House is in the same strip mall. Also in Wrightstown in Golden Bo Bo's Chinese (average) and Vito's for Italian. Outstanding Puerto Rican food at Casa latina. in Brown's Mills. Somebody mentioned Mastori's in Bordentowns. The 6 years I've been here have seen a decline in service, and food, although they still serve the biggest damn prime rib I've ever seen (think Fred Flinstone). Billeting. Actually, if I was TDY to Mcguire, I'd want to stay on base, or right outside the gate (there are two hotels --one's a Day's Inn) simply because then you have access to the base. A lot of the TDY crews end up in Bordentown (30-45 minutes drive) and there is NOTHING there. It can be a hassle to get a meal too. If you're lucky enough to get put up at the intersection of the NJ Turnpike and Rte 73 (in Marlton)there are chain restaurunts all up and down Rte 73. Champs Sports bar is also at the intersection of Rtes 70 and 73 and is a local meat market. Sometimes crews get put up at the Sheraton in Cherry Hill (which is a long drive -- 45 minutes minimum) but puts you much closer to Philly. My advice if you come to KWRI -- If it's only for a night, try and be close to the base. If you're holed up for a few days, rent a car and do Philly (45 minutes), Atlantic City (45 minutes) or NYC (1 + 15). Days Inn was a complete crack house. The cops were cruising through every hour on the hour. Avoid this place at all costs. ~For a quick bite to eat on a stopover or while staying in billeting, try the sports bar in the enlisted club. ~Radisson, Mt Laurel was decent -This is an update to current post. The Tir Na Nog is no longer there or more detailed instructions needed. For Irish fun try Finnigan's Wake in Philly-lots o fun. While in Philly go to the "best" cheese steak place, actually two. Geno's cheese steaks and Pat's across the street at the cornor of 9th and Passynuk Ave. It gets real exciting around the time the bars close so watch out. Great Amish stuff from the Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Market. Wonderful BBQ, pretzels, baked goods, canned stuff and chocolate. NYC- take the train, ask around for directions to the station. Also radisson will provide a fridge and microwave if you ask. Laundry in the basement $1.25 each in quarters

NEW MEXICO

Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque NM - After being told we were not able to get on base TLF for a 3 month TDY, we checked into the Southwest Suites. They are fully furnished corporate apartment suites. They do offer a military discount. Very nice apartments with maid service and very nice complexes. Call Joyce Row 1-800-342-3820 local 505-294-7632. The Candlewood Suites hotel specializes in long term stays. It has efficiency and one bedroom apartments available at the government rates. They include stoves and full size fridge as well as full cable TV. The also have a separate line for the internet. Its about 15-20 minutes from the base and there are numerous restaurants in the immediate area. Weight room and wash room on the premises. Marriott (on Louisiana St.) had gorgeous rooms. Good location in relation to restaurants. The bar is top notch. They have no problem giving out free drinks when you start drinking enough. Bar closes at midnight, but Bennigans is stumbling distance outside of hotel doors. This hotel is highly recommended. Never tried to work any special deals with the sales department. However, it seems as though they really appreciate military customers, and would be amenable. At the Old Town Sheraton - decent might be a stretch, but the rooms were decently decorated. The front desk personnel were pretty incompetent. They lost my first reservations. Luckily, I called before we left to make additional reservations. Once there though, they didn't have keys for us. Then, on checkout, they mixed up the rooms and bills. Nice feature is a 25 meter outdoor heated pool. Laps are a bit difficult to do because shallow end is maybe 2 ft deep. There is a Lotaburger (McDonald's imitation) right out doors, and a Starbuck's coffee shop 1/4 mile north on Rio Grande (great for waking up in morning). Other than that, no good bars or restaurants in walking distance. Kind of a dumpy part of town. Only 13 minutes to base. Radison Hotel @ Convention Center(Carlisle Ave) 505-888-3311 is a great hotel with a FULL service fitness center. Great bar/pub with Guinness and numerous great brews. If you call Debbie (Sales Mgr) you can obtain a TWO floor suite (downstairs/living room (for planning) and upstairs/bedroom at Govt contract rate. Near Central (Route 66) party locations, within 1 mile of two major malls, plenty of great places to eat. This is where the commercial flight crews (read stewardess go to). Sales manager: 505-889-4906. At the Ramada Inn Mountainview (Hotel Circle NE), we had people with bloodstained bed sheets, no heat (in January), and some soothing highway noise 24 hours/day. Recommend you avoid any hotel in this area. Uptown Sheraton was not bad, but below average for a sheraton, (505)881-0000, corner of Lousianna & Maneaul. "Contract" rate was $65/night. Small bar downstairs off the lobby. Quiet, doesn't stay open very late though. Didn't use the restaurant. Best deal is Assets Grill, a brew-pub with great southwestern food, up Lousianna to the north a mile or so, then just to the left on Montgomery. Bennigan's south of the hotel about 1/2 mile on the left. ~Try Kelly's. It is a Microbrew/restaurant Near the University of New Mexico. Average food, average price but the 24 microbrews on tap that are made on site are worth the trip. If you like to sip on good micros, then this place is a must. Go out the Wyoming gate and down two or three lights to old Rt. 66, make a left. Kelly's is on the left about 2 miles or so down the road. Great Mexican for lunch or dinner plus great drinks all at a reasonable price- Cervantes. Go out the Gibson gate, about three blocks on the right. The bartenders take good care of the Air Force guys. ~Don't get suckered into the La Quinta trap if you do not HAVE to be 5 min from base. Look up JFTR section on selecting alternative lodging as long as it is equal to or less than that chosen by Billeting. Call SouthWest Suites and make a reservation for a 2 bedroom apt up in the NorthEast (the nice, driveby-free part of ABQ) and pay the SAME as a La Quinta. The drive to base is about 22min once you know where you are going (long TDY) and 30 if you are just taking the easy way. The nice (and hot) SouthWest Suites lady will cough up 50 bones as a headhunter fee so if you have buds coming down tell them to call you by name and make sure she knows where to send the check. Oh yeah, you get 2x week maid service too.

