Travel Horizons: Four Seasons Preferred Partner

Showing posts with label Four Seasons Preferred Partner. Show all posts

1.06.2020

clients choice awards — part two

Last week's blog featured the top five hotels booked by my clients in 2019. My methodology was quite simple — the hotels were ranked in order of the total dollars spent by my clients over the course of 2019. At the very top were some of my very favorite hotels and resorts in the world: #1 - Four Seasons Hualalai, #2 - Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach, #3 - Four Seasons Maui, #4 - Le Meurice, and #5 - Peninsula Tokyo.

Rounding out my clients' top ten are five likewise brilliant choices, including one unexpected surprise.

#6 — Rocco Forte Brown's Hotel. A city full of great hotels, Brown's Hotel came in at the very top of London's hotel choices in 2019. A very traditional luxury hotel located in Mayfair, the hotel was founded in 1837. Comprised of eleven Georgian townhouses, you'll enjoy 21st century comforts within the hotel's lovingly renewed 19th century British architecture. Guests looking for a hotel with an unmistakable British atmosphere should definitely consider Brown's.

#7 — Four Seasons Orlando. Are your kids begging you to take them to Disney World? Four Seasons is the obvious choice for luxury-minded guests. Located within the Disney complex, guests enjoy early park admission each morning with complimentary transfers provided to and from the theme parks (so you don't have to bother with parking). An on-resort Concierge is the perfect resource to plan your Disney adventure, guests in Park View rooms can view the nightly fireworks in their pajamas ... and the most brilliant feature of all? Leave the theme park in the afternoon when it's hot and crowded, and relax while your kids enjoy the Splash Zone pool at Four Seasons.

#8 — Marbella Club. A golf and beach resort on the Andalucian coast, think of Marbella Club as a luxurious but exotic destination for a family beach vacation in sunny Spain. A Kids Club offers activities for children, golfers will enjoy complimentary greens fees on the resort's exclusive 18-hole golf course, and guests can pamper themselves at the resort's Thalasso Spa. Don't forget the cultural opportunities — it's a five minute drive to Old Town Marbella and just 90 minutes to the not-to-be-missed Ahambra Palace in Granada.

#9 — Silversea Cruises. Yes, we book cruises, and I've done a fair amount of cruising myself over the past couple of years... but let's differentiate between true "luxury" cruise lines such as Silversea vs. lesser "premium" cruise lines. Silversea offers intimate ships (300 rooms or smaller), larger rooms with nothing but ocean views, fine dining with specialty restaurants included, no added charges for select wines and liquors, and gratuities included. Find an itinerary that intrigues you, and you'll pack and unpack just one time. Oh ... and that sale price you pay to get on a premium ship matters little; it's the price you have to pay when you get off. All-inclusive luxury means ... no unpleasant surprises!

#10 — Montage Los Cabos. One of the new resorts in Los Cabos, Montage has impressed everyone who's stayed. Here's what one very happy client wrote after his stay: "Montage Cabo absolutely blew us away. It is by far the best resort in the area by a mile and we wouldn’t go anywhere else now... In addition to the typical Montage highest standard of service, food, rooms, etc., the swimmable beach is gorgeous. Never seen a beach like that anywhere in Mexico." High praise, indeed!

I can offer the following amenities at the above hotels through Virtuoso, Sir Rocco's Knights, and Four Seasons Preferred Partner — and on select Silversea cruises through Virtuoso Voyages. While the details differ slightly by property, you'll receive at least the following at these hotels:

daily breakfast for two
$100 hotel credit towards incidental expenses
room upgrade if available
early check-in and late check-out if available
complimentary internet

Get in touch for the full details!

copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

11.18.2017

do you do Black Friday?

Silversea Black Friday promotion

I received this email blast today, reminding me that Thanksgiving, otherwise known as the day before Black Friday, is nearly upon us. There are a lot of deals out there, including third-night and fourth-night free promotions at some of the world's most wonderful luxury hotels. These deals typically include such amenities as free daily breakfasts and hotel credits through amenity programs such as Virtuoso, Dorchester Diamond Club, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, and more.

There's even a promotion from Silversea, a luxury cruise line. Available to previous Silversea cruisers right now, the 5% discount sale opens to the general public on Monday, Nov. 20. Many Silversea cruises are part of the Virtuoso Cruise Program; this means even more savings to you when you book through your Virtuoso travel advisor. (You're free to put a cruise on deposit and then contact your Virtuoso advisor to take over the booking — but be sure to turn over the booking to us before you make final payment, due Nov. 28th if you want to take advantage of the Black Friday deal.)

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

6.16.2016

sydney afterglow

Still in the afterglow of my trip to Australia, and the picture above is my favorite memory from the trip. Our group enjoyed a private harbour cruise that included lunch. Towards the end of the trip, we passed the Opera House and passed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, providing the beautiful framed view in the picture above. Sydney is a truly beautiful city with some great hotels. I had the opportunity to stay at and/or visit three of them.

