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.

FLORIDA

Eglin AFB, Denstin/Ft. Walton Bch FL - Be careful when they put you up (ACC Base). They love to split the E's and O's. Officially, they quote a piece of the reg that states that you are required to house us all either on base or in one hotel off base. At Eglin, however, even if you have it all set up to stay together on-base, they will bump you E's to the VAQs that are 7-8 miles across base.~I am in week 3 of a 30 day TDY here. I am a Major and have an old Q room with no A/C. They don't turn it on until 15 April. In addition, they don't seem to differentiate between VOQs and VAQs. A Lt that I'm here with is staying in a nice room with full-size fridge and stove/oven. I share a "kitchen" with the SRA next door. This kitchen has a microwave, sink and 2 small refrigerators. The rooms are clean but old. They are decorated to 70s standards. The lack of A/C is the biggest problem. If you have to stay on base, be sure you ask for the rooms with the full-size refrigerators. They are newer. There are many good places to eat in Ft Walton Beach and Destin. I recommend either FudPuckers or Old Bay Steamer-which has FANTASTIC Steamed (not fried) seafood. Start off the night at AJs - outdoor bar with music and then just make your way down the strip- hit the HogsBreath Tavern, Kangaroo Jacks, Night Town is a decent club.  Only good thing about the Sea Isle Motel 850-243-5563 is its location is next to Sammy's on Okaloosa Island (New law makes the girls keep their pants on! $6.00 cover) Bedsheets are too small for the bed, so they come off within seconds of hitting the rack. Free breakfast consist of coffee and plain, cake donuts. Nothing else. There's a lot better places to stay, but during Spring Break, you're at the mercy of billeting. Make sure you get a U-drive if stuck out on Okaloosa Island.  Carousel hotel sucked. The sheets are thin and the A/C is horrible in the summer. Avoid at all cost. ~ASK to stay at the Sheraton Four Points in Fort Walton Beach if the billeting office says they have no room at the inn. If you don't, plan on staying somewhere completely crappy and far from the action. The Sheraton has government rates (a highly guarded secret) of just under $80 so take advantage of it if you can. Once you get to the Sheraton, ASK if you can get a towers room if any are available. If you can, you have just gotten yourself a $200 room with a patio that goes right out to the beach (I swear, it feels as though you're doing something very wrong). This is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets out there, and all you have to do is ASK! If you don't ask, you deserve what you get. Nice nightlife places in town include The Swamp (which is conveniently within walking distance from the Sheraton mentioned above) which has live music and lots of good fun. The place was packed and the people were looking to have fun. Join them! There is a great Bar-B-Q place just over the bridge on the way back to base on the beach side of the road. It has outstanding Bar-B-Q and the service is down home and accommodating.  The Islander is your own private condo on the beach for a total of $88 a night!!! If you find yourself going to florida, the Islander will turn your TDY into a Vacation!! By the way if my finance did not complain, you're in! ~Suburban Lodge in Destin looked like a nice enough place, but they screwed us pretty good. Gave them a call from base ops and they said the reservation system was down, but they would hold our rooms on my name. When we got there (30 Mins away from the 15 they told us it would be), they had given our rooms away. The asst manager was the guy I talked to and he changed his story to "we're first come first serve." After talking with the manager, she found us rooms at the Village Inn in Destin. It wasn't too bad of a roach motel, but a couple of the guys had to double up and one guy had to make his own bed. Location was key--right across the street from AJ's!

Homestead ARB, FL - The biggest thing with Homestead is billeting -- it SUCKS!!! You better be ready to wait at LEAST an hour, probably two while they figure out what the hell a non-a is and print them out one by one. Evidently, they have no idea what a fax machine is. Feel free to spam the hell out of the services (what a misnomer) commander about this second-class citizen service. Be sure and ask for UDI's at baseops there. Best Western in Florida City (305) 246-5100 was decent.  Gusto's is a pretty cool bar/grill near the hotel. The Mutineer is another restaurant about a block away, good seafood there. The gym on base isn't open on Sundays and other services are limited due to it only being a Reserve base. If you want to drive about 25 miles, you can get to Key Largo (south) or Miami (north). South beach -- topless -- nuff said...

