30th B'day trip to Park Hyatt Dubai (Terrace suite) QF F vs QR F showdown
Mar 25, 2015, 8:33 pm
#61
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: BA Silver, SQ Gold, MAR Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 94
Jermyn,
Awesome TR as always! (Reminds me, I need to get cracking on mine
)
If you are looking for a camera with good low light performance, may I suggest either the Canon EOS 6D or the Sony a7s. The EOS6D is a full-frame DSR, not a cropped sensor, which means you get the width of 35mm film. It is what I use on a daily basis, as it is capable of up to ISO256000, enabling extreme sensitivity in low light. The Sony a7s is more expensive, but much more compact, without compromising much on the features. It has an even higher ISO of up to 409600, making it even more sensitive to low light, and is capable of 4k video.
Awesome TR as always! (Reminds me, I need to get cracking on mine
)If you are looking for a camera with good low light performance, may I suggest either the Canon EOS 6D or the Sony a7s. The EOS6D is a full-frame DSR, not a cropped sensor, which means you get the width of 35mm film. It is what I use on a daily basis, as it is capable of up to ISO256000, enabling extreme sensitivity in low light. The Sony a7s is more expensive, but much more compact, without compromising much on the features. It has an even higher ISO of up to 409600, making it even more sensitive to low light, and is capable of 4k video.
Mar 26, 2015, 3:48 am
#62
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
Wow, I'm overwhelmed by the response that this TR has gotten. I'm so happy that you've all enjoyed it and rest assured, there is plenty more to come.
I'm writing this from the fireplace lobby of the Hilton Niseko in Japan...
Thanks makin'miles, RTW4, AvidFlyer1990 and themapelligroup !
Thanks Seat 2A, all of the positive comments mean a lot but I'm particularly pleased that you've enjoyed my report given that I've enjoyed reading so many of yours over the years.
bmrisko when you get into this miles and points game you realise how small the world is!
Thanks darthlemsip I've also enjoyed reading you trip reports.
I checked and I think the Chinese government was working on a larger pair of socks but abandoned the project halfway.
Seriously though, a real gentleman always wears over-the-calf socks
Thanks LondonElite always good to receive praise from a man who understands the finer points of correct hosiery
Your experience of At.mosphere sounds so different to ours. Maybe we lucked out. Our little corner was quite private and the food, drink and service were top notch. Although I agree that the frame of reference is somewhat distorted when you're amongst smaller buildings and a lot of open space.
The DOH is so far beyond anything BA has but at least BA is nowhere near as bad as AA. We were in the "Flagship" first class lounge at JFK the other day and it was utterly abysmal.
Thanks echen1024, I was inspired by reading all the trip reports that came before mine. The TR forum is great not only as a source of information but as a source of inspiration!
Thanks for the camera recommendations as well. The a7s sounds great, I'll have a look and see if I can spot any deals. I'm currently really enjoying shooting with my GoPro, the fish-eye lens captures the space in airplane cabins really accurately and it functions surprisingly well in low light too.
I'm writing this from the fireplace lobby of the Hilton Niseko in Japan...
When it comes to TRs focusing on flight and hotel experiences, this one's a real gem! An abundance of intelligent and beautiful photographs, all presented with an enjoyable dialogue - you could make a flight on US Airways and a stay at the Holiday Inn look good! Other trip reporters would do well to take note. Bravo, Jermyn! ^
Jermyn, your thoughts on Dubai and the PH were spot on. We truly enjoyed our time there and it was one of the nicest properties we have had the pleasure of visiting. We too were upgraded to a Terrace Suite and it was quite an amazing room.
As an aside, judging by your Instagram posts, it looks like we may have been at the 9/11 memorial and Katz's in NYC on the same day as you. It sure was nice to arrive in NYC to be greeted by cold and snowy weather while we had only packed for milder weather in DXB...
As an aside, judging by your Instagram posts, it looks like we may have been at the 9/11 memorial and Katz's in NYC on the same day as you. It sure was nice to arrive in NYC to be greeted by cold and snowy weather while we had only packed for milder weather in DXB...
I checked and I think the Chinese government was working on a larger pair of socks but abandoned the project halfway.
Seriously though, a real gentleman always wears over-the-calf socks
Great trip report, thanks for taking the time to put it together. Your photos are very nice and complement the story very well.
