Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Community > Trip Reports
Reload this Page >

I Ain't Seen the Sunshine Since I Don't Know When: Christmas in Europe (AA F, IB C)

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

I Ain't Seen the Sunshine Since I Don't Know When: Christmas in Europe (AA F, IB C)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 17, 2016, 2:46 am
  #46  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Excellent report.

We were at the IC-Bucharest about 1.5 years ago, had a great suite. Strange casino in the basement of that hotel (for a number of reasons). Also agree, the club lounge is very nice; was recently renovated. The hotel GM mentioned they are "slowly" going to start a room renovation program.

Funny thing, is that when I mentioned visiting that property my dad reminded me he had stayed there around 1972+/- for a business trip. He swore the ash-trays were bugged in the lobby bar. (notice, you could still smoke in the lobby bar, even today...)
baccarat_king is offline  
Old Jan 17, 2016, 6:48 am
  #47  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Originally Posted by adampenrith
Awesome report - always great to see pics and hear about destinations and flights that are not run of the mill.

Awesome that you got to pay your respects to your great aunt, you could learn Hebrew - be a challenge for you.
Yes Hebrew would be quite an undertaking, you have to read it backwards, how absurd! And thank you, I do pride myself on writing about things that are different or interesting, I only write two or so TRs a year so I try and save them for when I have something to say.

Originally Posted by baccarat_king
Excellent report.

We were at the IC-Bucharest about 1.5 years ago, had a great suite. Strange casino in the basement of that hotel (for a number of reasons). Also agree, the club lounge is very nice; was recently renovated. The hotel GM mentioned they are "slowly" going to start a room renovation program.

Funny thing, is that when I mentioned visiting that property my dad reminded me he had stayed there around 1972+/- for a business trip. He swore the ash-trays were bugged in the lobby bar. (notice, you could still smoke in the lobby bar, even today...)
Thank you very much! I saw the casino entrance but didn't go in. I was told first timers have to pay 50 RON (about $12.50) and that they only have table games. Oh and your Dad's story doesn't surprise me, from what I understand this was a big spy hotel during the Cold War
CMK10 is offline  
Old Jan 17, 2016, 8:47 am
  #48  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Originally Posted by CMK10
Thank you very much! I saw the casino entrance but didn't go in. I was told first timers have to pay 50 RON (about $12.50) and that they only have table games. Oh and your Dad's story doesn't surprise me, from what I understand this was a big spy hotel during the Cold War
Yes, just tables. Roulette and blackjack. Some tables in €. I did recall one blackjack table was in €. There was also a carnival game (I believe 3 card poker). I tend to not take many photos in foreign casinos; since, well, they get a bit uptight. I also recall the female "pit bosses" were quite striking and wearing great high heels. Smoking was also allowed. Only have one pic, after colouring up from a quick roulette session.

baccarat_king is offline  
Old Jan 26, 2016, 6:54 am
  #49  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: YTO/DEL/BOM/GAU
Programs: A few airlines, hotel programs and car rentals
Posts: 1,238
Loved your TR, CMK10. Thanks for sharing. P.S. my dad and I love 'Father of the bride'
AvidFlyer1990 is offline  
Old Jan 26, 2016, 12:02 pm
  #50  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Fantastic report!

Lithuania is a place I've been a couple times, actually have a number of friends there. I too was amazed by how amazing of a city Vilnius is. There are parts that feel very Eastern European and even Soviet, then a block later you're on a street that makes you feel like you're in Italy. Really a very cool city!

If you have the opportunity I would recommend going back sometime in the summer. Having been there before in the winter and the summer, I will say the latter is definitely more pleasant! ^
cmd320 is offline  
Old Jan 26, 2016, 5:00 pm
  #51  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Let me check my Logbook
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards; AAdvantage; Alaska Mileage Plan; Wyndham Rewards; Choice Hotels
Posts: 2,350
Thanks for the fascinating Trip Report.
Loose Cannon is offline  
Old Jan 26, 2016, 6:19 pm
  #52  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Aw there are few better feelings for a Trip Report writer then when his report gets a bump after falling off the firt page.

