100 floor lift ride is a Mission Impossible for me

As I watched Tom Cruise climb above the 100th floor of the 7 star Burj Hotel in Dubai, I felt vertigo even though I was seated. Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol:, the movie has been released as the Burj celebrates it’s second anniversary in January.

I climbed up on this camel but 100 + floors is too high for me!  I cant breath up there. The Hotels breathtaking architecture, was designed by Giorgio Armani and the world’s tallest building also houses luxury apartments and offices. There is a private reception desk on every floor .The staff take service so seriously that they do their homework to find out what you like. The rooms are all duplex suites, with marble staircases and personal butlers. Attention to detail is evident, whether it's dinning, service or views, is unreal. You can enjoy a massage at the magnificent Spa, Hermes toiletries, personalized towels, champagne. The butler was very informative; he showed us how to use the high tech curtains and TVsystems. Don’t miss afternoon tea on the 27th floor skybar and see sharks swim by at the Wild Wadi waterpark. The Burj even has a private beach, it’s not crowded like the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah beach.
Dubai is my version of Disney land for adults. It is a magical place of duty free shopping malls, an indoor ski resort, the only 7 star hotel in the world and anticipation that you can find Aladdin’s lamp in one of the Spice or Gold, Souk markets. Oil sheiks and business moguls party at lavish Bedouin themed soirees. I have even partaken of a feast served in a tent while seated on a Persian carpet.I love to shop in Dubai and the emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, loves to shop the world via his Dubai World investment company, purchasing assets like stakes in Las Vegas, MGM Mirage.Another holding is:- Leisurecorp, a golf development company, that holds the "Race to Dubai" -- the world's most lavish golf tournament with $7.5 million that ended the European Tour at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. Leisurcorp's portfolio also includes Turnberry in Scotland and Pearl Valley Golf Estates in South Africa.

The Grand Hyatt amenities and service were all superb. The interesting shape of the curved room give a spacious feeling. The wireless Internet was not free even in the lobby, but is free on the Reg Club floor. We were upgraded to a Reg Club room thanks to my elite status which gave us access to the Club lounge where free food is abundant The outdoor pool was good but the new indoor pool and Spa, is a tranquil experience.

An memorable way to welcome the Year of the Dragon is to indulge in Yu Sheng, the Chinese New Year salad that is said to bring good luck. If you toss the salad into the air. The celebration à la carte menu is available at Peppercrab Restaurant in the Hyatt. Also a “must do activity” is a Dhow Cruise down Dubai creek. The hotel  is close to financial and entertainment places as Dubai creek, Dubai WTC and Wafi City Shopping mall and is located at only 7 km from the airport where I bought some of my favorite things.
Another of my favorite things is a big bath tub like this one at the Hyatt

Free dining + WIN SUPER BOWL TICKETS

Elite Marriott Rewards members like to stay at full service hotels because they get free internet and free food in the Concierge lounges, but Courtyard offers modern comfort at lower rates. The brand has more than 900 hotels in 37 countries.

I’ve stayed at many of the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott hotels over the past 4 years. In fact I have not seen any of the old Lobbies for months. So, now that they are done with the transformation, Courtyard is offering a Bistro DINING PACKAGE to make guests aware of the new Bistro area where you can Eat, Drink, Wi–Fi and use their GoBoard in the inviting, Lobby spaces.

The Bed & Bistro package includes:

• • Overnight Accommodations
• • Breakfast or Dinner in the Bistro
• • Non-alcoholic Beverage
• • Rates from $89
• • Choose from over 70 Courtyard Hotels Nationwide

Book online or call 1-800-834-7015 and quote promotional code ZJ8

If you are traveling through Indianapolis airport for SuperBowl, don’t miss your chance to relax in the newly designed Courtyard lobby zone, located in Concourse A immediately past the security checkpoint. Recharge your senses and mobile devices in the zone, en route to your final destination so you always stay connected. The hotel will give you a free luggage tag and choose your favorite NFL team and you'll have a chance to win tickets, flights and a hotel stay to see a road game and SUPER BOWL XLVI TICKETS .

SEE you there !

Fly AA Boston to Bogota

I have been on the red eye flight to Bogota on United Airlines several times and have found First Class lacking in service amenities. The food is the same cold ham and salami with crackers that they serve on domestic US flights. I was hoping for the good stuff they serve on European flights. They don’t even have pillows and blankets anymore.

