http://www.flyertalk.com/forum Discussion regarding luxury hotel chains such as the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:59:45 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.flyertalk.com/forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1019021-tambo-del-inka-hotel-opening-dec-2009-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:07:52 GMT I am not normally a Starwood fan, but this new property in Machu Pichu looks rather good.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury...GLOBALNEWSNOV8 ]]> Luxury Hotels vuittonsofstyle http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1019021-tambo-del-inka-hotel-opening-dec-2009-a.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018858-comparison-chicago-luxury-hotels.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:42:09 GMT I have now completed my reports on four luxury hotels in Chicago. I thought I would start a separate thread whereby I can compare the four I stayed in. There are other recent threads on Chicago hotels so I will place links to all of them here for... I have now completed my reports on four luxury hotels in Chicago. I thought I would start a separate thread whereby I can compare the four I stayed in. There are other recent threads on Chicago hotels so I will place links to all of them here for easy reference:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...a-chicago.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ons-hotel.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...t-chicago.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...p-chicago.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...s-chicago.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...g-mid-nov.html

And one on dining:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chica...staurants.html

I don't know what happened to this post so I am reconstructing it. ]]> Luxury Hotels luxury http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018858-comparison-chicago-luxury-hotels.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018802-nines-portland-luxury-collection.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:27:37 GMT I saw a passing reference to the Nines in another Portland related thread, but I could find no specific information on the property. Has anyone stayed here and would they care to post a TR? I am scheduled for 2 nights early next month and will... I saw a passing reference to the Nines in another Portland related thread, but I could find no specific information on the property.

Has anyone stayed here and would they care to post a TR?

I am scheduled for 2 nights early next month and will post a TR when I return.

Cheers ]]> Luxury Hotels trojanman http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018802-nines-portland-luxury-collection.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018595-costa-rica-aerenal.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:59:18 GMT The most gorgeous resort in Costa Rica has to be The Springs Resort and Spa in Aerenal. The room was magnificant. Huge, sitting in bed I looked out my huge picture window to see the volcano. Sitting on my patio equipped with two hammocks, I... The most gorgeous resort in Costa Rica has to be The Springs Resort and Spa in Aerenal. The room was magnificant. Huge, sitting in bed I looked out my huge picture window to see the volcano. Sitting on my patio equipped with two hammocks, I listened to the wildlife. I thought this must be how Tarzan woke up every morning. Anyway, it was a gorgeous place and exquisite hotel. ]]> Luxury Hotels trekker954 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018595-costa-rica-aerenal.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018535-atlantis-12-25-09-12-28-09-a.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:59:30 GMT Anyone have any offers available better than their website? I stay there several times a year (Royal Towers & The Cove) and it annoys me that they don't ever send me any special offers or have a loyalty program.

I did a forum search and I saw that apparently Virtuoso agents can offer a good deal on hotels. I checked out the Virtuoso website, but only saw a phone # there and no contact info for any agents. If anyone here is a Virtuoso agent, please send me a PM with what you can offer for Atlantis (Royal, Reef, or Cove). Thanks. ]]> Luxury Hotels spideysense http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018535-atlantis-12-25-09-12-28-09-a.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018529-aman-ish-type-resorts-japan.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:38:21 GMT Hello all!

Can anyone recommend a Aman-ish resort (small, very good service) in Japan? I'm looking to get away for a few days during an upcoming month stay in Tokyo and am looking for something secluded. Could be mountains or beaches... both sound good to me. :)

Thanks. ]]> Luxury Hotels fly2nrt http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018529-aman-ish-type-resorts-japan.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018339-where-you-going-next.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:56:29 GMT I think it would be very interesting for all of us to know where everyone is going next, and in that, I mean which hotel. It is always wonderful to read everyone's reviews of the hotels they just stayed in, but it would be good to know who is going where and which destinations/hotels are currently on our hot lists.

To start the ball rolling, I am going to Abu Dhabi. ]]> Luxury Hotels vuittonsofstyle http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1018339-where-you-going-next.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017986-best-rates-peninsula-hong-kong.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:07:43 GMT any advice on how to get the best rates on the peninsula in hong kong? any advice on how to get the best rates on the peninsula in hong kong? ]]> Luxury Hotels mhron http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017986-best-rates-peninsula-hong-kong.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017638-loews-omni-tucson.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:14:09 GMT Which do you think is a better place to stay? Does one have a better location? They both have specials and the prices are very close. I am planning a December trip. Thanks so much! Which do you think is a better place to stay? Does one have a better location? They both have specials and the prices are very close. I am planning a December trip.
Thanks so much! ]]> Luxury Hotels hinsopa http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017638-loews-omni-tucson.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017162-review-trump-chicago.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:31:56 GMT Chicago has featured prominently in trip reports this month so it seems opportune to add my recent experience at Trump Chicago, shamelessly plagiarising luxury ‘s format. (Apologies in advance that this is so long; it seems with me it's all or nothing.:()

