Trapped by snow in Long Beach!

A last minute work trip came up and I was to go down to Long Beach on Tuesday night and return on Wednesday. Crazily enough a huge storm front came in and snowed out the Antelope Valley closing all freeways and entrances to the area, so I was unable to come home until Thursday. It turned out we were able to get a bunch of work done, which was great, but we got soaked to the bone (there was only rain by the coast) and had to extend everything for a night. This wasn't so bad since work paid for everything, but just sad that I couldn't get home to Brad and Mooshu!

Anyway, I did get to stay another night in my hotel. This would normally be of no particular interest except I was so impressed by this little place (as opposed to the ghetto version I stayed in on my trip to Pittsburgh) that I had to comment. I stayed in Marriott's Residence Inn - and it was everything I could have asked for (and more) -- with a full mini kitchen (including stove), and the ideal ammenities (24 hour gym, wake up call, pool and hot tub), it also a free breakfast (a pretty nice one too, not just continental) and even a fireplace in the room -- for only $139 a night! Now that is how an inn should be done! My only minor complaint was that the water wasn't very hot and the beds were a lot harder than I generally like, but those are all items of personal preference so I can't complain. I totally recommend it and would stay there again!

My rental car and experience with Enterprise on the other hand...