A W Deal in Puerto Rico

I like Puerto Rico.  It's close to Atlanta (relatively), requires no passport, the food is always amazing, and the party never seems to end.  I've stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, which usually runs attractive deals but is showing its age.  The Intercontinental also regularly has decent deals, but is show its age even more. 

Within the last couple of years W has built a property on Vieques Island in Pureto Rico.  Though, occasionally obvious that they are rebuilt from older hotels, my stays at the W have always been enjoyable.  The Vieques property, I believe, was built from scratch. 

While I've never stayed here, it is going to be my choice for my next jump down to Puerto Rico.  Through the end of the year, they are running some really attractive offers, various resort credits, a 4th night free, or an airfare voucher.  Your own circumstances will determine which special is best for you.

El Burro Pollo

Sometimes you find the best things in surprising places.  Like the best burrito ever, in a basement.  This one is for the few fellow Atlantans who haven't heard and anyone who is spending a weekend in Atlanta.  On Saturday's, from noon to three (ONLY), you can down the best burrito in Atlanta in the basement of Pura Vida. 

I'm not sure I can describe its splendor with words.  You'll just have to try it for yourself and prove me right.  The "restaurant" is called El Burro Pollo.  It's in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, on North Highland between Ponce de Leon and Freedom.  Definitely my lunch plan tomorrow.

Credit Card: Airline Reward or Hotel Reward?

If you're a habitual traveller, it definitely makes sense to use a credit card that offers travel rewards (if you use a credit card at all).  The rewards, if used effectively, can easily be worth substantially more than a 1% cash back offer.  The two major genre in this field are airline rewards and hotel rewards.  I personally run an overwhelming majority of purchases through my American Express Platinum Delta Sky Miles Card.  It has good benefits if you're a repeat Delta passenger. 

Today, in the mail I received an offer for the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Card.  It came with a decent introductory offer of 30,000 points and a waived first year annual fee.  This, of course, just scratches the top layer of the surface.  Almost every airline and hotel chain offers a credit card with rewards.

I personally go the route of the airline card because I almost exclusively fly Delta or another SkyTeam airline (product of living in Atlanta).  And, I like the flexibility of being able to stay at a wide variety of hotels.  That being said, most major hotel chains have some attractive brands these days, such as the St. Regis for Starwood.

Of course, when you're travelling overseas, I go with a card that doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee (my Delta card does).  See post on the Amex Platinum Card.  There are other considerations too.  Most cards offered tiered rewards, so it is better to maximize your transaction on a single card to capture those bonus benefits.  Then there are unbranded cards that allow you to use your rewards across airlines and hotels, such as the CapitalOne Venture Rewards Card ($59 annual fee, waived first year) and the Amex Platinum.  And of course, if you're getting a new card, make sure you capture a great introductory offer.

Decisions, decisions...

World Mate Travel App

Most of my travel is not of the form described here but rather business trips to Newark, NJ or Tampa, FL with overnight stays at the Embassy Suites or Doubletree.  Paying the mortgage as the saying goes.  My Outlook calendar runneth over with flight information, hotel and rental car confirmations. 

I would like to believe that I am fairly organized.  I cannot remember the last time I missed a flight or arrived in a city without a rental car reservation.  But that is no reason to shun a useful tool.  The WorldMate Travel App is available on most devices.  If you grant it permission it will mine information from your e-mail account, pulling travel information from the confirmations sent by airlines, hotels, and rental car companies.  It organizes this information and overlays it with things like weather information, maps and directions, currency conversion, flight delays, a world clock and more. 

The app integrates well with Outlook.  If I had one complaint it would be that it doesn't always understand the e-mails that arrive from my company's travel agency.  Otherwise it is a great app with some really useful features.  I would recommend it to any frequent traveller. 

Deal to be Had At the Fairmont Empress (Victoria, BC)

I do not maintain a formal set of criterion for evaluating a hotel.  I'm sure that's one of many characteristics that will ensure this remains an amateur pursuit.  Anecdotally, however, one of the things that always strikes me is if I leave the hotel with a desire to purchase the things that fill my room, be they robes or pillows, bathroom amenities or the art from the wall.  I've never left a great hotel without wanting to take some piece (or all) of it with me.  Though, I've only stayed at two Fairmont properties in my life, both of them left me wanting to buy a slice of the experience on the way out.

