Some Info on downtown Dallas--for those traveling to the Tech-Army game

[collardgreens]

Fellow Tech Alumni and fans who are preparing to make the trip to Dallas for the big football game this weekend.
Trying to be a good Tech alumni, I bought my tickets for the Army game AND chose to stay at one of the hotel s recommended in the travel package.

Not whining, but I do feel compelled to warn any of you who are en route to the DFW area for Saturday’s contest. I came over on Thursday evening, intending to enjoy a long weekend. We are staying at the Crowne Plaza


A. A. In my humble opinion, this part of down town Dallas is NOT family friendly. As we circled the hotel, looking for an entry door, we noticed the area was full of people wandering in the streets. At 9:00 PM on a Thursday, it had the distinct feel of a Saturday on Bourbon street. As I later found out, this is a big night club area in Dallas. The folks wandering the streets could have easily been transplanted into any other, drunken-stupor down area in America. While I have no firsthand knowledge of what they actually look like (other than seeing them on TV shows), there appeared to be a plethora of, shall we say, working girls on the corners directly behind and adjacent to our hotel. Not making value judgments, but I did want you all to know that you are NOT coming to Choudrant.

B.
B. The Crowne Plaze itself is older. I mean like mid 80s old, and updated probably 15 years ago.

C. The people who work here are nice and accommodating. The room is clean There is a security guard in the parking garage. The coffee was good. The breakfast bar appeared to be a great deal. A guy at the counter who checked me in even tried to make jokes. We needed some towels and other things and the hotel was good to us.


C. C. The parking situation is a pain in the kazoo and reminds me of something you might see in Europe. The parking garage has a 6’4” clearance. My four door Titan got through the over hangs by about an inch. I do NOT exaggerate. If you have a tall vehicle, be mentally prepared to park outdoors. On the good news front, the parking garage has a lot of parking places. On the bad news front, the garage was apparently designed by a someone in southern Italy who worries only about parking mini cars. My Titan took up every, single inch of the parking spot and is sticking out in the garage.

D.
D. There is a $14.00 PER NIGHT parking charge here.

E.
E. There is no item E


F. F. The elevator hotel behaves like it is on its last strand of duct tape, but it sounds worse.


G. I’m an old GI. I’ve traversed much of the world and been uncomfortable in all sorts of places. I’ve slept outdoors. This level of discomfort doesn’t annoy me, but I felt obliged to make sure any and all of you were well aware of the situation at the Crowne Plaza. Wondering if I booked the right hotel…and the right weekend? If I had to do it again, I'm not sure I would stay here. Just my opinion.

Just passing along some personal observations.

[Amos Moses]

Stay in the suburbs, not downtown.

[kw2292]

I am staying in the Omni Hotel down the street from there, but wouldn't mind checking out the "night club" atmosphere. Not sure what was expected but no downtown area of a large city I've been to is family friendly at night.

[Amos Moses]

I am staying in the Omni Hotel down the street from there, but wouldn't mind checking out the "night club" atmosphere. Not sure what was expected but no downtown area of a large city I've been to is family friendly at night.

Head to the West End, Lower Greenville, Uptown or Deep Ellum for night club action.

[RhythmDawg]

We are staying at the Westin Galleria...so in case it is raining...we know where the women in our group will be.

[olddog75]

Collardgreens, I have lived in Dallas since 1975 and have worked downtown for thirty of those years and I have never heard of that hotel. Its not always best to spend the least for a hotel room.

[DAIQUIRIDAWG]

Well crap. I hope they have some outside parking because my truck is 7ft tall and won't make it in that garage. The night life sounds fun, however I will have my kids so that is now out of the question.

[Tech77]

Collardgreens, I have lived in Dallas since 1975 and have worked downtown for thirty of those years and I have never heard of that hotel. Its not always best to spend the least for a hotel room.

He stated that it was recommended by Tech.

[OLDBLUE]

[collardgreens]

Lesson learned. I stayed at Hyatt down here some years back. Should've gone with a known commodity. This is on me, but I'm passing along to you guys for posterity sake.

[HoDo-Tech70]

Collardgreens, I have lived in Dallas since 1975 and have worked downtown for thirty of those years and I have never heard of that hotel. Its not always best to spend the least for a hotel room.

I think the Crowne Plaza used to be the Hampton Inn for many years.

[Lotsudo]

I'm staying at the Market Center Embassy Suites. Any intel on that place from the DFW folks?

[Champ967]

I'm staying at the Market Center Embassy Suites. Any intel on that place from the DFW folks?

Mrs Champ stays there each year when she attends the market. I'm told the hotel is outstanding.

[Houston Techsan]

Crowne Plaza used to be a Holiday Inn name here in Houston a few years back. Not now.

[rlmiddle]

Lesson learned. I stayed at Hyatt down here some years back. Should've gone with a known commodity. This is on me, but I'm passing along to you guys for posterity sake.

I usually check out tripadvisor before I book a hotel. I have not looked at the tripadvisor reviews on this hotel.