Recent content by ric_melb

I used to stay at Four Points Geelong (Now Novotel) regularly to keep my Marriott (Starwood) Status, before it changed hands. From memory could usually get a room for between $100 and $150 a night. After it became Novotel the rates were more like $200 a night. Over $300 a night is plainly...

Sofitel Wentworth Sydney will not have rooms available for booking from 8 January 2024 until 17 February 2024. This is due to major renovations. Hotel will reopen room availability from 17 February in a limited capacity, and it appears full renovations will not be complete until Spring 2024.

We all have our tastes and opinions re dining. I guess i like Sofitel Melbourne for so many reasons, but I have really enjoyed recent meals there. The food is fairly high end dining, but I think using quality produce adds to the experience. And of course the view is an added bonus. The first...

When you see the Virgin Lounge in Hobart it really makes you want to fly Qantas. 🤣🤣🤣

It will of course depend on where traffic is coming from and going to. There is always the option of going on non tolled roads, such as the Westgate Bridge. People on the south east side of Melbourne can still go over the Bolte Bridge, like they do now. So the tolls should be the same. The...

Monday before Melbourne Cup Day could have seen less flights than usual in the before 3pm period. Last time I flew out of OOL there were a number of QF flights so lounge was open continuously from Noon to 3pm. Many QF Lounges, as opposed to Qantas Clubs in the major capitals, only open one...

I believe I am able to add to kangarooflyer88's knowledge base regarding refurbishment of the QF Auckland Lounges. Qantas plan to create a First/Business Lounge in Auckland, using the current spaces, plus additional space that they have negotiated with Auckland Airport. The combined capacity of...

Admittedly it was two years ago but when 4 of us stayed and ate at Tesoro with 2 Accor Plus cards we got 50% off breakfast and dinner. Of course policies may change. 😎😎

From memory the Citibank Dining Program, with the free bottle of wine practically ceased in early 2020 when McWilliams, the wine partner went into voluntary administration. Subsequently Calabria Wines bought the McWilliams business in May 2021 and it appears the various partners decided to...

Both Coles and Woolworths stock Colgate Cavity Protection Regular Flavour toothpaste in 90 Gram size for $2 a tube. It disappeared from their shelves during Covid but is back again. Bottom shelf usually.

Good morning. I would like to be waitlisted for the 11 August dinner please. Sorry for late advice but I will not be able to attend the 14 July dinner. (not confirmed or waitlisted.) I know all attendees will enjoy dinner and good company.

I think you will find that you can only get 5.5% on one Savings Maximiser account. (Presumably the other 8 accounts earn no interest or a lesser rate). Check the fine print.

Noting my interest also.

Good morning. I would like to second luxury-lizard's advice. You should seek the advice of a financial advisor or accountant in this matter, so that your total financial position can be taken into account. A number of banks are now offering every day accounts with higher interest rates but...

As a Qantas shareholder I am bemused by comments about the company being run for the benefit of the shareholders. Apart from company directors being responsible to shareholders, they also have other responsibilities to customers, the public, and governments. This can be a difficult balancing...