Miami, FL - Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel (305 261-3800) was great and had nice big rooms. 10 minutes from Signature FBO. Happy hour was excellent. However, they charged us the wrong rate as opposed to the Government rate. Desk manager refused to change the rate. It took 3 days to get the rate changed. Commander put this place off-limits because of their anti-military attitude.

Jacksonville NAS, FL - Radisson or Hilton on the Riverwalk are good choices. There is a brewery within walking distance and if you want to take the water taxi across to the "Landing", there are several bars and restaurants there. If you are good to the driver from "Sky Valet", he/she may take you downtown. It's about a 20 minute drive.

Key West, FL - Cuban Club Suites (800-432-4849) has two story suites (bedroom loft and pullout on first floor). Very expensive ($1 for local calls). Down at the far end of Duval St so it's a hike to the bars. Visit RumRunners and The Bull. I was there during spring break and the wet t-shirt contests degenerate into full nude contests. Top floor of The Bull has "shirt optional policy" for women and nipple painting. Recommend the Hyatt or the Wyndham for hotels. Went on a RAS down to Key West one time and there was this bar called the New York Pizza Cafe, I think. The special every night there is FREE beer with your meal. Its down by Duval Street. I don't mean one free beer, my crew put down a case by the time we finished dinner! ~For breakfast or lunch, try Kim's Kubans. The Cuban sub is awesome but if you prefer no cheese tell them before they make it. Have a seat in this tiny cafe, order some great fries with your Cuban, and get a beer or two out of the cooler right thru the entryway at the small grocery that is connected to Kim's. Saved a brochure for our crews doing the GITMO run and RON'ing in Key West. Kim's delivers so you may be able talk them into getting your subs out to the NAS if time is short and your order is large enough. I forget the name, but during Spring Break the best beach, with best views naturally, was the furthest one east on south side of the Key. The other beaches seemed deserted, and this was prime Spring Break time. If you have a video cam, have it running/ready as you drive along the south side of the Key & Duvall St. You never know what you might see, and drunk locals do the funniest things. For dinner, if you want to spend your per diem on a great meal, go to the American Cafe just off Duvall St., on the street that ends at the Hyatt. Eat outside and enjoy the changing view as people walk by. Great seafood, wine selection, and Tapas here; everything was great about this dining experience. If the right hostess is on duty, she'll make you thirsty. ~Before making reservations at the Cuban Club Suites ensure that you will absolutely, positively be there. They are very adamant about their cancellation policy. If for any reason you cannot arrive, such as refrag, mission cancel or god forbid an aircraft break etc.. you can "float" your reservation to a later date. You WILL incur a deposit charge equal to one nights lodging that is non-refundable. Recommend crews find a more aircrew friendly establishment. ~El Sibone restaurant, by far the best Cuban food I have ever had.  Huge portions for under $9.  Off the beaten path sort of mom and pops place, if you want Cuban roast pork, this is the place!!

MacDill AFB, Tampa FL - The Wyndham Westshore is a fancy hotel, with a government rate under our limit.  They  sport great king-sized beds and are near various restaurants; also it is a short cab/car ride to 'Ybor City' - the great bar district. Another good place to stay is the Sailport hotel.  La Quinta is a decent hotel as well. Airport Doubletree [(813)-879-4800] offers great chocolate chip cookies when you check in! It's right near the airport so it's full of flight attendants and airline dudes. Rooms are nice. Pool, hot tub, and bar. 10 min from MacDill and 2 blocks from The Dollhouse (show mil ID and get in free). 5 min from food. Don't stay at Ramada Airport Inn -old and smells bad, do not stay at this dump!!  Hilton Tampa Westshore is a great hotel at per diem rate. Hilton will drive you to bars/restaurants. 25 minute drive from MCF. Contact: (813) 877-6688 FAX(813)879-3264.  If you must stay on base, the billeting is pretty nice. The only downside is during the week, be prepared to be awakened by the buzz from the USCENTCOM front gate. The original Hooter's is somewhere in the Tampa/St Pete area. For 135 crews, make sure you check out 11-2KC135's special departure instructions for MacDill. ~Radisson Riverwalk was a great hotel right on the water. Free van rides upon request to and from Ybor city. Cafe Creole fine cajun cuisine. Inflight meals can be prearranged by calling Sgt Roach's pager at 913-8614 or ext 8309 onbase. ~Stay at the great Embassy Suites if you can. It is a short taxi ride from the FBO. After your free happy hour drinks, get directions (and/or ask them to make reservations) from the front desk to Charley's Steakhouse. This place is only a couple of blocks from the hotel. The best pepper steak I have ever had was right here--'melt in your mouth' medium-rare, filet mignon, Steak au Poivre. Go ahead-- spend that per diem; if there is a place to do that, Charley's is it. Wash that steak down with some good red wine off their extensive wine list.

