Do clients expect/hope visiting escorts to conveniently stay right next door? "Sorry, I don't travel downtown", etc.

[marylander1940]

Do clients expect/hope a visiting escorts to stay right next door? "Sorry, I don't travel downtown", "you're too far", "there's no parking right there", etc.

I don't know if what happened last year with the demonstrations is still printed in the minds of some clients but according to several friends some clients refuse to drive downtown to see an escort. 

If there's a will there's a way but an effort must be made. 

I understand parking might be an issue for Midwestern folks not accustom to look for it or pay for it but I doubt escorts want to be stuck in a mall or near the airport for 3 or 4 days. 

Thoughts? 

[Shawn Monroe]

One of the things I stress out about the most is my hotel in a city - will my massage table fit, and is it in a safe, well regarded and centrally located area in the city. there will always be clients that don’t like to travel, and some cities you can’t win for trying in, but if you can locate your hotel well, you can avoid a lot of that. 

And as you said, southern and midwesterners are more averse to paying to park and going downtown - other places they’re more used to it.

In terms of booking, There are a few cities that are exceptions, but my general rule of thumb is to always avoid downtown, and always avoid airport areas. If you can (there are some cities where I can’t) you want it to feel like they’re going to a “destination” or to have an “experience” too. 

Edited November 12, 2021 by Shawn Monroe

[marylander1940]

3 hours ago, Shawn Monroe said:

One of the things I stress out about the most is my hotel in a city - will my massage table fit, and is it in a safe, well regarded and centrally located area in the city. there will always be clients that don’t like to travel, and some cities you can’t win for trying in, but if you can locate your hotel well, you can avoid a lot of that. 

And as you said, southern and midwesterners are more averse to paying to park and going downtown - other places they’re more used to it.

In terms of booking, There are a few cities that are exceptions, but my general rule of thumb is to always avoid downtown, and always avoid airport areas. If you can (there are some cities where I can’t) you want it to feel like they’re going to a “destination” or to have an “experience” too. 

Where would you stay for example in St. Louis?  I know for sure the Plaza is the place to be in Kansas City. 

[Shawn Monroe]

46 minutes ago, marylander1940 said:

Where would you stay for example in St. Louis?  I know for sure the Plaza is the place to be in Kansas City. 

You’re correct about KCMO - I found the most success staying in the country club plaza area. 

I only had the chance to get to St. Louis once. But when I visited, I stayed adjacent to the galleria there. 

[+ bashful]

I haven’t hired since 2018, but as a client living in the Chicago suburbs, but worked in the Loop, I had no problem driving into the city as most visiting providers stayed in the River North area with more tourists, and I would cautiously consider doing so today.  Not only COVID, but freeway shootings, and car-jackings give me pause too.  If I decide to, appreciate it when they stay in a good hotel.  Just pull up to the hotel and valet park, or more often, a good tip, and they’ll leave the car outside.  They know what’s going on.  Hyatt’s were especially good for that, and once at the Sofitel.  I suppose it might be worth it to get a hotel, drive in during the day before and drive home during the day after, since I don’t have a Camry, Grand Cherokee, or Altima. 

A provider I meet, went to Detroit for the first time, stayed downtown, and told me some potential clients said they wouldn’t drive downtown.  When he returns to Detroit now, he stays in a centrally located suburb near offices, restaurants, and freeways.  Didn’t mention whether there were objections to his new location. 

Edited November 13, 2021 by bashful

[+ ButchAtl]

As a client I appreciate traveling escorts who don't stay in downtown Atlanta.  Its not a terrible place, but there is usually a parking thing to contend with.

With COVID, even taking MARTA downtown, while sometimes ok, takes more time. 

More importantly for me, due to the large geographical metro Atlanta  area, is simply knowing the location before arranging a meeting. Some escorts seem reluctant to divulge their location prior to an making an actual appointment.  I have no idea why. 

[blackriver]

I prefer to make weekday early afternoon appointments since I’m already downtown for work and don’t have to travel far to the usual escort hotels in DC. 

[dbar123]

I like it when providers use hotels just outside of downtown that are a short walk from mass transit. Especially if the hotel offers ample free parking. In Boston this includes places like Newton and Somerville. I suppose it’s less practical in larger cities like NYC

[+ DrownedBoy]

On 11/13/2021 at 3:33 AM, bashful said:

I haven’t hired since 2018, but as a client living in the Chicago suburbs, but worked in the Loop, I had no problem driving into the city as most visiting providers stayed in the River North area with more tourists, and I would cautiously consider doing so today.  Not only COVID, but freeway shootings, and car-jackings give me pause too.  If I decide to, appreciate it when they stay in a good hotel.  Just pull up to the hotel and valet park, or more often, a good tip, and they’ll leave the car outside.  They know what’s going on.  Hyatt’s were especially good for that, and once at the Sofitel.  I suppose it might be worth it to get a hotel, drive in during the day before and drive home during the day after, since I don’t have a Camry, Grand Cherokee, or Altima. 

