Flight: Qatar Airways QR 701 from Doha to New York Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes Aircraft: B773(Boeing 777-300ER) Class: Business Seat: 3E-F (Rear facing Middle Qsuite seats part of Quad setup) Seat Specification: True Flat Bed, Seat pitch: 79.0 “. Seat width: 21.5 ” Ever since Qatar Airways announced the Qsuite product launch I have been dreaming of trying this one out. We finally were able to travel on a Qsuites equipped Boeing 777-300 ER plane from Doha to JFK. The business class cabin comprises of 48 closed suites with some middle seats being part of a Quad setup (ideal for a family of …
Airline Reviews Qatar ReviewsAirline Review: Qatar Airways – Business Class (B773(Boeing 777-300ER) with Qsuites) : Doha – New York (QR 701)
Airline Reviews Qatar ReviewsAirline Review: Qatar Airways – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats) : Johannesburg – Doha (QR 1364)
Flight: Qatar Airways QR 1364 from Johannesburg to Doha Duration: 8 hours 50 minutes Aircraft: B773(Boeing 777-300ER) Class: Business Seat: 2J – 2K (Window & Aisle) Seat Specification: True Flat Bed, Seat pitch: 78.0 “. Seat width: 21.8 ” Qatar Airways flies a Boeing 777-300 ER between Johannesburg and Doha. The business class has 42 seats (7 rows with 2 x 2 x 2 configuration) that convert into flat beds. In current day and age, not having business class with direct-aisle access for all seats is not competitive any more. However, the seat had a lot of space in front and I was traveling …
Hotel Reviews Independent ReviewsHotel Review – Hermanus Dorpshuys Guesthouse
Hermanus Dorpshuys 20 Hill Street | Eastcliff, Hermanus, Overstrand 7200, South Africa Hermanus Dorpshuys is a independently owned B&B in Hermanus located not far from the town center. We stayed only 1 night here during our visit to Hermanus to see the whales. We stayed here during end of September and pricing was around $100 USD/night. HallwayWe checked in late in the afternoon and it was very quick. The guesthouse has 8 or so rooms and we got assigned opposite rooms down the hallway. Cecelia and Koos, the owners of this place were very courteous, friendly and helpful. They advised us about …
Hotel Reviews Marriott/SPG ReviewsHotel Review: Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge Protea Hotel Waterfront Breakwater Lodge is a Marriott Category 2 property (10,000 Marriott rewards points/night) located in a prime area in Cape Town just a mere 10 minutes walk from V&A Waterfront. Once a 19th century prison, the 3 buildings of this hotel share with the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. We checked in real late and our room and my parent’s room were assigned in different buildings. Room was standard sized with nice decor. Thumbs up: Location !! Only a 10 minute walk from V&A Waterfront with lots of dining and …
Hotel Reviews Independent ReviewsHotel Review: Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Kruger National Park Skukuza – Lower Sabie Rd, Mpumalanga, 1350, South Africa Lower Sabie Rest Camp is located in southern Kruger in an area with perhaps one of the highest concentration of leopards in the wild. It is only about 35 km from Crocodile Bridge Camp Gate. The accommodations range from Campsites to Huts, Safari Tents, Bungalows, Family Bungalows to the luxurious Guest Houses. Pricing varies from USD $25/night for Campsite to USD $425/night for Guest House. Even though I booked the accommodations about 11 months out, due to availability issues we had to book 2 …
Hotel Reviews Independent ReviewsHotel Review: Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park Kruger National Park, Satara Rd, South Africa Satara Rest Camp is located in central Kruger about 90 km from Orpen Gate. This camp houses a range of accommodations from basic Camp Sites (about $20USD/night) to Bungalows to luxurious Guest Houses ($525 USD/night). We had booked a couple of Bungalows ($110 USD per night) for 3 nights with this description – BD2V (BUNGALOW): 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Hotplate, No smoking, Perimeter, Sink, Utensils, WC and shower. These bungalows were marketed as “perimeter bungalows” meaning they were close to the fence. All that separated you from safety …
Hotel Reviews Independent ReviewsHotel Review: Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park Kruger National Park, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa Skukuza Rest camp is the largest of the Kruger National Park rest camps. It is located about 12km (30 minutes drive ) from Paul Kruger Gate, located in a very game rich area. There are a variety of accommodation options – from campsites to bungalows to guest cottages to the luxurious Guest Houses. The prices run from as low as $20 USD/night to $500 USD/night We had booked 2 bungalows for 3 nights at a rate of $100 USD/night. The official description of the bungalows on Sanparks …
