Well, welll, well. Despite the fact that I was sure NW had screwed up our upgraded seats JFK-NRT-PVG and return, thanks to a change at the NWA site I was able to pull up our flights. Indeed, they have us in WBC, but have not issued the tickets or hit my credit card yet. So things look good.
GK. I need some CO miles in 2005 so maybe there should be a "planning" meeting in HKG in January at LKF? :)

Put me in the Considering category
 

I was going to go on a alumni tour in 2003 to China that was cancelled due to SARS, and really have a list of other places I'd rather see first. But - add me to the considering/maybe category.

For some reason Asia intimidates me (don't have that problem in Europe), so I'm glad on my trips to SIN & NRT other FTers were around who'd been there before or lived there; made it much more fun & easy for me. So-o-o, if there are going to be FTers around, then maybe I should think about this trip as I can predict w/ 100% accuracy that I'm not doing China on my own.

And my birthday is Feb 18th, so who better to celebrate it w/ than FTers (feel free to transfer SWUs, Region 1s, bring champagne, etc as gifts :D).

Of course my ability to attend will be based on fares dropping/upgrade availability (would prefer to get miles if possible given the distance), or a F or C award being available.

Planning meeting (and Visa applications) are always welcome.. later in Oct/Nov is best as weather is getting uncomfortable now. Visa rules will change again by then no doubt. :td:

Sharon !! Intimidated ? Birthday ?
 

Well, there is one bottle of Champagne in our fridge right now, but you'll have to come over here to get it. :p

Int´l Herald Tribune highlights Shanghai
 

Today´s electronic delivery of the International Herald Tribune highlights Shanghai as Asia´s hotspot. See http://www.iht.com/bin/print.php?file=522794.html. It has a succinct overview of hotels, restaurants, sightseeing and shopping.

Thanks!!!

pretty weak article imo (though i appreciate your posting) -- it isn't clear that the author actually visited shanghai. perhaps most telling, gold's gym has been closed for more than a year.

I've stayed at the both the Westin and St. Regis in Shanghai. The Westin has the better location, but the St. Regis is much nicer. The St. Regis also tends to be cheaper than the Westin, though not cheap. They are currently showing $235 and $320 per night, respectively.

Yikes- hotels are that much?!
 

Well if I go, hotels better be cheaper than $230/night - yikes! Especially since the ever-so-valued 15% off tennis certs didn't come out.

Anyone who wants to find respectable digs in the $40-60 range should feel free to PM me.

I found a St Regis rate for $185/night. But it also depends on if you want to stay Pudong rather than Bund (Westin) The $320 Westin rate is still showing as a full rack rate (IIRC)

This rate looks attractive. It includes:

• tax and service charge
• 4th night free
• breakfast

I've booked it as a placeholder. By contrast, the Hilton is currently $240 PLUS 15% tax.

I liked it definitely better than the Westin rate, but the St Regis is located in the Pudong dist. rather than the Bund dist. (where the Westin & Conrad are located). I have both booked!

When I check the 18th to 20th, I get a rate of $235. When I check just one night -- either night -- I get No Availability. :confused: :(