Carq

Thank you. I´m finally getting to the highlights.

Yes, the hotel is quite unique. I didn´t know much from the chain, do they usually have an unique, local design?

Carq

After a good night of sleep, I went to the restaurant for breakfast. The spread and quality was very good, but the best part was the views of the central patio. One thing that I found very concerning was the fact that a server used those long spoons to mix/homogenize the juices on the milk/milkshake bottles. As I have a daughter who is allergic to dairy products, this would be problematic. I did try to mention this but he didn’t understood. I should have told this to management but forgot.



Back to my room, I packed and went to check-out. Everything went smooth and the attendant asked me when my flight was, when I wanted to leave (right away) and she told me the hotel driver was ready to take me, as it was the benefit from FHR. I shouldn´t have done this, but I played the fool, didn´t ask or said anything and got my free transfer back to the airport.
Check-in on China Southern was fast and I was told that, due to the business class ticket, I could use the express lane to skip the longer security lines. As I was about to enter, I realized that I should have received a card to use this service.
As I was in no hurry, I went to the normal lines and a few moments later the attendant from China Southern came from her counter, looking for me, apologized for forgetting and gave me the card. I found that impressive.
Just like in CTU, the lounges that both Priority Pass and China Southern uses in LJG are also called “First Class Lounges”, which is even more cynical/ironic than in CTU, as this was the worst lounge I have ever been to. Tiny, with a drinking fountain and some packed biscuits available. I thought that waiting near my gate was a much better option. I took advantage to take a picture of the airport, showing the design I mentioned earlier.
The flight was operated by an A320, with a 2-2 seat layout on business class. I found odd that there was no ID check on boarding. It was unmemorable and the food serviced was pretty lame. On disembark that was a van specific for business class passengers.



I asked at the help desk to have my hotel name and address written in Chinese and took a taxi to St. Regis. As in Chengdu, it was a ride filled with zigzagging, honks, cutoffs and near misses. I even witnessed a car bumping into another and denting the front and rear bumper of each other.
After 30-40 minutes, I arrived at the hotel and proceeded to the 96th floor, where the check-in is processed. The elevator takes a while to reach that floor, which features high ceilings, a great décor and good views of the surroundings. I got an upgrade to a bigger room and a letter explaining the benefits of FHR.



The room on the 88th floor was well appointed and there was a nice welcome amenity, consisting of fruits and some cakes bits. It was almost a suite, with an office space separated from bedroom by a wall. There was a tablet on the desk that was close to useless, as it just contained some very basic information of the hotel and couldn´t be used for room service or as a browser. One thing that I usually don´t care but love on St. Regis is the Remčde toiletries.





Once again, the Great Firewall affected my plans as I couldn´t retrieve the places I wanted to visit or have a decent map app to walk around. At least, this time the internet had a good speed, but this just made me curse Bing Maps even more. I tried for 30 minutes to find a good replacement for Google Maps but failed. Google Maps in Chinese worked but it was completely useless due to the language barrier.
I asked at concierge for a paper map and this time I got a decent one. I went for a walk to the Citizen Square and I liked the vibe of the city, don´t know exactly why, but it seemed like a place I would like to live in. It was already past 6pm and people were heading home from work, so the streets were quite busy.
One hour later, I arrived at Citizen Square and took lots of pictures of Shenzhen´s Government Building, with its giant ceiling spreading in the air and making a good frame to Lianhuashan Park on the background or the some tall buildings and light beams on the opposite direction.



Another one-hour walk back to the hotel, I lucked out as it started raining when I was really close to the hotel. I took a shower and watched a movie on my notebook. By that time, the hotel restaurants were closed, but I wasn´t in the mood to go to one, anyway. I wasn´t really hungry but I had a U$100 credit to use, so I ordered room service. The options were a bit limited because of the time, but to reach the credit amount I ordered more food than I really wanted. As it took around 45 minutes for the arrival of the food, they gave me a complimentary coke can. I think I ate less than half of everything (except dessert, a chocolate mousse) and went to sleep.
Next morning, I went to breakfast still full from my late dinner. The buffet spread was very good and everything seemed high quality, but I found it the least appetizing of the three I had this trip. I´m not sure if it was really the featured selection or just my still full stomach.





