Living like that Kojak guy ain't all sweetness and lollipops, baby

Telly Savalas, TV's Kojak, beloved character actor, recording artist, Oscar nominee, Emmy Award winner, Jennifer Anniston's godfather and Nicolette Sheridan's stepfather, lived the last 20 years of his life with his family in a suite at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Hollywood. Apparently, he really liked living in a hotel, watching TV in the lounge and hanging out by the pool. We've been here at the Hotel Maximilian for only 12 days, and it's starting to wear. Granted, it isn't the 3rd floor suite at the Sheraton like Telly had, but all the same this small room has lost its power to charm us, and we still have 5 weeks to go. On the plus side, the free breakfast is marvy-- fresh baked breads and pastries every morning, both "American"and "European" style breakfasts are in evidence, the hotel restaurant is frankly better than it needs to be (it even attracts the locals), and there's a proper sauna and even a tanning bed on the lower level. Another big benefit (besides the free parking and a kitchenette in the room) is the fact that it's all covered: The Company is picking up the tab. Not for everything-- if we want a beer at the bar (happy hour Bitburgers for EU 2.50!), dinner, or internet access, we're shelling out for it ourselves.  On the negative side... well, we're living out of our suitcases, and the rest of our clothes won't arrive until we move into our apartment in mid-late November, the restroom fan doubles as exhaust vent for our neighbor's evening cigarette habit, and the "kitchen" is a hotplate embedded into a stainless sink with a dorm-sized fridge beneath.  All in all, it isn't so bad, but it's the VERY extended transition that's getting to us.  Who loves ya, baby?