As it the weather labors to make Atlanta uninhabitable, I went searching for great hotel deals in more pleasant climates.  I found a perfect example at The Empress, Fairmont's hotel in Victoria, British Columbia.  The rates start at $199 CAD nightly and include breakfast (in the restaurant or your room).  They do not specify an expiration, but note that the deal is subject to availability. 

I've never been to Victoria but have heard only positive things from those who have.  The local tourism website paints a compelling picture as well.  In search of refuge from the dual despots of heat and humidity, I may just be looking for a weekend to run to Victoria.

A Beast in Portland

If you'd asked me a year ago what I thought the food scene was like in Portland, Oregon, I imagine granola and organics would have been top of mind.  Portland is a great place this time of year.  All of the stereotypes of the northwest's weather fall away, leaving behind mid-70s temperatures and beautiful blue skies.  It is easy to see why people would suffer the winters.  The food scene, however, surprised me verily.  Beast being a perfect example. 

It's this great little place in NE (Portland is split into quadrants).  The food is amazing, and the atmosphere fantastic.  The best analogy I could provide would be a dinner party with good friends.  The menu is occasionally adventurous, so if taking a food-conservative dinner guest or two be prepared for double portions of some goodies.  The menu is fixed and paired with wines.  There are two seatings a night Wednesdays through Saturdays.  Definitely make reservations and don't be late.  Beast does command a price premium, but the value is there in my mind. 

Tipping My Hat to Delta Today

With more than 140,000 MQMs amassed flying Delta Air Lines so far this year, I have had ample opportunities to find things to complain about.  In fact, my most recent flight that is earning Delta this hat tip left Atlanta 2 hours late.

Otherwise the flight started rather uneventfully, simple taxi and takeoff.  One of my fellow passengers (total stranger with a horrible laugh), however, wasn't contented with the calm.  He was drinking with a speed that suggested he was racing someone none of the rest of us could see.  Eventually, the situation reached the inevitable apex where the flight attendant had to stop serving him.  At this point, the man with the awful laugh delivered an Academy Award deserving performance of the preponderance of drunk stereotypes.  The flight attendant, on the other hand, maintained a perfect poise while working to calm down the tanked man for the better part of half an hour.  She diffused a situation with a lot of downside potential and avoided any further complications on a flight that had already suffered too many.  It sounds simple enough, but I have a lot of respect for grace under fire.  For that, I tip my hat to Delta today.

Ritz Carlton Lodge Reynolds Plantation

I can swing the clubs with something approaching decent form, but it barely warrants the phrase "playing golf."  You needn't be a tour professional to appreciate the natural beauty of the Reynolds Plantation courses.  It is a truly serene place.

The Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation is a little off the beaten path, maybe 60-90 minutes outside of Atlanta depending on the time of day and weight of your foot.  The property's AAA Five-Diamond Award, however, was well deserved.  The hotel has a great country charm, terrific views of the lake and water activities, the aforementioned golf courses and fantastic food.  The property is relatively new and it shines through in the rooms, which are both large and comfortable.  Amazing bathrooms will all the right appointments, Bvlgari personal care and sublimely comfortable robes. 

If you don't enjoy golf or lake activities, you're left with little to do other than sun at the fantastic infinitely pool overlooking the lake and enjoy a spa treatment.  But, if you need a weekend getaway from Atlanta or a worthy golf trip, the Ritz at Reynolds definitely deserves consideration.

2 Delta Sky Clubs at Hartsfield Off the Beaten Path

If you're a frequent Delta traveller there's a better than even money chance you regularly pass through Hartsfield in Atlanta.  If you're a Diamond Medallion/Sky Club member, American Express Platinum Card holder, or willing to shell out the $25/$50, then you've probably had this experience: walk into the SkyClub to find a mile long line at the bar and not a seat anywhere in sight. 

