After a fun-filled Christmas weekend at Badin Inn, my wife Nancee and I decided to treat ourselves to another weekend getaway, this time near Concord Mills. We stayed at the Embassy Suites, a hotel that has a unique design with a central open column that allows you to look down to the ground floor from any floor you happen to be on. It has open-walled glass elevators such as I have only ever seen in Nashville. It generally feels like a big castle so that’s a bit different for a general hotel vibe.
On Friday night, we had dinner at River Rock bar and grill, which was not the best experience. However, the next morning we had a delicious breakfast at the continental buffet in the lobby. Nancee enjoyed the whole day very much and repeatedly said how cool it was. We then treated ourselves to massages in the hotel’s spa and took a nap back in our room. In the afternoon, we had a late lunch/early dinner at Red Lobster.
At 5:30 pm, we went back down to the lobby for the hotel’s “Manager’s Reception,” where we were entitled to two free drinks. Since it was New Year’s Eve, I decided to have a couple of margaritas to help soothe my slightly sore throat. Nancee, being the designated nondrinker, a role I generally also hold, only had cranberry juice. There was a group of young people taking photos with their phones and circular phone light, throwing up gang signs all over the grand lobby, which was a bit odd. They eventually made their way to the regular bar and fitness area to talk.
During the reception, we met a lady selling trips in the lobby and ended up buying our next vacation from her. This is something we would normally never do, but we were actually looking to use up our considerable amount of Hilton Honors points, so we decided to take a chance. Look out Charleston, South Carolina – here we come!
After the reception, we spent the evening watching TV and turned in by 10 pm, missing the ball drop.
As we move into 2022, we have much to be grateful for. We hope that each of you finds the happiness you seek in the new year. Happy New Year to all!