A provider I meet, went to Detroit for the first time, stayed downtown, and told me some potential clients said they wouldn’t drive downtown.  When he returns to Detroit now, he stays in a centrally located suburb near offices, restaurants, and freeways.  Didn’t mention whether there were objections to his new location. 

Exact same situation near Chicago. You would think two downtown riots and a 200% increase in Loop crime would send a message.

[Islesguy]

On 11/21/2021 at 11:35 PM, dbar123 said:

I like it when providers use hotels just outside of downtown that are a short walk from mass transit. Especially if the hotel offers ample free parking. In Boston this includes places like Newton and Somerville. I suppose it’s less practical in larger cities like NYC

Considering downtown in NY is specific area of the city, it is a bit different. Some people would consider anything in Manhattan south of Central Park to be the "downtown." There are some nice inexpensive hotels in Brooklyn that are within a 30 minute subway ride from Midtown.

[italianboyph]

I feel when most who people visit a major city, they’re usually staying in that city area. Whether it be an Uptown, Downtown, Midtown, or a central familiar neighborhood It’s been done to me a lot when visiting major cities, when they live way way on the outskirts of the city. Some clients don’t wanna come all the way downtown or such, but don’t wanna figure a way to get you to them. Also, in consideration that most people flying in from a another city, usually don’t have a car. Like I’ve said in the beginning most people visiting cities are visiting that city, not the outskirts. Two people have to work together to make meeting happen, it can’t be just the provider. 

[harlow]

On 11/13/2021 at 9:11 AM, ButchAtl said:

As a client I appreciate traveling escorts who don't stay in downtown Atlanta.  Its not a terrible place, but there is usually a parking thing to contend with.

With COVID, even taking MARTA downtown, while sometimes ok, takes more time. 

More importantly for me, due to the large geographical metro Atlanta  area, is simply knowing the location before arranging a meeting. Some escorts seem reluctant to divulge their location prior to an making an actual appointment.  I have no idea why. 

Completely agree with you there.  Personally I can't stand downtown Atlanta...its just too grungy and not as safe.  Midtown I can handle better but you're right the parking in both areas can be a headache.  Its easier for clients if they stay somewhere in the Buckhead area.  And you hit on the head about simply knowing the area they are in.  I'm not asking for the hotel or the room number in advance but the traffic in Atlanta is the WORST ON PLANET EARTH.  Getting across town can take an hour.  Just give us an area please 🤣

[Jarrod_Uncut]

12 hours ago, harlow said:

Completely agree with you there.  Personally I can't stand downtown Atlanta...its just too grungy and not as safe.  Midtown I can handle better but you're right the parking in both areas can be a headache.  Its easier for clients if they stay somewhere in the Buckhead area.  And you hit on the head about simply knowing the area they are in.  I'm not asking for the hotel or the room number in advance but the traffic in Atlanta is the WORST ON PLANET EARTH.  Getting across town can take an hour.  Just give us an area please 🤣

+100 about Atlanta!!

It was nice to connect with @Shawn Monroe in Atlanta last month as a 2nd half of the holiday weekend. I haven’t done the gay nightlife in Atlanta so it’s good to know someone who knows the city (I often travel solo, and Atlanta seemed intimidating, despite me having done Dallas, LA, Miami, SF and DC clubs in the past).

However, Atlanta messed me up TWICE with traffic and parking. On the way to Florida, it took 2 hours longer than planned to get to Florida, because despite me driving thru the city a few  hours before Friday rush hour traffic, traffic from Chattanooga to at-least an hour south of downtown Atlanta was still jammed. I wish there was a TRUE by-pass route (instead of the equally congested 285) to get to Florida from up north. Like actually build an “out of state tags only” highway that goes thru Atlanta with no entrances for city folk lol.

While actually visiting Atlanta, my car got hit with 2 boots while parking in midtown. Apparently I had no idea that the street parking set up is designed to be obscure and no warnings are given out. Just automatic immobilization. It was horrible.

