Maximise your Avios, air miles and hotel points

Forum Replies Created

  • in reply to: F&B Rewards – any success in using?
    u07ch 80 posts

    Not just F&B rewards but Lounge Access – I would find it useful to have an IHG data base of “Lounge Access” – some CPs dont offer this facility and its not listed on many hotel websites (but is available when you arrive) . So why does IHG offer the Reward when its not 100% available? CP at NEC Birmingham does not have a lounge.

    Could HFP begin a comprehensive DataBase?

    Best Regards

    I quite often ask the diamond chat line to check them for me when I’m going to a place … can you confirm which of these hotels have a lounge … repeatedly asked them to add it to the faq on the website which they resist instead tie someone up for 30 minute every week getting a list… we could do this en masse to get the list

    in reply to: International Driving Permit (IDP)
    u07ch 80 posts

    Driving licenses in the USA are a state issue. You need to check the state you are visiting; some require them some don’t. The official guidance is check the state’s dmv

    https://www.usa.gov/non-citizen-driving#:~:text=Depending%20on%20the%20U.S.%20states,a%20regular%20state%20driver%27s%20license.

    You can get them from a UK postoffice with a photo in about 10 minutes for £5.50

    in reply to: Favourite luggage (checked and carry-on)
    u07ch 80 posts

    Definitely avoid Away and especially avoid Samsonite – they might be ok for someone that makes two or three trips a year and likes to emulate their favorite influencer, but they cannot stand any real use. I’ve had Samsonite spinner, two wheeler and suit carriers all fall apart. Go for Briggs & Riley, they have a lifetime warranty for a reason and the customer service is great. For example,I had a wheel damaged by an airline, and customer service sent new ones to my apartment for free and they were simple to replace with the supplied Allen key- beats sending the case away. I have three B&R bags, they are between 12 and 14 years old, are in great conditions and have been used for train and plane travel every week to all sorts of place in all sorts of conditions for about 7 of those years. If you plan on any serious travel, go for two wheels and soft sides

    I have been using Rimowa for a million or so KM flown; can B&R they compete with Rimowa’s hotel/ store worldwide network for walking in and getting an instant repair?

    in reply to: DragonPass lounges T5 Heathrow
    u07ch 80 posts

    If the choice is the rest of the airport or the lounge I would pay the 5 pound fee … it wont get you far in boots or wh smiths. Will get you something to eat and drink in lounge as well as a modicum of peace and quiet

    u07ch 80 posts

    If your plans are travelling around Aus/ NZ, the good news is it’s easy to get hotel rooms with washing machines for laundry. That may diminish the need for the Airbnb base.

    Flights around Australia and out of Australia are VERY expensive now. Booked a 2-hour flight from Sydney to Hamilton in business last month and it was just over 1100 pounds. Fiji in October was 1200. Depending on your destinations it may be cheaper to base out of Bali and fly into Australia from there.

    Fiji is best if you go to the islands; the main island is fine, but the islands are more beautiful. If you want time on the main island the Intercon has the best beach and (to me) is less depressing than the Denarau resorts – but it’s a way away. The Shangri la may be open again after a refurb is a close second to the IC for me. Both get you into places to explore the interior of Fiji which is interesting.

    Last October I did Sofitel and Six Senses; I have never felt more relief than when I got to my room at the six senses. The Sofitel reminded me of all the worst things about Hawaii; nasty 70s concrete hotel – my room was a concrete tomb and not in an easter island way – far too many children, queues and needing to reserve tables for dinner – worst of all they wouldn’t let me late check out. There is a channel on you tube flip flop traveller who is about to go to Fiji in his travels which may help. He does high end hotel reviews very well.

    I adore New Caledonia and would recommend to everyone a visit to the Isle of pines: for me it is heaven multi-hued water, pine trees, coral sailing and a jungle interior big enough to be able to go somewhere outside the hotel. The main island has an enormous barrier reef, there is a new intercontinental opening in NC – I’m going in May as likely not finished for this October My first national geographic published photo was taken on Isle of Pines so that helps my memories.

    For other islands you may want to look at Vanuatu where you have lots of choice in islands and hotels and it can be good value; the Cook Islands are similar to French Polynesia both are much cheaper than Fiji and New Caledonia. You could do (some of) NZ + Cook Islands on one ticket from Sydney as you must connect in Auckland. Flights to NC from Sydney are the cheapest of the lot though.

