flamboyant 1
Jul 28, 04, 4:29 pm
Hi,
This is my second trip report. I will post text live - being in Scottsdale now -; photos and updates will follow later.
:cool: I hope you will enjoy it. :)
I am having a great time.
Sunday, 18 July 2004
I am typing this with a view from the 54th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York to the Chrysler and Empire State building. The corner room 5420 is just perfect for me, it is not huge, but the interior is very nice and the in-room technology very advanced. From the bathroom one has a great view through the window next to the tub. Two Samsung flat-screen TVs are in the room, three phones, the housekeeping service did set up the room beautifully for both night and day. Yesterdays flight to NYC on Singapore Airlines was awesome as well. Great food, champagne, a very comfortable Skysuite, and the Krisworld entertainment keeps you busy for hours. I wish the flight had been longer than the 8 hours 15 minutes.
Departure at 0835 from FRA, Arrival at JFK at 1050 – local times of course.
Unfortunately my bag came out almost last and I had to wait for my arranged transportation because I was late coming from the baggage claim, so I missed a meeting for Lunch with “Catman”. In the evening I dined with 5 nice Flyertalk members at La Rosa Mexicana, which is just 2 blocks from the Mandarin Oriental.
This morning it is clouded, foggy and I even see light rain through the windows. I hope the weather gets better by the time I am finished with breakfast. An commercial air-travel related book from a very friendly Bostonian Lady arrived here at the hotel. Thanks for that. Overall I can be very grateful for what I experienced so far.
Monday, 19 July 2004
Breakfast at the famed Asiate Restaurant was good albeit the choices were rather expensive, even for 5 Diamond properties. I took the All American breakfast which was good and enough. Then I headed to the very busy Concierge to talk about what I should do for sightseeing. Of course the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the first museum to take a look at in NYC. I walk about 20 blocks up north and then see that the Metropolitan museum is closed. Great advice from the Concierge, who also told me to go to the Guggenheim Museum which is open on Mondays – thankfully. From there I proceeded down Fifth Avenue down until the 33rd street. A long walk but there is plenty to see. Many famous shops and hotels. I did go inside the Peninsula which looked rather unimpressive compared with the MO at Time Warner Center. From the 33rd Street I walked up the Broadway and I did buy a new Ralph Lauren dress shirt at Macy’s, a rather horrible shopping complex. I grabbed a slice of pizza at an Italian Restaurant on the way up to the 60th street where the Columbus Circle is. Afterwards I did use the fitness and swimming facilities on the 36th floor which feature state-of-the-art equipment and were empty. I was the only guests on the whole floor for more than an hour I would guess. The Spa person present even gave me some “toys” to play with in the pool like a noodle, a swimming platform and he offered some goggles. I really didn’t need it but the attentiveness of this young gentlemen was outstanding. Then I wanted to get a brochure from the sales office of the MO Residence and there I was told, no only with an appointment you will get any information about the apartments which are sold here. There were three persons just standing behind the reception area of the sales office doing nothing and they weren’t willing to give me a brochure. This sales office has nothing to do with the hotel which is a separate entity. I am distracted by the awesome view of Midtown Manhattan at night I have to add. The lights, the buildings and the movement of people in the adjacent tower is diverting my attention. I noticed that the TVs are on in almost every apartment that is lighted and that I can look into. What a view of the busy Big Apple. I will return to this place, already looking forward to my return now that I face tomorrows departure.
Tuesday, 20 July 2004
After another full American breakfast at Asiate I walked through Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The sculptures and the modern art wasn’t fascinating, but the classic paintings have a spectacular aura. I loved the Monet, Cezanne and especially Paul Signac’s “Port de Marseille” paintings, the weather is good today, it is rather hot at 89 degrees Fahrenheit. A scenic boat tour I did not pursue because it takes too long. I will have my complimentary lunch at Asiate in an hour, after that I will relax a little more at the pool and enjoy the skyline views from the South Tower of the Time Warner Center. Then I have to pack my bags and take the Shuttle back to the airport. I will stay at the Holiday Inn JFK because my flight tomorrow leaves fairly early and this hotel will be just a fourth of the cost of the Mandarin Oriental.