Booking
My booking was made through an extremely efficient and diligent Virtuoso agent. He managed to secure a confirmed upgrade from a Deluxe King to an Executive Lake View room. I was thrilled as this 900 sq. ft. room faces east and has great views of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower as well as the river and the lake. This persuaded me to give up my own booking for a superior room at $237 (bed only, much smaller, no kitchen, city view) and fork out $395 for this and the other Virtuoso bennies.

Then it all started to go wrong. My confirmation said I was booked into a Spa Executive King. Although the rate for this room is higher than for the Executive Lake View it was not what I wanted - it is smaller and does not have the kitchen. When queried Trump said they made a mistake and a Lake View room was not available. But it was available to book online!? My agent persisted and they finally relented and booked the agreed room. They promised a revised confirmation, but that never materialised. In the course of all this my 3 e-mails went unanswered. (I used the addresses given on the confirmations and got no bounce back so I assume they were received.)

I couldn’t believe how badly they had handled this: where they started off with a delighted customer grateful for a confirmed upgrade they ended up with one totally ticked off. I was on the point of cancelling the reservation. I went onto Trip Advisor for reassurance and was further put off by all the naff “personal” responses that the GM makes to reviews. I was beginning to think this was all a horrible mistake. But when my partner asked if I would be satisfied if we got the room I wanted and I said yes, he persuaded me to confirm by telephone. Which I did and the charming res agent reassured me I was in the Executive Lake View.

Arrival
So, with some trepidation, I arrived at Trump at about 8pm. The doormen were very efficient in greeting us, whisking away the luggage and guiding us into the lobby. Yes, it is cramped for such an establishment and surely a big headache for the branding people but during our 4 days there it seemed quite functional and I never saw queues. It tends to look very untidy if a handful of people are hanging about and it is not a space that invites you to linger or provides any quiet nooks in which to wait for someone, say.

I was attended to straight away at the front desk and efficiently processed. This included the words: “We have upgraded you to…” and I held my breath half expecting them to backslide on the promised upgrade “… a one bedroom suite with a river view on our highest floor.” I was so surprised I barely managed to mumble a thank you. (Later I calculated that this is 5 price levels up from what I paid for - they have many and confusing room categories - and is marketed at $695.)

A bellboy was on hand to escort us to our room together with the luggage on a trolley. (I saw this several times during our stay and I suspect there is no service elevator.) He explained features of the room and answered questions very competently. Like most staff at Trump I felt I was dealing with someone well trained and confident in doing his job.

Room
Well suite, of course. Its 1220 sq. ft. incorporates a foyer, living/dining room/ kitchen, dressing room, main and guest bathroom and a bedroom. The web site pictures give an accurate impression of what you get and there are excellent floor plans. (We had a 36 room).

The décor is muted and the palette mainly features variations on taupe. This ranges freely from the brown to the grey side, which (together with occasional touches of muted purple and wood) provides enough contrast to prevent it being drab or uninteresting. For me the effect was very restful and welcoming. Even though I loved it I can see that this is not a scheme that would be to everyone’s taste and definitely not for those with an affinity for chintz, overstuffed sofas or faux Louis XIV chairs.

I do have some small criticisms of the décor and furnishings: Most importantly the couches were not very comfortable for lounging on for any length of time. The wall pictures are rather nice but there are some large walls that were empty and looked bare. The dressing room area is large and rather sterile. And the ersatz fireplace does not appeal to my taste.

The fittings are top notch from the exceptionally well appointed kitchen through to the electrics. Much is made of the in-mirror TV in the bathroom. As gimmicks go I liked it: I found it useful for keeping half an eye on the news or weather while shaving. There is no bidet which is surprising given the amount of space available. (Does the US really do bidets?) The lights are excellent with most lights on dimmers. Reading lights were adequate.

My biggest gripe was the noisy aircon intake. This is in the foyer area and even with the fan set to low made far too much noise. There also did not seem to be any way to get fresh air into the system - it was just recycling air from the suite. We were eventually able to dispense with it after getting maintenance to unlock some of the small lower windows which we then opened for ventilation.

Which brings me to the views - and what views they are! Floor to ceiling windows look out onto the river below and the wonderful architecture along its banks and beyond. Off to the side is the Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. Trump Tower is uniquely situated because it is on a bend in the river and consequently has stunning views towards the lake.