One thing that really caught my eyes was a Movenpick Ice Cream display. As I didn´t understand if it was a self-service, I asked a server how should I proceed and was told that it was only for lunch or dinner. But a kind of maître came to my table and told me that I could choose the flavors I wanted. I had never eaten Movenpick ice cream before but thought it was on par with Haagen-Dazs or better. I choose three ice cream balls of strawberry, passion fruit and pistachio. What a disappointment, it tasted much worse than a regular Wall´s/Good Humor/Ola ice cream.
Back to my room, I should have gone for another walk through the city but wasn´t willing to, so I watched another movie on my notebook and proceeded to checkout. To my surprise, I was charged the U$100 from room service. I asked about FHR food and beverage credit and was told that it was only valid for consumption on two restaurants, not on room service. I found it completely odd but that was explicit on FHR letter I got on check-in and didn´t read. So that meant a wasted U$100 credit and about U$50 thrown away on excess of food, the same amount it would have costed me the free transfer I got from Banyan Tree. Karma is a b...., right?
I took a cab back to SZX airport. As traffic was quite low that time, it was a much less thrilled ride.

hkskyline

I believe much of Lijiang's old town has been rebuilt following various natural disasters, and now turned in to a commercialized Disneyland. The worst is at night when the central square is blasting with clubbing music and bars open up along its sides.

roadwarrier

Wow!! What an interesting routing.
Enjoying this TR so far. Looking forward to the rest.

milesaddict

Your pics are gorgeous ! it's well written. I enjoyed going through all your reports.
Thanks.

Bretteee

Is the altitude high in lijiang?

Carq

Well, at least you don´t have to wait for hours in lines to see the attractions. This seems like a good reason, but there is always a discussion about reconstructing an old building or letting the ruins be the last sign of it. I don´t know what Chinese architects usually follow.

Thanks for reading. It´s only missing my flights on Thai and Lufthansa and my visit to Swiss First Lounge, which I considered the highlight of this trip (it should be an absurd to have a lounge as the highlight, but here on Flyertalk this shouldn´t be so strange).

Actually I thank you a lot for your very kind words.

2.400 meters high.

Carq

With my boarding pass already in hand, I went to straight to security and immigration control, which had small and fast moving lines. I went to China Southern lounge in SZX, which is an L shaped room with questionable furniture and layout but at least some hot food offerings.



I slept for almost all flight but I smelled and saw some slices of garlic bread on service, so I asked for a plate just with it and water. The flight attendant was quite nice and charming.
Arriving in BKK, it was time to get my boarding pass. There was a Thai balcony not far from my arrival gate, but from there to the main Royal First Class lounge it was quite a walk. I had an 8 hours layover, so it was more than enough time on the lounge.
There wasn´t any semi-private room available, so I seated on the middle couches. I checked the buffet options, which were limited but had a couple of highlights, and the menu on an iPad.







First, I ordered a watermelon juice with a Phad Thai, which was ok. Internet speed was good and it was a joy to get rid of the Great Firewall. One hour later, it was time for my free one-hour full body massage, which was just ok. I took a not very long shower after the massage but was hurried to leave the room by some knocks on the door, telling me that another one was scheduled that room. So the Royal Orchid Spa experience was disappointing.
I watched a movie on my laptop and it was time for a Tom Yum Goong with two margaritas. The rice served with Tom helped easy the spiciness of the dish.
Time for a walk around the airport and to buy some chocolates and souvenirs at Duty Free. One thing that´s quite annoying in BKK is that they require you to sign on the back of your credit card, even when you use your pin code. So I just scribbled something like an X on the back just for this ridiculous formality.
Back to the lounge, it was a bit difficult to fit everything on my carry-on and small backpack. I had to leave a Qatar Pajama behind, which my mother-in-law always ask for, since she quite likes those business/first class PJs.
Close to boarding, it was time for one last snack, so I ordered some breaded fried shrimps that were on display on the buffet. They were quite good.
For boarding, a buggy was provided to carry the four passengers that were on the lounge. The disadvantage of this, due to the route taken, was the necessity to re-clear security, waiting in line, taking belt, laptop and shoes off… So I think that walking to the gate may be a better option.
I had flown Thai F before on the old 747 version, so was quite happy to try the newer A380 model. I had read that there were already several age marks and scratches on the cabins, but that wasn´t the case. I don´t think the tones were the best choice, but I thought the cabin was on par with the majority of other first classes. First class was 10/12 loaded.