~Raddison was a dump. They were in the process of remodeling into a Holiday inn & Conference center. The staff was ignorant as how to handle a multiple room reservation under a single credit card. resulted in a double bill on my GTC. Had hot water once during my 7 day stay. Multiple water leaks in front of my door. Staff used 3 buckets to "catch" the water. Overall poor service included. ~More info on the Hawthorn Suites, what a dump! Billeting loves to send Military here and they won't take it off the contract list. Security doors don't work and the staff doesn't care. Bums panhandle and cruise the parking lot after dark looking for money and cars to break into. Not a nice area! ~MCM Elegante was a dump. Don't be fooled by the fancy web site or the (seemingly) hot voice on the phone. The place is a hole and should be avoided unless you like moldy showers, broken elevators and 1970's style.

~University Inn is a dump! The University Inn used to be the Ramada (changed name). Now, it's a hell hole where the rooms smell like mold and the maids steal your clothes. Avoid this dump. ~Southwest Suites (800) 342-3820 was a Palace! Just a quick update on KIKR and the ABQ area: If you're coming for a long TDY (AFSOC initial qual), absolutely give Southwest Suites a call. Lori will take very good care of you - I'm TDY Enroute from overseas with my wife and 3 cats.. No Problem! 1Bdrm, 1Bath, Huge Walk-In Closet, Lvrm w/ gas logs, cable tv, DVD player, Dining room, Nice kitchen w/ pantry and laundry area (In the apartment!), garage, 24hr gym & pool... GREAT Mountain View! All furnished incl. the kitchen stuff and linens. Weekly maid service to boot! If you need a car, don't go for one of the airport locations.. call Enterprise Month-N-More.. get a nicer car at a better rate.. and your spouse can drive w/o fee. Chilacas (Burritos), El Vicino's (Pizza and Micro Brewery), and Scarpas (Pizza, Pasta, Salad) are excellent food choices (Do a search on Yahoo Local). Coming here during Late Sept / Early Oct? Hit The Balloon Fiesta!!! - www.balloonfiesta.com - You won't regret it or forget it.

~Kirtland Inn, (505)8469652 was decent. Tucano's Brazilian Grill is a must if you are staying in Albuquerque, even for one night. This dining experience is simply amazing. Visit their website for hours, menu, and directions. It is downtown on 1st and Central. www.tucanos.com Enjoy!

NEW YORK

New York City, N.Y. - The Marriott Marquis Times Square, baby. Need I say any more.....$195 a night, just within the limit. Luxurious rooms, but no time to enjoy them!! Right smack dab midtown Manhatten. ~Going to New York--Call ahead and check ticket availability to the taping of "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart--these tickets are FREE!!!Call (212) 468-1710 to reserve your ticket(s). Be sure to mention that you're military-entitles you to VIP status (you get tickets before the non-vip types--but, still first come first serve in the VIP line.

Stewart ANGB, Newburgh, N.Y. - The Hampton Inn (845 563-5500) was decent. Newest hotel in town. Clean rooms. Easy access to thruway, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours from Manhattan. Stay out of downtown Newburgh - Crack, Crack everywhere!! ~Washington Hotel (845 563-4000) was a nice resort. Along with the scenic views of the Hudson River, you are only a few blocks from Gen Washington's Headquarters in Historic Newburgh. You can get the finest crack in the country right around the block, and meet new "friends" any time of the day. Enjoy!!

Wheeler-Sack AAF, Watertown, N.Y. - City Line Motel is a dump. The Days Inn is a fairly nice hotel with one plus - it has a combined Denny's/Bar attached (yes, it's a Dennys where they serve beer at your table). Very nice feature on cold, snowy nights. Also, the G Wizz Auto Group (800-334-rent or 315-788-5555) is very helpful and will meet you at base ops with your cars, even after hours. Do not RON here if you can help it. Army Transportation: "We are not here to support Air Force transpo requests". We waited 1.5 hours for an off-base taxi gave up, and begged an off-duty troop to take us the 20 mins to the hotel. Despite the base ops folks having a 15 pax van and 2 of them on shift, they "are not allowed" to take you to the hotel. Days Inn was fine and yes, there is a bar in the Denny's attached to the hotel.

NORTH CAROLINA

MCAS Cherry Point, NC - Holiday Inn (252)444-1111 was nice. Great Buffet, close to McD's, BK Lounge, and a great pizza place called Mario's. Decent rooms, awesome staff, within Govt. rate. Great nightly buffet, cheap too. We got a deal for $4 pitchers of domestic. 20 minutes from the beach and great seafood places in Beaufort. Sheraton (New Bern) was a great hotel. Only about 15 min cab ride from Cherry Point. Very nice hotel. Walking distance to Outback. Great bar and restaurant. Shuttle service provided to the New Bern airport every half and hour or so.

MacKall AAF, NC -I f you are ever stuck out at Mackall AAF, NC for any reason it is possible to get transportation from Sand Hills taxi service into Southern Pines, NC which is about 15 minutes away. I have misplaced the card but all you need to do is call the Hampton Inn and they will send them out to get you. Southern Pines, NC has over thirty golf courses and the Hampton is located near Enterprise Rent-a-car, multiple restaurants and a an excellent gentleman's club within walking distance. Believe it or not it is a much better destination than Pope AFB and their bad BOQ rooms. The only thing is that you are quite a distance away from any type of maintenance support and this would only be one of those places to be if you were broken like we were a couple of days ago.

