Vegas, San Juan, HK and a StAAtus run

[moa999]

Some larger photos and full postings (in some cases) on my travel blog (once I get back from the US - say 20 Sep)
moa999's Travel Blog | trip reports for the world


A two day turnaround from my Cambodia trip (http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rip-photos/an-lcc-ride-to-cambodia-43058.html) and it was back off to the US. Unfortunately had picked up a very nasty bug somewhere in Asia which got worse on the flight home and I was coughing and blowing through my nose some nasty stuff.

A quick visit to the gp and I was sorted with some amoxycillian (I refused stronger due to interaction with alcohol which would not work) and some pseduo-indused cold and flu.
Trip was a combination of the latter part of an ex-HKG DCIRC22 with some AA fares to boost my tally as my oneworld flying may be limited in the next 12mths

QF First Lounge
Of course a QF flight always starts with this stop and once again it delivered. Notably a special champagne on offer and duly tasted, along with the special soup and risotto - the risotto especially delicious.

 

[moa999]

QF11 SYD-LAX
A380-800 v2 VH-OQD - the reconfigured bird

First flight on this bird and while I realise there are a lot of naysayers on AFF particularly, to be honest I didn't notice any issues whatsoever - if it works better for Qantas so be it.
No problems changing into PJs early into cruise... Never a queue at the toilets (and given how I felt I was heading in that direction a lot) and nothing worse than normal heading to descent.
Only comment I overheard was the crew discussing staffing where it was said that given the Econ pax there would be four crew on at all times rather than three.

Sitting in 11K, I can definitely say my seat had developed a substantial "droop". Indeed with no weight the foot of the seat was a good six-eight inches below the main bed -- QF really needs to find a solution to this. Maybe a little plastic tee to boost the height??

Had the Sweet Sour and Numbing Pork - pretty sure this is on the Neil Perry menu at Spice Temple, and damm it was good.
Quick breakfast before landing in LAX.



APEC card avoided moderate queues then a quick walk next door to the T4 Flagship Lounge, before my quick shuttle to from SFO.

Really should have eaten in the Flagship Lounge but wasn't feeling up to it.

 

[moa999]

AA2005 LAX 1240 SFO 1345
B737-800 WiFi 1hr5m
AA584 SFO 1440 LAX 1600
B737-800 WiFi 1hr20m

Will deal with these two flights together as very non-eventful flights and only about 30min cruise - purely some mileage from the DCIR. No food in First on these services - just a pack of pretzel mix and drink service.

SFO Admirals Club one of the nicest I have seen in the AA network, nice and bright with good tarmac views (albeit of Virgin America planes), but pretty quick stay given AA always boards early. Arrived into LAX about 20min ahead of schedule, straight out and waited for the shuttle.



Intercontinental Beverly Hills
Knowing where this hotel was I decided on the Westwood (UCLA) shuttle rather than the Union Sq one. Less regular and despite meant to arrive on the top of the hour arrived at 20past. Quick journey and in the lovely village of Westwood where there was nay a cab to be seen...

So with luggage I caught a bus to Wilshire, then another to Ave Stars and lugged my luggage the 750m to the hotel.
I had planned to head out to Beverly Hills but was feeling horrible so an early night it was.

Decentish hotel (on priceline under $100) and due to plumbing works mid-4am got a free 1L bottle of water.
Left hotel at 830 for a Westwood cafe and the 9am shuttle back which made the airport in 20min (amazing for LA)

Waited for a friend and his brother (WP and NB) who had both received a Y-J points upgrade on QF11, then F opup at gate -- some ppl have all the luck (admittedly only on a 747) who hit a massive queue at immi and didn't get into the FL till 1130.

AA1928 LAX 1225 LAS 1335
B 737-800 WiFi 1hr10m
Another non eventful flight, apart from the very cheery service, pre-takeoff alcohol and the playing of Viva Las Vegas music - a great way to get you into the mood.

 

[moa999]

HRH Suites @ Hard Rock
Great new super modern rooms in this all-suite extension to the Hard Rock. Resort fee included inroom WiFi. The main hotel pool is quite small although this is because the larger pool/party area is reserved for the Rehab parties.

