Flight: Malaysia Airlines MH 52 from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka Duration: 6 hours 20 minutes Equipment: A333(Airbus 330-300) Class: Business Seat: 1K(Window) Seat Specification: Lie Flat Seats, Seat pitch: 43″, Seat width: 20″ This was my first time experiencing Malaysian Airlines business class so was looking forward to this trip. The Malaysian Airlines has 6 rows in its business class on Airbus A330-300 with some rows having 1 x 2 x 1 and some 1 x 2 x 2 seating. The seats are true flat beds and I was happy to have snagged a throne seat on 1st row. The seat …
Airline Reviews Malaysia Airlines ReviewsAirline Review: Malaysia Airlines – Business Class (Airbus A330-300 with Lie Flat Seats): Kuala Lumpur – Osaka (MH 52)
Hotel Reviews IHG Rewards Club ReviewsHotel Review – Holiday Inn Express Bangalore Whitefield ITPL
Holiday Inn Express Bangalore Whitefield ITPL Plot No. 4, EPIP Zone, Krishnarajapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India Holiday Inn Express Whitefield is located in Whitefield locality, about 35 km from Kempegowda International Airport. My previous stays in Bangalore have all been around Marathalli area and for some reason all the hotels in that neighborhood were going much higher that week, so I decided to give this hotel a try. The room was quite small with the vanity area right next to the bed. The hotel being a Holiday Inn Express, has complimentary breakfast for all guests. Menu was mostly fixed for …
Hilton HHonors Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review – DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Bangalore
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Bangalore Iblur Gate Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Road, Sarjapur – Marathahalli Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102, India DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Bangalore is located right next to Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road on Marathahalli-Bellandur-Sarjapur Outer Ring Road, about 50 km from Kempegowda International Airport. I stayed 5 nights at the hotel using 30,000 Hilton points/night (with 5th night free for elite members). I had breakfast at the hotel for 3 out of the 5 days I stayed there. The breakfast buffet had a variety of items on rotation and I got to sample different indian delicacies. Thumbs …
Hotel Reviews Independent/Non-Major Chain ReviewsHotel Review – Alii Kane Cottages
Alii Kane Cottages 11-2932 Alii Kane St, Volcano, HI 96785 Alii Kane Cottages is a collection of cottages located about 6 miles from Hawaii Volcano National Park. This property is located off of Highway 11, nestled amongst lots of trees. We stayed 1 night after booking a cottage from booking.com @ 160$/night. The owners are very responsive and they emailed me a couple of times before the stay, informing me on how to get there and providing additional information regarding the stay. When we checked in late evening, the owner came by and explained various amenities in the property. This …
Hilton HHonors Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review – Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720 Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo is an ocean-front Hilton property located just 4 miles from Hilo International Airport. We stayed at the hotel for just 1 night by redeeming 50,000 Hilton points. Check-in was very quick and it being a Doubletree brand, came with freshly baked warm cookies. The front desk agent upgraded us to a King room with Lanai and great views. He also gave us 4 drink vouchers as welcome amenity. 🙂 Because Hilton has phased out complimentary breakfast for Diamond elites, we were …
Hotel Reviews Marriott/SPG ReviewsHotel Review – Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is a beachfront hotel property located about 8 miles from Kona International Airport. The hotel is at a prime location with lots of great dining options nearby. We had booked 2 stays (1 night each) at this hotel at the beginning as well as the end of the trip. The points required for a redemption stay varies by time of the year and we paid 42,000 Marriott Rewards points for 1 night redemption stay. The bed and linens …
Airline Reviews Korean Air ReviewsAirline Review: Korean Air – Business Class (Boeing 747-8 with Lie Flat Seats): Seoul – Los Angeles (KE 17)
Flight: Korean Air KE 17 from Seoul to Los Angeles Duration: 10 hours 45 minutes Equipment: B748(Boeing 747-800) Class: Business Seat: 19A(Upper Deck Window) Seat Specification: Seat pitch: 75″, Seat width: 20.1″ I had already tried Korean Air Business class on A-380 and Boeing 777-300. When my A-380 aircraft between Seoul and Los Angeles was swapped with a Boeing 747-800, I was extremely happy as this is my favorite aircraft. The upper deck is not too large and only has premium cabin making for a better experience. Korean Air features 747-800 business class with 6 rows of 2 x 2 (except …