Airline Reviews Cathay Pacific ReviewsAirline Review: Cathay Pacific – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats) : Hong Kong – Johannesburg (CX 749)
Flight: Cathay Pacific CX 885 from Los Angeles to Hong Kong Duration: 12 hours 50 minutes Aircraft: B773(Boeing 777-300ER) Class: Business Seat: 15D (Middle row with direct aisle access) Seat Specification: True Flat Bed, Seat pitch: 82.0 “. Seat width: 21 ” Cathay Pacific operates a 3 class (Business, Premium Economy & Economy) version of Boeing 777-300 ER between Hong Kong and Johannesburg. There are 40 business class seats laid out in 1 x 2 x 1 configuration with all seats having direct aisle access. Meal service started soon after takeoff. The chilli prawns were kind of bland and Karen’s Beef Tenderloin was not much …
Airline Reviews Cathay Pacific ReviewsAirline Review: Cathay Pacific – Business Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats) : Los Angeles – Hong Kong (CX 885)
Flight: Cathay Pacific CX 885 from Los Angeles to Hong Kong Duration: 15 hours 25 minutes Aircraft: B773(Boeing 777-300ER) Class: Business Seat: 18D (Middle row with direct aisle access) Seat Specification: True Flat Bed, Seat pitch: 81.0 “. Seat width: 21 ” Cathay Pacific operates multiple daily flights between Los Angeles and Hong Kong and all of them are on Boeing 777-300 ER in 1 x 2 x 1 configuration with all seats having direct aisle access. I had selected row 17 for my parents and next row for me and my wife. Each seat provides plenty of privacy because of the angle of seats …
Hilton Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort 2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 Hilton Hawaiian Village is a Category 7 Hilton property located right on Waikiki beach. The hotel is located about 8 miles from Honolulu International Airport. One night stay at this resort costs about 60,000 HHonors points. We arrived at the hotel on a Saturday (Memorial Day Weekend) and it was crazy busy. Check-in took about 30 minutes and we were upgraded to Rainbow Tower, corner room. There was no complimentary breakfast for Gold status members although we did get a dining credit of $10 USD per person (for …
Airline Reviews Reviews Singapore AirlinesAirline Review – Singapore Airlines – First Class (Boeing 777-300 with Lie Flat Seats): Hong Kong – San Francisco (SQ 2)
Flight: Singapore Airlines 2 from Hong Kong to San Francisco Duration: 12 hours 45 minutes Aircraft: B773 (Boeing 777 – 300ER) Class: First Seat: 1A Seat Specification: Flat bed seats in Open Suites, Seat pitch: 81″. Seat width: 35″ Singapore Airlines operates a Boeing 777-300ER on its Hong Kong to San Francisco route. The current configuration features only a single row of First Class Seats in 1 x 2 x 1 layout whereas a few years ago I flew same route with 2 rows of First Class. The suites are open (without doors) although there is plenty of privacy when you are seated. The …
Hilton Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review: Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon
Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon 3 Belilios Road, Singapore, 219924, Singapore Hilton Garden Inn Singapore is located in the Little India neighborhood just a couple minute walk from Little India MRT station (Downtown Line & North East Line). Being on Downtown Line it is easily accessible from Changi International Airport (need to switch at Expo MRT station). Check-in was smooth and when I let the front desk agent know that our outbound flight was departing early evening, he was gracious to update our check-out time to 4 PM. Our King Guest Room had clear views of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Because of …
Hotel Reviews Marriott/SPG ReviewsHotel Review: Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Road, Tay Ho District, Hanoi Sheraton Hanoi Hotel is a Category 2 SPG property located about 25 miles from Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai). This hotel is a great option for SPG point redemptions costing only 4,000 SPG points per night. Although the hotel offers paid airport transfers, I would recommend using other airport transfer services as they provide much better value. We used Hanoi Transfer Service and paid $32 for round trip service in a luxury SUV. We arrived late at night and check-in was fairly quick although not very …
Hotel Reviews Marriott/SPG ReviewsHotel Review: Le Méridien Angkor