    There is a Sydney v Melbourne thing too; depending on your plans and your outlook you may prefer one more than the other. Melbourne, I feel there is more around it, great ocean road, the peninsulas, vineyards etc. It can be cheaper to fly out of Melbourne than Sydney; but public transport to the airport is WAY better in Sydney if you are planning lots of trips.

    in reply to: 30th Solo Birthday Trip October 2024
    u07ch 80 posts

    If you are heading to Sydney and want an island trip, I suggest you look at New Caledonia, if your plans involve water in Fiji NC has it beat in every way. The isle of pines in particular is heaven. Fiji always reminds me of Mauritius, which isnt a positive for me. The only exception so far is the six senses which is small enough to be relaxing, outside that always feels like you might as well be in Australia.

    in reply to: Any recent experience of arriving in DPS?
    u07ch 80 posts

    I wasn’t impressed with my fast track arrival experience in March; wouldn’t book it again. Was effectively dumped at the back of the (business class) priority lines on the left hand side as you look at the immigration staff, rather than the front as it used to be pre pandemic. e-visa on paper worked fine once I got to the front.

    I would definitely recommend getting and printing out an e visas; the queue for getting them was back into the corridors huge; as was the /normal/ immigration line.

    in reply to: Bangkok hotel [for mid a 40s couple]
    u07ch 80 posts

    Intercontinental Bangkok has just reopened after a refurbishment and looks amazing. It was always a great hotel before the refurb so is likely even better now.

    Since the refurb its been a lot more expensive (a bit like Sydney.) It’s slowly coming down but it’s still a LOT more expensive than it was pre refurb. Some nights the park Hyatt is cheaper; and the PH is a far better place to stay.

    in reply to: Bangkok hotel [for mid a 40s couple]
    u07ch 80 posts

    Can I suggest you price for your dates the Shangri-La; basic rooms are a similar price to your selection. Its dated but the location is first rate; close to ferry port and bts.

    in reply to: InterContinental Sydney Club Rooms / lounge
    u07ch 80 posts

    They will take your bag for you but unlikely to get a room before midday. If you have club access you can usually blag early lounge access in both the Sydney ICs. There is a (poor) arrivals lounge at Sydney where you can get breakfast; wash up before heading into town. It’s in the capsule hotel. Suggest you clean up at the airport; take the train into town; leave your bags with the concierge and go explore.

    in reply to: InterContinental Sydney Club Rooms / lounge
    u07ch 80 posts

    Stayed for a week in March; after my lounge booking in October last was cancelled due to the lounge being finished late.

    View from lounge is still as good as it gets there though the benefit is diminished now there is a bar on top and I remember it as having the walkway now. The lounge is laid out mostly as small tables across two levels for two; terrible ergonomics if you want to work in the lounge.

    It’s still staffed service lounge; and staff in this hotel tend to be the issue. Been ignored and scowled at in the ground floor bar more than once – and weirdly very over attended to at most breakfasts… In a lounge i’m not a fan of staff service only. I like a fridge where I can grab a couple of drinks and sit and work or go and hide in my room. Though they are amenable to please bring me 2 diet cokes.

    It’s far better than the double bay lounge in terms of food and unlike DB it’s not a dark hole. Last stay there were 3 or 4 canapés available served on plates cocktails and sparkling wine in the evening. Can’t speak for afternoon tea as im at work.

    It’s definitely a better hotel post refurb. Location is still excellent for work and tourism. View aside; IMO no way near as good as the shangri la or four seasons lounges. That said i’m going back in October for another week; want to get to another suite upgrade for next year …

    in reply to: Australia and back via Bali and Thailand
    u07ch 80 posts

    An option is to book return tickets to singapore and rest as individual tickets. Thailand and Bali have excellent connections from SIN.
    There are also some good low cost options to Bali from Australia.

    Besides Sin check KUL and BKK too, all three are visa on arrival without hassle.

    Inside Asean countries LCC or flag carrier flights single legs are cheap and easy in economy like they are in Europe. They’re ar lccs down to Australia too. Price out the flights for their dates with google to figure out the best bus station hub country for the long leg – if you need overnights bkk / kul will likely be cheaper when accommodation is needed.

    in reply to: French Polynesia – Aranui 5
    u07ch 80 posts

    Off the beaten path try Tikehau or Rangiroa – diving the pass at rangiroa is amazing and the lagoon has its own Pantone colour. Tikehau has a 4* hotel which is pretty new and the overwater bungalows are great. Rangiroa is a bit more pacific but the lagoon is amazing

    in reply to: June Destination Ideas
    u07ch 80 posts

    Israel.

