Gallivanter's Guide Forum
#91
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Toronto
Programs: SPG Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 855
I saw this statement when it was originally posted and regretfully never responded at the time. I have now stumbled across it again, and wish to express myself that this kind of ad hominem attack was not necessary and was unbecoming to the poster, who I see from other posts is an accomplished traveler and a contributor to this forum. I do not know Ms. Middlehurst personally, nor have I subscribed to her guide, but I am sure that this kind of hurtful commentary is undeserving given her unparalleled and arguably legendary accomplishments in luxury travel. Maybe Pausanias got caught up in a bit of over-enthusiasm at the moment and wishes to retract and publicly apologize? I am sure we have all done similar regrettable and uncharacteristic things in the moment, and I for one would appreciate the magnanimity of such a gesture in this forum.
#92
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,853
OK, then maybe someone can explain to me the original statement as well as why it is vicarious or in any way insulting to have said that. Going to the postcode of the subscription address on the webpage and doing Google earth on it appears to show a group of houses in a semi-rural area near Malmsbury.
I have driven around Malmsbury in the past since our company's UK office was not far away in Chippenham, and this area doesn't seem 'vicarious' to me.
There is a royal residence called Highgrove in Tetbury not so far away, but this isn't it. There is also a hotel, Whatley Manner, not far away (which I have stayed in) and similarly, this isn't it either. So I am puzzled as to what is going on in this discussion!
I have driven around Malmsbury in the past since our company's UK office was not far away in Chippenham, and this area doesn't seem 'vicarious' to me.
There is a royal residence called Highgrove in Tetbury not so far away, but this isn't it. There is also a hotel, Whatley Manner, not far away (which I have stayed in) and similarly, this isn't it either. So I am puzzled as to what is going on in this discussion!
#93
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Toronto
Programs: SPG Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 855
Richard, respectfully, I thought that the implication of the statement was clear and, as you put it, insulting, i.e. that the subject was a "poseur" based upon where she lives. If others don't see it that way, then perhaps I am the one that owes an apology here.
#95
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
I greatly enjoyed what I read recently in her Thailand edition. Fantastic in-depth coverage of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Though, I would have appreciated a few words on the St. Regis and Four Seasons...
#96
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York,NY USA
Posts: 1,481
Unfortunately, in my local, I'm a few weeks away from receiving the newest copy. Considering I have no access to what is up and coming in GB I look forward to receiving reading an update.
I greatly enjoyed what I read recently in her Thailand edition. Fantastic in-depth coverage of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Though, I would have appreciated a few words on the St. Regis and Four Seasons...
I greatly enjoyed what I read recently in her Thailand edition. Fantastic in-depth coverage of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Though, I would have appreciated a few words on the St. Regis and Four Seasons...
#97
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
I hear you, Speedbird001. But, she often reviews subpar properties and sometimes they listen and improve after receiving her public recommendations. I've also heard that this property is scheduled for major renovations for the end of this year.
#99
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Monaco
Posts: 317
^ +1 to namaguide, mike_la_jolla, Pausanias and Raffles
Whereas I opine that the G. Guide is a nice business idea and it undoubtedly has value for luxury / travel beginners, I don't like how the author is politicking, including "incognito" on this forum.
I also opine that the G. Guide became the main feeder for an insecure, gullible, 360°-minimalistic "je suis arrivee"-clientele that took the sex appeal out of the Aman brand, at least for quite some time.
Whereas I opine that the G. Guide is a nice business idea and it undoubtedly has value for luxury / travel beginners, I don't like how the author is politicking, including "incognito" on this forum.
I also opine that the G. Guide became the main feeder for an insecure, gullible, 360°-minimalistic "je suis arrivee"-clientele that took the sex appeal out of the Aman brand, at least for quite some time.
#100
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 3,317
^ +1 to namaguide, mike_la_jolla, Pausanias and Raffles
Whereas I opine that the G. Guide is a nice business idea and it undoubtedly has value for luxury / travel beginners, I don't like how the author is politicking, including "incognito" on this forum.
I also opine that the G. Guide became the main feeder for an insecure, gullible, 360°-minimalistic "je suis arrivee"-clientele that took the sex appeal out of the Aman brand, at least for quite some time.
Whereas I opine that the G. Guide is a nice business idea and it undoubtedly has value for luxury / travel beginners, I don't like how the author is politicking, including "incognito" on this forum.
I also opine that the G. Guide became the main feeder for an insecure, gullible, 360°-minimalistic "je suis arrivee"-clientele that took the sex appeal out of the Aman brand, at least for quite some time.
#101
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 98
^ +1 to namaguide, mike_la_jolla, Pausanias and Raffles
Whereas I opine that the G. Guide is a nice business idea and it undoubtedly has value for luxury / travel beginners, I don't like how the author is politicking, including "incognito" on this forum.
I also opine that the G. Guide became the main feeder for an insecure, gullible, 360°-minimalistic "je suis arrivee"-clientele that took the sex appeal out of the Aman brand, at least for quite some time.
Whereas I opine that the G. Guide is a nice business idea and it undoubtedly has value for luxury / travel beginners, I don't like how the author is politicking, including "incognito" on this forum.
I also opine that the G. Guide became the main feeder for an insecure, gullible, 360°-minimalistic "je suis arrivee"-clientele that took the sex appeal out of the Aman brand, at least for quite some time.
Too passé. The world has moved on... I really cannot see the rave about DM's photos...really?
#103
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: here and there
Programs: some
Posts: 3,379
#104
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Some of the comments in this thread seem a bit mean spirited toward the editor and her subscribers. If you don't like the publication, why not just ignore it?
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Jun 23, 2015 at 2:30 am