Last time I was in Dubai (last spring) I decided to take the plunge and go to the (near) top of the Burj Khalifa. Like you, I found it useful and convenient that the most efficient way to see it was by way of a bar (At.mosphere). I was a bit 'meh' about the whole experience, I have to say. Far too many tourists there (obviously) but every group of people getting up for selfies and crowd photos does not make for a very sophisticated lounge atmosphere! I left after two drinks. The other problem with a building so ridiculously high is there are no frames of reference nearby. When you go up to the top of Rockefeller Center you know you're up high, even though it's 'only' 70 floors.
The other comment I have is about the Al Mourjan lounge. I was in DOH on business a couple of weeks ago (my first trip to the new airport) and I was expecting a complete faff with lounges. I was incredibly impressed with this lounge, and rather regretted that I hadn't come a little earlier (I typically don't hang out in lounges just for the sake of it). Granted it's brand new, but it's clean, fresh, well laid out, has great service, good food and drink, and excellent business facility and is remarkably bling-free. As a twice-weekly guest of the BA First lounge in LHR, I think there are some lessons to be learned from a site visit here.
Oh, and I'm with you on the socks. I have the full rainbow in proper knee-length.
Last time I was in Dubai (last spring) I decided to take the plunge and go to the (near) top of the Burj Khalifa. Like you, I found it useful and convenient that the most efficient way to see it was by way of a bar (At.mosphere). I was a bit 'meh' about the whole experience, I have to say. Far too many tourists there (obviously) but every group of people getting up for selfies and crowd photos does not make for a very sophisticated lounge atmosphere! I left after two drinks. The other problem with a building so ridiculously high is there are no frames of reference nearby. When you go up to the top of Rockefeller Center you know you're up high, even though it's 'only' 70 floors.
The other comment I have is about the Al Mourjan lounge. I was in DOH on business a couple of weeks ago (my first trip to the new airport) and I was expecting a complete faff with lounges. I was incredibly impressed with this lounge, and rather regretted that I hadn't come a little earlier (I typically don't hang out in lounges just for the sake of it). Granted it's brand new, but it's clean, fresh, well laid out, has great service, good food and drink, and excellent business facility and is remarkably bling-free. As a twice-weekly guest of the BA First lounge in LHR, I think there are some lessons to be learned from a site visit here.
Oh, and I'm with you on the socks. I have the full rainbow in proper knee-length.
Your experience of At.mosphere sounds so different to ours. Maybe we lucked out. Our little corner was quite private and the food, drink and service were top notch. Although I agree that the frame of reference is somewhat distorted when you're amongst smaller buildings and a lot of open space.
The DOH is so far beyond anything BA has but at least BA is nowhere near as bad as AA. We were in the "Flagship" first class lounge at JFK the other day and it was utterly abysmal.
Jermyn,
Awesome TR as always! (Reminds me, I need to get cracking on mine)
If you are looking for a camera with good low light performance, may I suggest either the Canon EOS 6D or the Sony a7s. The EOS6D is a full-frame DSR, not a cropped sensor, which means you get the width of 35mm film. It is what I use on a daily basis, as it is capable of up to ISO256000, enabling extreme sensitivity in low light. The Sony a7s is more expensive, but much more compact, without compromising much on the features. It has an even higher ISO of up to 409600, making it even more sensitive to low light, and is capable of 4k video.
Awesome TR as always! (Reminds me, I need to get cracking on mine
)If you are looking for a camera with good low light performance, may I suggest either the Canon EOS 6D or the Sony a7s. The EOS6D is a full-frame DSR, not a cropped sensor, which means you get the width of 35mm film. It is what I use on a daily basis, as it is capable of up to ISO256000, enabling extreme sensitivity in low light. The Sony a7s is more expensive, but much more compact, without compromising much on the features. It has an even higher ISO of up to 409600, making it even more sensitive to low light, and is capable of 4k video.
Thanks for the camera recommendations as well. The a7s sounds great, I'll have a look and see if I can spot any deals. I'm currently really enjoying shooting with my GoPro, the fish-eye lens captures the space in airplane cabins really accurately and it functions surprisingly well in low light too.
Mar 26, 2015, 4:09 am
#63
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
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Posts: 31,452
See here:
http://www.falke.com/gb/men/falke-airport-1.html
The DOH is so far beyond anything BA has but at least BA is nowhere near as bad as AA. We were in the "Flagship" first class lounge at JFK the other day and it was utterly abysmal.
