<p>I just HAD to report back. I spent most of the week there. When I first checked in? I was in SHOCK. It seemed like a very good idea, sitting here in the comfort of home from the long distance of the internet. When I got there, well, my first thought was “so this is what ‘dive’ means”. So I reassured myself it was only for a few nights, surely I could get through it. </p>
<p>I’m used to the private club where they greet me by name, hold doors, take my bags up, and my room is all ready with all the stuff exactly as I like it, coffee service is china and linen, etc. Comparatively, the Harrington is broken elevators, serve yourself, instant coffee in paper cups, no hair dryer even in the room (you can request one though). My room was like something out of the guy’s house in Silence of the Lambs - it was a suite, but not really - sort of two rooms where they removed a wall, so there were two of everything - two bathrooms, closets, etc. I kept getting lost and confused - sort of like there was a giant mirror, but not really. It was really a scream when the room phone range, because only half the room would ring, because the other phone is still connected to the adjoining room which of course no longer exists. Oh and the duct work was hanging out of the ceiling - the place is really old. </p>
<p>After the initial shock subsided, I had one H*** of a productive adventure. It’s so close to every place I need to go, so I saved a ton of time. Plus the staff were ridiculously nice. Even the maids were delightful, and the service was wonderful. Anything I asked for, they made it happen - instantly - not like the private club where there’s this and that policy, and if they do deliver service outside of range it takes longer than my patience allows. The windows opened, which I loved. Tons of hot water - never a shortage, which is often not the case at the private club, especially in the morning when everyone’s getting ready for their business day. Never a problem grabbing a taxi - whereas the private club, they have to whistle for one for me, so then I have to tip them, plus waiting. </p>
<p>Lots of people came to see me, because we had dinner appointments and their offices are close, and it was easy for them to find parking. Ended up eating a Harry’s three times (!!!) because everyone wanted to try it, and everyone loved it, thought it was great. We’ve already done all the expensive stuff so this was a refreshing change. One client of mine remarked she’d always wanted to eat there because the SS hangs out there. And it’s possible to eat outside and the wireless works, so I could answer email, answer my cell etc. and enjoy being outside too. Not allowed at the private club, and no outdoor seating in any case. </p>
<p>All in all, it was a terrific idea and I had a great time. When I checked out, I reserved five nights for next month.</p>