That said: I avoid downtown hotels 99% of the time. The only time I’ll do downtown hotels is a place like Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver…western cities. BUT even then, I’ll ensure it’s a free parking hotel. Paying for parking is #1 why I avoid downtown. For $25 I rather buy breakfast. Why pay for parking when I’m already paying for gas and hotel anyway. So you’ll very rarely catch me staying downtown. I’ll usually stay the closest proximity to downtown without being there. Some cities don’t make that easy, others like Dallas with market center and Park central neighborhoods make that very convenient.

Edited December 4, 2021 by Jarrod_Uncut

[shawshini]

1 hour ago, Jarrod_Uncut said:

+100 about Atlanta!!

I had fun visiting @Shawn Monroe in Atlanta last month for the long holiday weekend. I’ve never done the gay nightlife in Atlanta (I often travel alone, and the idea of that felt intimidating doing it in Atlanta, despite me having done Dallas, LA, Miami, SF and DC clubs alone in the past).

However, Atlanta messed me up TWICE with traffic and parking. On the way to Florida, I ended up 2 hours later than expected to a weekend event I was attending in Florida, because despite me leaving before several hours before Friday rush hour traffic, traffic from Chattanooga to at-least an hour south of downtown Atlanta was maddening. I really wish there was a TRUE by-pass route to get to Florida from up north, without ever seeing Atlanta. Like literally build an “out of state tags only” highway that goes around Atlanta with no entrances for city folk lol.

While actually visiting Atlanta, my car got hit with 2 boots while parking in midtown. Apparently I had no idea that the street parking set up is designed to be obscure and no warnings are given out. Just automatic immobilization. It was horrible.

That said: I avoid downtown hotels 99% of the time. The only time I’ll do downtown hotels is a place like Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver…western cities. Or DC. BUT even then, I’ll ensure it’s a free parking hotel. I hate paying for parking. For $25 I can eat breakfast. Why pay for parking when I’m already paying for gas and hotel anyway. So you’ll very rarely catch me staying downtown. I’ll usually stay closest proximity to downtown without being there. Some cities don’t make that easy, others like Dallas with market center and Park central neighborhoods make that very convenient.

Being a Midwest transplant to Atlanta...  ugh the traffic is a nightmare.  I’ve never experienced anything like it.  Sorry you had to deal with the booting @Jarrod_Uncut!!

[Jarrod_Uncut]

2 hours ago, jtmick said:

Being a Midwest transplant to Atlanta...  ugh the traffic is a nightmare.  I’ve never experienced anything like it.  Sorry you had to deal with the booting @Jarrod_Uncut!!

Exactly. But on my way out of the downtown going north last Sunday, it was pretty smooth sailing. The problem traffic came when I hit Chattanooga. Idk what’s up with that town but it seems to also have stalled traffic and accidents. Seems you have to go after midnight to be in the clear.

I’m currently in the Midwest, but with the exception of Chicago and Saint Louis, you can usually detour around it. But the caveat with the Midwest in comparison to Atlanta is: it gets very tired and sleepy here in the Fall and Winter. Even though Atlanta isn’t my taste in a city, I appreciated the liveliness and the fact that it seemed like people (especially men of color but also others) desired to be there.

In Kansas City and St. Louis, many in the Gay community just talk about wanting to relocate elsewhere. There seems to just be no zest or aspiration in these parts. 

 

Edited December 4, 2021 by Jarrod_Uncut

[italianboyph]

On 11/13/2021 at 10:11 AM, ButchAtl said:

As a client I appreciate traveling escorts who don't stay in downtown Atlanta.  Its not a terrible place, but there is usually a parking thing to contend with.

With COVID, even taking MARTA downtown, while sometimes ok, takes more time. 

More importantly for me, due to the large geographical metro Atlanta  area, is simply knowing the location before arranging a meeting. Some escorts seem reluctant to divulge their location prior to an making an actual appointment.  I have no idea why. 

Yeah that’s when I agree, like Midtown or surrounding areas. I always try to stay in midtown if I can when in ATL. 

[shawshini]

10 hours ago, Jarrod_Uncut said:

Exactly. But on my way out of the downtown going north last Sunday, it was pretty smooth sailing. The problem traffic came when I hit Chattanooga. Idk what’s up with that town but it seems to also have stalled traffic and accidents. Seems you have to go after midnight to be in the clear.

I’m currently in the Midwest, but with the exception of Chicago and Saint Louis, you can usually detour around it. But the caveat with the Midwest in comparison to Atlanta is: it gets very tired and sleepy here in the Fall and Winter. Even though Atlanta isn’t my taste in a city, I appreciated the liveliness and the fact that it seemed like people (especially men of color but also others) desired to be there.

In Kansas City and St. Louis, many in the Gay community just talk about wanting to relocate elsewhere. There seems to just be no zest or aspiration in these parts. 