My preference is definitely for the self-service Sky Club (LAX has a nice one).  Unfortunately, there are none at Hartsfield (that I know of).  There are, however, a couple off the beaten path of the concourse.  One is on the A Concourse.  As soon as you come up from the "travel loft," head towards the Chili's upstairs.  It's a marked improvement from the club down near 17.  The other is out in the E concourse.  Keep walking past the first Sky Club like you're going to gates E14-E17; it will materialize on the right.  They may not be ideal if pressed for time, otherwise they are worth a stopover.

Many Symptoms of Wanderlust

I didn't really feel like reflecting on a hotel tonight, so I thought I'd muse about the many ways travel touches my life.  Though I do start to get a little itchy if I go too long without cruising somewhere at 30,000 feet, that isn't the nature of symptom I'm referring to.  I actually find myriad positive externalises. 

My passion for travel begins with the journey not the destination.   I find airports to always be incredible people watching environments, witnessing the chance encounter of two old business colleagues at the lounge...wondering where that couple in the in climate attire is headed to at this time of year.  The enjoyment of the journey even touches on my preference in art.

Witness the a portfolio of photos by Josef Hofllehner appropriately named Jet Airliner.  Not what you'd expect unless you've been to St. Maarten in the Dutch Antilles.  Just for fun, I have to share this and this to provide some dramatic background to Josef's work.  And if you absolutely need a print for your living room, I highly recommend Anna at Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta.  She is amazing to work with.

Okay, fine.  If that inspired you to go surf the fence in St. Maarten (auto-biographical), I will recommend La Samanna.  It's an Orient Express property and the nicest on the island.  They are even offering a 30% discount on suites between now and December 21st. 

Halekulani...The Hotel that Started It All For Me

I'm mildly indifferent to Hawaii at large with a taste of contempt for Waikiki.  It's over-developed, and a wade into the water will slice your feet on some lava rocks.  That being said, the hotel that taught me to truly appreciate hotels is located on that very same over-developed, lava rock infested beach on Oahu. 

The Halekulani is a great hotel for all the right reasons.  It's an independent property.  The rooms are well-appointed, comfortable but not extravagant.  The view of Diamond Head and the Pacific are awe inspiring.  Restaurants on site are diverse and each tasty.  Paramount for me though is the service.  If you were ever curious what nobility felt like but lacked the title to find out by divine right, the Halekulani is a great place to give it a try. 

Unbeatable St. Regis Special

The St. Regis brand is the flagship of the Starwood Hotel Group (St. Regis Tahiti shown above).  They are truly superlative properties in my experience.  Noteworthy aside, if you are an American Express Platinum Card holder you automatically qualify for Gold Preferred Status in the SPG program (see Post for all travel benefits of card).

Back to the point, St. Regis is offering an incredible deal: stay a second night at a participating St. Regis property for only $4.  The idea is to offer the same rate as when the first St. Regis property opened in 1904.  The deal is good for stays between September 15 - December 31, 2011.  The reservation code to cite is "STR1904" if calling in to make your reservation (1-877-787-3447).  Though the first night will undoubtedly command normal St. Regis rates, the average of two nights over a weekend stay are a sure value.  If you were contemplating a week jaunt in the fourth quarter, I would definitely check to see if there's a St. Regis property in your destination of choice. 

The Wallet to Take With You

I've heard that the big wallet is back.  I'm superbly unqualified to speak to the stylistic aspects of it, but I can share what motivated me.  Travelling overseas, I carry my passport with me everywhere I go.  It less about safety and more about the ability to use my American Express card without a large debate.  My passport was taking a beating, so I wanted a wallet that would hold a passport plus all the usual wallet affairs.


I came down on the Tumi Delta Passport Case.  It's large, large enough to hold a passport obviously.  I don't often carry my wallet in my pocket anyway.  To that end, the size doesn't bother me at all.  If you're planning on carrying it in a pants pocket daily, you will need big pockets.  Otherwise, the leather is exceptionally supple without being easily scratched.  There are a menagerie of pockets and compartments.  Overall, I'm very happy with the purchase.  I'm using it day-to-day now and not just away from home.