The bathroom was also very spacious with a deep, but rather short, bath and separate, large shower. Double vanities but not a lot of space for one’s toiletries. The hotel toiletries are Trump branded (as were the bottles of water and the chocolates you got with your coffee) which in my mind manages to say “cheapskate” and “self-aggrandising” at the same time. If that isn't enough, the plastic containers have a shape that militates against dispensing the contents. Basically, apart from the soap, I was irritated every time I used them. Very nice towels and bath robes – 4 of them! (Two were in the hall closet presumably for use when 4 people occupy the suite and some make use of the shower in the guest bathroom.)

Restaurant/ bar
We only had breakfasts in the main restaurant, "16". They were very nice breakfasts with some unusual options. I particularly like the “Texan truffle toast” which seemed to be bread fried in truffle butter and topped with a tasty and succulent lobster concoction and a poached egg. The more mundane items were less successful - like an omelette (rather dry) and eggs Benedict (tasteless hollandaise). Service was fair to good on most days but on Sunday there were new staff and it suddenly took a bit of a dive. Probably a combination of more people at breakfast plus the kitchen and regular wait staff preparing for brunch.

Everything is priced separately which is always alarming to me. I hate having to think about whether I really want a $6 glass of “fresh” (tasted just like Tropicana) juice. Our rate included “continental breakfast” but since no such thing exists on the menu I didn’t know what I was going to pay for. The front desk said we could have anything which I rather doubted and in the end I paid something that I didn’t quite understand but didn’t query because it seemed like we got comped a fixed amount (maybe $50?) and that seemed quite reasonable to me.

The restaurant has a wonderful setting with great views and a spacious patio. This is the first setback incorporated into the architectural design and was specifically put here to relate to the iconic skyline features of the clock on the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower. It also looks straight down the river to the lake. The patio was not in use - despite the unseasonably balmy November weather it was still a tad too windy to be pleasant.

We had a drink and some eats in Rebar the evening we arrived. The shrimp tempura was too oily but their strange take on miso soup (with shrimp and mushrooms) was rather nice. Service was very good. The place was busy and vibey without being unpleasantly noisy - and I’m very picky about acoustics. Prices are apparently on the high side but when you convert to ZAR all prices are daunting so I’m not a good judge.

Service
In general I was pleased with the service. Almost everyone I dealt with was friendly, helpful and competent. (And very young! Or am I just getting very old?) I didn’t really have any strange or unusual requests but little things like some deliveries, replacing the Nespresso machine (I think I had just failed to refill it with water:o), providing an adaptor plug etc. were all managed very smoothly. When we weren’t ready for the turndown service we were immediately asked what time housekeeping should return. There was the rather clueless waiter on the last day and the housekeeper really should have twigged that if I keep leaving a tip in an envelope the envelopes will need to be replenished. But in general I felt confident that when I approached staff for assistance I would get results.

Spa & health club
Even though I had a spa credit as my Virtuoso amenity I didn’t have the time or inclination to use the spa. I did go down to the spa floor once to use the pool but only saw the locker rooms and the pool. Once again there are amazing views to be had. The locker rooms are well equipped: lockers with electronic locks, hairdryers (if only, sigh) spin dryer for bathing suits, sauna, steam room etc. There are only 4 showers that I could see, though. The place was not being kept immaculate so that there were occasional puddles of water around the floor. The pool is satisfyingly large and the pool area very nice with loungers and chairs all around.

Verdict
And I was very happy at Trump Chicago most especially with the suite. I felt that everyone is trying hard to maintain a high standard even if occasionally they aren’t quite getting there. It obviously doesn't have (and possibly never will have) that feeling of excellence, polished by decades of experience, that one finds at the great hotels. Nevertheless, I left with a very positive feeling about this new hotel.

But I must confess that some of this may have been because I was so charmed and delighted by Chicago on my first visit. The location was fantastic for our needs as 1st time tourists, providing easy access to everything on both sides of the river. The building itself is magnificent and it gave us a big kick to be staying in one of Chicago’s newest architectural landmarks. ]]> Luxury Hotels Cheetah_SA http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017162-review-trump-chicago.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017009-telluride-luxury-hotels.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:33:54 GMT Has anyone been to Lumiere and Capella in Telluride?? Love to hear some thoughts. Its hard to find anything on either hotel...also interested into hearing about Capella hotels in general. Has anyone been to Lumiere and Capella in Telluride?? Love to hear some thoughts.