I prefer to fly AA to Colombia.  American Airlines is offering discount Business Class airline tickets to Bogota, Colombia for $750. This is an example fare of a flight from Boston to Bogota. You have to begin your travel before February 26, 2012. All travel at this fare needs to be complete by March 4, 2012. There are also Business Class Flight Deals To Bogota, Colombia with a new deal out:- Valid departure 01/02/2012 to 12/6/2012 Other Business Class deals like Orlando to Panama City (PTY) for $314.
AA has been the last of the major legacy airlines to file for Bankruptcy and I think that they will also come out of sooner than the others did by following the footsteps of the other airlines.
Unfortunately, due to its Chapter 11 filing, AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation is being delisted by the NYSE because they were trading below a dollar.I will miss the ticker Symbol AMR. It is no longer valid. It has changed to AAMRQ.PK.
AA sent a letter to re assure AAdvantage members that their miles are secure and your lifetime status in the MillionMiler program remains intact. AA is flying normal schedules; Normal Admirals Club access  to members and remaining an integral member of the Oneworld alliance, of which American is a founding member. They have had to file for Chapter 11 because the Unions don’t allow them to offer competitive global salaries and pensions and in order to achieve a cost and debt structure that is industry competitive and thereby assure long-term viability
Check for their Net SAAver Weekend Getaways fares for great last minute deals and if you go to Bogota here are my favorite hotels.

Luxury Hotels for New Year

One of the Resorts that I love to visit in winter is the Ballantyne Hotel because it has a wonderful in-door swimming pool and they always heat it adequately. They have a wonderful Spa, golf course and you can sit in front of the fireplace to have tea or cocktails. It’s the best place to enjoy the season. We’re celebrating 2012 in style with a festive overnight package at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. The New Year’s Eve Dinner Package includes an elegant room, dinner in Gallery Restaurant, complimentary valet parking and a 2pm late check-out. Pricing starts at $299 for double occupancy. Reserve  here or by calling 1.800.325.3589. New Year’s Eve at Gallery Restaurant & Bar.Ring in the New Year with a live-spinning DJ, appetizers and drink specials in the Great Hall beginning at 9pm. Enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.  This event is complimentary to hotel and dining guests. There will be a $25 public cover charge for others. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, a member of Starwood’s The Luxury Collection, is a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond award-winning hotel with a 18-hole championship golf course and fitness facility.

I felt like Goldilocks because I tried the one resistance pool first but it was too cold and then I jumped into the hot tub but it was too hot, next was the big pool … Just right! Perfect! They have 3 pools and a hot whirlpool, including 2 endless pools for resistance swimming, enabling you to swim in place in your own pool.

Make it my New years resolution to stay in Luxury whenever possible . Life it too short to rough it.

Visit an Airline lounge without flying stress

I’ve been complaining that Texas got the short end of the stick with the Continental - United merger, but I have to say a big thank you to United for a wonderful treat at the mall. It was like going to the Presidents club without flying. I was able to have a break from Christmas shopping with a thoroughly enjoyable visit to the United Airlines VIP Lounge at The Houston Galleria and also at the Mall at Short Hills, NJ. It’s a haven, exclusively for Continental and United Chase Card members; the lounge is a retreat for weary holiday shoppers. Open daily till- Dec. 24,  the VIP Lounge offers complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, gift wrapping and more

These days you have to have an airline card to avoid paying baggage fees and to get other benefits like priority boarding. As a Presidential Plus cardmember, you get United Club airline lounge membership automatically (formerly Presidents Club). It’s a hefty $395 annual fee but you get a $95 statement credit after the first use of the card. , and they have a new Blue Carpet benefit of reward seat upgrades for Elite members.

American Express also has a lounge in the Galleria Mall. They are allowing any AMEX card holders entry and pampered us with Godiva chocolates, Starbucks coffee, valet parking validation Wi-fi access and cell phone charging Stations.

I have the SPG Amex Card allowing me to earn up to 5 StarPoints per dollar at participating SPG® hotels and resorts and 1 Starpoint everywhere else. Some other benefits of this card is that I get credit for 5 nights and 2 stays toward SPG elite status each year. That means that I have fewer stays to make to qualify for elite Status. The Hyatt Credit card does not offer elite status help but it lets you begin with up to two free Award Nights at Hyatt properties worldwide with the Hyatt Credit

Merry Christmas! / Feliz Navidad! / Joyeux Noel! / Frohe Weihnachten! / vrolijk kerstfees    to all