New Years in Rome and Malta via Lufthansa and BA First Class
Jan 3, 2017, 3:44 pm
#31
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Location: Germany
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I just flew back from LHR - ORD on BA (F). SFO777 based on your LH comments, I really hope you find an alternative to BA if your experience will be anything like what I experienced.
High(low)lights:
- CCR as detailed in many posts (power points, furniture, catering, service, spa services, toilets etc) The Samsung people walked up and gave me a nice multi adaptor - which I actually needed - so that was good.
- Catering on board
- Dine on Demand that is not (I wanted a scone - No! We serve that 1 hour prior to landing!)
- Slippers are only for night flights
- they did keep the galley curtain closed - easier to ignore everyone in the cabin that way.
etc.
High(low)lights:
- CCR as detailed in many posts (power points, furniture, catering, service, spa services, toilets etc) The Samsung people walked up and gave me a nice multi adaptor - which I actually needed - so that was good.
- Catering on board
- Dine on Demand that is not (I wanted a scone - No! We serve that 1 hour prior to landing!)
- Slippers are only for night flights
- they did keep the galley curtain closed - easier to ignore everyone in the cabin that way.
etc.
Jan 3, 2017, 7:44 pm
#32
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: DL Diamond, United Gold, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Gold
Posts: 41
What a disappointing flight experience to start! Very excited to learn where you go/what you do in Rome as we were just there with my 8 month old before Christmas. Italy does not disappoint, in my experience. I imagine your schedule will be different; ours revolved around bath time. Malta is on my list; never been; and equally excited to see your choices. Thank you for sharing as always.
Jan 3, 2017, 11:30 pm
#33
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We arrived at Gate K-7 which was nearly directly across from the Terminal 2 Satellite First Class Lounge.
This was my 2nd visit here and I really like this lounge. Very attractive with lots of windows for plane watching.
While Mrs. SFO777 headed to one of the sleep rooms for a nap, I explored this beautiful new lounge.
The lounge attendant showed my the new terrace which I hadn't noticed last month. It's a nice feature but small... and likely to be used mostly as an outdoor smoking lounge. Presumably, they put furniture out when the weather warms.
None of the wines interested me so I went with a beer...
With Mrs. SFO777 napping, someone else joined me for lunch.
My Viennese Schnitzel.
Which was delicious...
... but not as fabulous as this one at the FCT in Frankfurt last year.
This was my 2nd visit here and I really like this lounge. Very attractive with lots of windows for plane watching.
While Mrs. SFO777 headed to one of the sleep rooms for a nap, I explored this beautiful new lounge.
The lounge attendant showed my the new terrace which I hadn't noticed last month. It's a nice feature but small... and likely to be used mostly as an outdoor smoking lounge. Presumably, they put furniture out when the weather warms.
None of the wines interested me so I went with a beer...
With Mrs. SFO777 napping, someone else joined me for lunch.
My Viennese Schnitzel.
Which was delicious...
... but not as fabulous as this one at the FCT in Frankfurt last year.
Jan 3, 2017, 11:31 pm
#34
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In Munich, Lufthansa only provides limo service to planes operating from a remote tarmac position. Unfortunately unlike my LHR flight last month, our Rome flight departed from a real gate, Gate K04 which is only a 5 minute walk from the Lounge. But still a walk nevertheless and having to mingle with other passengers. 
Amazingly, all other passengers were seated with no gate lice at all. Since we had the bulkhead seats and no nearby available seats, we became gate lice, standing at the gate for 5 minutes before boarding commenced.
Munich-Rome
Lufthansa 1846
A321
3:45p-5:15p
December 29, 2016
Seats 1AC
Welcome aboard the ever uncomfortable phony Business Class seats that European airlines get away with.
Friendly cabin crew offered excellent service after take-off and closed the galley curtain immediately. Time to promote this crew to international First Class. I wasn't hungry but too the lunch offering for the photo opp.
The custard dessert and chocolates were good.
FCO is not the most attractive airport, although there were pretty pics of Rome along the way to the exit.
Our personable Hassler driver Momy was waiting for us outside baggage claim. After a short walk to the car, we were on the road and at the hotel 35 minutes later.
Amazingly, all other passengers were seated with no gate lice at all. Since we had the bulkhead seats and no nearby available seats, we became gate lice, standing at the gate for 5 minutes before boarding commenced.
Munich-Rome
Lufthansa 1846
A321
3:45p-5:15p
December 29, 2016
Seats 1AC
Welcome aboard the ever uncomfortable phony Business Class seats that European airlines get away with.
Friendly cabin crew offered excellent service after take-off and closed the galley curtain immediately. Time to promote this crew to international First Class. I wasn't hungry but too the lunch offering for the photo opp.
The custard dessert and chocolates were good.