Thursday, 22 July 2004
At JFK check-in was quick and efficient, I got the seats reserved, headed airside, upstairs to the RCC where I was pleasantly surprised when the check-in agent directed me to the International First Class Lounge although I just had a Y cabin BP for JFK-IAD. The Lounge was small, dark, but well stocked with respect to food (like a continental breakfast plus sweets, chocolate, etc.) and drinks (Moet & Chandon, Minute Made, etc.). Lots of newspapers and golf magazines made the 90 minutes I had to spend there pass quickly, the flight to IAD departed late because, arrival at IAD had to be postponed due to severe traffic at IAD according to the captain. At IAD, the worst airport I have seen in my life in the U.S. and Canada, I had to take a shuttle from the T to the D terminal. After that I took a long walk to the C7 RCC which is the one where the lounge area is downstairs. The warden looked at my BP, which did not show my Star Gold status, and said, only Int. F or C class, not domestic, I told her the ticket was International and showed her my Senator Card, she then said, we are so packed, go the the RCC near your gate, which she noticed on the BP. The D8 RCC which was closest to my D3 departure gate was closed though when I arrived there. This warden seemed to dislike me. Anyway, there were just 20 minutes to boarding so I waited at the gate. When boarding began I stood in the line in 3rd position and a 65 year old man behind me told me to get to the back of the line because he was entitled to board first with his C boarding pass and since he was a 100000 mile flyer. The “important customers” can board first, he reminded me. Then I showed him my F class BP and he saw that I was in seat 1A. Gladly the UA 947 flight had the First Suite installed. Departure was delayed by 50 minutes due to a traffic jam pre-takeoff, because there were 15 planes in front of us the get airborne. Once finally in the air I reclined and was offered a drink. I asked for champagne, and was told there is no champagne at all on the plane, ridiculous for an evening flight of 5+ hours. For Dinner I took pasta with shrimps which was cold and the parmesan cheese that was listed on the menu was missing. Then with the Ice-Cream I wanted a hot or cold chocolate, not available of course. Pathetic. The captain took a southern “sunshine route to LAX”, he was pleasant and we arrived on time because the head wind barely existed going westbound this time. I watched the comedy “Along came Polly” which I enjoyed. I also slept 90 minutes, the F suite is comfortable but not wide enough. Overall UA’s service effort was bad. The FA’s chatted most of the time in the galley and they were so loud laughing that they actually woke me up. My suitcase came out late and I took the shuttle to the airport Hilton. Upgrade granted to tower’s room with club lounge access. Now I will take the hotels shuttle to Manhattan Beach and will meet with another famed Fter named Skiadcock there. The Seafood Pasta at the Beaches restaurant was good but a whole lot too much to eat at lunch. This afternoon I will then fly on UA Express/Skylink to PHX to go to the Westin Kierland Villas.
Friday, 23 July 2004
My flight to PHX from LAX was delayed about an hour due to aircraft availability but in the RCC at LAX near gate 70 I met two wonderful people whose flights were delayed as well and we chatted a long time about divergent topics from business, politics, travel and other genres. Once on the CR 700 jet I settled in seat 1A. All six persons in F class were wonderfully nice and the one female FA did a great job joking around with us although she had a horribly long day serving UA Express customers on six short haul jumps on that day. But she works four days about 16 hours and then has 16 days off. We got no car upgrade at Avis, drove to the Westin Kierland Villas which took us about 30 minutes from the Avis lot at PHX. Once there the service wasn’t great but we received a very nice villa (number 1303, highest floor possible with a very nice view over the pool area and palm court, golf course). But then we recognized there was no table on the balcony although all other balconies have table at which one could enjoy a nice breakfast. We ask front desk and concierge and are told to wait until tomorrow. Now this morning we are told that the Villas are fully booked and there is no spare table. We are just out of luck. Then we attend the Timeshare presentation with a nice guy named Chris for 10000 Starpoints. I know all about the system and impress him more than the other way around. Then I tell him about the table issue, he promises to handle it and we ask once more at the front desk. They cannot help. Although there are plenty of tables in the pool area and at the outdoor lounge area which we would take as well. A balcony without a table just sucks, especially when the weather is great. Chris could not deliver his promise though. I just got a call that we will not get a table. I know it is not a big deal for three more days here before heading for the Four Seasons Scottsdale where such an issue never exists anyway. We got another desperate offer from Starwood Vacation ownership for our money. Basically “preserve the deal available now for the VO Villa which is deeded for life for 30000 US$ and get 50000 incentive Starpoints right away for 1595 $. I think we should accept the offer just for the points, but my parents disagree. Still thinking. The housekeeping is not good, my sheet on my bed had a hole in it which is anything but “Heavanly”, bath amenties are limited to one for the three of us and asking for more we just got one more set. I don’t mind because I have a few better quality ones with me from the Mandarin Spa which sold me a nice set of Aromatherapy products (full 200ml bottles) for just 39 $. The Hermes products at the Mandarin Oriental Hongkong will be even better, already I am looking forward to staying there. The golf course is nothing to write home about which is here at the Westin Kierland, tomorrow we will play a much nicer track at Sedona (www.sevencanyons.com) – it is going to be wonderful in the Oak Creek Canyon.
