TDY Gouge - Florida

Eglin AFB, Denstin/Ft. Walton Beach FL - Be careful when they put you up (ACC Base). They love to split the E's and O's. Officially, they quote a piece of the reg that states that you are required to house us all either on base or in one hotel off base. At Eglin, however, even if you have it all set up to stay together on-base, they will bump you E's to the VAQs that are 7-8 miles across base.~I am in week 3 of a 30 day TDY here. I am a Major and have an old Q room with no A/C. They don't turn it on until 15 April. In addition, they don't seem to differentiate between VOQs and VAQs. A Lt that I'm here with is staying in a nice room with full-size fridge and stove/oven. I share a "kitchen" with the SRA next door. This kitchen has a microwave, sink and 2 small refrigerators. The rooms are clean but old. They are decorated to 70s standards. The lack of A/C is the biggest problem. If you have to stay on base, be sure you ask for the rooms with the full-size refrigerators. They are newer. There are many good places to eat in Ft Walton Beach and Destin. I recommend either FudPuckers or Old Bay Steamer-which has FANTASTIC Steamed (not fried) seafood. Start off the night at AJs - outdoor bar with music and then just make your way down the strip- hit the HogsBreath Tavern, Kangaroo Jacks, Night Town is a decent club. Only good thing about the Sea Isle Motel 850-243-5563 is its location is next to Sammy's on Okaloosa Island (New law makes the girls keep their pants on! $6.00 cover) Bedsheets are too small for the bed, so they come off within seconds of hitting the rack. Free breakfast consist of coffee and plain, cake donuts. Nothing else. There's a lot better places to stay, but during Spring Break, you're at the mercy of billeting. Make sure you get a U-drive if stuck out on Okaloosa Island. Carousel hotel sucked. The sheets are thin and the A/C is horrible in the summer. Avoid at all cost. ~ASK to stay at the Sheraton Four Points in Fort Walton Beach if the billeting office says they have no room at the inn. If you don't, plan on staying somewhere completely crappy and far from the action. The Sheraton has government rates (a highly guarded secret) of just under $80 so take advantage of it if you can. Once you get to the Sheraton, ASK if you can get a towers room if any are available. If you can, you have just gotten yourself a $200 room with a patio that goes right out to the beach (I swear, it feels as though you're doing something very wrong). This is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets out there, and all you have to do is ASK! If you don't ask, you deserve what you get. Nice nightlife places in town include The Swamp (which is conveniently within walking distance from the Sheraton mentioned above) which has live music and lots of good fun. The place was packed and the people were looking to have fun. Join them! There is a great Bar-B-Q place just over the bridge on the way back to base on the beach side of the road. It has outstanding Bar-B-Q and the service is down home and accommodating. The Islander is your own private condo on the beach for a total of $88 a night!!! If you find yourself going to florida, the Islander will turn your TDY into a Vacation!! By the way if my finance did not complain, you're in! ~Suburban Lodge in Destin looked like a nice enough place, but they screwed us pretty good. Gave them a call from base ops and they said the reservation system was down, but they would hold our rooms on my name. When we got there (30 Mins away from the 15 they told us it would be), they had given our rooms away. The asst manager was the guy I talked to and he changed his story to "we're first come first serve." After talking with the manager, she found us rooms at the Village Inn in Destin. It wasn't too bad of a roach motel, but a couple of the guys had to double up and one guy had to make his own bed. Location was key--right across the street from AJ's! Slick Micks located on the corner Eglin Parkway and Hollywood Boulevard is an outstanding establishment that is a great crew hang out with the best sandwiches, munchies, beer, and wine for a great price. This place is a must for excellent food in the Eglin area.