Its hard to find anything on either hotel...also interested into hearing about Capella hotels in general. ]]> Luxury Hotels lelandv http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1017009-telluride-luxury-hotels.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016730-report-four-seasons-chicago.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:40:02 GMT My apologies for the delay in the writing this report -- I wanted to give the hotel my feedback first before I wrote anything here. The FS was the last of the 4 hotels I tried out on our trip and was where we stayed for the final 3 nights. I hope... My apologies for the delay in the writing this report -- I wanted to give the hotel my feedback first before I wrote anything here. The FS was the last of the 4 hotels I tried out on our trip and was where we stayed for the final 3 nights. I hope you enjoy reading these reports as much I enjoy trying out the hotels and writing them!!

Synopsis
While there were a few highlights, unfortunately, I left the hotel quite disappointed, mainly with a lot of service issues. The newly renovated rooms are gorgeous -- so sophisticated and elegant -- but the service, on the whole, fell quite a ways short.

Vital Statistics
We booked a 3 night stay through my TA on a Preferred Partner 3rd night free rate. The inclusions were lunch credit for $85 once per stay, daily full American breakfast which was good either in the restaurant or through In-Room Dining, a one category upgrade subject to availability and a welcome amenity. We booked a Deluxe Executive Suite and requested for the upgrade to be confirmed in advance. While the hotel could not confirm the upgrade at the time of booking, the hotel was able to confirm our upgrade in late September with the thanks of my TA. We were upgraded to a Superior suite.

The room we booked:
http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs...ive_suite.html

The room we were upgraded to:
http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs...oom_suite.html

The Arrival and Check-in:
We initially arrived early in the morning (on the Park Hyatt house car), dropped off our luggage and then ran off to our Conference. We returned to the hotel in the afternoon (by foot) and proceeded upstairs to the Lobby for check-in. Upstairs we were checked in by a Trainee who did a fairly good job. There were a few items he missed, most notably, the fact that we had already been pre-registered so there was no need for us to sign any papers and to give us our letter with our Preferred Partner amenities. We were assured that the luggage which the Ritz-Carlton Chicago had sent over for us, plus the luggage we dropped off in the morning, were in our room waiting for us. We were then shown to the elevator where we made our own way to our room. ]]> Luxury Hotels luxury http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016730-report-four-seasons-chicago.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016540-luxury-hotels-milan-using-points.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:21:52 GMT Hey everybody I plan on visiting my sibling who will be studying abroad in Milan in the spring. plan on visiting her and got the flight taken care of with points. I am looking for the best possible hotel using points for the hotel portion. I... Hey everybody


I plan on visiting my sibling who will be studying abroad in Milan in the spring. plan on visiting her and got the flight taken care of with points. I am looking for the best possible hotel using points for the hotel portion. I have SPG, HILTON and a lot of AMEX MR points. Any recommendations? Thanks ! ]]> Luxury Hotels trach500 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016540-luxury-hotels-milan-using-points.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016488-some-interesting-luxury-deals-www-amexnewhotels-com.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:45:01 GMT www.amexnewhotels.com seems to be a new Amex website - at least, I haven't seen it before.

It features new hotels (not surprisingly) which are willing to offer 2-nights-for-the-price-of-1 deals to Amex card holders. Any Amex card seems to do the trick.

Properties I picked out of interest to this board would include:
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya
Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou
The Langham, Yangtze
The Peninsula Shanghai
Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma, Marrakech
St Regis Singapore
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa
Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach
Park Hyatt Istanbul
The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena ]]> Luxury Hotels Raffles http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016488-some-interesting-luxury-deals-www-amexnewhotels-com.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016162-woodlands-resort-sc-how-possible-5-star-5-diamond-hotel.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:17 GMT The Woodlands Hotel is a five star, five diamond property. We stayed there about 7 years ago and were thinking about returning. However, I noted on their web site they only offer breakfast Thursday - Sunday and only serve dinner Wednesday -... The Woodlands Hotel is a five star, five diamond property. We stayed there about 7 years ago and were thinking about returning. However, I noted on their web site they only offer breakfast Thursday - Sunday and only serve dinner Wednesday - Sunday. This just didn't seem believable for a property at this level. I called the hotel and they confirmed it, telling me guests go to town for meals. Town is Summerville, South Carolina and I don't remember much there. Charleston is about 30 minutes away.

Here's my question - is it a requirement that hotels at the 5 star/5 diamond level provide food services?

It's a shame for the Woodlands because we are probably not going to stay there because of this - I just can't see getting up in the morning and driving to the local diner for coffee! ]]> Luxury Hotels wintersummer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1016162-woodlands-resort-sc-how-possible-5-star-5-diamond-hotel.html