Miami, FL - Embassy Suites offers free drinks at Happy Hour 1730-1930 and a free full breakfast. Cost is $5.00 over per diem but worth it considering the benefits.

Patrick AFB, FL -Holiday Inn-Melbourne Beach (321-777-4100) is right on the beach and has live music Weds on the patio Good bars near the hotel: Ichabods, Purple Porpoise, Coasters (really good beer selection and humongous sandwiches). Conchy Joes is a great place to eat and has live Reggae from 1 pm to 7 pm on Sundays. Thrifty Car Rental is located in the billeting office and delivered our car to Base Ops. Be careful all the car rental agencies in the area close very early on the weekends. Watch out for the Wing Commander, he doesn't like crews standing outside billeting drinking beer while waiting for transportation. ~Travel Lodge, Indian Harbor was a Dump!  Do not stay here.  It's to far to the south with nothing to do there.  We had roaches in the rooms and the bathrooms all smelled like mildew.  The free breakfast was a joke, absolutely the worst.  Try to stay North of the base by Club Coconuts.  Also try out the Lido Cabaret they have a very nice staff!!!!!!!! ~ Radisson or Quality Suites was decent - South of Patrick...about 15 min from BX on A1A.  Both are oceanfront suites..micro, sm refrig, coffee, etc.  Two TVs!  Balconies overlooking beach.  Radisson is showing its age; haven't tried their restaurant. Gov't lodging rate MOST of the time.  Quality Suites..same format as Radisson, however, it's newer.  Complimentary cold breakfast buffet in DR.  Gov't lodging rate MOST of the time.  Other restaurant:  Texas Roadhouse and on EuGallie

Pensacola, FL - Go out to Perdido Key and have pizza at Lillian's.  One of the best bars is the FloraBama, located on the Florida/Alabama border (also on Perdido Key).  The place has four or five different rooms, and they always have live bands.  They are located right on the beach.  

GEORGIA

Augusta, GA -Augusta, Georgia - Your typical Southern town, pretty nice place to relax after a long mission. The airport is small and easy to operate in. They will most likely park you at the base of the tower. The people at the FBO (Bush Aviation) are very helpful and have a decent flight planning area. Their frequency is the same as UNICOM (122.95), and if you can get a hold of them inbound, they will have the power cart ready upon arrival. As far as where to stay, try the riverfront. It's a nice area with nice hotels. The Country Inn Suites is a very nice place with a couple of bars nearby. You will have to talk the manager into offering you the government rate, (most places by the river are over the max lodging rate) but if you can, you will benefit from cozy rooms and a nice, scenic location.

Dobbins ARB, GA - The Wyndham Garden [1-800-996-3426] is a great hotel and several Bar @ Grills within walking distance. Kastaways is a great bar and grill located near the base which is owned by a Tac Airlifter and caters to aircrews.

Hunter AAF, GA -If in Savannah, Don't stay on Hunter AAF! Army billeting is the worst, and this is a shining example!