Was here with 8 guys for a bucks / bachelor party and we got around and did it well - it was Labor Day weekend so a massive weekend.

For the youngsters around itin was
Fri Day Rehab @ Hard Rock
Fri Night Marquee @ Cosmopolitan
Sat Day XS @ Wynn/Encore with Avicci
Sun Day Rehab @ Hard Rock
Sun Night Surrender @ Wynn/Encore with Calvin Harris
Mon Day chilled Rehab @ Hard Rock
Somewhere managed a little sleep and a little food. The budget was under $2/head and we came in under and had an awesome time.

 

[moa999]

Then a quick three flight jaunt down to San Juan for some sun. Booked as a three-flight instant upgrade LAS-LAX-JFK-SJU (F/J/J - not fully optimised but 60+100+80=240 SCs for $386.

AA776 LAS 1925 LAX 2035
B737-800 1hr10m Wifi
Another non-eventful 737, then a quick bite of a great fried chicken dish in the FL.

AA30 LAX 2335 JFK 0800
B767-200 5hr25m WiFi, Seat 5J
The red-eye by AA -- far superior to the QF experience.
Why -- this flight is setup to do what most want to do -- sleep.
On boarding, blankets on biz seats, all window shades down and lights at low. From takeoff one short announcement and that's it - drinks/snack only if you wanted - most didn't.
These old 767 seats have a great recline and most were quickly off to sleep. First wakeup call 20min out of landing to maximise sleep and no breakfast served.
Actually felt ok after a few hrs, and we landed 25min early.
Depsite being as ancient (if not older than QFs 767s) the addition of some big flatscreen Tvs (one 42" and a couple of 30") makes the cabin look a lot newer than projectors.

Into the regular AC in the Satellite for a quick coffee and back on another plane (not a status run at all!)

AA1357 JFK 0840 SJU 1245
B757 Intl 4hr5m WiFi, Seat 6F
Got AAs Intl bird with PTV which according to my seatmate was a rarity on this route. A weird bed mode that pushes up before settling back into an angled bed but gained me a few more zzs.
Quite a nice bacon quiche served for breakfast, or cereal.

 

[moa999]

Had decided on a few days in San Juan for some sun and a decent SC run that came in under $1.50/SC which would help lockin WP to mid-2014. On the whole San Juan strikes me as a bit dated (very 50s glam) versus the hipped up Miami, yet very relaxed and chilled. Despite being a US state it is very Spanish, and English speakers definitely in the minority.

Caribe Hilton San Juan
The furthest hotel on the strip and closest to Old San Juan. Paid the taxi mafia fare of $19 (flat) plus 2 (fuel) plus 2 (1 per bag) -- a cheap hire car prob cheaper.
The Caribe is an old 1945 build that shows its age in parts but is quite nice. Reputed to be where the Pina Colada was developed and the only hotel in San Juan with a private beach. Despite being on a $90 Priceline rate got the minimal Hilton Diamond benefits (free wired internet, 2 bottles water and continental breakfast). Was in a Level 5 room in the main tower. Rooms have recently been updated with new furniture, flatscreen tv, bathroom basin and tiles. Still a combined shower/bath. Hallways also appear to have been modernised. Nice outdoor area with good sized pool and plenty of dining choices. Subway and mini-mart just down the road, or about a 20min walk into Old San Juan (or some closeish bus services)

Intercontinental San Juan, Isla Verda
Shifted to the Intercontinental (which is rated as a better hotel) for the last few days - closer to the airport.
Resort fee did not include internet (lucky the very nearby Chillis and BK have free wifi and subsequently cost the hotel some f&b revenue as I explored the local scene).
Very old school hotel, designed for Intercontinetal with the logo perfectly fitting across the top - hallways dark with green carpet, rooms are brown wood 1980s with old tv and ill fitting fridge. Good pool and some hotel chairs on a shared beach. Great gym overlooking the beach. Pool bars are interesting - one in the middle of the pool, the other out the back to the beach. Food prices about the same but drinks substantially cheaper out the back (eg $8v12 for a coughtail). Next door to the El San Juan (Hilton) which has a Brother Jimmys on the top floor and much better nightlife options. To be honest I preferred the Caribe Hilton.
Supermarket across the road has shut down but hotel has a small, albeit pricy option of its own.



