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My friends and I are not newbies. We've been to CR many times. We just have limited imagination and kept returning to the same place. In fact, we've never stayed at or even visited the SL. (Yeah. You guessed it. We usually stayed at the HDR. The sixth floor isn't nearly as bad as you'd think.)
Based mostly on what we've learned from CRT (THANK YOU!), we're making our first trip to the SL in a couple of months and need some intel. From what I've read here it all sounds good and I am looking forward to meeting Bill and taking his recommendations on the available "workout equipment." (No. I mean the "equipment" in the bar, not in the exercise room. We're going to CR!!!) I have enjoyed the constant ebb and flow of talent in the HDR, and now I have high expectations and high confidence of entering a target-rich environment at the SL.
If you have stayed there, then we would like to hear any advice you can share on the rooms, the bar and the hours its open and the people we should get to know. At this point all of us were planning to stay in the Mansion Wing, but we were also thinking of putting a couple of us up in the Penthouse Suite. Is there anything you can share about the advantages or disadvantages of either staying in the Mansion Wing or the Penthouse? Also, what is the story with the Sky Box Bar up in the Mansion? Is it stocked with everything we'd need or will we be going downstairs or over to the HLH (why'd Eddie change that name?) or the HDR, ay caramba!, for "provisons"?
Thanks for your help.

I have never stayed at the SL, but frequent it often for the giggles. To begin with, you NEED to make your reservations NOW because the place stays filled up; particularly the areas where you want to be. Pay the money and become a CRT VIP so you can get the discount at the SL and all the other joints you just may be going to. Bill's a great guy and will do whatever he can to get you comfortable.

It ain't like HLH in that it is a hotel and bar. The birds of the night frequent and hang out in the bar/restaurant and "courtyard" area and are a nice freebie that goes along with the entire scene at SL. No strong hustle. Typically you'll approach your "target" which is unlike the Del Rey where roving bands of hard core pro's give ya the "Was ure namme" jive. You'll like it. But first....best you lock in some dates and get them reservations!

If it's filled (and maybe even it's not), strongly suggest you work on getting reservations at La Amistad which is a 3 min super safe walk from the SL. Totally different vibe; excellent quality rooms, staff, and facility. Check out the price differences, too. Some would suggest more bang for the buck at Amistad...especially with the CRT VIP discount. There is now a restaurant and martini bar within the Amistad which is operated by the previous chief bar tender at SL, Asta. Again, totally different vibe. No working girls allowed in the bar area of the Amistad UNLESS she's accompanied by her target for the moment. Amistad is very chica friendly....chica's just cannot hang out "waiting" like they can at the SL. Get your groove on at the SL....walk back to the Amistad....relax and take care of business in a more mellow environment within the confines of the Amistad's bar....up to your room...in your case it sounds more like one of the suites.....and enjoy. You'll never stay at the Del Rey ever again.

Amistad suites fill up quickly too. Ya gotta get that CRT VIP card; lock in a date; and get them reservations.

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

The SL isn't a hotel/bar? Thats a new one to me....

Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

The first 5 or a thousand times it happened, we were flatterd and pleased to be groped by the cruisers in the DR and KL. Then it seemed like we were saying no molestarme and no quiero compania a lot more than dame dos cervesas, por favor, linda, which ain't any kinda fun. We are looking for a more casual vibe where we decide more objectively who we want for our company. and won't have to wear cups just to get a beer without being "distracted", so the SL sounds great. I hear the bar closes at midnite, so that's a little weak, but we can always grab or jocks and head for the DR -- or go commando if we're looking to play.
Are there refridgerators in the rooms or just minibars? We may need to stock up on cervasa sbefore the bar closes. I not asking for myself, mind you. One of my friends has a bit of a drinking problem, meanng he has a problem when we run out of beers.

This is correct Srilm, but the bar's closing time is also part of the uneasy truce SL has with its neighbors, and the need to keep things relatively quiet around the entire property.

Occasionally, the bar will stay open past midnight when the stars align just right. On those occasions, the mood is pretty festive.

Ciaociao