Weekend trip Report: NYC to LA
Just returned from a short getaway with my husband in LA. We booked the following:
EWR-LAX-EWR on CO (Gold Elite Status)
Avis rental car (Preferred Select)
One Night at LAX Hilton (Gold VIP)
Van Gogh Package at Park Hyatt in Century City (Platinum Status)

Continental Flights: Buying cheapo airfares ($285 return)we were luckily upgraded in both directions, so I conducted an experiment that my husband willingly observed. Upon boarding, noone took my coat, but my husband's was almost ripped out of his hand as he boarded the plane! During the flight, the FA asked him if he wanted the seals broken on his liquor bottles or not, so he could just take the bottle with him if he chose. My husband was asked if he wanted wine with dinner, but my tray arrived with no wine glass and no request if I wanted wine.

Avis car rental: Here my husband knows what to do, he hands me all the heavy luggage, and the driver always lifts it into the van. When my husband carries it, the driver never helps. Chivalry is never dead at Avis! Although I booked a super cheap rate at Avis ($22/day for a full size) they upgraded me to Grand Prix GT with leather interior(advertised at $39/day)

Hilton: Stayed here for double/double promotion and super cheap corporate rate. Checked in at the front desk and requested upgrade to Towers based on confirmable certificate. Initially clerk did not give it to me and I had to argue with her for 2-3 minutes before she provided it. Also did want to take my CO number or Avis bonus points, again had to argue with her. Did not feel comfortable after this exchange and double checked with Towers concierge and lo and behold my CO number and Avis points were not in the computer. Towers concierge corrected my record.
Hilton then lost our rental car keys 30 minutes before we had to go to Beverly Hills for dinner at Spagos. When I called the concierge and requested that the hotel transport us to the restaurant, I was told to talk to the valet manager. When my husband called and talked to him, we were met downstairs by the manager and taxied to and from the restaurant. Our valet parking was also comped for the stay.

Not that I want to harp on the subject, but the above is a humorous account of our weekend jaunt. I must say, by now, my husband and I know how to play off each other and play the system the way we need to, in our own best interests. It's sad that we have to do that, no?

The rest of the stay was relatively uneventful. However, I can recommend the Van Gogh show to anyone and the Amex packages are definitely worth the cost.

[This message has been edited by gabbysz (edited 02-01-99).]