FCO is not the most attractive airport, although there were pretty pics of Rome along the way to the exit.
Our personable Hassler driver Momy was waiting for us outside baggage claim. After a short walk to the car, we were on the road and at the hotel 35 minutes later.
Jan 3, 2017, 11:32 pm
#35
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Hassler Roma
At the top of the Spanish Steps with a commanding view of Rome, The Hotel Hassler is one of Europe's great classic hotels.
Not sure whether it was the hotel equivalent of a mistake fare, but I was fortunate to find an amazing online deal on the Hassler website, a prepaid Classic Suite that was priced less than a Jr. Suite. I then got a further 35% discount when I call Citi Concierge and used the 4th night free offer, as the 4th night was the most expensive night of our stay. Our luck continued at check-in as we were upgraded to a larger 6th floor suite with a view.
After we settled in, we headed downstairs for a drink and something to eat, at the elegant Salone Eva.
We both had the wonderful Amatriciana style mezzi rigatoni pasta and a glass of Brunello.
OMG... sensational.
At the top of the Spanish Steps with a commanding view of Rome, The Hotel Hassler is one of Europe's great classic hotels.
Not sure whether it was the hotel equivalent of a mistake fare, but I was fortunate to find an amazing online deal on the Hassler website, a prepaid Classic Suite that was priced less than a Jr. Suite. I then got a further 35% discount when I call Citi Concierge and used the 4th night free offer, as the 4th night was the most expensive night of our stay. Our luck continued at check-in as we were upgraded to a larger 6th floor suite with a view.
After we settled in, we headed downstairs for a drink and something to eat, at the elegant Salone Eva.
We both had the wonderful Amatriciana style mezzi rigatoni pasta and a glass of Brunello.
OMG... sensational.
Last edited by SFO777; Jan 7, 2017 at 6:11 am
Jan 4, 2017, 12:21 am
#36
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Damn, I bribed the LH crew to make sure you would have a fantastic flight and rave about LH again, but it seems I was too stingy. (My bribing experience is limited to a single occasion at the Polo Lounge in LA where I gave the maître d' a ten dollar bill to get a good table and ended up sitting next to the kitchen door). Hmmm. Here's to hoping LH won't be overtaken by BA on your F ranking!
I know you raved about LH, even while sitting in those awful 1DG lav seats but my recent experience has been anything but.
Hmm, for more reasons that I can think of, hell will freeze over before that happens. Very much looking forward to the BA installment. Popcorn is on order. In fairness, if you get a great crew (and they do exist) they can often gloss over the failings. The Champagne is also the same so you're on safe ground there. I also strongly recommend the beef 
Call it morbid curiosity.
Plus I'll be burning more of my ever useless AA miles.Thanks Annalisa12 and snabbu.
Admittedly my data points are few for LH F (3x FRA, 1x MUC) but I noticed no significant difference; four excellent crews (admittedly one helped by me being the only one in F on that day ) across four different plane types if that makes a difference (former 747-400 F, 747-8 F, A380 F, and A330 F) with routes involving three continents in addition to obviously Europe.
) across four different plane types if that makes a difference (former 747-400 F, 747-8 F, A380 F, and A330 F) with routes involving three continents in addition to obviously Europe.1. If I am correct Lufthansa have a lot of problems employee wise. They are not happy and often on strike. Even in economy they started serving "lettuce" as a starter to cut costs like the US airlines do and Swiss. Thanks for the Rome tip. I went 40 years ago in July and it was awful; unbearably hot. That's why I want to go back.
Bad luck on the rotten flight, SFO777. And that wine list generally looks pretty substandard for 1st Class. I'm flying LH paid biz from MUC to ORD later this month and will see how that goes. (It's so much cheaper going that way from LHR than direct on UA...— it's on a UA ticket)
I can not believe they have the same starters two years later!! I was reading your TR like "Wait a second....why do I recognize that food?!" They were serving the exact same things two years ago on my SEA-FRA flight.
Judging by your thoughts and what I wrote at the time I think LH is at the bottom off the 'hill'. My remarks were: A trio of appetizers, all of which were great. Salmon tartar was brilliant. ..............but that could have been the Blue Label typing.
As always, thanks for the Trip Report!
I was reading your TR like "Wait a second....why do I recognize that food?!" They were serving the exact same things two years ago on my SEA-FRA flight.Judging by your thoughts and what I wrote at the time I think LH is at the bottom off the 'hill'. My remarks were: A trio of appetizers, all of which were great. Salmon tartar was brilliant. ..............but that could have been the Blue Label typing
.As always, thanks for the Trip Report!
I just flew back from LHR - ORD on BA (F). SFO777 based on your LH comments, I really hope you find an alternative to BA if your experience will be anything like what I experienced.