SJU Airport and AC

The flights back was the motherload status run. Single day, four flights SJU-MIA-JFK-ORD-LAS in J/F/F/F for 60+90+90+90=330SCs for $456 (would have been cheaper but booked it 7 days out)

SJU security was hopeless. Three lines - two regular and a Priority AAccess line that the first agent directed you to (as long as the other two lines). Then only 2 security staff - one doing the left and middle public lines, the other the middle and priority line in a 2:1 ratio as well as staff and crew (at least 30ppl versus the 20 in front of me). Another security person joined for a while and just served the left lane -- end result Priority DisAAccess and a 35min wait. Thankfully only have to do it once today.

Meant I only had 15min in the fairly ordinary SJU AC. Tea/coffee some average biscuits. Had both a downstairs and upstairs area and bar, albeit upstairs was closed, given staff outnumbered users 5:3.



AA557 SJU 0810 1030
B757 Dom, Seat 5K No wifi, 2hr20m

AA1510 MIA 1145 JFK 1430
B757 Dom, Seat 1K No wifi, 2hr50m

Two pretty non-eventful flights on AAs 757. Sure a dated plane with big push button light switches but a modern biz seat with seat forward recline and a nice alcove for a laptop, drinks table and a sturdy bifold main table.

On the morning flight offered the choice between an egg and cheese enchilada (with a side of meat) and cornflakes. Champagne on board (unsure what) was from a 750ml bottle and refills were flowing. Original flight arrived into MIA 20min, and the departing flight was already listed as 20min late.

 

[moa999]

Did the skytrain (first time at MIA since it opened) then walk to E Terminal for the better BA/IB Premium Lounge (former Flagship) only to find it is only open 1pm-10pm. So the Gate D30 AC it was (didn't get any special drink vouchers either!) which is passable though looking dated with its green glass partitions - a few cookies on offer - slightly better than SJU.



On the afternoon flight despite starting boarding only 25min before takeoff we pushed back on time with a full plane. Drink and warm nuts shortly into cruise. Then lunch - choice of chicken with pine nuts or a salad with shrimp. Then the famous AA warm cookie.

 

[moa999]

Posted during a 2hr layover at JFK Flagship

 

[Simo]

Thinking of doing the same run when in USA in Feb next year

 

[etops1]

Nice one!

I'm heading to sunny san juan next month, hurricanes permitting.

 

[Isochronous]

Planning a SJU run in Jan/Feb, will take the tip on the Hilton!

 

[moa999]

Got my calcs wrong - ORD-LAS got 120 SCs so 360 SC for the day.... happy hunting.

Should have added when printing out all four boarding passes in SJU the boarding pass had notification on which aircraft had WiFi (only 1 of 4 for me today - useful if thinking about buying 24hr gogo). Interestingly this trip has been mostly 738s, albeit none new, with only one MD80, a reversal of previous AA trips - so obviously the retirements are having an impact.

JFK Flagship Lounge

With a 2hr30min layover made the walk back to the main terminal and got the heavy key and keycard for the Flagship Lounge doors. Surprisingly full. Two soups and four sandwiches on offer for the post-lunch sitting. Usual range of self-serve beverages including some Asahi.

The lounge has a great view out to the main AA satellite terminal for jetspotters and heaps of powerpoints for the laptop and ithingy addicted.

Made a start on this trip report that I had been typing on my Blackberry in flight and posted to AFF.

AA1351 JFK 1700 ORD 1855
B737-800, Seat 6F, WiFi 2hr55m

An ancient 737 with the old crt tvs in the middle and tray tables not in the centre console but full width. Affable crew who did a full drink service whilst economy was still boarding.

Menu choice was Stuffed pasta shells with sundried tomato and ricotta in a red sauce or Sage chicken with vegetables with orders taken according to FEBO.