Already waiting in my seat was a pink rimowa amenity kit, PJs and a card for a whooping 20mb free internet. The menu options were good except for the main courses, which wasn´t a problem as I had pre-ordered a lobster thermidor.





Both the IFE options and TV screen were very good. As I had eaten quite much on the lounge, I just watched a movie and later asked for turn down service. The lavatories are very spacious, which is always nice when you are going to change into PJs and don´t need to worry about where you are stepping, especially those “water” puddles.
PJs and bedding were very comfortable and I slept for about 5-6 hours. As I woke up, it was dinnertime. Both caviar and starters were very good. The lobster looked amazing, but was too salty for me and could have a bit more meat. Singapore Airlines definitely serves a better lobster. The raspberry charlotte was very good, again.





I watched some movies on the IFE and about 90 minutes before landing breakfast were served. The fruit plate should have more fruits but the omelet was good. Overall, the food options and taste were quite good, I was expecting less from Thai.



I changed back to my clothes and went for a walk around the plane. Business class seemed solid to me, with seats similar to Emirates business class on the A380. Going downstairs on the back of the plane wasn´t allowed, so I went back to first class and thought doing this on the front stairs would be a simple request.



I don´t know exactly why, but the flight attendant said it wouldn´t be possible, but she would escort me if I wanted. I didn´t wanted to disrupt her and it would also feel quite embarrassing to walk through economy class with a FA following me, as I really just wanted to take a walk and a look around. So I thanked her and passed the offer.
The advantage of this was that I wanted to ask for a second rimowa amenity kit but thought that with an almost full flight, chances of getting it would be small. But after being denied my first request, it was the perfect time to make the second, so she happily came back with a light blue case.
We landed as scheduled and I was quite impressed with TG F. I had low expectations, thinking something along the lines of British F food and service, but ended up feeling they were on par with JAL and Singapore 77w.

Carq

When I booked the CDG-ZRH-FRA ticket, I thought that 2,5 hours would be more than enough to connect in CDG, I would even have booked an earlier departure if it was available. But as I was in the lounge in BKK, it occurred to me that Thai flights are often late. I check the flight stats and, for 12 arrivals, 3 were more than 2 hours late. A 25% chance of arriving really late was my first fear, but when my flight took off on time, I relaxed.
Then, as we landed in CDG and were taxing through the airport, I remembered how long it can take to transit from one terminal to another. I didn´t check which terminal I was arriving and from which terminal I would departure and thought that international and intra-Europe would be operated from different terminals. At least I didn´t have a checked bag. My next fear was a long immigration line and having to go from one extreme to the other of the airport.
So I was walking on a really fast pace when I saw the first flight departures panel. I arrived in Terminal One and would also departure from it. There was even a specific immigration control for those staying in the terminal. In the end, even 30 minutes would be enough to connect between flights.
The part of the terminal where my Swiss flight would departure was small and quite busy. Fortunately, there was a Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges on the basement. Even though I was flying economy, my later flight on First Class granted me access.
There was some construction going on the terminal, so I´m not sure if the lounges in the basement are temporary or not. The Senator Lounge was small, but there were no more than 10 people inside. The food spread was reasonable.



90 minutes later, I went to the gate. It was a complete, crowded mess, but there was almost no gate licing. As I boarded Swiss A321, I thought the brown leather finishes to the seats were quite elegant. I was also intrigued with a lavatory in the middle of economy class. I don´t remember ever seeing that, so I thought that´s possibly because, may be, I hadn´t flown an A321 before.



