Thanks very much TexasPT. To be honest, last year I logged so many airmiles (6 mos on the road travelling) and looking back did it so stupidly. I had as yet to find this site and learn all the "tricks of the trade" that you folks know (and share) so well. Less travel this year, but this time I will ensure I do it smarter.

As for hotels, my friend in the local offices recommended: GRU-Inter Continental (just applied for membership, have yet to hear back from them); EZE-Park Hyatt (am a Hyatt Platinum); and finally 4 Seasons in Mexico. I have had problems with them in the past in that Chicago credits my BA Gold but the San Fran site said no. Go figure!!

If you have any other suggestions, they would be much appreciated. I am in pretty good hands on this trip thanks to a friend from the GRU office agreeing to travel with me through-out. I may live to regret that decision based on our mutual "party to the early hours" theme ... but we'll see. Thanks again!