Pilot came on saying we were expected into ORD half an hour early as we had got out of JFK quickly (online in a line of five) and had good winds. Despite this, meal service took a fair while served front to back. Pasta was delicious as was the dessert.

ORD Flagship Lounge

Arriving early meant time for a quick visit to the ORD lounge. Good drink selection inc flavoured Vodka and Sapporo (JAL departures) and a nice footy lounge for the NFL opener. Mix of soups and some average skewers, samosas and a make your own salad. Lounge only moderately full. Interestingly BA seems to run a shuttle bus service from the AA terminal to its (similar to QF at LAX)



Walked quickly down to K2 to arrive at boarding time to see pax still deplaning - this will not be on time.

AA2013 ORD 1945 LAS 2135
MD-83, No WiFi 3hr50m

Actually boarded by 1945 but then had mechanics come on board to fix a seat and pushed back 10min late. Was on a MD83/S80 with the blue leather/cloth seats, similar to the old 738 on last flight. Whilst the MD80 is an old aircraft and definitely outdated technology, with the engines so far back it is damm quiet (say A380 quiet upfront), particularly on takeoff. Absolutely no IFE (TV or radio on these ancient beasts)

Food served from the back under FEBO direct from cart. Choice of Chicken Cobb Salad or Cheese Enschilada (a snack meal!). Ate half and left the chips. I had been up for a while by now.



Skipped the cookie service (choc chip as well!!)

Interestingly two packs of freshly ground coffee in the toilets to mask an otherwise nasty smell from the blue flushes.


Some observations on AA and the First service
On most aircraft (ex the MD80 where it is entirely PA read aka DJ), the safety demo is all video with no FA involvement.
Despite much larger First/Biz cabins and a see thru cloth divider there is no protection of the front toilets.
Unlike my recent Asian experiences where there was a regimented blocking of the aisle when tech crew exited the coughpit, it appears more lax, although the no queuing in front cabin is strictly enforced.
The drinks (spirits) are damm strong! (Like most of the US) and you don't go hungry.
The crew is pretty variable and on the whole fairly old.

 

[moa999]

Two more priceline.com name your price hotels - one in Vegas, and one in Flagstaff, Arizona (about 60m from Grand Canyon).
I tend to use priceline combined with biddingfortravel.com to get a sense of what others have paid and free rebid areas (ie areas where there are no other hotels in your class so you can gradually raise the bid while still effectively bidding the same zone)


Vdara Suites, Las Vegas
Vdara Las Vegas
<$100 on Priceline on a Sun night
New all suite and spa hotel just off the strip next to the Cosmpolitan, with a back door entrance to the Bellagio (although a hike to reach the fountains).
Has quite a nice pool that seems more designed for sun lounging than partying which some may appreciate.. A lot more sun lounges than the HardRock for example.
Arrived late, went out for a walk on the strip and quick sleep so can't say much more about the hotel, apart from it is definitely a strong 5*





Single night stay before collecting a car and heading to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, staying at Flagstaff for two nights.
Had booked a Hertz Intermediate on the AU site (for the LDW inclusion).. Per my matched Virgin status got an auto upgrade to a full size (Impala) or offered an upgrade to a Mercedes C300 for US$15/ day... That was a quick choice...
Travelling solo, Hertz NeverLost was also a must add.

Little America, Flagstaff
Flagstaff Hotels | Grand Canyon | The Little America Hotel

Picked Flagstaff as the major town closest to Grand Canyon and bid randomly on 3.5star places (about the highest in the region).
Ended up with the Little America for $75/night (versus rack of double this).
Is a little bit (2mi out of old Flagstaff) and a 2/3 level hotel of at least 200 beds. Sits on a massive property with its own trail walk through the back country.
Rooms are somewhat dated, although large. New LCD tv, fridge somewhat surprisingly in the bathroom and free wired and wifi in the room.
Buffet breakfast for $13/adult, and a Happy Hour (50% off) from 5-7pm on draft beers (local and craft) and Appetisers. After having a late lunch on my second night, an appetiser for dinner was enough.

 

[moa999]

OK... It's taken a while.

