My own impressions of The Hotel....so far

After getting out of the cab, you walk up a short flight of stone steps flanked by Doric columns made from coral. White suited bellmen open the double doors as you stride into the lobby with the trill of anticipation that you are here. The grand monument to excess with the ghost of heads of state, movie stars and mobsters haunt its hallowed halls.

I am directed to the front desk, which is a mad house of activity as a tour group is checking in at the same time. I position myself ahead of the mob, hold my breath that my reservation did not turn out like my airport pickup. I see my name on a sheet and know I am going to be ok. Only thing left is to negotiate an upgrade or at least a better room. I know before she tells me by the amount of activity, that the hotel is booked solid so no upgrade. However, I did end of getting a room that looks over the water and is a double instead of a single.

I know from research that a tour of the hotel begins in a hour at 4 pm. I change some Euros and make my way to the room to unpack. The rooms is big, 2 full beds, a large, large closet with more hangers than I have seen in any hotel and a big, tilled bathroom with shower and tub. Things are looking up from my no airport pickup. I make a note to call and email her tomorrow. It's time to hit the bar.....