Read your Destination

I cannot claim credit for this bit of travel wisdom, and confess that I am somewhat embarrassed that I'm only now embracing it.  The credit belongs to fellow traveller and one much smarter than I.  The idea is simple enough, prior to reaching your destination read something selected from your destination.

Not the Lonely Planet Guide, though I am a fan, but rather a piece of fiction from a native author.  Prior to travelling to Russia, my sager companion read The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.  I regrettably didn't partake until after returning, but even then it provided some amazing flavor and context.  In the future, I'm definitely setting aside some plane time to enjoy a bit of local fiction.  I would recommend the same for any traveller looking to enrich their journey.

The Right Travel Watch

In a world of infinite resources, I would probably equip myself with the Patek Philippe World Time watch, but even if I was able, I would be extremely reluctant to travel with it. 

In the world of the slightly more practical, the Tag Heuer Carrera Twin Time allows you the opportunity to keep track of local time and the time at home for less than $2,000. 

NOTE: This watch was brought to my attention by and colleague and friend.  I cannot claim credit, though I do think it is worthy to be a member of the discussion as are many others probably.  The Baume & Mercier Classima GMT, has the travel functionality of an additional hour hand, is a little larger than the Tag at a similar price point. 

In a similar vein, but at a little higher price point, the Omega Seamaster GMT also offers a second hour hand that allows you to easily keep track of two time in two locales. 

I don't own any of these timepieces, though I have been investigating.  My trusty Baume & Mercier Capeland, a high school graduation present has served me well thus far.  I would definitely be leery of wearing $30,000 on my wrist while travelling the world, but something stylish that afforded me avoidance of constant addition and subtraction to get to home time may well be worth consideration.  These are four examples specifically geared towards the traveller, though the world is full of great watches.

Air France Business Class

I preface this by saying that I believe Charles de Gaulle Airport is place that was forsaken by God long ago.  I've passed through on many an occasion, none of them exceptionally pleasant.  Once I was corralled to the end of the one of the terminals with every other passenger so that they could explode a suitcase somewhere in the middle of the terminal (turned out to be completely full of candy...mostly Laffy Taffy...I wasn't laughing). 

That being said, despite transiting through CDG, my most recent trip (ATL-CDG-LED-CDG-ATL) with Air France was really enjoyable, especially the transatlantic legs.  On their long-haul international fleet, AF has fully flat beds on all aircraft.  In my experience (A330, A340, B777), the seat experience has been exactly the same.  The food and wine are above average for airline fare.  The entertainment system is robust, easy to use, and (knocking on wood) always seems to work.  The flight attendants are always pleasant.  The wider planes in the fleet (A380, B747, B777) have a middle seat in business class, but the space is contained enough not to overly erode the experience. 

I always try and take in the Economist on Sundays.  On the last leg of my flight home (on a Sunday as it were), I stopped by the lounge but there were none available and the line at the newsstand was long enough to make me miss my flight, so I was prepared to do without.  With an air of hope, I asked the flight attendant who came to take my coat if there was a copy on board.  He offered to check and disappeared.  Just before the doors closed, he returned Economist in hand.  I'm not sure if there was one on board or if he went out and secured a copy somewhere for me, but that is fantastic service either way in my book.

Within Europe, AF has substantially less plush business class appointments.  Though the meal is upgraded and there are frequent flier bonuses, the seating itself is simply a row of coach seats where they do not sell the middle seat.  It isn't a terrible experience, but a little extra legroom on the three and a half hour hop from Paris to St. Petersburg would have been nice for the money. 

On the whole, however, all thumbs up to Air France for their business class.  It might not be Singapore Air or Virgin Atlantic, but it is comfortable and good value for the price.

Luxury in Las Vegas

AAA identified 9 Five Diamond Hotels in Las Vegas for 2011: Aria Report & Casino, Bellagio, Encore Las Vegas, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, Skylofts at the MGM Grand, The Palazzo Las Vegas, The Venetian Las Vegas, and Wynn Las Vegas.  The Aria and Mandarin Oriental are new to the list.

I'm not that much of a gambler myself but one of the better externalises of gambling is that really great hotels in Las Vegas aren't reliant on room rates for profit.  As such, if you are willing to brave the summer heat (weather.com says its 97 degrees there at the moment), 5 of the 9 hotels mentioned above are running nightly rates for under $200.  There aren't many places where you can score Five Diamond luxury at those prices.

The Aria: Weekday, 2-night packages for $298
The Palazzo: $149 nightly rates with restaurant and spa coupons
The Venetian: $149 nightly rates with restaurant and spa coupons
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas: $195 nightly rates
Four Seasons Las Vegas: $179 nightly rates

Of course if you ending up depositing vast sums in the casinos then you probably haven't come out on top, but if you are looking for luxury rooms in Vegas the season is looking decent so far. 

Aria Hotel, Las Vegas

Las Vegas is flush with hotels claiming the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation, and the Aria Hotel at City Center is among them.  My stay was without question superlative.  The Aria has all of the right appointments.  The room is filled to the brim with great technology (i.e. the shades are electronic).  The gym and pool area are magnificent.  There are some great restaurants on property, really enjoyed my meal at American Fish.  I'm not a connoisseur of casino floors, but their seems above average as well.  All of the staff were attentive, professional and friendly.  It's closer to the end of the strip than the middle, but if you go at the right time of year that's barely an impediment. 

The Aria was technically probably near perfect.  If there's a checklist for determining Five Diamond status I'm sure they received top marks at each category.  I have one minor but real complaint.  The property is truly massive.  Despite the technical perfection, it lacked almost any intimacy.  In my experience the best hotels in the world are the ones that comfortably allow you to forget you're staying in a hotel.  Though a magnificent hotel, the Aria was clearly just that.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Though I had read enough to know that they were completely different places, I framed a lot of my expectations for St. Petersburg on a previous trip to Moscow.  My experiences came to be defined first and foremost by the great company I enjoyed, and to a much lesser extent to the total absence of darkness (reference to continual daylight not the occult). 

There is no shortage of things to do in St. Petersburg.  It is a city that truly shines with its royal heritage.  The architecture screams of old world Europe and the myriad churches are regal in the marriage of the east and west.  The Hermitage rivals any major museum in the world.  The vodka flows freely.  And, if you go in July it never gets dark.  I personally never realized how reliant my rhythm was to the visual cues provided by the sun.  It's certainly easy to stay out late, when you have a limited concept of how late it is.

The people are St. Petersburg appear stoic as you walk down the street, but are genuinely warm in their interactions, with the possible exception of some of the cabbies.  The service is slow, but not bad.  The local food is better than the foreign restaurants. 

It's always a little challenging for me to go to a place where I lack both any understanding of the language and any familiarity with the alphabet.  That being said, I think it is a great challenge to relish on an international adventure.

On the whole, St. Petersburg is definitely worth seeing.  I had an amazing time.  It doesn't qualify as one of those places that touched my heart and I could always return, but I would certainly encourage others to experience this destination, in the summer, despite the night's absence.

Hartmann Tweed Luggage Collection-Disappointed

For quite some time I've really appreciated the Hartmann Tweed Luggage Collection.  I think it has an exceptionally sharp and timeless look.  It's no revalation that it takes a leap of faith to check a really nice piece of luggage, and I would never check any of my three pieces from this collection.

I have, however, to confess a recent disappointment.  Though, I've never had any other problems, recently the wheels on my 22' wheeled piece have begun falling apart.  I've had it for years, but rarely used it until this year and then only as a carry-on.  It has gotten some miles put on it over the last year, but at around $600 I would expect it to take those miles in stride.

Hartmann does have a total warranty guarantee for products sold after February 1, 2010, but I had purchased mine long before then.  And even so, the owner is responsible for shipping both ways.  It's a great look and generally well put together.  Nonetheless, I have to offer up some caution on the wheeled suitcases.