Le Méridien Angkor Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap, Cambodia Le Méridien Angkor is an SPG category 2 hotel, located about 20 km from Siem Reap International Airport. This is the only Starwood property in Siem Reap and it costs only 4,000 SPG points per night. The hotel provides paid airport transfer however its a bit more expensive than the airport taxi which are plentiful and very easy and convenient to get. Check-in was quick and very efficient. We were given cold towels and a juice on arrival and the Assistant Front Office Manager showed up …
Airline Reviews Reviews Thai AirwaysAirline Review: Thai Airways – First Class (Boeing 747 with Lie Flat Seats) : Seoul to Bangkok (TG 659)
Flight: Thai Airways 659 from Seoul to Bangkok Duration: 5 hours 50 minutes Aircraft: B744 (Boeing 747-400) Class: First Seat: 1A Seat Specification: Flat bed seats, Seat pitch: 76″. Seat width: 21″ Thai Airways operates multiple configuration of Boeing 747s, some featuring new First class with semi-closed suites where as some featuring old style first class seats (although lie flat). The only time I traveled in Thai First Class, it was also on a 747 but with new First Class with semi-closed suites on flight from Bangkok to Sydney. I was excited to fly Thai Airways First class again but was a little disappointed …
Airline Reviews Asiana ReviewsAirline Review: Asiana Airlines – First Class (Airbus 380 with Closed Suites) : Los Angeles – Seoul (OZ 203)
Flight: Asiana Airlines 203 from Los Angeles to Seoul Duration: 13 hours 20 minutes Aircraft: A388 (Airbus 380-800) Class: First Seat: 1A Seat Specification: Flat bed seats in closed suites, Seat pitch: 81″. Seat width: 25.2″ Asiana Airlines operates twice daily flight between Los Angeles to Incheon both on an Airbus 380. The first class features 12 fully closed suites in 1 x 2 x 1 configuration in the lower deck of the A380. I was pretty excited as this flight was a lot of firsts for me (first time on Asiana First Class, first time on A380 First Class and first time on …
Airline Reviews Reviews UnitedAirline Review: United Airlines – Business Class (Boeing 747-400 with Lie Flat Seats) : Frankfurt – San Francisco (UA 59)
Flight: United Airlines 59 from Frankfurt to San Francisco Duration: 11 hours 35 minutes Aircraft: B744 (Boeing 747 – 400) Class: Business Seat: 6G – 6H Seat Specification: Flat bed seats (rear facing), Seat pitch: 76″. Seat width: 20″ United operates a Boeing 747 for its Frankfurt – San Francisco route with business class in both upper and lower decks. In upper deck its in 2 x 2 configuration and in lower its 2 x 4 x 2 configuration. Its kind of insane to put 8 business class seats in same row and I would otherwise actively try to avoid such flights. I was …
Choice Hotels/Radisson Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review: Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz Hotel Alexanderplatz 7 D-10178 Berlin Germany Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz Hotel is located in the previous East Berlin right by the Berlin Tower and within a couple of minutes walk from Alexanderplatz S+U Bahn station. The TXL Express Bus departs from Alexanderplatz station in very frequent intervals all day to Tegel Airport so this is a very convenient hotel for getting to both the Berlin Airport as well as other parts of Berlin. A point stay at this hotel costs 38,000 Club Carlson Points. The hotel is very busy (lots of tour groups) …
Choice Hotels/Radisson Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review: Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte
Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte Wallstraße 23-24, 10179 Berlin, Germany Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte is a Carlson Rezidor property located close to Museum Island area of Berlin. It is between 2 U-Bahn stations (SpittelMarket and Märkisches Museum), within 5 minutes walking distance. It is also a couple of U-bahn stops away from Alexanderplatz which makes getting to rest of Berlin very easy. A points stay at this hotel costs 38,000 Club Carlson Points. The room size is very small but clean and comfortable. The hotel is based on Wallstreet theme (hence the name) and starting from dollar bills on …
Choice Hotels/Radisson Hotel Reviews ReviewsHotel Review: Park Inn Prague
Park Inn Prague Svobodova 1961/1, 128 00 Nové Město, Czechia Park Inn Prague, a Carlson Rezidor hotel property, is located by the Vtlava river and about 5 minutes walk from Vysehrad Castle. There is a tram stop on both sides of the hotel within about 2 minutes walking distance, namely Vyton and Albertov. These two tram stops allowed us to take the tram to most parts of the city. An award stay at this hotel costs 28,000 Club Carlson points. Check-in was a breeze and the front desk agents were very courteous and efficient. The front desk also sell various …