Sunday, 25 July 2004
Our excursion to Sedona was wonderful. We were treated like royalty on our complementary day visit to the spectacularly beautiful Seven Canyons private golf community. I would love to be an owner there, it is just so beautiful, the service was impeccable, free snacks, drinks, cold towels everywhere. Titleist Pro V1 Practice balls, good food in the restaurant and one of America’s 10 best private golf courses. Great views from pristine fairways and greens. A peaceful world apart from urban hustle and bustle. The 1 hour 40 minute drive home from Sedona to Scottsdale was fairly pleasant because cruising at 80 miles per hour in a 300hp Cadillac DeVille is very comfortable. We arrived just before midnight because we chatted with two very friendly couples who we hopefully will meet again in Scottsdale.
This morning we had breakfast in our villa, called a few friends in Germany and wished the 2002 German Amateur Golf Champion all the best for his 21st birthday. Tomorrow we will play at Troon North’s Pinnacle course and we will move over to the adjacent Four Seasons Scottsdale resort.
Tuesday, 27 July 2004
My two rounds at Troon North’s Pinnacle course, a Tom Weiskopf Masterpiece, were outstanding: 72, 71, one under Par aggregate score after 36 holes of the pro tips. Service at the Four Seasons is very friendly and efficient, we were able to get a better room after going back to the reception because we were not content with a dark room assigned to us. Room 1413 and also room 1414 are nice, facing the pool area and some mountains. Breakfast is a disgrace at the given prices though. Both dinner at Café Isabelle in North Scottsdale and lunch at the Troon North clubhouse were good, but at the clubhouse they charge a fixed 20% tip which I find steep and there is no way to choose the tip amount yourself without the hassle of getting a second bill and explaining the reasons to the waiters. I prefer a “tip at personal discretion” with a 15% suggestion in mind. Sadly there is only a la carte breakfast and no buffet. We will play very early tomorrow morning once more with Will Rice, who joined us on Monday morning as well. He hits a good ball but does not even come close to my pure ball striking. The Cadillac we rented from Avis needs an oil change, we just hate being given cars that need service. I’ll leave it with that statement. The holidays are overall very nice, both relaxing and challenging, and I am glad for that fact. Unfortunately time is limited, therefore please excuse my short daily reviews.
Wednesday, 28 July 2004
The Monument course has a rock on the 3rd fairway, a monument on the courses signature hole. I lost two balls left of the fairway in the desert on the back nine and shot 36-39=75 on this Par 72 course which had airified greens on the front nine and fairways that were not the quality of the Pinnacle ones. Nevertheless we enjoyed one more good round with Will Rice who shot a great 81 finishing with 6 straight pars on the last 6 holes. My parents did not play well, striking the ball of the muddy fairways was fairly difficult. The sun is shining and it will reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit today. Luckily the air condition is working properly here. Tomorrow we will play no golf but rather relax and hike up Pinnacle Peak which we can view from our room across the Estancia Private Golf Community.