I actually think the JFK Flagship lounge is pretty decent (though it can be a long trek to the gates). It's the one in ORD that is hopelessly depressing.
Mar 26, 2015, 9:30 am
#64
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 4,029
Thank you Jermyn and LondonElite, you've convinced me - there's a Simon Carter about 10 mins from my house, I'll pop in there and make sure I have a suitable length sock before my next flights.
Quick question about the DOH lounge as I have an 8 hour layover coming up there, arriving just before midnight - is there somewhere I can have a bit of a snooze? Don't see the point in booking the transit hotel.
And completely agree, the ORD flagship lounge... *shudders*
Quick question about the DOH lounge as I have an 8 hour layover coming up there, arriving just before midnight - is there somewhere I can have a bit of a snooze? Don't see the point in booking the transit hotel.
And completely agree, the ORD flagship lounge... *shudders*
Mar 26, 2015, 11:04 am
#65
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Thanks for a great report Jermyn. After having done both these sectors in F recently on QF and QR I agree with your conclusions.
It is a shame you didn't get to try the QR A380. The First cabin on that aircraft makes the A330 First experience seem decidedly second class.
It is a shame you didn't get to try the QR A380. The First cabin on that aircraft makes the A330 First experience seem decidedly second class.
Mar 26, 2015, 11:19 am
#66
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The Al Mourjan lounge is open 24 hours. Whilst the OW site indicates it's only for premium cabin travellers, it's also available to OWE's (for the moment while the other lounges are being finished.) There are some relaxation chairs and fantastic shower rooms. I don't recall whether there is a snooze chair area but I wouldn't be surprised. It's miles ahead of BA's GF if you need to spend a few hours there.
Mar 26, 2015, 2:06 pm
#67
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 4,029
The Al Mourjan lounge is open 24 hours. Whilst the OW site indicates it's only for premium cabin travellers, it's also available to OWE's (for the moment while the other lounges are being finished.) There are some relaxation chairs and fantastic shower rooms. I don't recall whether there is a snooze chair area but I wouldn't be surprised. It's miles ahead of BA's GF if you need to spend a few hours there.
May 22, 2015, 1:08 am
#68
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Join Date: Aug 2000
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Posts: 17,008
I've enjoyed reading the trip report, so it's a tad hypocritical and horribly grumpy to say it - but I'd have hated sharing the cabin with this couple. Let's hope J gets his low-light camera.
And a belated happy birthday to him!
May 22, 2015, 1:58 am
#69
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,267
Jun 4, 2015, 7:35 am
#72
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Brisbane Australia
Programs: BA Gold QFF WP AA EXP Marriott PPE HH Diam
Posts: 99
Fantastic report. I am now regretting not including Dubai in our Europe trip but we are doing QF F on A380 Syd-LHR r/t and you TR has made me super excited about the choice.
What a gorgeous couple you two are. My wife (she is Filipino) commented that you look like we did when we were 25. I wish we had still looked like that at 30 (by 30 we had 4 kids)
What a gorgeous couple you two are. My wife (she is Filipino) commented that you look like we did when we were 25. I wish we had still looked like that at 30 (by 30 we had 4 kids)
Jun 21, 2016, 8:58 pm
#73
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Melbourne
Programs: QF, CX, BA
Posts: 147
Jermyn, I've commented on how awesome your trip reports were before, this is no exception.
I wanted to get your opinion on the differences between your JL F and QF F flights you've taken... I did QF F at the beginning of the year and now doing JL F for the first time in a few weeks. How does the service, food and hard product compare?
I wanted to get your opinion on the differences between your JL F and QF F flights you've taken... I did QF F at the beginning of the year and now doing JL F for the first time in a few weeks. How does the service, food and hard product compare?
Jun 23, 2016, 6:26 am
#74
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
Looks like I missed a few responses to this TR, so thanks to mitellic for the resurrection
I've since had the fortune to try the QR A380 F, Moomba and absolutely agree! In fact I'd say that even the 787 J is preferable to the 330 F.
Haha, just a tad
If you want a decent TR you've got to take pics!
Having said that, I always aim to do so in a decorous manner - always being courteous to those with whom I share the cabin.
Thanks for the birthday wishes IAN-UK, I'm up for something of a repeat trip this September!
p.s. I did get a low light camera - the Panasonic LX100, I'm very pleased with the results
Flash photography is definitely not for me, stargold . Especially in an airplane cabin. You'd have to be pretty oblivious to others to start using your flash on a plane! Thanks for having my back
Thanks for reading Annalisa12!