 

@Jarrod_Uncut I frequently drive between Atlanta and Milwaukee, WI and I can tell you that I-24 section in Chattanooga is ALWAYS a slow down. Not sure if it’s just an accident or poorly designed to encourage a bottleneck.  Being from Milwaukee we’re used to getting anywhere in 15 minutes, lol.  I learned really fast that in Atlanta there’s no such thing as a quick errand. When I hire in Atlanta I prefer to host or be in Midtown or Buckhead, but parking can always be a pain but if you live here, you’re used to it.  I’m sure the issue comes up with people from the outer areas OTP. (Outside the 285 perimeter)

[Jarrod_Uncut]

7 hours ago, jtmick said:

@Jarrod_Uncut I frequently drive between Atlanta and Milwaukee, WI and I can tell you that I-24 section in Chattanooga is ALWAYS a slow down. Not sure if it’s just an accident or poorly designed to encourage a bottleneck.  Being from Milwaukee we’re used to getting anywhere in 15 minutes, lol.  I learned really fast that in Atlanta there’s no such thing as a quick errand. When I hire in Atlanta I prefer to host or be in Midtown or Buckhead, but parking can always be a pain but if you live here, you’re used to it.  I’m sure the issue comes up with people from the outer areas OTP. (Outside the 285 perimeter)

Yeah I’m pretty familiar with Milwaukee. Only trouble with traffic I’ve had there is the snow and craters/sinkholes in the road😆 beyond the small stretch of 94 that goes into downtown can get a little jammed at times.

Next time I go between Nashville and Florida, I’m just going to either take the Nashville down to Birmingham route…or let Atlanta be my overnight stop (versus Chattanooga which is not worth shit to try and catch clients in, I’ve come to realize).  
 

it’s not just Chattanooga either. When I lived in Nashville and would travel to DC or west to Little Rock on i40, there was ALWAYS (without fail) some debilitating back up with no way to exit. That state is similar to Missouri which occasionally has similar backups: they’re so fucking stupid to only have 2 lanes on a major east-west highway system that’s a gateway for many, and then also the locals drive like they got their driver’s license from the 3 stooges. It’s horrible. 
 

Georgia and Florida learned long time ago that you need 3 (and preferable 4) lanes of traffic on the interstate, if you want to attract a lot of tourists to the area. Missouri and Tennessee are behind and still struggling with development…so backups never cease.

Edited December 5, 2021 by Jarrod_Uncut

[marylander1940]

On 11/21/2021 at 11:35 PM, dbar123 said:

I like it when providers use hotels just outside of downtown that are a short walk from mass transit. Especially if the hotel offers ample free parking. In Boston this includes places like Newton and Somerville. I suppose it’s less practical in larger cities like NYC

In NYC midtown is the place to be and the subway goes everywhere. 

Unfortunately free parking is not always a given in the Midwest and some clients willing to pay 250/300 or more are upset about paying $10 parking. Go figure! 

On 11/30/2021 at 3:29 PM, italianboyph said:

I feel when most who people visit a major city, they’re usually staying in that city area. Whether it be an Uptown, Downtown, Midtown, or a central familiar neighborhood It’s been done to me a lot when visiting major cities, when they live way way on the outskirts of the city. Some clients don’t wanna come all the way downtown or such, but don’t wanna figure a way to get you to them. Also, in consideration that most people flying in from a another city, usually don’t have a car. Like I’ve said in the beginning most people visiting cities are visiting that city, not the outskirts. Two people have to work together to make meeting happen, it can’t be just the provider. 

I hear you but if there's a will there's a way. 

Not all escort want to stay in a highway close to a mall, they need areas closer to hotels in case someone calls. 

Back to Atlanta Midtown is walking distance from most of Downtown yet for some that's unbearable. 

[+ WilliamM]

On 12/13/2021 at 5:40 PM, marylander1940 said:

In NYC midtown is the place to be and the subway goes everywhere. 

Unfortunately free parking is not always a given in the Midwest and some clients willing to pay 250/300 or more are upset about paying $10 parking. Go figure! 

I hear you but if there's a will there's a way. 

Not all escort want to stay in a highway close to a mall, they need areas closer to hotels in case someone calls. 

Back to Atlanta Midtown is walking distance from most of Downtown yet for some that's unbearable. 

For St Louis near the arch and Busch Stadium. As to New York  City, most subway stops are extremely save.

I have gone to wonderful events at the Brooklyn Academy Music (Patti Smith: "Streetcar Naked Desire" with Care Blanchard: " An Eugene O'Neill play  with Nathan Lane).

But,I am sure about after midnight