Comfort Inn Navarre, FL was a dump! This place sucked me in and stole my money! I was on PCS orders and was looking for a hotel that would allow pets. I thought I was in luck when I found out that the Comfort Inn Navarre, FL allowed pets. I called and made reservations, told them I was on Military orders and was quoted the govt rate of $65.00 and some change over the phone for the duration of my stay. With my Hurlburt Field Non availability and tax except forms in Hand, pregnant wife, two kids and a dog, I arrived and was checking in. To my surprise, the rate was not what I was quoted. It was now $120.00. I asked why, they said they could not offer the Govt rate since Hurlburt did not make the reservation. I argued that it did not matter, I was quoted a price and had the required documentation for that rate. Now with no kennels avail to check my dog into, and no other hotels in the area that allow pets....the Comfort Inn had me and they knew it...my only option was to press the issue....I got Hurlburt Billeting on the phone and talking to the Comfort Inn. Hurlburt was helpful and tried to go ahead and make me a reservation and play Comfort Inn's little game...Guess what, now they had no rooms avail at the govt rate...

So what happened, the manager agrees to knock $10.00 off each night...and I was forced to pay the ransom fee! I am a Wing Planner for the 16 SOW at Hurlbut FIeld and have coordinated several trips and hotels for myself and others....This is the first hotel that did not honor the Govt rate that they quoted me over the phone... I have never had a billeting office at any base coordinate for me, I have always gone VFR direct. With over 25,000 miles of frequent flyer miles this last year and numerous TDY's all over, I have never run into this problem.

Recommendations......Forget the fact that Comfort Inn Navarre FL takes pets, Kennel the Dog and stay across the street at the Best Western for the Govt Rate of $65.00. I would have done just that...but there was no room at the local kennels...thus the Comfort Inn Navarre FL stole my money!

Holiday in Sunspree Resort Fort Walton - 850-244-8686 - was a nice resort. Pretty nice hotel right on the beach. One of the few in the area that will match perdiem rate if you show up with orders. Decent little hotel bar. Ramada Plaza Beach Resort (850)-243-9161 is a nice hotel to stay at. They have a government rate of $80. When you make reservations ASK if you can get a beach tower room. (If you don't ask they'll stick you in the B or C Wing which are the older rooms in the front of the hotel with a view of the parking lot.) The hotel also has a fitness room and a pool with a Grotto bar. For rental cars, Hertz (850-651-7012) is the only brand with on-base pick-up/drop-off. Give them your ETA and they'll leave the car at Base Ops for you. When you leave, just park it at Base Ops, leave the keys at the desk and call them. They'll fax your receipt the same day. Very convenient! "Gulf Dunes Condominiums (866)-292-3639. Recently retired from Hurlburt--now I operate the Gulf Dunes Condominiums. We're a luxury condo on Okaloosa Island. 100% Beachfront. Full Kitchens. High Speed Internet. Best of all, we honor per diem rates. I need military/govt to 'fill the gaps'...and per diem is all you need. (Long Term available also.) Thanks."

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Our crew stayed at the Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport and we do not recommend this hotel based on the following reasons: price gouging for all services ($5.45 for bottle beer, $10 club sandwiches and $10/day internet service), old hotel in an old area of town (although the area around most US airports is not the best, this is one of the worst. There are no restaurants or clubs in the area to walk to, requiring a 10 minute drive) and the general lack of attention to detail. We noticed the lack of cleanliness in the guest rooms, no complimentary breakfast or anything, for that matter, and numerous problem were noted in each of our three rooms. This is not the place to stay in Fort Lauderdale!

Homestead ARB, FL - The biggest thing with Homestead is billeting -- it SUCKS!!! You better be ready to wait at LEAST an hour, probably two while they figure out what the hell a non-a is and print them out one by one. Evidently, they have no idea what a fax machine is. Feel free to spam the hell out of the services (what a misnomer) commander about this second-class citizen service. Be sure and ask for UDI's at baseops there. Best Western in Florida City (305) 246-5100 was decent. Gusto's is a pretty cool bar/grill near the hotel. The Mutineer is another restaurant about a block away, good seafood there. The gym on base isn't open on Sundays and other services are limited due to it only being a Reserve base. If you want to drive about 25 miles, you can get to Key Largo (south) or Miami (north). South beach -- topless -- nuff said...