Corinthia Hotel, St. Petersburg (Final Impressions)

Perspective is almost always the keystone in my mind.  On the planet, there are better hotels than the Corinthia Hotel, St. Petersburg without question.  I'm not sure that I can say in St. Petersburg there are better hotels than the Corinthia.  I haven't stayed in any others, but those that I walked around in were not above the Corinthia.

Generally, it has some really positive attributes.  The staff has been both friendly and helpful.  Its location on Nevsky Prospect is in the heart of where you'd want to stay if visiting the city.  The rooms are large (very large by European standards) and very comfortable to stay in.  There were some small touches that helped as well, the towels were bath sheets and I was very fond of the summerweight duvet. 

On the negative side, the water in the bathroom does smell like the river.  That being said, I don't have any reason to suspect that the water at every establishment in the city smells like the river.  I'm not certain I can blame the hotel for that.  Any other issue I've had has been promptly addressed.  Last night I ordered champagne in the lobby, which turned out to be flat.  It was promptly replaced without question. 

I harken back to a stay at a Marriott property in Moscow a few years ago, and I would easily put the Corinthia at par or above that hotel.  Though, I don't have great basis for comparison within St. Petersburg, if you find yourself in the city, I don't think you'd go wrong staying at the Corinthia.

The Flying Dutchman - St. Petersburg, Russia

The Flying Dutchman is a restaurant, but I'm definitely labelling this post as entertainment.  The Dutchman is a moored pirate ship just past a famous drawbridge that goes up nightly in St. Petersburg.  After a typical overcharging by a cab driver, we arrived at the pirate ship to find it mostly empty.  But, it was early for St. Petersburg at 2330. 

We began with an attempt to order Bloody Mary's.  The language barrier we were trying to cross was only semi-permeable, so we ended up with several iterations of tomato juice and some vodka shots.  Ultimately, a share ceasar salad was above average.  We were able to sit outside and enjoy the the first real night seen since arriving in St. Petersburg a week ago.  Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the draw bridge and had a flee to another restaurant/ship on the other side of the river before the bridge went up. 

I can't hold its geography against it though.  Definitely stop by the Flying Dutchman, especially if your Russian is rusty to non-existent.  You're almost assured a good time to accompany the view and food.

Swan Lake at the Alexandrinsky Theater St. Petersburg

In a bygone era I dated a girl whose good friend was in the ballet.  At that time I did enough studying of the ballet to be conversant at a very very basic level.  Last night, I reached into the deep memory banks for that knowledge while attending a performance of Swan Lake at the Alexandrinsky Theater. 

This is by no means a critique of the ballet, for that I am completely unqualified.  I will say from what I can recall the dancers for the most part were technically proficient.  I thought the set was magnificent, and the orchestra played a terrific set.  In any event, though it perhaps borders on the cheeseily stereotypical to attend a ballet in Russia, I had a really fantastic time, a lot of which was definitely the great company I shared it with.  There was a nice balcony where we enjoyed drinks and a view of the park below before the show and during intermissions. 

Not sure what will be showing if you find yourself in St. Petersburg, but the venue was enjoyable and the evening perfect.  I would highly recommend you try and take it in.

Four Seasons Atlanta

It's always interesting to me to stay in a hotel in your home town.  The Four Seasons Atlanta is a few short miles from my condo, but I made plans to stay there after attending a party at the hotel.

I checked in a few hours before the party began and headed to the pool.  The pool was the low-point of my stay.  It is an indoor affair, with a small outdoor patio that has a view of only a wall and the sky.  The room was very well appointed, if a little dated.  The bathroom was both comfortable and luxurious.  The bed swallowed you up for a great night's sleep, and every staff member was welcoming and helpful. 

There were a number of small tocuhes that added to the air of luxury about the hotel.  The stationary had a deckle edge.  The amenities were l'Occitane, and the robe in the room was the plushest and most comfortable that I've ever tried on.  If you're coming to Atlanta and spending the majority of your time in midtown, I would highly recommend the Four Seasons Atlanta.

