room with a 180 degree view

when planning our trip to DC, we kept in mind the snow. the piles, the mounds, the mountains of snow that might remain from “Snowpocalypse 2010”. As I feared parking in DC might be tight given that all the spaces would be occupied by snow, I chose to stay out in Fairfax again. In the same hotel as last time. That happens to share a parking lot with a building I worked at for many months as a consultant in my early days at ILOG. (The Hyatt Far Lakes)

We arrived at the hotel 15 minutes after leaving the Rocknoceros show at Jammin’ Java (the hotel’s proximity to Vienna is one of its major benefits). As we checked in, I was reminded by the reception clerk that I had opted for the “Standby upgrade” to a “Panoramic Suite” room. back when I reserved the room (last week), I was given the option of prequesting an upgrade. If the room type was available at check-in, I would be given it at a slightly increased rate, but no where near the rate listed. I figured, why not?

And so here we are, in an 8th floor room with a 180 degree view. The girls are thrilled with the spaciousness and the wonderful views that this room gives. I am happy that I was able to negotiate the labyrinth that calls itself a parking lot. I don’t remember there being so much snow the last time we were here.