Pope AFB, Fayetteville, NC - TDY to Pope. Innkeeper, Crosscreek - across from the mall. Several hotels are available in Spring Lake - real close to base, but NOT in a fine part of town. Sleep Inn 910-436-6700 was clean and furnishings new and employees friendly. They have free internet access, free local calls and bake cookies for you. Continental Breakfast included. -Had good Mongolian BBQ at b&d's Mongolian BBQ. It is by the Innkeeper. It cost $12.99 for all you can eat. It has a great selection of meats and veggies. Had great BBQ at the 'Red, Hot & Blue" in Fayetteville, 867-2810. Get the Wet Ribs or Pulled Pork. Another great hotel is the Fairfield Inn at the CrossCreek mall - it is right at the shopping mall and near a bunch of restaurants plus less than 20 minutes from No Hope Pope. ~Holiday Inn Express (910 436-1900/ 910 436-9483) was a nice new hotel in Spring Lake. Most rooms have free T-1 cable internet connection. (Just bring net card and adapter.) Customer appreciation night on Wednesday includes free beverages in the lobby. Nice pool and cable television. Eat at the MASHHouse on Sycamore-Dairy. Good beer and good food. Also, Luigi's on McPhearson-Church is exceptional Italian Food. ~Days Inn at I-95 (910) 738-6401 was a dump. Worst hotel I've ever stayed in. People were smoking pot in the rooms next to some of the crew and the ENTIRE staff had a horrible attitude. This is very close to FAY, but about 45 minutes from POB. If you stay this far out, go to Smithfield's BBQ in Hope Mills. It's about 20 minutes from the hotel. Take I95 South to NC 59. Go west through town. It's past the Wal-Mart on the left (behind McDonald's). Get the BBQ platter. Enterprise Rental Car on Yadkin road sucks! Don't count on them. In almost every instance that our crews have rented cars over the past three years there was a problem. IE: Reserve two cars yet only one is delivered. Reserve a car and none is delivered. They drop off a car at Pope base ops that is littered with trash and only has 1/16th tank of gas in it. Recommend use the Enterprise Rental Car located at the Fort Bragg PX - (910)436-5200. You'll have better luck.

~Note to aircrew: Mr. Luther (Prime Knight guy) has now gone completely off his rocker! He claims that the '24hr rule' is superseded by some AFI that he refuses to quote. best bet: Just bypass him completely or go to billeting yourself.

~update: Landmark Inn is now a dump! --I'm not a flyer, and found your site by accident. I'm an SF guy outbound on PCS, but thought you might want to know. The landmark inn is no longer new, was obviously built by DEH at Bragg, and quickly deteriorating into the appearance and service of the Airborne inn which is the biggest MWR scam in the area, and a dump. For $63.00 a night (only if you are on orders) you get, attitude from the staff, the same pubic hairs in the bathrooms day after day (that were there when you move in), Army barracks conditions, internet service that no one on the staff knows anything about other than collection of money, and handing out codes. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, especially with family. They claim it is civilian owned. I'm sure it is, but there is definitely an attitude that well, they are only soldiers they will accept anything and not complain about it. The post is closed, and I can't imagine a civilian going out of his/her way to stay on a closed installation and go through the hassle of getting on and off post. You can get more for the same price downtown. Good luck.

Good to know phone numbers for Pope AFB:

Pope AFB DSN424 / (910)394-1110	41AS DSN424 / (910)394-6940
43AW CP X 9000	41AS Staneval X 6985
43AW Current Ops X 7383 / 7386	41AS DO X 6953
43AW Wing Staneval X 7654	41AS Fax # X 6944
43AW WX shop X 6543

Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC - Overnight at Seymour, we stayed at the Jameson Inn, www.jamesoninns.com , in Goldsboro. It was a nice resort. (919) 778-9759 Nice place, only 10 min drive from the base, and right next to a Outback Steakhouse and Ruby Tuesday's. Staff was very nice, and they have a good (and free) continental breakfast in the lobby. Across the highway (10 min walk) is a WalMart SuperCenter and a couple other restaurants. You also might want to check out the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express in Goldsboro. They looked decent and they're right across the street from the same Wally World. Hampton Inn Goldsboro 919-778-1800/919-778-5891 was a Palace! Great staff! Every time I go there the faces are the same. They call me by name and know what I like. Free Highspeed internet in all rooms, great free breakfast, free pass to YMCA. Coin Laundry (only hotel in city that has one) free popcorn and cookies. Great location! ~Hampton Inn (919 778-1800 / FAX919 778-5891) was a palace! Jameson and Holiday Inn allow pets - these hotels are not as clean as they should be. Didn't like animals in the breakfast area. Barking and putting their noses on the tables. One lady at the Jameson let her dog eat off the table. I finally tried the Hampton and it was great. No animals and friendly staff. They have the same staff members working every time I check in. That wasn't the case at the other hotels. Great hotel and I won't stay anywhere else.

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