Tsar Restaurant in St. Petersburg, Russia

Address:  Sadovaya st., b. 12, St. Petersburg, Russia
Phone:  640-19-00
E-mail: tsar-manager@mail.ru 

I ate at Tsar last night with a group of friends.  Walking into the restaurant, it immeadiately became clear that the name was fitting.  Though hard to tell from the street, inside was a step back in time to the age of the Tsars.  All of the appointments had a royal opulence about them.  It was my first foray into upscale dining in St. Petersburg, and I was not disappointed.

We opened our meal with caprese salad, salmon carpaccio and veal tongue with horseradish appetizers.  The caprese was first among them, but the veal tongue is worth a try if you want to venture into Russian fare.  From there (after some ice cold vodka), I sampled the borsch (beet soup).  I don't normally choose beets, but I was pleasantly surprised by the borsch.  The portion was huge and the flavor very pleasing.  I capped my dinner off with the beef stroganoff.  I was expecting an upscale hamburger helper, but what I recieved was miles from my expecations.  The sirloin was tender, the sour cream based sauce was rich and delicious, and the noodles were absent.  While the potatos that were served alongside my entree looked like hash browns, they were perfectly salted and well-seasonsed with garlic.  Overall, the meal was amazing.

Reservations are definitely warranted.  Though the restaurant never seemed to fill up, I did see some without reservations turned away.  The price tag is steep, the service is lax by western standards, but if you find yourself in St. Petersburg it is definitely worth the stop. 

6-Piece International Adapter Kit from Brookstone

Ever wonder which type of adapter you'll need for your upcoming trip?  I used to rack my brain attempting to remember what plugs would look like in any given desitination, which was rarely successful (don't dedicate a lot of memory space to plug shapes).  Inevitably I would buy an adapter at the airport and leave it behind in the hotel room.  Then a family member put me onto the 6-Piece International Adapter Kit from Brookstone.  It is a little pricey at around $30, but I've never been anywhere that it didn't work, and I never have to think about plugs (other than remembering to throw the kit in my bag).  I will probably pick up another one after this trip.

Essentially, there is a base and onto that base you can slide any number of international plug types.  From there you just plug it into the wall.  The base itself is also capable of accepting various different plug configurations (2-prong, 3-prong, etc.).  It all fits nicely into the case that it comes with, around 5-inches square and 3 inches deep.  Definitely worth the investment.

The American Express Platinum Card

If I'm being completely honest, I struggled with the decision to get an AMEX Platinum Card for quite a while.  The annual membership fee is $450, no small change.  Equally honestly, I wish I had done it sooner.  The travel benefits are a great value.  I will say what finally put me over the top, I saw a special offer for 50,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $1,000 on the card within three months, which I could convert into 75,000 Delta SkyMiles, 25,000 of which were MQMs, essentially paying the fee for almost the first 2 years of membership fees.  Special thanks to the Points Guy for bringing that one to my attention.

Some of the travel benefits that come with being an AMEX Platinum card holder:

• Free lounge access on the airline you are flying the day of your flight
• Free Priority Club Access (allows you into certain airport lounges around the world even if you aren't flying on that airline)
• Automatic Gold Preferred Status in Starwood Preferred Guest Membership (have to call AMEX after you have your card to enroll)
• Room upgrades, breakfast and resort credits at luxury hotels around the world when booked through AMEX travel (usually pretty competitive rates)
• Free companion business class travel on qualified airlines when booked through AMEX travel (often less competitive rates - even at a 2-for-1 deal)
• Fairmont President's Club Platinum Membership after 5 nights instead of 30
• Annual refund of up to $200 in ancillary airline fees (baggage, etc)
• Refund of Global Entry enrollment fee

These aren't all the benefits, and there are benefits beyond travel.  But I would say, even without the points offer that the AMEX Platinum Card ends up paying for itself if you familiarize yourself with all the benefits and take advantage, especially if you are a frequent traveller. 

Corinthia Hotel, St. Petersburg (First Impressions)

It doesn't seem fair to pre-judge, so I'm calling these first impressions.  I'm staying at the Corinthia Hotel in St. Petersburg for ten days.  The Corinthia Hotels have an affiliation with Wyndham Hotels Group, and this is my first time staying at one of the Corinthia properties.  They have 10 or so hotels throughout Europe.

First impressions:

PROs:

• The rooms are large for a European Hotel
• The staff has been friendly and helpful
• The location in St. Petersburg is fantastic

CONs:

• The luxuriousness feels like a facade
• The water in the shower smells like dirty river water
• This time of year it doesn't get dark here at night, and the room isn't well equipped to block out the midnight sun

As I said, definitely first impressions and I wouldn't read more criticism here than is intended.  It is a nice hotel.  I’m only 3 days into my stay.  At this point in my stay though, I feel oversold by the website.  More to come.

UPDATE: Check out my final impressions too.

Third Night Free at Leading Hotels of the World

Dreaming of a long weekend between now and year end?  American Express and the Leading Hotels of the World Group are pairing up to offer a 33% discount for three-night stays (1 night free).  The offer is good at any Leading Hotels of the World property and is good for any American Express card holder until December 31, 2011.  The group has properties spread across the world.  I have stayed at a few in my lifetime and have yet to be disappointed.  They tend to be smaller and very charming hotels. 

Good Value in St. Thomas

Can you go wrong with a Rtiz-Carlton property?  Possibly, the trip was fantastic but I was underwhelmed by the resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico; the property was just screaming for an upgarde.  The same cannot be said for the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas.  Whether you're looking for great snorkelinig and diving or just a beautiful environment in which to escape for the summar, the Ritz St. Thomas is offering a decent package, they call Resort Reconnect. 

For $359 per night you get:

• Accomodations
• Daily Breakfast for Two
• Daily $100 Credit at the Resort

You cannot apply the credit towards the room, but it also isn't a daily use it or lose it scenario (i.e. if you spend a day off the resort and don't use it, but spend $200 at the resort the following day...you're okay). 

It isn't quite bargain basement shopping, but a decent value for this resort.  The deal is available for travel before October 31, 2011.  If you go, I highly recommend using some of your credit at the resort restaurant Bleuwater, delicious.

Sky Team Business Class Travel? Go Air France

Are you getting ready to book business class airfare on Sky Team?  Give serious consideration to Air France if it doesn't have adverse consequences for your itinerary.  Delta is in the process of upgrading its business class, and on those planes where the upgrade is complete their cabin is very competitive.  I flown the Atlanta to London-Heathrow route on an upgraded Delta B767-400 and was very impressed with the experience.

Delta's old fleet, however, is woefully behind Air France's flat-bed seats.  I personally find Air France's food and wine service marginally better.  There is a definite trade-off in that you're almost certainly doomed to transfer through Paris-Charles de Gaulle, without question the most confounding of man's creations.  Otherwise, you will accrue SkyMiles on the exact same schedule as if you'd flown Delta (usually a little slower to credit).  I also find the Air France lounges (salons in AF parlance) to outpace the Delta's Sky Clubs.  Though a small thing, it annoys me that Delta did away with mainstream magazines in its Sky Clubs.

If you're connecting anyway, I think you'll appreciate the difference in equipment between Delta's old cabin layout and the Air France configuration.  Note that Delta has currently upgraded its B767-400 fleet and its B777-200LR fleet.  You can view the type of aircraft when booking, or if you view the seats when booking you'll notice the cabins equiped with flat-bed seats only have four seats per row of seating.

Of course none of this helps, if you book a ticket on Air France only to have the flight cancelled and your travel moved over to Delta equipment...can't complain too much, going to make my connection.

Safe travels.

Food Truck Craze

For three Tuesday's in a row I've had a friend try and get me to join him at a food truck event in Atlanta, the Howell Mill Food Park.  For three Tuesday's in a row, I've been in a city other than Atlanta.  Not yesterday, yesterday I joined him,. I have to say I was really impressed.  The food was good and broad a variety from hot dogs and ice cream to tacos and arepas.  Eat It, Atlanta has a great review of the event.  It happens every Tuesday.  Here is the menu off the ice cream truck:

I'm not sure I understand the food truck craze, but it was honestly much better than I expected.  If I'm around Atlanta on another Tuesday I'll definitely head out to the food park again.  I may just attempt to call on a food truck regardless of locale.