Four Seasons Sydney is perfectly located right at the entrance to the Rocks area of Sydney — full of shopping and dining possibilities. A beautiful city hotel, Four Seasons has two categories of guest rooms, Deluxe and Premier. You should definitely go for the Premier category! Though the Deluxe room (280 sq. ft.) will suffice for a single traveler, it may feel cramped for a couple or for someone staying more than a couple of nights. The Premier Rooms are double the size (a very spacious 570 sq. ft.) and not very much more. Looking at rates for 28JUN, 2016, Deluxe Rooms range from 275 AUD - 355 AUD depending on view. Premier Rooms begin at 375 AUD. Double the space for just $73 USD ... it's a no-brainer! These rates include the Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities; though contractural obligations prevent me from listing the amenities (such as the complimentary breakfasts and other perks you'd expect), email me for complete details; you won't be disappointed.

What about views? I actually found the view from the City rooms to be quite interesting, especially from the higher floors, but the splurge to book a Full Harbour room is worth it. My view from an "09" room looked directly at the Opera House; check out the view of Vivid Sydney as photographed from my window.

Langham Sydney is the boutique choice in Sydney, just 98 rooms and suites. Formerly The Observatory, an Orient Express (now Belmond) property, Langham has totally renovated the property. Rooms are much lighter, the original dark wood paneling now painted in shades of off-white with pastel accent colors. The interior style of guest rooms is more feminine than the other hotels I visited in Sydney, and The Langham would be a good choice for couples who prefer a less corporate-feeling hotel.

What about location? The hotel is located on an attractive residential street lined with two-story historical buildings. Just a 10 minute walk from the Rocks area of Sydney, the one thing you won't get is a view of the Opera House from your room. Some rooms have a Western Harbour view. I can provide Virtuoso amenities at the Langham which include an upgrade if available, daily buffet breakfast for two, $100 F&B credit, and complimentary WiFi.

Park Hyatt Sydney is a recently constructed low-rise hotel right on the harbour with a direct view of the Opera House. Though more expensive than the other two hotels, you will not be disappointed with a stay. I recommend booking a room with a direct, uninterrupted view of the Sydney Opera House — either the Opera Room (430-485 sq ft) or an Opera Deluxe (807 sq ft).

Truly a WOW hotel, book the Harbour Suite for a most incredible view. Virtuoso amenities include an upgrade if available (but not from room to Suite), full breakfast, and $100 spa credit.

copyright (c) 2016 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

5.20.2016

Sayulita | cute Mexican seaside town

So you're enjoying the beach at Four Seasons Punta Mita (or St Regis Punta Mita), and you want a to enjoy the local sights and some authentic Mexican culture. Consider a day trip to Sayulita, a cute little town with cobblestone streets right by the sea. Lots of options await you...

You can learn how to surf or stand up paddle board. While we were there, we watched a Stand Up Paddle Board race in the ocean right off the beach — an Olympic sport.

We had lunch at Don Pedro's beachfront restaurant. Our group had the entire second floor of the open air restaurant where we enjoyed good food and the relaxing view shown above.

Or there's retail therapy. Sayulita is filled with small, locally owned offering local arts and crafts (as well as the usual tourist kitsch, if you're looking for souvenirs or small gifts for friends back home). The gentleman pictured above is the shop manager of Artefakto, a small gallery on a side street off the main road through the center of town.

Staying in Punta Mita? Be sure to contact us to learn about the exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner added-value amenities we can offer you at the Four Seasons ... or the Virtuoso added-value amenities at the St Regis. We can save you hundreds of dollars on a typical stay at these resorts.

2.15.2016

San Francisco and the Bay Bridge

I feel very fortunate to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. This iconic view of San Francisco was photographed just 300 feet from my home. While much of the country is suffering with frigid cold temperatures combined with blustery winds, we are enjoying a stretch of February days in the 70's.

So come and visit! To enjoy the view from Berkeley, you might stay at The Claremont - a Fairmont Resort (whose famous spa and pool was featured in Mrs. Doubtfire) ... or the Shattuck Plaza Hotel in downtown Berkeley, walking distance from a myriad of eclectic ethnic dining opportunities. You can even dine at world-famous Chez Panisse.

Or spend a weekend in the City, famous for its cuisine with too many great restaurants to mention. Where to stay? Top choices are the Four Seasons right on Market Street, the Ritz-Carlton on Nob Hill, or the St. Regis next door to the soon-to-reopen SFMOMA. And I can save you money at each of these hotels with Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Virtuoso amenities that offer free breakfast for two daily, hotel credits that can mean free lunches or dinners, upgrades, and more.

2.04.2016

exclusive experiences at FS Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina will be opening soon. If you enjoy having exclusive experiences to talk about with your friends, consider the following:

Airport transfer by yacht or helicopter (or just a regular 4-wheel vehicle). Arrive in style!

