Q: negative

A: I'll begin with the positives. Executive is cheap - only $6 to/from the strip. Their shuttle buses are clean and well air-conditioned. Our driver from the airport was very friendly, and got everyone to their respective hotels very quickly and safely. That's where the positives end. I wish our trip from our hotel back to the airport was as pleasant as the first. Alas, it was not. Our driver arrived on time (about the only positive), but once we were on our way, I thought we might not make it to the airport! He weaved in and out of traffic recklessly, jostling the 5 passengers in the bus worse than a wooden rollercoaster! He nearly clipped a stopped car as we entered the drive for another hotel so he could see if anyone was at the stop (they weren't - he sped away, over speed bumps and all!). When we finally arrived at the airport, he got our luggage out from the back. Two other passengers got their bags and were on their way. I was the first of our party of three to get my bag. I thanked the driver and began walking away. As the second person in our party got his bags, the driver began saying very rude things and even called us names!! I was appalled! The third and final member of our group retrieved his bags after this nonsense, and I can tell you the driver did NOT receive a tip as he so bluntly was looking for one. Try not to insult your customers before they're off the bus. So, certainly, go with Executive if you A.) have a hankering to be insulted by the man providing the service for which you have paid, or B.) have your wallet out and ready, waving dollar bills in the driver's face so that he will not treat you thus.

Q: negative

A: For some reason the hotel didn't have me listed as a Hilton Honors gold status member. As a gold status member you get two bottles of water for free and free breakfast. When I arrived in my room, there was neither free water nor instructions for how to order breakfast. So, I called the front desk. They explained breakfast is downstairs in the restaurant for $13. I then told them I'm a gold member, per my Hilton Honors account. They asked, "Well, can you call someone and have them call us?" What kind of question is that? Shouldn't the front desk have called someone in their own company to verify? Nonetheless I really wanted my free breakfast, so I called the Hilton Honors program who confirmed I do have gold status. A program advocate then took my number and promised to call me back after discussing with the hotel manager. The advocate called and confirmed I should be receiving a call from the hotel in my room. The front desk called and simply said, "Your two breakfast tickets are at the front desk whenever you want to pick them up. Have a good night." That was it. No apology, no nothing. The front desk customer service here is horrendous. Free breakfast ends at 10:30AM. Starting at 10AM, "It's a la carte only," meaning there's no cooked-to-order breakfast. I thought the supervisor working the breakfast was going to throw the kid I approached out the window; the supervisor freaked out because I showed up for breakfast past 10AM . I kept saying it was fine - there were still muffins, bagels, fruit, etc. out, and I just wanted to take some stuff to my room. The poor kid was so nice though - gave me a to-go box & plasticware. But the supervisor did not like the fact people were showing up after 10AM. In contrast, the valet parking staff were one of the nicest I've experienced at a hotel, even helping me find the auxillary hole in my rental car. If you want better front desk staff, go to the Hampton down the street!

Q: positive

A: The wonderful views of Edinburgh from the Castle come from it being built on a hill as a defensive fortification to fend off hostile armies from below and one is reminded of that by the cannons still pointed at the city below. Edinburgh Castle dominates the city landscape and it's a good if pricey visit. At the top of the Royal Mile, you pass by the inevitable William Wallace-dressed guy ala Mel Gibson with his face painted like a crazed football fan, then through a large open space where the Military Tattoo takes place just before you get to the Castle. Statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace at the entrance give little hint to the treasures (literally) inside. After paying for admission tickets, we enter to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, cannons, Mons Meg, the small chapel, war museums, and majestic views of Edinburgh below. Like the British Crown Jewels on display in the Tower of London, viewing has a time limit. There was a Scottish bagpiper playing that day in front of the War Museum, providing yet another photo op - thank goodness for digital cameras with photos cards with memory for many pix. You need at least 3-4 hours to go through the Castle but it being up on a hill, be prepared for blustery winds when you're outside so a windproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are advisable. All in all, a good way to spend 1/2 day surrounded by history and working up an appetite.

Q: positive

A:
I like Cafe Monte a lot, I am not sure why there are so many mixed reviews. The waiters may seem indifferent at times (possibly this is part of their French ambiance) but I have never had bad service here. They have started being open for breakfast again. They serve European (read excellent) coffee. Their side salads at lunch are really good as are their sandwiches. They have a frequent eater card but I am not sure what it does. If you or your friends are in the mood for a French experience then this is the place to go in Charlotte. They just started offering all you want moules on Mondays, they are very good.