This is my second trip report. I will post text live - being in Scottsdale now -; photos and updates will follow later.
:cool: I hope you will enjoy it. :)
I am having a great time.
Sunday, 18 July 2004
I am typing this with a view from the 54th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York to the Chrysler and Empire State building. The corner room 5420 is just perfect for me, it is not huge, but the interior is very nice and the in-room technology very advanced. From the bathroom one has a great view through the window next to the tub. Two Samsung flat-screen TVs are in the room, three phones, the housekeeping service did set up the room beautifully for both night and day. Yesterdays flight to NYC on Singapore Airlines was awesome as well. Great food, champagne, a very comfortable Skysuite, and the Krisworld entertainment keeps you busy for hours. I wish the flight had been longer than the 8 hours 15 minutes.
Departure at 0835 from FRA, Arrival at JFK at 1050 – local times of course.
Unfortunately my bag came out almost last and I had to wait for my arranged transportation because I was late coming from the baggage claim, so I missed a meeting for Lunch with “Catman”. In the evening I dined with 5 nice Flyertalk members at La Rosa Mexicana, which is just 2 blocks from the Mandarin Oriental.
This morning it is clouded, foggy and I even see light rain through the windows. I hope the weather gets better by the time I am finished with breakfast. An commercial air-travel related book from a very friendly Bostonian Lady arrived here at the hotel. Thanks for that. Overall I can be very grateful for what I experienced so far.
Monday, 19 July 2004
Breakfast at the famed Asiate Restaurant was good albeit the choices were rather expensive, even for 5 Diamond properties. I took the All American breakfast which was good and enough. Then I headed to the very busy Concierge to talk about what I should do for sightseeing. Of course the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the first museum to take a look at in NYC. I walk about 20 blocks up north and then see that the Metropolitan museum is closed. Great advice from the Concierge, who also told me to go to the Guggenheim Museum which is open on Mondays – thankfully. From there I proceeded down Fifth Avenue down until the 33rd street. A long walk but there is plenty to see. Many famous shops and hotels. I did go inside the Peninsula which looked rather unimpressive compared with the MO at Time Warner Center. From the 33rd Street I walked up the Broadway and I did buy a new Ralph Lauren dress shirt at Macy’s, a rather horrible shopping complex. I grabbed a slice of pizza at an Italian Restaurant on the way up to the 60th street where the Columbus Circle is. Afterwards I did use the fitness and swimming facilities on the 36th floor which feature state-of-the-art equipment and were empty. I was the only guests on the whole floor for more than an hour I would guess. The Spa person present even gave me some “toys” to play with in the pool like a noodle, a swimming platform and he offered some goggles. I really didn’t need it but the attentiveness of this young gentlemen was outstanding. Then I wanted to get a brochure from the sales office of the MO Residence and there I was told, no only with an appointment you will get any information about the apartments which are sold here. There were three persons just standing behind the reception area of the sales office doing nothing and they weren’t willing to give me a brochure. This sales office has nothing to do with the hotel which is a separate entity. I am distracted by the awesome view of Midtown Manhattan at night I have to add. The lights, the buildings and the movement of people in the adjacent tower is diverting my attention. I noticed that the TVs are on in almost every apartment that is lighted and that I can look into. What a view of the busy Big Apple. I will return to this place, already looking forward to my return now that I face tomorrows departure.
Tuesday, 20 July 2004
After another full American breakfast at Asiate I walked through Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The sculptures and the modern art wasn’t fascinating, but the classic paintings have a spectacular aura. I loved the Monet, Cezanne and especially Paul Signac’s “Port de Marseille” paintings, the weather is good today, it is rather hot at 89 degrees Fahrenheit. A scenic boat tour I did not pursue because it takes too long. I will have my complimentary lunch at Asiate in an hour, after that I will relax a little more at the pool and enjoy the skyline views from the South Tower of the Time Warner Center. Then I have to pack my bags and take the Shuttle back to the airport. I will stay at the Holiday Inn JFK because my flight tomorrow leaves fairly early and this hotel will be just a fourth of the cost of the Mandarin Oriental.