OK Moindardt, you made me blush. 4 kids by 30? Wow, you certainly deserve QF F, hope you had a great trip
Thanks thegingninj, it's amazing how instagram has grown as an outlet for my FT related activities. It is certainly a lot quicker to post pics on there than it is to put together these huge TRs. Happy burning
Thanks for the kind words mitellic.
I've only flown QF F once and it was on this short sector, whereas I've flown JL F on 3 long hauls.
In my experience the JL F service was mixed. Excellent once (when the cabin was quite empty), good once and mediocre once. The language barrier is definitely an issue as I feel some of the JL FAs are embarrassed about their English (which they needn't be).
QF F was outstanding, Aussie service tends to be great. The crew was a mix of Aussies and Bits and just came across as very polished and friendly. Like a super-charged version of the service on VS.
I prefer the QF hard product overall, it's hard to beat an A380. JL does sometimes keep the cabin quite hot too, which can be an issue. Both have fantastic bedding though.
F&B JL wins. Royal Blue Tea, Salon Champagne and a fantastic selection of Japanese wines, sake and shochu. The Japanese food is really good and even the steaks and caviar are some of the best. However QF does serve great coffee and I'm very partial to the Winston Churchill, the food was also in the top tier of F airlines.
Have a great flight!^
The ability to take selfies, photobomb and generally photograph anything and everything has to be the most irritating of technological developments and social fads.
I've enjoyed reading the trip report, so it's a tad hypocritical and horribly grumpy to say it - but I'd have hated sharing the cabin with this couple. Let's hope J gets his low-light camera.
And a belated happy birthday to him!
I've enjoyed reading the trip report, so it's a tad hypocritical and horribly grumpy to say it - but I'd have hated sharing the cabin with this couple. Let's hope J gets his low-light camera.
And a belated happy birthday to him!
If you want a decent TR you've got to take pics!
Having said that, I always aim to do so in a decorous manner - always being courteous to those with whom I share the cabin.
Thanks for the birthday wishes IAN-UK, I'm up for something of a repeat trip this September!
p.s. I did get a low light camera - the Panasonic LX100, I'm very pleased with the results
Flash photography is definitely not for me, stargold . Especially in an airplane cabin. You'd have to be pretty oblivious to others to start using your flash on a plane! Thanks for having my back
Thanks for reading Annalisa12!
Fantastic report. I am now regretting not including Dubai in our Europe trip but we are doing QF F on A380 Syd-LHR r/t and you TR has made me super excited about the choice.
What a gorgeous couple you two are. My wife (she is Filipino) commented that you look like we did when we were 25. I wish we had still looked like that at 30 (by 30 we had 4 kids)
What a gorgeous couple you two are. My wife (she is Filipino) commented that you look like we did when we were 25. I wish we had still looked like that at 30 (by 30 we had 4 kids)
Jermyn, I've commented on how awesome your trip reports were before, this is no exception.
I wanted to get your opinion on the differences between your JL F and QF F flights you've taken... I did QF F at the beginning of the year and now doing JL F for the first time in a few weeks. How does the service, food and hard product compare?
I wanted to get your opinion on the differences between your JL F and QF F flights you've taken... I did QF F at the beginning of the year and now doing JL F for the first time in a few weeks. How does the service, food and hard product compare?
I've only flown QF F once and it was on this short sector, whereas I've flown JL F on 3 long hauls.
In my experience the JL F service was mixed. Excellent once (when the cabin was quite empty), good once and mediocre once. The language barrier is definitely an issue as I feel some of the JL FAs are embarrassed about their English (which they needn't be).
QF F was outstanding, Aussie service tends to be great. The crew was a mix of Aussies and Bits and just came across as very polished and friendly. Like a super-charged version of the service on VS.
I prefer the QF hard product overall, it's hard to beat an A380. JL does sometimes keep the cabin quite hot too, which can be an issue. Both have fantastic bedding though.
F&B JL wins. Royal Blue Tea, Salon Champagne and a fantastic selection of Japanese wines, sake and shochu. The Japanese food is really good and even the steaks and caviar are some of the best. However QF does serve great coffee and I'm very partial to the Winston Churchill, the food was also in the top tier of F airlines.
Have a great flight!^