Grand Canyon
Unfortunately had a bit of a miserable day up there... Left Flagstaff around 9am and arrive at the top at 11am where it was about 22deg and cloudy.
Walked between the two main visitors centres and had some cracking views, albeit with ocassional thick cloud wofting across.
Then it started raining, took the free red bus back to the car and then tracked along the route to the Watchtower, then back home to Flagstaff via the Crater lake site.

Las Vegas Airport

Leaving Flagstaff at 530am (in hindsight I should have done part of the journey the night before) my Hertz NeverLost showed 4h30m rather than the 3h45m the night before!! Quickly calced it was working on a 52mph avg, which given most of the journey was at 75mph on I40 looked wrong. Caught up time and with a fuel stop was at Hertz at 9am. Tried to check in for my 1005 flight (carry-on only) at the multi-airline terminals at the Rental-Car returns but rejected it requiring agent intervention (presumably due to international connection).
So over to Terminal 1 where I arrived at 9.10 to be finally served by the agent in the First Class queue at 9.55. Given my 10.05 737-800 flight left from Terminal D requiring security and a train this was not going to work - luckily found space in First on a flight 75min later.
AA clearly does not have enough staff at LAS. The fact that their terminals won't read international passports meant a 45min wait for what should not have been needed. Then we have the staff. The much shorter First queue splits into two lines served by two agents. I chose the shorter left queue with 5 ppl/couples in front of me -- bad idea. Not only was this agent insanely slow - ten minutes for one person, she then also decided to select people from the other queue in a 1:1 fashion, despite that lane having a dedicated agent. Protests by those in front of me were met with no response. Insanely slow and stupid, thankfully it was ok for me.
First security was no better (unlike the previous LAS departure and took 15min) -

The Club Las Vegas
Gave me 25min in the Priority Pass The Club Las Vegas... Quite a nice little lounge, good tarmac views, limited food - crisps and a few biscuits but a good selection of alcohol (beers and spirits) all gratis. Corona took the edge off.

AA1310 LAS 1120 LAX 1235
MD80, 1hr15m
Arrived at gate to 1050 to see incoming flight deplaning.. Not good. However boarded quickly and ended up leaving gate 10min late with the pilot coming on and saying he hoped to make up time. 2mins later he sheepishly said that LAX control had delayed them already and we would wait 10min for a slot. Landed about 10min late but had a quick taxi to gate.

Short flight with drink orders taken before takeoff and served subsequently. FA forgot the pretzels and brought them around once most had finished drinks.

With only 25min to boarding I sprinted out of T4 and into TBIT -- no queue at all!, and into the TBIT First Lounge, which was very empty having just emptied of QF107 passengers, all within 10 minutes -- what was I worried about!! Some moderate antipasto selections and some cold sandwiches as well as some decent champagne (Tattinger) and wines (inc Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay).




As you leave the lounge you can see some of the floorspace has been renovated ready for connection to the new great hall in the TBIT expansion.

 

[moa999]

then onto JAL flight.... I love Japanese food so was looking forward to it

JL61 LAX 1330 NRT 1650+1
B777-3, 11hr20m

Menu (LAX-NRT JL061 '12-C) - Executive Class

Japanese Course
Amuse Bouche - Ham, Artichoke & Olive; Artichoke and Spinach Dip with Bread Stick
Nine Kobachi Bowls - Deep-fried Sea-bass, Broccoli with Apple Vinegar Sauce; Smoked Salmon & Egg Yolk "Sushi" Style; Squid Julienne with Fermented Soybeans; Grilled Mackeral with Nuts; Braised Duck Breast & Duck Meat Ball; Shrimp & Eggplant with Chilli Sauce; Egg Tofu: Grilled Beef Seasame Soy Sauce Flavour, Beet Jelly; Simmered Shrimp Ball rolled with Chinese Cabbage
Dainomono - Deep-fried Halibut with Mushroom Sauce
Accompaniements - Steamed Rice / Miso Soup / Japanese Pickles
Dessert - Rolled Cheese Cake with Cherry, topped with Cassis Cream (prepared by Jin Patisserie)