Airline Reviews Korean Air ReviewsAirline Review: Korean Air – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Angle-Flat Seats): Bangkok – Seoul (KE 652)
Flight: Korean Air KE 652 from Bangkok to Seoul Duration: 5 hours 20 minutes Equipment: B773(Boeing 777-300) Class: Business Seat: 9A(Window) Seat Specification: Lie Flat Seat (not true lie flat) Seat pitch: 74″, Seat width: 20.6″ Korean Air operates various aircraft types (with different configurations) between Bangkok and Seoul including Airbus 330, Airbus 380, Boeing 777-300. I ended up on a Boeing 777-300 with 2 x 3 x 2 seating in Business Class. For a short haul flight such as this one, it wasn’t too bad. However, had I gotten this seat on a TPAC flight, I would not be thrilled …
Hilton HHonors Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review – Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Hilton Amingiri Resort & Spa Malé 08540, Maldives Hilton Amingiri Resort is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean, about 20 minutes speed-boat ride from Male International Airport. It is a very new resort having opened only in 2022. One of the biggest selling points of this resort is that the overwater villas book as a Standard Award making for an exceptional redemption option for Hilton Free Night certificates. The other big selling point is that all villas (including the overwater bungalows) come with its own private pool!! The points required for a free night fluctuates by season. …
Airline Reviews Korean Air ReviewsAirline Review: Korean Air – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats): Seoul – Las Vegas (KE 5)
Flight: Korean Air KE 5 from Seoul to Las Vegas Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes Equipment: B773(Boeing 777-300) Class: Business Seat: 15A(Window) Seat Specification: Seat pitch: 74″, Seat width: 20.6″ MilesPointsTravel Disclaimer: This review is solely the work of Karen. I personally did not fly this segment. I was supposed to fly ICN – LAS segment on a Boeing 777-300 with 2 x 2 x 2 seats with the Apex Suite but there was a last minute equipment swap and ended up on a 2 x 3 x 2 configuration. This configuration is my least favorite as the seats have wedges …
Airline Reviews Korean Air ReviewsAirline Review: Korean Air – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Angled Flat Seats): Bangkok – Seoul (KE 660)
Flight: Korean Air KE 660 from Bangkok to Seoul Duration: 5 hours 15 minutes Equipment: B773(Boeing 777-300) Class: Business Seat: 11H(Aisle) Seat Specification: Seat pitch: 74″, Seat width: 20.6″ MilesPointsTravel Disclaimer: This review is solely the work of Karen. I personally did not fly this specific flight. Korean Air operates various aircraft types (with different configurations) between Bangkok and Seoul including Airbus 330, Airbus 380, Boeing 777-300. I ended up on a Boeing 777-300 with 2 x 3 x 2 seating in Business Class. This type of seating is terrible if you are unlucky to be seated in the middle row. …
Hotel Reviews Le Club AccorHotels ReviewsHotel Review – Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, 999, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand MilesPointsTravel Disclaimer: This review is solely the work of Karen. I personally did not stay at this hotel at the time of this review. Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is located just a 5 minute walk from the airport through an air-conditioned, underground walkway. The hotel also provides complimentary 24-hour shuttle between the airport and the hotel. I booked a 1 night stay at the hotel through a 3rd party booking site (rocketmiles) and paid around 175$ after taxes (with breakfast). It is pricey compared to downtown …
Hotel Reviews Marriott/SPG ReviewsHotel Review – Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport Vip Road Opposite Kochi International Airport, Kochi, Kerala 683572, India Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport is located just across the Kochi International Airport. Although the drive takes less than 3 minutes, to walk from the airport to the hotel would be a challenge due to the busy road between. Good thing is that the hotel provides complimentary shuttle for its guests (call ahead to confirm the booking). We stayed one night at the hotel for 10,000 Marriott points. Check-in was fairly easy and everyone was super friendly and helpful throughout the stay. They insisted on …
Airline Reviews British Airways ReviewsAirline Review: British Airways – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats): London – Male (BA 61)