Jacksonville NAS, FL - Radisson or Hilton on the Riverwalk are good choices. There is a brewery within walking distance and if you want to take the water taxi across to the "Landing", there are several bars and restaurants there. If you are good to the driver from "Sky Valet", he/she may take you downtown. It's about a 20 minute drive.

Key West, FL - Cuban Club Suites (800-432-4849) has two story suites (bedroom loft and pullout on first floor). Very expensive ($1 for local calls). Down at the far end of Duval St so it's a hike to the bars. Visit RumRunners and The Bull. I was there during spring break and the wet t-shirt contests degenerate into full nude contests. Top floor of The Bull has "shirt optional policy" for women and nipple painting. Recommend the Hyatt or the Wyndham for hotels. Went on a RAS down to Key West one time and there was this bar called the New York Pizza Cafe, I think. The special every night there is FREE beer with your meal. Its down by Duval Street. I don't mean one free beer, my crew put down a case by the time we finished dinner! ~For breakfast or lunch, try Kim's Kubans. The Cuban sub is awesome but if you prefer no cheese tell them before they make it. Have a seat in this tiny cafe, order some great fries with your Cuban, and get a beer or two out of the cooler right thru the entryway at the small grocery that is connected to Kim's. Saved a brochure for our crews doing the GITMO run and RON'ing in Key West. Kim's delivers so you may be able talk them into getting your subs out to the NAS if time is short and your order is large enough. I forget the name, but during Spring Break the best beach, with best views naturally, was the furthest one east on south side of the Key. The other beaches seemed deserted, and this was prime Spring Break time. If you have a video cam, have it running/ready as you drive along the south side of the Key & Duvall St. You never know what you might see, and drunk locals do the funniest things. For dinner, if you want to spend your per diem on a great meal, go to the American Cafe just off Duvall St., on the street that ends at the Hyatt. Eat outside and enjoy the changing view as people walk by. Great seafood, wine selection, and Tapas here; everything was great about this dining experience. If the right hostess is on duty, she'll make you thirsty. ~Before making reservations at the Cuban Club Suites ensure that you will absolutely, positively be there. They are very adamant about their cancellation policy. If for any reason you cannot arrive, such as refrag, mission cancel or god forbid an aircraft break etc.. you can "float" your reservation to a later date. You WILL incur a deposit charge equal to one nights lodging that is non-refundable. Recommend crews find a more aircrew friendly establishment. ~El Sibone restaurant, by far the best Cuban food I have ever had. Huge portions for under $9. Off the beaten path sort of mom and pops place, if you want Cuban roast pork, this is the place!!

~Just a heads up on Key West. Our crew went to The Bull, you know, where they had a "shirt optional policy" for women and nipple painting. Yes, that is true, however be warned; we saw A LOT more sausage than we wanted or were prepared for; FULL NAKED DUDES everywhere. I'll be in therapy for years. Better quel it with some Captain Morgan. Anyway, if someone's crew is into naked dudes (and I can't ask that), then this may be the place for you, otherwise there are plenty of other places to enjoy such as Captain Tony's.

~Crown Plaza La Concha Key West (800-745-2191) was a Palace! We called Trombo Point (Navy Lodging) about 3 weeks out and they told us they were booked solid. Of course the day we show up to get out Non Avail slip they say they have plenty of room. Being that we are inside the cancellation window, we have to strong-arm them (or browbeat them - whichever you prefer) into making them understand that we'll be charged anyway even if we cancel the request right now. Needless to say, staying on Duval street in one of Key West's best/oldest hotels does not suck. Beats the hell out of a tent! A good place to get a cheap meal is at Monty's Raw Bar on Caroline Street. Reasonable menu. They have a 40% off happy hour Monday through Friday. Also, when it's time to settle up your food and bar tab, show your military ID and get a 50% discount off the entire order.

