Recently returned from Chesapeake, VA. Great trip!! Attended brothers' wedding which was in his vast property!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> 30 acres including horses. It was wonderful. Met lots of new relatives from Minnesoter! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> That's the way they speak, honestly. They kept poking fun at my Bostonian accent.....what the heck, all's fair!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> They made bread, cheesecakes and various wines. Great people. Lots of Navy S.E.A.L.S......who was minding the store?? I now have a new, beautiful sister-in-law but she fits right in.
Positive: We stayed at the Springhill Suites @100 Crossways Blvd.,Greenbrier area, Chesapeake. It was FABULOUS!! This is a new hotel and beautifully decorated.
The suites are spacious with a fully equipped kitchenette. And comfy furniture in in the livingroom area, too! The staff was AWESOME! Seriously, really helpful and 'folksy'. I loved that. PLUS, a full American breakfast, nice and hot, included. Great location, right off I-64 and near waaaaay too many nice stores @ the malls. I'd highly recommend it!! I WILL return!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Negatives: US Airways......but, what else is new?? Lots of delays and very long waits on the tarmac. Thanks heavens for all their delayed flights so we didn't miss our connecting flights.
Dollar Rental Car......the old 'bait n' switch' routine!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />
I rented a 'wild card' which means anything in the category I rented or better, whichever they had. Well.....they didn't have any 'intermediate' cars which is what I rented, but instead offered me a compact, saying that was all they had!!
HOWEVER, if I want a luxury car it would cost me $12.00 daily!! After 1/2 debate and waiting for the manager, the rental agent, James, agreed to reduce the price to $10.00 daily. I was pi$$ed but the line was getting longer and longer so I acquiesed with promises to complain to the manager, if she ever arrived, and Dollar. Finally, I went to get the car and guess what?? THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY MORE CARS!!! But, I had receipt in hand. Sorry, no cars. They were trying to push the compact but I wouldn't drive one. Finally, I told them to cancel the reservation and that's when that agent called the manager and she said to pull a car from Thrifty, which is their 'sister company'. Plus, they deducted the extra price for the 'upgrade'. We got a Chrysler 300 convertible. However, it was rent-a-wreck. More dings and pings I've ever seen. Including a couple of pings in the front window!! And it was duly noted on the paperwork. So, off we went in this rent-a-wreck. The letters flew to Dollar who are giving me 2 $25.00 coupons for future use!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Right, like I'm using them again........ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

In spite of all of that drama it was a wonderful, memorable weekend and Springhill Suites only added to our pleasure. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa