Up to Speed

Before I begin my critique on recent experiences, I must mention that I am smiling at the moment becuase I recently noticed a dear friend from the Big Island of Hawaii is following my blog.



Air Travel

Star Alliance Lounge
Heathrow Airport, London, England
(4 out of 5 Stars)
January 2, 2009

With the recent economic downturn, it is not surprising to see airline partners consolidating their expenses by forming joint passenger lounges. Anyone that has walked through Heathrow Airport will remember the mass of people in the general seating area; families huddling on the floor to backpackers passed out on a bench. The few fortunate enough to afford a first- or business-class ticket are privy to the luxury and serenity of the airline lounge. Those flying a Star Alliance member airline are welcome to enjoy the new club in Terminal 1. What seperates this from other airline lounges is the stark mondern interior design yet plentiful services.

Not easy to find due to its seculded location in the back of the terminal tucked behind the mass of duty free stores; travelers are greeted warmly by the airline staff. Once you enter, a spartan and cold interior rubs away the warm feeling received by the staff. You also realize that there is no other airline staff only travelers and airport employed cleaners. With this being said, nearly every amentity expected by the weary traveler is avaliable including food and beverage, world news, showers, and a comfy place to stretch out. Yet, the two most important items needed were not readily avaliable, acholic beverages (I find that flying becomes much easier after enjoying a gin and tonic) and power outlets.

After an hour of BBC news my flight was annouced over the PA system. Then came the tricky bit, getting up from the comfy couch and making my way to the security checkpoint. As I was exiting the lounge, the hostess was kind enough to remind me that as a business class passenger I was allowed a pass to use the express security line. This pass alone is reason enough to fly in an upper class, no lines!!

*For future United Airline travellers: Most UA airport lounges are referred to the Red Carpet Club. It is free to those with a First or Business Class ticket but an annual membership may be purchased through united.com





TransAtlantic Flight (London to Los Angeles, non-stop)
United Airlines
(4.5 out of 5 stars)
January 2, 2009

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to spend a large amount of time in Europe. As great as the Old World may be, travelling there is not the most plesent of experiences. Yet have I had a flight that is as relaxing as a crossing on the former Cunard liner, Queen Elizabeth 2. A dedicated customer of United Airlines but switched to Virgin Atlantic and then quickly hurried back to UA. My advice is to avoid Virgin at all costs, unless you enjoy sitting at Heathrow Airport for an additional 5 hours since they overbook flights, the inability to redeem frequent flier miles, cramped seats and allergic reactions to cheap oils used during in-flight massages.

Surprisingly though, my flight back to Los Angeles earlier this month was by far the most pleasant TransAtlantic flight I have experienced. The flight was on-time departing and arriving which is an unusual annomaly in today's travelling world. Another rare in-flight experience is an engaging and prompt crew; every attendant were on their best behavior fulfilling passengers' needs. Also, the food was an enjoyable lasagne, ice cream for dessert, plus a decent wine list. Thankfully United supplies Business Class passengers with wide seats that lay nearly flat with ample ammount of leg room; the best place to recover from a long New Year's celebration. Coupled with the experience earlier in the day at the Star Alliance lounge, it was an overall excepetional flying experience (better than Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic).


If you intend to travel around the world, Jaguar recommends choosing Premium Economy, Business or First Class on United Airlines. The level of service is worth what you pay and the in-flight ammenities are exceptional. Another added benefit of UA are the still redeemable points from Milage Plus for upgrades.

Another post will be online soon with details from my recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Safe travels.

-- Jaguar

Recent Changes

After some thought, I have decided to talk about all fields of the hospitality and tourism industries on this blog. There are to many interesting encounters to mention that relate beyond the scope of the hotel field. The majority of posts will be published shortly after a noteworthy experience at a particular location but there will be a few stories from the recent past.

Recent Experiences to be published soon:

(Air Travel)

Star Alliance Lounge at Heathrow Airport, London (January 2, 2009)

Service on a United Airlines TransAtlantic Flight (January 2, 2009)

(Lodging)

The Curtis - Denver, Colorado (walkthrough)

Eldorado Hotel and Spa - Santa Fe, New Mexico (January 15-19 2009)

Bishop's Lodge Resort and Spa - Santa Fe, New Mexico (walkthrough)

Inn of the Anasazi - Santa Fe, New Mexico (walkthrough)

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa - Santa Fe, New Mexico (walkthrough)

Past Experiences to be Published Soon:

Four Seasons Resort - Costa Rica (August 2008)

The Broadmoor - Colorado Springs (October 2008)

Upcoming Stories

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Kohala Coast - Big Island of Hawai'i (March 2009)

This will be a very detailed report from a legendary property, built by Laurance Rockefeller in 1965, which has undergone $150 million restoration. The hotel began its soft opening in December 2008 and the hard opening is March 2009. One component of the renovation was a new interior design scheme that had to bring the hotel up to 21st century standards but to keep with Mr. Rockefeller's original philosophy of "understated elegance". (More to come in March)