High(low)lights:
- CCR as detailed in many posts (power points, furniture, catering, service, spa services, toilets etc) The Samsung people walked up and gave me a nice multi adaptor - which I actually needed - so that was good.
- Catering on board
- Dine on Demand that is not (I wanted a scone - No! We serve that 1 hour prior to landing!)
- Slippers are only for night flights
- they did keep the galley curtain closed - easier to ignore everyone in the cabin that way.
etc.
High(low)lights:
- CCR as detailed in many posts (power points, furniture, catering, service, spa services, toilets etc) The Samsung people walked up and gave me a nice multi adaptor - which I actually needed - so that was good.
- Catering on board
- Dine on Demand that is not (I wanted a scone - No! We serve that 1 hour prior to landing!)
- Slippers are only for night flights
- they did keep the galley curtain closed - easier to ignore everyone in the cabin that way.
etc.
Fantastic report as alwaysWhat a disappointing flight experience to start! Very excited to learn where you go/what you do in Rome as we were just there with my 8 month old before Christmas. Italy does not disappoint, in my experience. I imagine your schedule will be different; ours revolved around bath time. Malta is on my list; never been; and equally excited to see your choices. Thank you for sharing as always.
Jan 4, 2017, 1:07 am
#37
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,399
Great to read another trip report from you!
A family member has recently had to start flying LH and absolutely hates it and they would rather take a detour to fly with anyone else but them even though they LH have the quickest route.
A family member has recently had to start flying LH and absolutely hates it and they would rather take a detour to fly with anyone else but them even though they LH have the quickest route.
Jan 4, 2017, 2:46 am
#38
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884
Great report (as expected).
I flew LH F some 3 weeks ago from FRA to MEX and I liked it. The F/A's were really nice.
It was a different story on the way back in C. I am not sure how they can compete with such the mediocre (let my feet meet your feet: https://www.google.pl/search?q=lh+74...yc1aP8lYJEM%3A) product.
PS. The pictures are not mine, I just googled them out...
).I flew LH F some 3 weeks ago from FRA to MEX and I liked it. The F/A's were really nice.
It was a different story on the way back in C. I am not sure how they can compete with such the mediocre (let my feet meet your feet: https://www.google.pl/search?q=lh+74...yc1aP8lYJEM%3A) product.
PS. The pictures are not mine, I just googled them out...
Jan 4, 2017, 4:19 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
An amazing location for your hotel in the middle of Rome, SFO777, such beautiful views from your 6th floor suite out onto the Spanish Steps and the city skyline.
Some very photogenic and tasty looking food at Moma too, maybe LH can learn a thing or two from them
.
Looking forward to Malta.
Some very photogenic and tasty looking food at Moma too, maybe LH can learn a thing or two from them
.Looking forward to Malta.
Jan 4, 2017, 6:30 am
#42
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
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Jan 4, 2017, 7:45 am
#43
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Staffordshire UK
Programs: FB LT Plat, BA LTG, LH HON
Posts: 273
Great report, I stay at the Hassler a couple of times a year as I have a client not far from there. I have to agree that their pricing policy can be generally quite random. Whilst not venturing into the higher suite categories, you can, not infrequently, get some real bargains for a hotel of this calibre.
I am starting to feel that the lobby is becoming a bit shopping mall-y or maybe I'm just getting a bit older! When I was there in November, I was actually approached by some bloke trying to flog some designer nonsense.
However, I think I'm addicted to those little trays of afternoon cakes with their great coffee - the cappuccino canoli type thing is the food of the Gods - and this makes up for a lot.
I am starting to feel that the lobby is becoming a bit shopping mall-y or maybe I'm just getting a bit older! When I was there in November, I was actually approached by some bloke trying to flog some designer nonsense.
However, I think I'm addicted to those little trays of afternoon cakes with their great coffee - the cappuccino canoli type thing is the food of the Gods - and this makes up for a lot.
Jan 4, 2017, 1:25 pm
#44
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Location: Benicia, California, USA
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Posts: 10,820
If I understand your itinerary correctly, SFO777, you'll be flying BA's sub-Y legroom J cabin from Malta to LHR, so I imagine you'll have some comments on that.
(Though, semi-seriously, perhaps you should opt for exit row Y?) Also looking forward to your impressions of Malta, as it's on our bucket list.
In the meantime, happy trails!
Last edited by Thunderroad; Jan 4, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Jan 4, 2017, 1:51 pm
#45
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,370
Great report - looking forward to the rest!
Just my opinion, I'm not sure what to think about the matching wallpaper, nightstands, headboard and upholstery in the Hassler suite...it kind of makes me dizzy
Just my opinion, I'm not sure what to think about the matching wallpaper, nightstands, headboard and upholstery in the Hassler suite...it kind of makes me dizzy