    Tel aviv for food, architecture, and the massive beach.
    Almost everywhere for history (doesn’t have to be about religion there is roman, crusader, ancient Judean, Egyptian history scattered all over)
    Eilat for snorkeling/ diving.
    Dead Sea for sunbathing without sunscreen

    Roads are easy to drive, hotels will cover all budgets plenty of tours and some trains if you would rather not drive.

    in reply to: French Polynesia – Aranui 5
    u07ch 80 posts

    Last time I was there I snipped an image of flights in the eastern pacific, FP just isn’t popular with Americans; it’s the Waitrose of pacific island chains. If money is an issue try the Cook Islands; nowhere near as polished but considerably cheaper and somewhat similar landscapes.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/u07ch/47886709671/

    in reply to: French Polynesia – Aranui 5
    u07ch 80 posts

    I can’t speak to Aranui 5; except I have been contemplating pressing the button on taking it to Pitcairn. There are a number of YouTube videos on it which you should check out. The age of the passengers in most of the videos looks to be retirees which may be an issue for you; the activities onboard look a bit 80s Club Med.

    Have been to Bora Bora several times and its definitely one of my favourite places; unlike Maldives that the Pandemic forced me into visiting you can get away from your hotels and have choices on where to book activities which can make things cheaper. The coral and sharks are levels above the Maldives; there are plenty of living coral, and lemon sharks to get your attention – also FP claims no one has been killed by a shark in their waters unlike the maldives …

    For me the nice thing about bob is that number of diving and snorkelling sites and operators you can choose from each with their own sites; and other water activities you can do all day – and then watch the sunset with an awesome view and you don’t need to be trapped in your hotels island prison. There are also star gazing round the island jet skis amongst the available activities.

    Hotels; Four Seasons (100 rooms) is very good; big rooms and great food, impeccable service – they know your name and have been lifelong friends in a matter of days. I’m not so sold on the view you get a view of the mountain; the sunset is weak compared to my preferred choices as it doesn’t set behind the mountain. The food is probably the best on the island; the ferry boats are definitely the best.

    My personal preference would be to stay at the Intercontinental Thalasso (88 rooms) or the Le Meridien. Both of these will see the sun set over Mt Otemanu which is awesome each night; you can also walk to the ocean side for views of Tahaa on the horizon. Rooms are much bigger and more spaced apart @ the Intercontinental.

    I haven’t tried the st regis or Conrad so can’t comment. Neither of them look to give that Mountain View I crave when I visit.

    If you want to be on the island the Main intercontinental (which could do with a refurb if they haven’t done one since 2016) was comfortable and has a great spot by the big Matira beach. The rooms aren’t as nice as the Sofitel (the Sofitel used to include the minibar in the rate which is great when you get in) The Sofitel and IC are close by so you can go eat out if you like; or get a taxi to Bloody Marys.

    The IC is a small hotel though and though the rooms could do with a refurb, or I just didn’t gel with the authentic Tahitian vibe, it had a tiny living coral garden and fish in the shade of the rooms which was great to jump out and find fish when you felt like it. The proximity and ease of doing things on the island makes it a fun stay; also cheaper as you can access supermarkets etc. For sunsets the IC is closer to Matira beach and its bars which is another great place to watch the sunset.

    If you are an IHG person you can mix and match the two IC’s and they have a boat that runs between them; all hotels will pick up from others for guests if you ask though. All the privately booked water activities will stop at any of the hotels on the motu so don’t use that as a reason to stay on the mainland.

    If you do take Aranui 5 please post a trip report as I am interested in more first hand experiences too. For the main FP islands there are other cruise options though.

    in reply to: Singapore hotel recommendations
    u07ch 80 posts

    Of your choices RC is a top rate luxury business focussed hotel. Whilst Raffles is a first rate tourist hotel; though it is also full of tourists visiting the shops and bars so despite the calm you want sometimes it’s a bit frustrating. Stayed at Ritz Carlton in December and February and as it was pre pandemic and was still is excellent afterwards; Club Lounge especially so. Good quality food and drink pretty much whenever you want it. The hotel is full of art; has a decent pool and if you book a marina facing room you get a view of a spectacular skyline view. Internet speeds were also 200mb/s which is esoteric but matters to me. Desk is good size; windows are huge; some rooms have baths with windows that face harbour or city. Lobby can be busy especially at start / end of day for people going to meetings in the hotel.

    Four seasons is another nice choice if you want luxury and to be closer to shopping on Orchard/ Scotts roads.

