Leaving on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again.

I was going to plan a fun weekend getaway in celebration of our one year anniversary, which is Sunday, but I got busy/lazy/sidetracked/whatever! and dropped the ball. Fortunately, Shaun picked it up and ran with it. He's made all the arrangements and doesn't want to worry me with any of the pesky details. Like...where we're going or what type of garments I need to pack.

I realized today I'll need to close a couple jewelry shows over the weekend. I emailed Shaun to ask if we'll have Internet access where we're going. He replied that I'll need to bring my laptop or rely on whatever the hotel has available. I requested the name and web address for the hotel so I could check out their amenities. Pretty sly, huh? And he fell for it! He actually sent me the link. So much for a surprise.

We're going to New York City. Say it with me - New York City?!

We're staying in the Hotel Carter. It's right in Times Square but is actually quite affordable.

Here are just some of the comments left by previous guests:

Now, it's up to you: you can pick Holiday Inn, or Ramada Inn, or whatever other sterile, insipid, generic "Inn" chain that you wish. Chances are, you'll like the first room you're given, and will sleep well, without fearing the bedbugs may bite you. Or, you can pick Hotel Carter. Old, smelly, dingy, dirty, dodgy, creepy Hotel Carter.

Discover new diseases during your stay.

A Filthy Hole

Oh but Bed Bugs DO bite!‎

We turned on the t.v. ....which didn't have a remote...to listen to the news. It turns out that Friday morning, they found a dead body in plastic bags under the bed on the 6th floor.

You know you are not the first to find it so bad that you want to leave by the notice on Reception saying "no refunds after you have been in your room for more than 15 minutes".

Great when you are broke but got eye infection from pillows.

I'd imagine jail would be nicer!

Not for the faint of heart, or squeamish!

Hotel Carter was almost OK‎

Don't be fooled by the price of this Hotel. If it were free you would be still paying too much. Health and safety for you and your family has no price. Cheap and cheerful but without the cheerful.

There is internet in the lobby, but it is so antiquated i really hated to use it, and the keyboard was gummy and sticky - really gross. (So, bring my laptop?)

Only For Those With Low Self Esteem - There really is bullet proof glass protecting the registration desk, the lobby does look like a casino. The elevators are for smurfs.

Do you love Adventure?!‎

Nice if you like MICE

Didn't get killed, mugged or infected!!

We waited an hour in the lobby to check in. The staff was rude enough to be remarkable; however, their conduct was completely upstaged by the condition of the room. No sheets, comforter, curtain, towels... The room was covered in a layer of dirt. And someone had urinated in the bed recently and placed all of the pillows in the center of the bed to absorb it.

We was robbed‎

I checked into this hotel alone about 6:00 pm, put my suitcase in the room and left to have dinner. When I returned at 10:00 pm, I noticed that in my absence someone had been in my bathroom and defecated in the toilet and left without flushing!! When I told the desk clerk, his response was, "Why was someone in your room?" (Exactly my question to you, Hotel Carter). When I told the "security guard", his response was "What do you want me to do? It's late."

An experience!

Sounds delightful. Unfortunately, I think I'm coming down with something. I feel queasy and itchy. Might have to cancel this romantic rendezvous. Sorry Shaun. Sorry Adventure. I love you both, but my health (and my self-worth, apparently) are begging me to beg off.