Lawson AAF, Columbus, GA - Army Basic Airborne School. Sheraton is nice hotel at a good location, but all the good deals for crew dogs are now GONE.  You still get free passes and transpo to Gold's Gym. But no more free drinks, or free breakfast -- Paul the tall, English, Food and Entertainment Director, claims that no matter what, it is a "nice hotel so military people will be back..." Service was poor.  As far as food goes, there is an excellent Japanese Steakhouse (Mikatas) and a great Greek/Italian restaurant (Mediterranean Cafe) across the street from the Sheraton - both boast tons of good food. Good Chinese food at Chef Lee's Peking I & II - 6100 Bradley Park Dr (706)653-8888 and at 4248 Buena Vista Rd (706)568-7554.  Instead of the Sheraton, I would rather go elsewhere: there is a Courtyard by Marriott just a few blocks away, as well as a Hilton in town. Stayed at the Comfort Suites right around the block from the Sheraton, but the hotel is not of the best quality. The rooms have fridge and Micro, and also a little couch and work area, but the heating/AC unit smells like someone's smoking pot and its workout area is absolute crap. 1 broken treadmill, 1 useless bike machine, 1 ancient universal gym. Otherwise the people are nice that work there, but if I had a choice I would try somewhere else before returning there again. Continental breakfast is bare bones...and no bar to speak of. La Quinta - shady joint. Another good place is the Holiday Inn Center City - it is a bit further away, but boasts free beer and food for aircrew and will treat you like a king (or queen).  Rivertown (Old Holliday Inn) has no more good deals....roaches everywhere (roaches make the wake-up calls). Well, after a couple of months of treating everyone really well with free beer and food, they won the contract with the Army for billeting folks. So, things have gone for a turn for the worse. Lost the reservations, checked us into rooms that were already full, no freebies, etc. And as we sat in the restaurant area (approx 2330L) having a few beers that we got at the gas station next door, we were entertained by the hotels trained roaches wandering around the floor and walls (final tally of 14 sightings, to include the one that woke one pilot up in the middle of the night as it crawled across his face). So, Lawson has changed.... Rocks thrown through windshield on way there. Go somewhere else.. Wingate Inn (706 225 1000) is THE place to stay in Columbus. Talk to Jan Pease (hotel manager) and she will hook you up with free beer and breakfast everyday.  The service and cookies rocked!  Ring the GM there Darren Phillips to hook you up. Also they will shuttle you around to what ever restaurant or bar you want to go to.  We got rides to/from Hooters.  Speaking of bars, Mulddons is a good one about a mile from the Wingate. The hotel also has heated pool, hot tub, gym and business center. I stayed overnight in the billeting (looks like a castle) Not bad overall. Not many places to eat on base (BK, Subways at NCO club). There is no formal crew trans here!! Had to share 2 vans between 4 aircraft! Enterprise rent-a-car closes at 6 pm! Base ops & TA were big help on everything except transportation! Ramada Limited (as in VERY limited) (3560 Highway 280 North) -rooms were nice, but no fridge/micro. The skimp on the continental breakfast. Lots of "misunderstandings" regarding contract. We were very aggravated with Sunny Rainey's promises. It's 40 minutes from Lawson, nothing close by, and in Alabama. Don't make the mistake we did by not remembering Alabama is a dry state on Sunday. ~I go to Lawson quite frequently and the last time I had to go they put us up on base. At first I was bummed, but when I moved in, they actually had better rooms than most of the downtown area. For the first time I was actually impressed that "Army" and "nice billeting" were in the same sentence.  ~Sleep Inn is new and clean with fairly large rooms. Free beer/appetizers on weeknights and a decent breakfast every day, including eggs, sausage, fruit, and other continental-type items.  Very close to good restaurants/bars, plus a gym pass. Highly aircrew convenient.

NOTE: Rental cars are authorized (you must arrange) and if you use 'Enterprise', they can deposit and recover the cars at Lawson Baseops.

Savannah, GA - Days Inn on Bay Street (912 236-4440) was a nice hotel at an awesome location!  You are about 74 steps away from River Street.  Lots of good food and bars.  They will give the Gov Rate.

Warner Robins, GA - Stayed at the decent Ramada on Watson across from the Super Walmart which is open 24 hours. The rooms were big but not much in them. The only freebie is no cost for 800 number calls. There are plenty of places to eat near the hotel with Waffle House being the only one open 24 hours. The Best Western next door advertised free deluxe breakfast. There is a shopping mall within walking distance of either. Base ops, the AMC ramp, command post and billeting are kinda far away from each other so plan ahead accordingly. There is no weather shop so you must call Shaw and get the brief that way. Atlanta and Six Flags are about 90 minutes away should you get stuck there.