Western Course
Amuse Bouche - Ham, Artichoke & Olive; Artichoke and Spinach Dip with Bread Stick
Hors-d-ouvere - Lobster Claw; Grilled Scallop with Mozzarella Cheese with Ravigote Sauce; Fresh Salad Appetizer
Main (choice) - Grilled US Prime Beef with Mushroom Duxelles & Green Peppercorn Sauce; Sauteed Artic Char with Kiwi Beurre Blanc Saunce
Accompaniements - Bread or Steamed Rice
Dessert - Rolled Cheese Cake with Cherry, topped with Cassis Cream (prepared by Jin Patisserie)

Any time (after first meal to 90min before landing)

Order in the Sky - Beef Bowl Yoshinoya; Assorted Dim Sum
Sky Bistro - Sliders (Hamburger & BBQ) with Salad & Chips; Tokyo Curry Lab (Vegetable Keema Curry with Steamed Rice); Penne Pasta with Mushroom Sauce; Fresh Seasonal Salad; Potato & Mushroom Clam Chowder
Noodle Shop "Sora Men Tei" - Japanese Udon Noodles in Soup with Seaweed
Boulangerie - Sandwich with Depp-fried Breaded Chicken; Croissant Sandwich with Roast Beef
Sora-Gohan - Japanese Set Plate
- Kobachi - Simmered Fried Eggplant
- Dainomono - Grilled Sablefish "Saikyo Miso" Flabour; Steamed Rice; Miso Soup
Gochisou-Plate - Western Set Plate
- Relish - Fresh Fruits
- Main - French Toast with Blueberry & Banana
Marriage (with wine) - Assorted Cheese
Dolce - Chocolate; Belgian Chocolate Gelate (Ciao Bella Gelato); Fresh Fruits

Wines (AMR '12-C-ORG)
Champagne - Champagne Delamotte Brut (France)
White - Baron Phillipe de Rothschild Maipo Chile Chardonnay por Escudo Rojo 2010 (Chile); Errazuriz Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (Chile)
Red - Chateau Le Monteil-d'Arsac Haut Medoc 2006 (France); Remoissenet Pere et Fils Bourgogne Rouge Renommee 2010 (France); Bodegas CARO Amancaya Mendoza 2010 (Argentina)

Beverages
Apertif - Sherry; Campari; Plum Wine; Martini; Bloody Mary
Whiskey - Suntory The Hakushu 12y sing; Suntory The Yamazaki 12y sing; Chivas Regal; Jack Daniel's Black
Spirit - Bombay Sapphire Gin; Absolut Vodka
Brandy / Liquer - Cognac Remy Martin VSOP; Cointreau; Baileys Ice Cream
Beer - not detailed
Schochu - Gokoo; Jinkoo
Sake - Mikotsuru Junmai Daiginjo; Houoh-Biden Junmai Daiginjo



Having changed my flights a week out hadn't rechecked with JAL and ended up with the so-called dread middle seat in JAL 777-3's 2x3x2 ShellFlat Neo configuration -- and people complain about QF putting a middle seat in for the coast-coast services . A decent seat, albeit only lie flat.



Had JALs older MagicIII system. Moderate selection of Western movies (although not latest release) and audio (although on a 12-song rotation)

For meal an hour after takeoff went the Japanese course - the Kobachi bowls, particularly the Duck, Beef and Squid were amazing - I actually think cold meats work better on planes and this was awesome!!

 

[moa999]

For the main the Halibut was ok. The Western beef also looked decent (seatmates)



Then time for a bit of shut eye given I was having an extended long day travelling West. Then finally the famous curry and dim sum for a lunch time Asia time.

 

[moa999]

JAL First Lounge, Narita

Couple of hours layover at the First Lounge. Didn't eat much, but had a Sapporo from the beer pouring machines - interestingly there are three beer pouring stations in the lounge and each has a different beer.
Tried to get a massage but unfortunately not available until my departure time, so the chair machine it was.
A new model since my last visit, this one goes back so you are almost lying in the chair rather than sitting in it.