~Key West NAS - The "Fly Navy" tower and Trumbo Point is full of displaced base-assigned personnel, but they managed to find 6 rooms for our crew. The new Commanding Officer's policy is the duty driver CAN NOT make ANY stops off-base for the aircrews - meaning, no food stops. They can make stops on base at the Bowling Alley (if it is open) or the Shoppette. Plan accordingly. The "Fly Navy" tower only has their Brunch on Sundays now, also.

MacDill AFB, Tampa FL - The Wyndham Westshore is a fancy hotel, with a government rate under our limit. They sport great king-sized beds and are near various restaurants; also it is a short cab/car ride to 'Ybor City' - the great bar district. Another good place to stay is the Sailport hotel. La Quinta is a decent hotel as well. Airport Doubletree [(813)-879-4800] offers great chocolate chip cookies when you check in! It's right near the airport so it's full of flight attendants and airline dudes. Rooms are nice. Pool, hot tub, and bar. 10 min from MacDill and 2 blocks from The Dollhouse (show mil ID and get in free). 5 min from food. Don't stay at Ramada Airport Inn -old and smells bad, do not stay at this dump!! Hilton Tampa Westshore is a great hotel at per diem rate. Hilton will drive you to bars/restaurants. 25 minute drive from MCF. Contact: (813) 877-6688 FAX(813)879-3264. If you must stay on base, the billeting is pretty nice. The only downside is during the week, be prepared to be awakened by the buzz from the USCENTCOM front gate. The original Hooter's is nearby in Clearwater (2800 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, roughly 25 miles/45 mins, take Dale Mabry north to 60 across the bay)). For 135 crews, make sure you check out 11-2KC135's special departure instructions for MacDill. ~Radisson Riverwalk was a great hotel right on the water. Free van rides upon request to and from Ybor city. Cafe Creole fine cajun cuisine. Inflight meals can be prearranged by calling Sgt Roach's pager at 913-8614 or ext 8309 onbase. ~Stay at the great Embassy Suites if you can. It is a short taxi ride from the FBO. After your free happy hour drinks, get directions (and/or ask them to make reservations) from the front desk to Charley's Steakhouse. This place is only a couple of blocks from the hotel. The best pepper steak I have ever had was right here--'melt in your mouth' medium-rare, filet mignon, Steak au Poivre. Go ahead-- spend that per diem; if there is a place to do that, Charley's is it. Wash that steak down with some good red wine off their extensive wine list.

Tampa is also known for Bern's Steakhouse. President Bush ate there during his campaign trip to Tampa.

Chase Inn Suites was awesome! Chase Inn Suites is more like waterfront efficiency apartments. This place is on the Rocky Point area and is highly recommended! They had free beer and wine a couple of evenings a week and a good continental breakfast at the lobby clubhouse. They were fairly new with a deepwater dock where Okie reservists could chum without getting their feet sandy. Bahama Breeze restaurant was literally across the parking lot--great food, hoppin' bar with live music and the patio is cigar friendly.

And never forget that Mons Venus--one of the world's most famous strip joints--is just less than 10 miles up the road at 2040 North Dale Mabry! Cover is usually $20 and the dances are $20 to $30. It can be a very "hands on" place!

Miami, FL - Embassy Suites offers free drinks at Happy Hour 1730-1930 and a free full breakfast. Cost is $5.00 over per diem but worth it considering the benefits. Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel (305 261-3800) was great and had nice big rooms. 10 minutes from Signature FBO. Happy hour was excellent. However, they charged us the wrong rate as opposed to the Government rate. Desk manager refused to change the rate. It took 3 days to get the rate changed. Commander put this place off-limits because of their anti-military attitude.

Orlando, FL - Hampton Inn on T.G. Lee Blvd. (407)888-2995 was a Nice Resort. Hotel is nice new and clean with high speed, wireless internet. The military rate will get you double beds with no fridge or microwave. The workout room is very small and has only a treadmill and a bike. The area behind the hotel is good for running and there is a gym east of the hotel about 3 miles (forgot the name but ask at the desk). It is very nice and they let you workout for free - just sign in showing the local motel and room number. Several good "chain" type restaurants just outside the motel parking lot. Located very close to SIMCOM.