HAWAII

Hickam AFB, HI - Break or stay here... you're lucky.  If you can get off-base they'll put you up at the Outrigger most likely. We stayed in billeting in the new section which we basically one-bedroom apartments, very nice and close to everything on base.  Food-wise:  Pacific Beach Hotel resturant (early bird 5-6pm) has a HUGE fish tank/wall filled with sharks and Manta Rays... very cool.  The Shorebird has cook your own everything, plan on dropping $20 for dinner.  Duke's is a good place to chill on the beach and drink.  On base, there is the normal food court but try the Sea Breeze restaurant (drive towards Hickam Harbor).  Four days a week there is a all you can eat buffet for $14 which is awesome and the restaurant sits right on the beach at Hickam Harbor.  Misc: Free coupon books for most resturants in Honolulu can be found in most hotel lobbies.  Outdoor Rec has the best rates on! equipment rentals.  For swimming and sunbathing go to Waikiki.   Surfing - North shore or Sunset Beach! .  Boogie Boarding - Kaneohe Marine Base.  AMCC was very helpful and Base Ops wasn't bad.  Car rental at the Pax Terminal.  Plan on a STAR coming in and SID going out.  Hickam is weird because it shares the runway with Honolulu Intl.  If you're not ready to go when number one you won't make friends with ATC. Hickam is an uncontrolled ramp so you don't talk to Honolulu ground for engine start you talk to "Hickam Ramp."  Read AP remarks or risk getting violated. ~So far no mention of Moose McGillicutty's on Lewers Street (lots of military). The Wave down on Kalakaua Avenue has more people--a younger and more diverse crowd. Both dance clubs had a cover on the weekends.  More info for your Hawaii Vacation. ~FYI for the reserve/guard crewdogs. Shorebird gives at least 10% discount (maybe it was 15%-been a while since the last time..) if you show them an employee ID from a major airline.

Boise, ID -The Club Doubletree (208) 345-2002 is a great hotel at the gov rate with a full-sized lap pool and gym.  Close to the University.  This Doubletree Downtown hotel was nice but we did have some problems on check-out.  The hotel quoted us the military rate on check-in and then charged us full price on check-out. The manager's response was "too bad". Good bar (lot's of Southwest flight attendants), just make sure you get the price in writing.

Cedar Rapids, IA - If you ever end up in Cedar Rapids stay at the Collins Plaza Hotel next to the Rockwell-Collins Business Center. It is the best place that offers a government rate. For nightlife try the Irish Democrat which has great atmosphere and a six person crew can fully enjoy themselves without spending their entire per diem. ~The Best Western Longbranch was a pretty nice hotel offering a military rate as well. The three buildings are connected by a skywalk. One building has a pool, hot tub and a bar. On the first floor, there is a Gold's Gym, but it wasn't free (it may be a reduced rate for hotel guests). The main bar offered nightly specials such as all-you-can-eat tacos, all- ou-can-eat buffalo wings, $2.00 nine inch two topping pizzas, something different every night of the week. The only thing I didn't like was the karaoke almost every night. Panera Bread is a good place for lunch.

Des Moines, IA -The Marriott - Great hotel only $3 over Gov rate, 2 lounges; 1 good for happy hour, 2 restaurants, pool/hot tub, OK Gym, Connected to 'skywalk' system--easy access to downtown bars/restaurants. ~Go North on Fleur Drive (North South Rd) adjacent to airport. Left at Kwik Strip, Francies Bar is on left side. Cheap beer great sandwiches, super environment. Get directions or additional information from the Air Guard Base located at the airport

