While I can't say I share Anthony Bourdain's disdain for Rachel Ray, I wince every time I see her leave a pittance of a tip in one of her $40 a Day shows.
Why?
Because if you are trying to get the most for your hard earned cash when travelling, the last thing your need is to become known as a miserly tipper!
Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, bellman... People in the service industry of all sorts are some of the hardest working folk out there. That said, they are also nothing if not human.
How does that come into it?
Let's start with those in the food service industry. Generally speaking, these individuals are allowed a certain amount of leeway in the distribution of complimentary drinks, desserts, appetizers and the like. Who do you think gets those?
The 10%ers?
Or that guy that can always be counted on to show his appreciation both verbally and monetarily each and every time he visits?
The tipper wins every time...
Now let's consider hotel staffers.
If you travel as much as I do, or even close to as much as you would like to, then you know that you regularly need favors from housekeeping, room service, concierge services, bellman and even sometimes management.
I can honestly say that I have more than recouped every dollar of gratuity in dry cleaning, tickets, complimentary taxi services and a hundred other last minute or emergency situations where these people absolutely could not wait to be of service.
The plain truth of the matter is that when you show people that you value and respect them and the services that they provide you with, it is a win-win-win situation.
Your trip is enhanced by improved service as well as more pleasant interpersonal interaction.
Your wallet is happy when you get complimentary food, drinks and a host of other services.
Tips show that you appreciate a job well done.
Tips back up your words of appreciation.
Tips allow you to develop relationships that will fix problems that you simply cannot predict.
My first venture to the nation's capital was just a few short years ago, but in that time what has developed has been a great relationship with a city that has more to offer than I expect to fit into this lifetime.
One of the major things that make this city such a great destination for travellers are the museums. The Smithsonian is a multi-interest extravaganza that has so much to offer that I won't even try here.
Being the creature of habit that I am, I tend to stay at the same hotel in any one city, once I find one that I really enjoy.
In DC that place is the Hamilton Crowne Plaza. Having stayed there at least eight times now, it has begun to feel like my home in DC. The rooms are beautifully furnished, and the service is just outstanding.
Conveniently located one block from McPherson Square Metro and 4 miles (15 minutes) from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is accessible by taxi or Metro. Just 5 blocks from The White House, 4 blocks to the Washington, DC Convention Center and within walking distance to the Smithsonian Museums, national monuments, Verizon Center Arena, Chinatown, and the Warner, Ford, Shakespeare and National Theatres.
They are also a member of the Priority Club Family of Brands, that lets you quickly earn free nights with a generous points system.
I guess you can see why I like staying there. It is also within walking distance of my favorite DC restaurants. Here are a few of my favorites:
This is right across the street from the Hamilton Crowne Plaza also at the corner of 14th & K Streets. The very definition of fine dining. A regular haunt of the prominent and the famous folk of DC (on my last visit Linda Carter was there). Washington is known for both the quality of it's eating and drinking establishments, and their high prices. This one ain't cheap, but it's worth it!
Frequently what I have done here is to eat from their excellent bar menu. It definitely saves on the cost, while the quality and selection are sill outstanding.
This one qualifies as an institution in it's own right. Just up the street from the White House, it is always hopping!
There are four bars, and each is special in it's own way. The Corner Bar is just to the left and up a couple of steps. Here you may be served by my two favorite bartenders in all of Washington, DC. Margaret & "Joey V". These two will make your time here a joy! My first visits to Ebbit's I enjoyed the Oyster Bar immensely, and both Grant's Bar and The Old Bar are treasures (my last meal at the Old Bar was shared with a major movie star that just happened to be there and sitting on the stool next to mine)
But for me, no trip to DC is complete until "Joey V" pours me a Black & Tan...
I came across this gem walking around Dupont Circle one night trying to decide what I wanted to do with an evening on my own. It looked kind of smallish from the outside on Connecticut Ave, but I'm always up for good Italian food, and the menu looked promising, so I gave it a try.
OMG!
This place is a don't miss in my book. Hands down the best Calamari Fritti that has yet past my lips.
While this definitely qualifies as an Italian Bistro, don't think The Godfather, but rather a modern, warm upscale place that makes you feel very comfortable and immediately like a regular.
The staff is warm, friendly and personal from the owners, to the wait staff, to your Korean bartender "Fabio" you'll always feel welcome and well taken care of.
"Joey V" introduced me to the owners of this outstanding Irish Pub one night downing a few Wellfleets at Ebbits's Oyster Bar. Having acquired an abiding appreciation for Irish Pubs years ago, I felt obligated to accept their invitation to sample their fare the very next evening.
I chose the wrong evening!
Evidently it is a DC tradition for the attendees of the annual Correspondents Dinner to start out at The Dubliner. Boy did I feel underdressed...
I was so surrounded by tuxedo and evening gown clad correspondents that I could hardly find a place to park, lol...
It was worth it though!
There is always Live Music, and the food is authentic and wonderful. They are located behind the Capitol Building at Number 4 "F" Street, downstairs from the Phoenix Mark Hotel.
Having had so many wonderful times in Washington, DC makes it hard not to list the dozens of places that have made my trips memorable. Hopefully these few will give provide a start, and encourage you to take a trip to DC soon...
Enjoy!
Floyd Bogart
PS I have another trip here planned for the end of June '08, so will have more for you then!