The flight was full and overhead bins were packed with coats, jackets and scarfs. On my original flight, I had an eight hours layover in CDG and would head to the city. It seems like I would freeze, because I´d pack the same light jacket I was carrying. I thought that on May temperatures would be a little higher in Paris.
My flight landed in ZRH around 11 o´clock and parked at gates A, used by intra-Europe flights. The new First Class Lounge is located at gates E, used by international flights. I had read the FT topic about ZRH lounges and knew what I had to do.
I followed the gates E directions and when I saw an elevator, I remembered someone suggesting that taking them (something I wouldn’t normally do) would be a better option. I arrived right in front of passport control, where there was a small line. I just showed my passport and was ready to tell that I just wanted to use the First Class Lounge, but my passport was stamped without any questions asked and even a ticket requested.
Next, I caught the train to gates E and walked to the lounge, which is at the far end of the terminal. From leaving the aircraft to the lounge, it was a seamless 20 minutes’ walk.
I presented my electronic first class ticket and was asked about my flight leaving ZRH, just because they wanted to monitor my flight and departure to gates A. I immediately asked if there were any day rooms available. There was. I also asked for how long could I stay in it and was said that until my flight.



The room is great, with a very comfortable bed, a bench and a well-appointed bathroom. There is also great tarmac views, but they ask to keep curtains closed when privacy is necessary. From what I could see, circulating in the external deck is limited, allowed only for those inside the lounge. But there might have been some nudity or sex incidents by the amount of signs indicating the need to close the curtains.





I took a shower and went to explore the lounge, leaving my luggage in the locked room. It´s not that big, but you have tarmac views through all the facades. There is a central bar, with restaurant tables to the left and sofas sets to the right. There were about 10 people in the lounge, which got emptier in the afternoon.





I went to the restaurant for lunch and it was a pure delight to read the menu. I wanted to have both the Wine & Dine Menu and the Pure SWISS Menu, but my stomach wouldn´t support my greediness. I went with the SWISS, which was asparagus based, and ordered a Kirecco.







My first dish was stunning and delicious. The asparagus mousse was soft and flavorful. Next, it was a kind of asparagus broth, which was good. Then came the risoni with asparagus, a pasta similar to rice, which was well seasoned and very good. Following came the pork fillet, very tender, well seasoned and with tasteful sauce, potatoes and asparagus. Finally, dessert was again beautifully plated and delicious, featuring ice cream, strawberries, crumbs and a kind of guava paste. It doesn´t seems to match the description on the menu, though.





After having, probably, the best meal set of my life, I went back to room to take a nap. I set up an alarm because the bed was so comfortable and I was feeling so good from lunch that I would probably sleep for several hours.
I woke at 5pm and wasn´t exactly hungry, but I couldn´t pass the opportunity to have some more great food. Back to the restaurant, I ordered a margarita, roasted tuna and, I think, the trilogy dessert from the Wine & Dine menu.



Once again, presentation was excellent and taste was even better. I really wish I had the time and stomach to eat even more, because everything I had was close to perfection. Air France First Class Lounge in CDG is considered to have the best food of all lounges. I haven´t tried it yet, but they must have a perfect food to beat the cuisine from Swiss.
Overall, I think this is the best lounge I´ve ever been to. They have the best food. There is a great room, which is better than the one from Qatar Al Safwa. They have excellent views from the tarmac and the charming surrounds of ZRH. Décor is subtle and chic. The only thing missing is a spa with some free services and rubber ducks. A car transfer to the plane wouldn´t be necessary if leaving from the same area.
It´s also strange to consider a lounge visit the highlight of a trip, but my slightly disappointment with Lijiang wouldn´t match my delight with the Swiss First Class Lounge. Here in Flyertalk this shouldn´t be weird.
I grabbed my luggage from my room and went back to gates A. I was only inquired in Immigration Control when I arrived in Europe, as they couldn´t find the stamp from my CDG entry. With that sorted out, it was again about 20 minutes from the lounge the gates A.
As I had some time left before boarding started, I went to check the First Class Lounge from gates A. It´s a bit bigger than the other, much less charming and there are food and drinks available for self-service. The menu was identical. I also think there are some day rooms. The best part was some Lindor chocolates available on the coffee tables, along gummy bears, snacks and nuts mix. It was good fill my pocket with some chocolates.





All things considered, the new E lounge is better than the A lounge, but not by a wide margin. If the kitchen cooks and presents the food the same way, if in a tight schedule going to the A lounge would be a great option as well.
I left the lounge after 10 minutes and in less than 5 I was at my gate.

thekfc

Awesome TR!!!!!
I love the pics.

Carq

Thank you for reading. Final post is bellow.

Carq

In all my previous flights, I boarded with my carry-on without any problems. This time the gate agent asked me to try to fit it inside those metallic frames, but it didn´t by not a wide margin. So she printed a baggage tag and told me to gate check it.
I don’t know how they control this, but I could easily take the tag away and board with my carry-on. I just took my laptop with me and asked the flight attendant if I just needed to leave it at the gate. She was quite nice and said I could wait until boarding finished and if there was still space available on the overhead bins I could bring it onboard.
The flight was almost full, so all the bins were occupied. I was afraid that my luggage would be left behind, but at least I had only one last flight to take and this wouldn´t be a major problem.
The flight was uneventful and we landed as scheduled. After a long, long, long walk from my gate to the luggage carrousels, I had to wait further 20 minutes for the luggage arrival but, fortunately, my carry-on arrived intact.
Now, I had been to the First Class Terminal before, but not to the First Class Lounges. I could have gone to the FCT, which wouldn´t be too far from Arrivals of gates A. But my flight was departing from gates C and I headed straight there, assuming that where there were international flights there be a FCL. I had about 40 minutes before boarding started and arrived at gates C with 20 minutes left. To my total surprise, there are only business class lounges in gates C. And with the time I had left, it would be a huge hurry to go back to the nearest FCL in gates B.
To be honest, I had eaten more than enough (and superbly) in Swiss First Class Lounge. The only thing I was really wanting was the rubber ducks.
After a few minutes, I boarded straight from the Senator Lounge. I was monitoring the flight and once I was greeted by one of the two flight attendants that were going to serve first class, I confirmed that I was the only passenger in first class. That was a first to me, but I was still bummed out by not getting a duck for my collection of two ducks.
I mentioned this to the FA and was told me they would mention it to the Purser, and later they asked for my address so they could try to send by mail. As I haven´t received anything one month later, I guess this wasn´t possible.
Anyway, service was excellent by both FAs. One even spoke very good Portuguese and always communicated with me in my mother language. Lufthansa FC cabin is very good, but it doesn´t excel in any aspect.
But one aspect that they suck for 6 months a year is their amenity kit, when it´s not rimowa. The contents are usually weak and the “case” I received was abysmal, consisting of a soft blue leather “pouch”.



I watched a movie and had dinner later. The FA set up the wine selection on the central console, even though I wasn´t going to drink any of them. I had all appetizers except salad, which were very good. My main course, on the other hand, was a pretty bad watery and salty fish.





Dessert and cheese were rolled on a cart. I sampled the excellent cheese selection and had a very good strawberry gazpacho. I also received a great chocolate box, with four units.



I was seated in 2A and asked to have my bed on 1A. Went to the lavatory and changed to the good PJs provided. I slept for about 4 hours and watched another movie.



Two hours before landing breakfast was served. Fruits and cold cuts were good and the freshly prepared scrambled eggs with bacon were great.
It was another pleasant flight with Lufthansa. The hard product is not top notch, but service usually is, even without an empty cabin.



We landed in Rio and even though a new pier was built, immigration control and luggage carrousels are still located in Terminal 2, so it was a long walk from the plane until that area. I went straight to departure hall to take my final flight, back home in Brasilia.

Carq

Just as a silly update, but I received today, by mail, a package from Lufthansa with one rubber duck, as I had requested to my flight purser since I didn’t have to go the first class lounge to grab one myself. It took more than a month, but I found it an impressive service. Kudos to Lufthansa.
I was just a bit disappointed because I got a silver duck, which I already got 18 months ago. But never look a gift horse in the mouth.