Chicago, IL - The Intercontinental (312)944-4100 is a fabulous hotel located right at 505 N. Michigan Ave (gov. rate) near the bars (Hard Rock Cafe) / restaurants / shopping, etc.  About a 30-minute bus ride from O'Hare.  Absolutely outstanding location near infinite great restaurants and bars.  Superb service and great view, even a doorman in a top hat to open the door for you.  The bar section of town is on Division Street. ~Embassy Suites - Downtown Lakefront.  Fantastic hotel in downtown, walking distance from good food and drink, plus the free breakfast in the morning and drinks in the evening.  Got our rooms at max per diem ($155/night) during JA/ATT conference.  Great food at Volare's, an Italian place right off Grand  Ave.  Huge portions, reasonable prices.  Chicago Chop House is supposedly the best steakhouse in the US, and it lived up to its reputation.  Expensive (my 24oz. NY strip, 3 INCHES thick, salad, potato, and a beer cost $50), but worth every penny.  Dress nice for both places (Dockers are fine, but in jeans you'll stand out).  ESPN  Zone is nearby as well, good food and drinks, put tons of TVs to watch your favorite team.  Get on the train and go to Murphy's Bleachers (right next to Wrigley Field).  Good beer, lots of choices, and good bar food.

NOTES: For Banner missions, the City will no longer provide transpo to your hotel.  Also, Signiature Aviation FBO provides fuel, etc. -- call ahead for all these. O'Hare International is a High Density Traffic Airport (HDTA), and requires slot reservations for all arrivals and departures between 0745 and 2315L; ensure TACC planners have both reservation numbers annotated on the frag.  The KC-135 Guard unit has since moved to Scott AFB; base operations is no longer operational. Therefore, all pre-mission requirements need to be met by calling Kankakee FSS.  Hudson Aviation (773-686-2255) supported us for fuel, but did not have the capability to provide us a Dash 86/60-equivalent power cart when we parked on the USAF ramp on the northeast side of the airfield. Contact them on VHF 131.325 (City Ops) with your inbound requests when you get a chance. A taxi costs on the average of $30 one way to downtown Chicago. If you have taxis transport your crew to the military ramp the next day, ensure your drivers know how to get to the old military entrance on the north side of the airfield. It is not the same exit off the freeway that takes you to the terminal. In addition, you must coordinate ahead of time with Mr. Lineman (773-686-6565) to tell the security guards/Secret Service (if on a Banner Mission) to expect your arrival at the airfield.

Scott AFB, IL - Baymont Inn 618.632.6668 was better than average. Brand new, quiet, & comfortable. Pool, jacuzzi, work-out room, breakfast included. ~Crowne Plaza (314-291-6700) was fantastic!  Located at: 11228 Lone Eagle Drive BRIDGETON, MO 63044.  Beautiful Business hotel one mile from Lambert Airport/Scott AFB.  Has any amenity you want.  Two inside restaurants, one is TGI Fridays.  Indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and nice gym.  Regularly used by local Air Guard to billet drill members.   

KANSAS

Forbes Field, KS - So we show up (KC-10) to move some humvees and Army troops from there to LA. The FBO people (Millionair) wander on the jet about 2 minutes after the TALCE guys and proceed to tell us that if we don't buy gas, that we won't get to use their airstairs...what a crock. Don't believe them, the Army paid for those "oh so beautiful airstairs on the back of a 1968 Ford" and donated them to the city. Millionair doesn't really have a say, so tell them to piss off!! ~Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel 785-431-7200 was probably the nicest hotel in town. Usually has government rates. Kind of like an Embassy Suites. Hotel has a bar/resturant inside and it's next to an expo center. Hotel is pretty close to Forbes as well (10 minute drive). When flying in to Forbes, don't forget the ANG for fuel and services if million air can't help (24 HR CP is 720-4663 or 1-800-551-5276x4663.

KENTUCKY

Louisville, Kentucky - The Gult House - stay away from this hotel. Not only is it over the limit, it's not worth it. Maybe it was bad timing but the hotel was mobbed. It took 10 minutes to get an elevator everytime. You couldn't get food in the hotel unless you were willing to wait 1 plus hours. The FBO at the airport does not provide transport to and from the hotel. You're on your own or the ANG can help you out if you beg. Best bet in the future is to let the Army users know ahead of time or through current ops that they need to provide transportation. The Army users led me to believe if they knew ahead of time, they would have squared us away.

[AZ-DE]  [FL-KY]  [LA-NE]  [NV-NC]  [OK-TX]  [UT-WY] [CONUS] [Overseas]

Send in your TDY Gouge: Fill out the TDY Gouge Form or Email me