I came to St Louis for a quick weekend and stayed at the Embassy Suites downtown on 7th. It was a nice experience. 

The hotel is very welcoming, a little loud, but welcoming. I decided to use the digital key check in. This hotel does not cater to Hhonors, as I am a Diamond, and even though I checked in digitally, they did not deliver my water or vouchers to the room like most hotels do. I had to make an extra trip to the front desk. 

The room was very spacious, comfortable and clean. Because its an Embassy Suites, it has a separate living room and bedroom. The living area had a couch, chair, wet bar area and a table with 4 dining chairs. The bathroom was very small, but did the trick. The bedroom had a very comfortable king bed. 

Housekeeping did a nice job, however they were very loud in the halls. One had a blue tooth speaker with music that I could hear two doors down (with my door closed) and they spent the day yelling back and forth at each other. 

The managers reception was a nice benefit, but the food was always almost out and not well maintained. Breakfast was good but always a mess. Tables covered in plates, servers clearing plates but never wiping the tables down so they were all covered in syrup and food for the next people. The lady working the egg station this weekend was alone with a line of 15 people and you could tell mistreated and over worked by the hotel because she was not pleasant. 

The server at dinner Friday night was super sweet, but to add to the above, the booth had syrup all over it from breakfast still. The food and beverage manager of this hotel should be replaced, or told to do their job. 

If I was deciding just based on the rooms and hotel overall I would stay here again, but I will not use the food and beverage areas again. 

Every time I go to Juneau, Alaska I am in complete and total Awe.  It is such a magical place, nestled in-between the mountains and along the beautiful inlet. You can get lost in your thoughts here. 

I always start my visit with a long walk through town. I walk up by the Governors mansion and look down at the town while sipping on my tea or hot chocolate. I always wonder if I could live here, if its busy enough for me, or if I am only meant to visit on occasion. What I do know, is that everyone should visit here at least once in their lifetime. 

After taking in the scenery from above, I walk down to the waterfront, walk pass the library along the docks where the cruise ships normally are. I am here in October this time, so the ships are long gone and the stores are long closed. This is my favorite time to come, as I can visit with the locals. I stop by the historic Red Dog saloon and visit with the friendly bartender while sipping on a cocktail or two for an hour. She is relieved to have a break after the busy tourist season. 

After that its time to get something to eat and you can't beat the view at the Hangar which has been a Juneau staple for years. After enjoying a delicious meal, I wander around town a bit more before retiring into my room at the historic Baranof hotel. 

Have you been to Alaska? If not, its time to go. Book a cruise so you can visit these beautiful towns along the way. www.jarodsjourneys.com/cruises.html

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Have you ever visited Spokane? Well it can be quite the charming place. I have visited the city many times for work and have always loved wandering along the river through riverfront park. You can simply relax, look at the beautiful river and falls, maybe feed the ducks or just sit back, relax on a bench and people watch. 

If you are lucky enough to visit during the winter holidays, you might we met with some gorgeous snow. During the month of December they have the entire park decorated for Christmas with holiday lights and decorations, its quite the scene to enjoy. 

There are always good places to stop and eat through the city. On my last visit, I ate at "The Onion". The Onion had a large variety of food options on the menu including American, Asian, Italian and more. You can enjoy over 50 beers on tap. Whether you are there with friends or alone, you can make a night of it at the Onion. 

I suggest staying at the Davenport Grand, what a gorgeous hotel. You will be impressed by its "modern feel" as soon as you walk in the door. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable. 

​Dont knock Spokane until you have given it a try!