Thursday, 22 July 2004
At JFK check-in was quick and efficient, I got the seats reserved, headed airside, upstairs to the RCC where I was pleasantly surprised when the check-in agent directed me to the International First Class Lounge although I just had a Y cabin BP for JFK-IAD. The Lounge was small, dark, but well stocked with respect to food (like a continental breakfast plus sweets, chocolate, etc.) and drinks (Moet & Chandon, Minute Made, etc.). Lots of newspapers and golf magazines made the 90 minutes I had to spend there pass quickly, the flight to IAD departed late because, arrival at IAD had to be postponed due to severe traffic at IAD according to the captain. At IAD, the worst airport I have seen in my life in the U.S. and Canada, I had to take a shuttle from the T to the D terminal. After that I took a long walk to the C7 RCC which is the one where the lounge area is downstairs. The warden looked at my BP, which did not show my Star Gold status, and said, only Int. F or C class, not domestic, I told her the ticket was International and showed her my Senator Card, she then said, we are so packed, go the the RCC near your gate, which she noticed on the BP. The D8 RCC which was closest to my D3 departure gate was closed though when I arrived there. This warden seemed to dislike me. Anyway, there were just 20 minutes to boarding so I waited at the gate. When boarding began I stood in the line in 3rd position and a 65 year old man behind me told me to get to the back of the line because he was entitled to board first with his C boarding pass and since he was a 100000 mile flyer. The “important customers” can board first, he reminded me. Then I showed him my F class BP and he saw that I was in seat 1A. Gladly the UA 947 flight had the First Suite installed. Departure was delayed by 50 minutes due to a traffic jam pre-takeoff, because there were 15 planes in front of us the get airborne. Once finally in the air I reclined and was offered a drink. I asked for champagne, and was told there is no champagne at all on the plane, ridiculous for an evening flight of 5+ hours. For Dinner I took pasta with shrimps which was cold and the parmesan cheese that was listed on the menu was missing. Then with the Ice-Cream I wanted a hot or cold chocolate, not available of course. Pathetic. The captain took a southern “sunshine route to LAX”, he was pleasant and we arrived on time because the head wind barely existed going westbound this time. I watched the comedy “Along came Polly” which I enjoyed. I also slept 90 minutes, the F suite is comfortable but not wide enough. Overall UA’s service effort was bad. The FA’s chatted most of the time in the galley and they were so loud laughing that they actually woke me up. My suitcase came out late and I took the shuttle to the airport Hilton. Upgrade granted to tower’s room with club lounge access. Now I will take the hotels shuttle to Manhattan Beach and will meet with another famed Fter named Skiadcock there. The Seafood Pasta at the Beaches restaurant was good but a whole lot too much to eat at lunch. This afternoon I will then fly on UA Express/Skylink to PHX to go to the Westin Kierland Villas.
Friday, 23 July 2004
My flight to PHX from LAX was delayed about an hour due to aircraft availability but in the RCC at LAX near gate 70 I met two wonderful people whose flights were delayed as well and we chatted a long time about divergent topics from business, politics, travel and other genres. Once on the CR 700 jet I settled in seat 1A. All six persons in F class were wonderfully nice and the one female FA did a great job joking around with us although she had a horribly long day serving UA Express customers on six short haul jumps on that day. But she works four days about 16 hours and then has 16 days off. We got no car upgrade at Avis, drove to the Westin Kierland Villas which took us about 30 minutes from the Avis lot at PHX. Once there the service wasn’t great but we received a very nice villa (number 1303, highest floor possible with a very nice view over the pool area and palm court, golf course). But then we recognized there was no table on the balcony although all other balconies have table at which one could enjoy a nice breakfast. We ask front desk and concierge and are told to wait until tomorrow. Now this morning we are told that the Villas are fully booked and there is no spare table. We are just out of luck. Then we attend the Timeshare presentation with a nice guy named Chris for 10000 Starpoints. I know all about the system and impress him more than the other way around. Then I tell him about the table issue, he promises to handle it and we ask once more at the front desk. They cannot help. Although there are plenty of tables in the pool area and at the outdoor lounge area which we would take as well. A balcony without a table just sucks, especially when the weather is great. Chris could not deliver his promise though. I just got a call that we will not get a table. I know it is not a big deal for three more days here before heading for the Four Seasons Scottsdale where such an issue never exists anyway. We got another desperate offer from Starwood Vacation ownership for our money. Basically “preserve the deal available now for the VO Villa which is deeded for life for 30000 US$ and get 50000 incentive Starpoints right away for 1595 $. I think we should accept the offer just for the points, but my parents disagree. Still thinking. The housekeeping is not good, my sheet on my bed had a hole in it which is anything but “Heavanly”, bath amenties are limited to one for the three of us and asking for more we just got one more set. I don’t mind because I have a few better quality ones with me from the Mandarin Spa which sold me a nice set of Aromatherapy products (full 200ml bottles) for just 39 $. The Hermes products at the Mandarin Oriental Hongkong will be even better, already I am looking forward to staying there. The golf course is nothing to write home about which is here at the Westin Kierland, tomorrow we will play a much nicer track at Sedona (www.sevencanyons.com) – it is going to be wonderful in the Oak Creek Canyon.