Flight: British Airways BA 61 from London to Male Duration: 10 hours 15 minutes Equipment: B773(Boeing 777-300) Class: Business Seat: Middle Aisle Seat Specification: Seat pitch: 72″, Seat width: 20″ MilesPointsTravel Disclaimer: This review is solely the work of Karen. I personally did not fly this segment. British Airways Business Class (Club World) features 7 rows of seats in 2 x 4 x 2 configuration with both forward and rear facing seats. This is quite a dense configuration and mainly the window seats afford a bit of privacy and the rest of them feel very open. British Airways charges for advance …
Airline Reviews British Airways ReviewsAirline Review: British Airways – Business Class (Airbus 380-800 with Lie Flat Seats): San Francisco – London (BA 286)
Flight: British Airways BA 286 from San Francisco to London Duration: 10 hours 20 minutes Equipment: A388(Airbus 380-800) Class: Business Seat: 59D (Middle Section) Seat Specification: Lie Flat Seats, Seat pitch: 72″, Seat width: 20″ MilesPointsTravel Disclaimer: This review is solely the work of Karen. I personally did not fly this segment. British Airways Business Class (Club World) features full-flat seats in 2 x 4 x 2 configuration on lower deck and 2 x 3 x 2 on upper deck. Because this airline charges for advanced seat request even for Business class, I waited till check-in time to select a seat …
Airline Reviews Korean Air ReviewsAirline Review: Korean Air – Business Class (Airbus 380-800 with Lie Flat Seats): Seoul – Bangkok (KE 657)
Flight: Korean Air KE 657 from Seoul to Bangkok Duration: 6 hours Equipment: A388(Airbus 380-800) Class: Business Seat: 10A(Window) Seat Specification: Seat pitch: 74″, Seat width: 21.6″ This flight was originally slated to be operated on a Boeing 777-300 with 2 x 3 x 2 business class seat configuration. An equipment change instead gave me the opportunity to enjoy the A380-800 upper deck with 2 x 2 x 2 business class seating on this flight. I had tried this product pre-pandemic on Seoul-Los Angeles flight early 2020. Though many websites advertise this seat as a lie-flat seat, I think this is …
Airline Reviews Korean Air ReviewsAirline Review: Korean Air – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats): Los Angeles – Seoul (KE 12)
Flight: Korean Air KE 12 from Los Angeles to Seoul Duration: 13 hours Equipment: B773(Boeing 777-300) Class: Business Seat: 10J(Window) Seat Specification: Seat pitch: 75″, Seat width: 20.6″ Korean Air operates a multitude of aircraft between its Incheon hub and various US destinations ranging from Airbus 380-800 to Boeing 777-300 to Boeing 747. I had tried the A380-800 with 2x3x2 and lie-flat seats (marketed as lie-flat but actually more like angled-flat) on Seoul – Los Angeles route in 2020 just before pandemic took over. This segment was supposed to be on an A380 when it was booked but there was an …
Asia Destination Trip ReportsNov’22 – Dec’22: India and Maldives Trip – Introduction
Just came back from my yearly family trip to India. Decided to add a short side trip of 3-night stay in the Maldives. Me and Karen had been to the Maldives in 2012 but my parents never been there. Airline reviews, hotel reviews and trip reports for this trip: Airline Review – Korean Air Business class from Los Angeles to Seoul Airline Review – Korean Air Business class from Seoul to Bangkok Airline Review – British Airways Business Class from San Francisco to London Airline Review – British Airways Business Class from London to Male Hotel Review – Courtyard by …
Airline Reviews Emirates ReviewsAirline Review: Emirates – Business Class (Airbus 380-800 with Lie Flat Seats) : Dubai – Los Angeles (EK 215)
Flight: Emirates EK 215 from Dubai to Los Angeles Duration: 16 hours 30 minutes Equipment: A388 (Airbus 380-800) Class: Business Seat: 12B (Window seat) Seat Specification: True Flat Bed, Seat pitch: 48 “, Seat width: 18.5 ” Emirates operates multiple aircraft types between Dubai and USA, mainly Airbus 380 and Boeing 777-300ER. The business class experience between these 2 aircraft are poles apart as A380 has the 1 x 2 x 1 fully flat business class seat configuration whereas Boeing 777-3000ER has angled flat seats in 2 x 3 x 2 configuration. Luckily Emirates has been operating the A380 between DXB …
Hotel Reviews Le Club AccorHotels ReviewsHotel Review: Ibis Kolkata Rajarhat
Ibis Kolkata Rajarhat Cf 12, BG Block(Newtown), Action Area 1C, Newtown, Rajarhat, West Bengal 700156, India Ibis Kolkata Rajarhat is located about 10km from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Rajarhat/Newtown locality which is a bit far from city center. This is primarily a business hotel serving IT offices in the neighborhood as tourists would prefer staying closer to the city. Cash rates were very reasonable at around $40/night. There was no work desk in the room and the only way to work was using the sofa as well as a small portable table. The shower was pretty small …