Friday, January 20, 2012

100 floor lift ride is a Mission Impossible for me

dubaiskylineAs 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.me with camel 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. Hyatt-LogoThe 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
broom hyatt

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

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.

goboard

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 !

Thursday, January 5, 2012

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.

CatedralPrimadaBogota

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 img_aadvantage240than 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.