Sunday, 25 July 2004
Our excursion to Sedona was wonderful. We were treated like royalty on our complementary day visit to the spectacularly beautiful Seven Canyons private golf community. I would love to be an owner there, it is just so beautiful, the service was impeccable, free snacks, drinks, cold towels everywhere. Titleist Pro V1 Practice balls, good food in the restaurant and one of America’s 10 best private golf courses. Great views from pristine fairways and greens. A peaceful world apart from urban hustle and bustle. The 1 hour 40 minute drive home from Sedona to Scottsdale was fairly pleasant because cruising at 80 miles per hour in a 300hp Cadillac DeVille is very comfortable. We arrived just before midnight because we chatted with two very friendly couples who we hopefully will meet again in Scottsdale.
This morning we had breakfast in our villa, called a few friends in Germany and wished the 2002 German Amateur Golf Champion all the best for his 21st birthday. Tomorrow we will play at Troon North’s Pinnacle course and we will move over to the adjacent Four Seasons Scottsdale resort.
Tuesday, 27 July 2004
My two rounds at Troon North’s Pinnacle course, a Tom Weiskopf Masterpiece, were outstanding: 72, 71, one under Par aggregate score after 36 holes of the pro tips. Service at the Four Seasons is very friendly and efficient, we were able to get a better room after going back to the reception because we were not content with a dark room assigned to us. Room 1413 and also room 1414 are nice, facing the pool area and some mountains. Breakfast is a disgrace at the given prices though. Both dinner at Café Isabelle in North Scottsdale and lunch at the Troon North clubhouse were good, but at the clubhouse they charge a fixed 20% tip which I find steep and there is no way to choose the tip amount yourself without the hassle of getting a second bill and explaining the reasons to the waiters. I prefer a “tip at personal discretion” with a 15% suggestion in mind. Sadly there is only a la carte breakfast and no buffet. We will play very early tomorrow morning once more with Will Rice, who joined us on Monday morning as well. He hits a good ball but does not even come close to my pure ball striking. The Cadillac we rented from Avis needs an oil change, we just hate being given cars that need service. I’ll leave it with that statement. The holidays are overall very nice, both relaxing and challenging, and I am glad for that fact. Unfortunately time is limited, therefore please excuse my short daily reviews.
Wednesday, 28 July 2004
The Monument course has a rock on the 3rd fairway, a monument on the courses signature hole. I lost two balls left of the fairway in the desert on the back nine and shot 36-39=75 on this Par 72 course which had airified greens on the front nine and fairways that were not the quality of the Pinnacle ones. Nevertheless we enjoyed one more good round with Will Rice who shot a great 81 finishing with 6 straight pars on the last 6 holes. My parents did not play well, striking the ball of the muddy fairways was fairly difficult. The sun is shining and it will reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit today. Luckily the air condition is working properly here. Tomorrow we will play no golf but rather relax and hike up Pinnacle Peak which we can view from our room across the Estancia Private Golf Community.