 

[moa999]

Then a short flight over to Taipei.

JL809 NRT 1850 TPE 2135
B767, 3hr45m

Menu & Wines (NRT-TPE/KHH,HND-TSA JL 805/809/811/031/039) '12-C - Executive Class

Japanese - Wakayama Gozen
Syokado Box - Pickled Plum Flavoured Kimchi; Grilled Chicken with Kinzanji Miso; Simmered Vegetables; Simmered Taro; Sesame Tofu; Japanese Pickles
Dainomono - Deep-fried Tuna with Pickled Plum Sauce
Accompaniements - Steamed Rice, Miso Soup
Dessert - Ice Cream (Haagen Dazs)

Western - Casual Dining
Appetizer Box - Savory Egg Custard with Mushroom: Roast Beef with Marinated Bell Pepper; Crabmeat Salad & Smoked Sea-bass; Terrine of Pumpkin & Chicken; Citrus Marinated Salmon; Sweet-marinated Vegetables
Main Dish - Japanese Beef Hamburger Steak with Shimeji Mushroom Sauce
Accompaniements - Onion Soup; Fresh Salad; Bread & Hokkaido Butter
Dessert - Ice Cream (Haagen Dazs)

Wines
Champagne - Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royal Brut
White - Louis Max Macon Villages 2009 or 2010 (Bourgogne, France)
Red - Louis Max Cote de Nuits Villages Rouge 2009 or 2010 (Bourgogne, France)
Schochu - Gokoo; Jinkoo

Went the Western dining option this time as the choice looked a bit better, paired mostly with the Red.

 

[moa999]

Novotel Taipei Taowon
Second stay here and again didn't disappoint. As Plat upgraded to 9th floor with breakfast in the lounge (awesome for planespotters as views over both main runways) and a free drink voucher for the bar that night. Good breakfast offerings and very friendly staff member. Can also check out on this floor, then shuttle back to airport.
hotel also has one of the largest and best hotel gyms I have ever seen.



For other users the shuttle times for the hotel shuttle appear to be as follows.
on the 00 and 30 leaving hotel, 15 and 45 leaving T1 and 20 and 50 leaving T2
Bus was almost full at 9.50pm, yet I was the only passenger on the 830am the next morning.

Taipei airport T1 renovations are nearing completion and the checkin areas are starting to look good. Gone is the pink lino replaced by a black and white marble with wooden accents. Will be nice once complete.

 

[moa999]

CX469 TPE 1020 HKG 1200
B777-2, 1hr40m

Menu (405/467/469/495A-3298J/C3 A-O/12)

Starter - Fresh seasonal fruits
Main - Stir-fried garoupa and shrimp with yu shang sauce, steamed rice and pak choy; Baked chicken thigh with herb cheese crust and mushroom cream sauce, new potatoes, grilled zucchini and capsicum; Cheese ravioli with tomato concasse and Parmesan
Dessert - Mocca mousse cake with pear compote
Tea and Coffee

Wines
Champagne - Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne
White - Buissonnier Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise 2010 (France); Mount Riley Marlborogh Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (NZ)
Red - Moonvine McLaren Vale Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2009; Chateau Taffard de Blaignan Medoc 2009

A 777 with the old J coffins - starting to look a little tired. Some pasta for lunch.




Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan
Stayed at the brand new Ibis (booked through Wotif as it was 15% cheaper than direct, and I didn't have time to fight for match)
The Central in this hotels name is a misnomer - it is Sheung Wan and even then a four good blocks from the MTR away from Central. That said the trolley tram and buses runs by the front door (including one direct to Hong Kong Station) so walks can be avoided.
Downstairs is still a construction zone with Starbucks and another outlet going in, though checkin on Lev 5. Very efficient staff. Received a high floor harbour view (x08-16) which was great. Rooms are cozy yet functional with desk space, small open closet, safe, lcd tv and bathroom with tiny shower.
Small fridge that hardly fits the free bottle of water and the safe won't fit more than a 11" laptop (which is poor). TV channels fairly limited for HK (only about 20) and no info packs or rest menus whatsoever in the room. Also no iron or ironing board.