    Capella is a long way from the hustle on Sentosa but it is outstanding and a fantastic place to relax in the jungle. If you just want to relax this should be high on your list.

    Shangri la and Krunthep wing are nice rooms are a bit twee for me and I prefer the RC lounge; and the buffet evening meal is fabulous; the gardens are nice for walking around but Singapore is full of gardens so im not sure the bonus. Its a ways away from everything you might be going to.

    in reply to: Indian Ocean..communication?
    u07ch 80 posts

    If it were almost anywhere else on earth I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a Spot X satellite messenger. As you are going to be in IO I would check the Garmin in reach if you don’t want to go full earphone.

    I did go full Satphone ( Inmarsat iSatphone) Its nice and retro which means predictive text messaging. Though I mainly use it for calls. Inmarsat does have a free web to phone message service which can be useful for people to reach out.,

    in reply to: Doha connections – 65 minutes possible?
    u07ch 80 posts

    Flying business I have made two sub 30 minute connections this week (scheduled at 2 hours + but my QR flights always seem to be late.) Had a checked bag that one flight didn’t make it though … Business security seems to have latest scanning equipment leave everything in bag (especially at the new garden transfer; which even had shoe scanners)

    in reply to: Sydney hotel advice
    u07ch 80 posts

    One option I haven’t tried is the Crowne plaza at Coogee Bay; it doesn’t look special in terms of rooms but it has a garden and is on the beach. It 10km from the CBD but there are shops and restaurants all around it. It’s been on my list for a visit for a few trips but haven’t made it so far.

    For ones I have tried; in the CBD being close to the botanic gardens at circular quay may give you the that feelign but in the city centre. The Intercontinental is the classier of my two choices; but its still an Intercontinental; its over the road from the botanic gardens.The rooms are just refurbished; though the main reason to stay is still the windows; which now have seating. There is more tech in the rooms which I appreciated. Lounge was shut lsat time I stayed so can’t speak to how it is now; the view before the refurb was excellent and I don’t expect that to have changed.

    If you want a more Australian style of hotel but still close to the park the Pullman Quay Grand is next to the opera house has rooms with kitchens; very close to ferry, tram and train stations for getting around

    I have stayed at the IC Doubleday; and it’s a nice area, but you will be taking a lot of taxis or cars to get to places. If you do go the Sailing Clubs restaurant on the beach is a fun over the water restaurant near the ferry stop.I hated that the lounge was table service and not a buffet; with the food and drinks hidden away in a back room.

    in reply to: Vietnam self drive (or not?) car rental
    u07ch 80 posts

    Suggest you check Klook website/ app. Its handy for travel; tasks all over; but is very good in se Asia

    in reply to: Vietnam self drive (or not?) car rental
    u07ch 80 posts

    For travel related things like transport or SIM cards etc in SE Asia would suggest you check Klook website/ app. Will help you check book/ check suppliers. I have used it to book things all over; but its very good in SE Asia

    in reply to: Singapore and ?
    u07ch 80 posts

    Fly to Jogyakarta and go see the Borobudur and active volcanoes .

    If your budget stretches Aman Jiwo will give you the view https://www.flickr.com/photos/u07ch/46157342221/in/dateposted-public/ and relaxation

    in reply to: Heathrow Terminal 3 lounges
    u07ch 80 posts

    How is the Centurion lounge compared to Cathay & Qantas?

    I’ve always just gone straight to Cathay First.

    Cathay first is still top dog; unless you want barman mixed drinks in Qantas.

    in reply to: Cook Islands
    u07ch 80 posts

    If the question is for me; I haven’t been to the Cook Islands so can’t rate. Lifou looks to be similar to a number of FP atols; like a mini Rangiroa maybe. I generally want to be in or under the water; after that I value quiet locations and have a big preference for small hotels; that said I have enjoyed exploring waterfalls in Tahiti.

    Been to Fiji and several islands and all over FP. I prefer FP for the better snorkelling and diving (unlike Maldives the coral is often alive in FP.) I think the views in FP can be better than Fiji; and the water colour is better. Went to Six Senses Fiji last October and the hotel was excellent; the reef was recovering nicely from the cyclone a few years back but there weren’t a lot of fish. (Though if you like diving there was an excellent Shark dive.) If you are looking at Fiji; definitely go to an island rather than stay in Denarau.

    If you are looking for yourself I would suggested you check out the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia as an alternative to both; you can split between Noumea which is a French city with a huge beach like Miami or Tel Aviv and IDP which is heaven.

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