Originally Posted by AvidFlyer1990
Loved your TR, CMK10. Thanks for sharing. P.S. my dad and I love 'Father of the bride'
You're very welcome, I was happy to do so.

Originally Posted by cmd320
Fantastic report!

Lithuania is a place I've been a couple times, actually have a number of friends there. I too was amazed by how amazing of a city Vilnius is. There are parts that feel very Eastern European and even Soviet, then a block later you're on a street that makes you feel like you're in Italy. Really a very cool city!

If you have the opportunity I would recommend going back sometime in the summer. Having been there before in the winter and the summer, I will say the latter is definitely more pleasant! ^
I think a visit back in the summer is a good idea. I'd like to go to Kaunas where my Grandfather is from and also do some exploring of nearby Latvia and Estonia.

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon
Thanks for the fascinating Trip Report.
You're very welcome, glad you liked it.
CMK10 is offline  
Old Feb 3, 2016, 3:21 pm
  #53  
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Devon/UK
Programs: BA Blue :(
Posts: 241
Great read, Thanks
BlackSkyuk is offline  
Old Feb 3, 2016, 5:09 pm
  #54  
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: IND, ORD
Programs: AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 134
Great report and a great variety of pictures.
mustang281man is offline  
Old Feb 4, 2016, 7:24 am
  #55  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Originally Posted by BlackSkyuk
Great read, Thanks
You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

Originally Posted by mustang281man
Great report and a great variety of pictures.
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.
CMK10 is offline  
Old Feb 6, 2016, 3:18 pm
  #56  
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Helvetia
Programs: AS; BA Silver; UA; HH Gold; Sprüngli Connaisseur
Posts: 2,912
I enjoyed your report. It was great! Living here in Züri, I have to laugh at the Äss Bar when I walk by. It means something like 'Eat Bar' in German. Across the street is Café Henrici which has excellent Flammküchen, which are kind of like pizza, but with crème fraîche instead of tomato sauce.
greg5 is offline  
Old Feb 6, 2016, 3:32 pm
  #57  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Originally Posted by greg5
I enjoyed your report. It was great! Living here in Züri, I have to laugh at the Äss Bar when I walk by. It means something like 'Eat Bar' in German. Across the street is Café Henrici which has excellent Flammküchen, which are kind of like pizza, but with crème fraîche instead of tomato sauce.
I'm glad you liked the report and gladder still for the context you gave me. Next time I'm in Zurich I've got to get me one of those Flammküchens.
CMK10 is offline  
Old Feb 6, 2016, 5:03 pm
  #58  
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 225
Always a pleasure reading your trip reports! A lot of pictures and nice captures is just what I like.

Vilnius has been on my wishlist for some time now, I really want to go there some day.
HangukStyle is offline  
Old Feb 6, 2016, 11:10 pm
  #59  
was thetravelingRedhead
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Western Michigan
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Silver Premier
Posts: 642
Hi CMK!

Long time no see- very awesome to see a TR from you.

Iberia looks like it is trying but has a long way to go. Sorry about that delay too.

Loved seeing ZRH and FRA- planning a trip from Boston (moving soon hopefully) to JNB next year and it looks like I will be transferring through there (and maybe making a longer stop over given the location of that HIX )

Loved the Eastern Europe sections too- great to see countries that aren't covered much here.

And of course, awesome perspective and pictures of parts of ORD that I don't get to see much.

Hope to see more TR's this year!
Mrtrash757 is offline  
Old Feb 7, 2016, 8:12 am
  #60  
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Helvetia
Programs: AS; BA Silver; UA; HH Gold; Sprüngli Connaisseur
Posts: 2,912
Originally Posted by CMK10
I'm glad you liked the report and gladder still for the context you gave me. Next time I'm in Zurich I've got to get me one of those Flammküchens.
The Flammküchen are pretty good. I like the one with potatoes and alp cheese. The desserts there look pretty good as well.

The idea behind (pun unintended) the Äss Bar is to sell day old bread for a cheap price so it doesn't get thrown out by the bakeries. Digging around Google, I found an article that does a better job describing it than I could.
greg5 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.