Patrick AFB, FL - Holiday Inn-Melbourne Beach (321-777-4100) is right on the beach and has live music Weds on the patio Good bars near the hotel: Ichabods, Purple Porpoise, Coasters (really good beer selection and humongous sandwiches). Conchy Joes is a great place to eat and has live Reggae from 1 pm to 7 pm on Sundays. Thrifty Car Rental is located in the billeting office and delivered our car to Base Ops. Be careful all the car rental agencies in the area close very early on the weekends. Watch out for the Wing Commander, he doesn't like crews standing outside billeting drinking beer while waiting for transportation. ~Travel Lodge, Indian Harbor was a Dump! Do not stay here. It's to far to the south with nothing to do there. We had roaches in the rooms and the bathrooms all smelled like mildew. The free breakfast was a joke, absolutely the worst. Try to stay North of the base by Club Coconuts. Also try out the Lido Cabaret they have a very nice staff!!!!!!!! ~ Radisson or Quality Suites was decent - South of Patrick...about 15 min from BX on A1A. Both are oceanfront suites..micro, sm refrig, coffee, etc. Two TVs! Balconies overlooking beach. Radisson is showing its age; haven't tried their restaurant. Gov't lodging rate MOST of the time. Quality Suites..same format as Radisson, however, it's newer. Complimentary cold breakfast buffet in DR. Gov't lodging rate MOST of the time. Other restaurant: Texas Roadhouse and on EuGallie

~Radisson Inn at the Port was a nice resort. Stayed here for the week of 12 Jul 04. Billeting is full of the ANG folks providing base security, so expect to go downtown. Billeting will NOT let you book your own reservations. Call and ask for their contract hotel list and review them online prior to choosing. Radisson Inn at the Port was a nice hotel, but not on the beach like we had been told by their reservation clerk. Gorgeous pool and lounge area and mgmnt was fine about us having our own cooler by the pool! Try Thai Thai III for some great Thai food and sushi! Make sure to call in advance if you need latrine servicing. The contractor is at Melbourne Int'l and we had difficulty getting in touch with them, then they had difficulty getting on base.

Pensacola, FL - Go out to Perdido Key and have pizza at Lillian's. One of the best bars is the FloraBama, located on the Florida/Alabama border (also on Perdido Key). The place has four or five different rooms, and they always have live bands. They are located right on the beach.

~On base at the NAS, the O' Club is very good and is well appointed with naval decor. The bar there is very good and extremely flyer-friedly. Zappers for the bar mirror are a must. The museum on base is a good side trip if you are stuck, and is very close to the field.

~Intermission is the best bar downtown, with Thursday being college night at the nearby French Quarter. The Quarter is usually packed late in the week, but there is a small cover. McGuire's is also close to downtown and is a panhandle chain that has become a staple for eating and drinking. If you can get to Pensacola Beach, go to Flounder's. The Boardwalk on the beach is also acceptable, and always be on the lookout for the local toolbags in jorts and wifebeaters, and the flight school students, who are only slightly less annoying than the locals.

Tyndall AFB, FL - Holiday Inn Select, Panama City 1-800-670-5445 was a Nice Resort! Ended up at the Holiday Inn by contract billeting. Although we weren't on the beach, the hotel was a good 15 minutes closer drive (great if your show time is early the next day). They just finished a re-furbishing of the hotel, although the lobby area is still a bit rustic, the rooms were clean and the beds comfortable. Most notable are the telephones and TVs in the new bathrooms, and the red bathtubs. Our rooms had mini-fridges, too. There are some regular fast-food joints within walking distance, and a bar/restaurant on premises if you don't want to venture out. If you'd like to chow on some good seafood (fried, broiled, baked, or stuffed) visit Captain Anderson's in PCB (the hotel desk clerks can lead you in the right direction), though you should bring some cash. The nightlife exists, but the locals are on the lookout for crewdog vans and trucks so be wary. They'll even report a vehicle at Hooters!