Three days, three hotels, a wedding anniversary and a status run - because we can!

[Flyfrequently]

Funny how things evolve, or how my mind works according to the Flyfrequently family.

We always like to celebrate our wedding anniversary, so with my Accor Plus, I booked my Free Night at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins before the program changed.
I also had a credit with Qantas for an involuntary downgrade due to equipment change that needed to be used, and of course the Amex Ultimate Travel Credit.

No rush I thought, then realised Mr Flyfrequently was 65 SC's short of retaining WP.
Along comes DSC in February and how about a MEL-BNE-MEL flight and overnighter at The Pullman?
I'm just the sort of punter that Qantas and Accor like!
So am using up QF and Amex credits, a free night and ticking over WP for him and I get a bit spoiled for 3 days.

 

[Flyfrequently]

The itinerary is today - Thursday, overnight stay at Sofitel Melbourne.
Friday fly to Brisbane and overnight at Pullman Airport.
Saturday return to Melbourne early evening and overnight at Novotel Melbourne Airport - because we can

 

[Flyfrequently]

And to wrap up Day #1, Hotel #1.
Sofitel have looked after us with an upgrade to a corner room, higher floor with bay and river views

A bottle of French sparkling and a hand written card congratulating us on our 47 years


Made it a bit of a moveable feast in the Club Lounge with a glass of Sparkling to start

It was very busy early on - Prawn Karaage, Mexican Chicken Empanadas and Vegetarian Bao Buns


So came back later towards 7pm for more prawns and cheese

Tiramisu sweet treat and a Bailey's.

Turndown service (haven't had that in awhile) chocolates
and a vial of lavender spray whilst we romantically watch Gather Round on the telly. Needless to say when I booked last September, had no idea the Blues were playing

 

[VPS]

And to wrap up Day #1, Hotel #1.
Sofitel have looked after us with an upgrade to a corner room, higher floor with bay and river views
View attachment 503125View attachment 503126
A bottle of French sparkling and a hand written card congratulating us on our 47 years
View attachment 503127

Made it a bit of a moveable feast in the Club Lounge with a glass of Sparkling to start
View attachment 503131
It was very busy early on - Prawn Karaage, Mexican Chicken Empanadas and Vegetarian Bao Buns
View attachment 503129

So came back later towards 7pm for more prawns and cheese
View attachment 503132
Tiramisu sweet treat and a Bailey's.
View attachment 503133
Turndown service (haven't had that in awhile) chocolates
View attachment 503134and a vial of lavender spray whilst we romantically watch Gather Round on the telly. Needless to say when I booked last September, had no idea the Blues were playing

And if you’re a blues fan, you’re probably not that happy tonight

I was out to dinner in the CBD tonight and it was absolutely chaotic so I made sure we were home before the rain and the football finished

 

[Flyfrequently]

And if you’re a blues fan, you’re probably not that happy tonight

I'm not that interested in the footy @VPS so the disappointment wasn't mine
The rain in the final quarter looked pretty.....wet! Hopefully it doesn't disrupt our MEL-BNE flight tomorrow

 

[Pushka]

I'm not that interested in the footy @VPS so the disappointment wasn't mine
The rain in the final quarter looked pretty.....wet! Hopefully it doesn't disrupt our MEL-BNE flight tomorrow

Yes. The forecast was for a shower or two. We don't get rain like that last night and all yesterday actually, in Adelaide. Blame @VPS It was supposed to be hot.

Enjoy the stay.

 

[ellen10]

Happy 47th anniversary @Flyfrequently .
Great start to your getaway, enjoy!

 

[Flyfrequently]

Day # 2 Friday, started with blue skies in Melbourne and an early breakfast in No.35


Not being sure of the traffic to the airport, we checked out of Sofitel by 10am only to find the CBD fairly quiet, more like a leisurely Sunday morning. Guess many take advantage of WFH.

As we are staying Saturday night at Novotel Melbourne Airport, we had booked their complimentary shuttle and parking for 2 nights @ $40 pn.
Shekar on Reception acknowledged my Platinum status and asked if it was ok if he gave us a reduced rate, would 20 bucks per night do? Ah, yes thank you very much!

When I mentioned we might stay in June prior to our 15 day trip, he offered a rate of $15 pn - which we will accept. This turns out to be cheaper than our usual off-site parking.

Quick shuttle over to Terminal 1, through security without issue and up the escalator to Melbourne J Lounge.
Typical Melbourne weather and the clouds have rolled in.

Enjoyed Sweet Potato, Carrot and ginger soup

followed by Sichuan minced pork and noodles


The Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team boarded first followed by groups 1&2, push back was 10 minutes tardy but arrived on time.
Excellent service from Paul and Tania.
Chose the Chicken Curry (can't find the Business Class Meal thread)


and given a goodie bag to celebrate our anniversary - thanks Paul

Warm sunny 25° on arrival


Having done the walk across to Pullman Brisbane more than once, foolishly, I let Me Flyfrequently lead the way - oh well, 20 minutes later, we got our steps up - always a plus to everything!


Checked in for night #2.

Great view of the airport runways


Quick phone calls from Flyfrequently offspring and down to Apron Bar for canapes and our 2 drinks

Decided on a light dinner to share in the Bar


A few rowdy patrons were keeping the bar staff busy, think these punters left their manners at home
The staff thoughtfully suggested we might like to have our dessert in our room - we would enjoy it more - and we did.


Dubai chocolate tart - delicious!
SC landed same time as we did, no DSC yet....

Day #2

 

[Pushka]

I think everyone from Melbourne is in Adelaide. Kinda chaotic here right now. Gather round.

 

[VPS]

I think everyone from Melbourne is in Adelaide. Kinda chaotic here right now. Gather round.

And clogging up the central market and wearing their scarves. I love when they ask what is at the top of escalators - a car park and they are very disappointed.

Sorry @Flyfrequently slightly OT - enjoy