Private yacht journeys for bespoke adventure excursions during the day ... or dining al fresco at night under a starry sky.

Private jet touring opportunities of the Hawaiian Islands. Want to visit the Big Island's active volcano? Play 18 holes on The Challenge at Manele? Make it to Molokai? Four Seasons guests can plan totally unique day tours from their home base on Oahu.

You can sleep under the stars in an open-air bed on the Presidential Suite's Sky Terrace.

Palehua is a sacred historical and cultural site closed to the public, but Four Seasons guests have the exclusive ability to enjoy the experience. Located just three miles from the resort, the five mile trek is led by revered cultural practitioners who will point out the wildlife, fauna, and views you'll encounter along the way.

Adults-only pool and beach. Have you enjoyed the Serenity Pool at FS Maui? Experience the same seclusion from the sunset-facing Adults Pool and adult-only beach. Evian mist spray, anyone?

Ko Olina Golf Club, an 18 hole championship course designed by Ted Robinson and featuring ... views of the sea.

I can make reservations for you beginning May 27, and you'll also receive the exclusive value-added Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities at FS Oahu. Due to contractural constraints, I can't publish the FSPP amenities on this blog, so for complete details please fill out our travel request form.

12.11.2015

a warm place in the sun this winter!

Winter is coming, and while lots of folks LOVE snow sports, I always got depressed when I lived in the mid-Atlantic states and winter started to D-R-A-G. Nothing like flying south to enjoy a warm place in the sun, playing golf or tennis, walking the beach, or just sitting by the edge of the pool reading a novel on your iPhone.

There's a warm place in the sun for you this winter at Four Seasons Punta Mita, on the west coast of Mexico, only 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. One of the most fabulous beach resorts I've ever visited, there are two large beaches (one for active beachgoers and the others who want to soak in some peace and quiet sitting in the shade of the palm trees.

And as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant, we can provide added value to your stay at FS Punta Mita (or at any Four Seasons in the world). While contractural obligations prevent me from publishing the amenities online, suffice it to say that you will pay the same price you see online but save literally hundreds of dollars from the free add-ons that we can get you. Just drop me a line, and I'll send you all the details of the FS Preferred Partner program.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

10.22.2015

a great suite for Thanksgiving at Hualalai

Big Island for Thanksgiving, anyone? A great specialty suite has just become available at Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Ohana Suite has two bedrooms and a large living room with a 42-inch flat-screen plasma television, Bose entertainment system, as well as a sofa, easy chairs, and a dining table. Designed specifically for families vacationing to Kona, Hawaii, the one- or two- bedroom ‘Ohana Suites are conveniently positioned on the ground level.

Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities are applicable to all bookings we make, as well as the special Suite amenities that you will receive. Due to contractural restrictions, I can't post our exclusive amenities, but just drop me a note and I'll send you the details. Suffice it to say, you'll receive hundreds of dollars of savings during your vacation at FS Hualalai (or any Four Seasons hotel worldwide).

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

9.17.2015

Four Seasons Oahu | now taking reservations

Following up on one of my top ten takeaways at #VirtuosoWeek, I'm pleased to announce that Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is now taking reservations for stays beginning June 1, 2015. This is Four Seasons fifth resort in Hawaii.

Here are ten reasons to stay at the FS Oahu, 30 miles west of the airport ... far from the madness of Waikiki Beach.

1. The video above shows the resort's lagoon setting by the Pacific Ocean.
2. 346 spacious guest rooms average 640 square feet, all with balcony
3. Lots of dining options with five restaurants and bars on property.
4. A full spa offers 16 treatment rooms to spoil yourself.
5. Complimentary Kids for All Seasons program for children ages 5 to 12 years.
6. Three distinct pool areas.
7. Enjoy water sports, beach activities, tennis, and golf.
8. Tour Pearl Harbor.
9. Introductory Fourth Night Free offer.
10. Preferred Partner amenities.

While I cannot post the Preferred Partner amenities on a public website, just drop me an email, and I'll get back to you immediately with all of the value-added details I can offer you as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant.

6.05.2015

looking for the cheapest price?

guests receive valuable amenities at the regular Virtuoso rate at the St. Regis New York

Is cheaper better?

Buying products and services on the internet has a logic of its own: customers often feel compelled to search out the absolute lowest price. Sometimes cheaper is better ... but often the lowest price doesn't make sense.

Flying to Europe this summer? Robert McGarvey published an article on Mainstream.com with thoughts on how to save money flying to Europe this summer. One money-saving strategy: fly into a secondary city. According to a web search I did this morning, you can fly round-trip to Lyon, France instead of Paris and save over $200 round-trip per ticket, over $400 for a couple. Sounds great!

But there's a real downside to booking the cheaper ticket. It involves changing planes in Lisbon instead flying non-stop to Paris. You'll have a long layover in Lisbon, losing the entire first day of your European vacation. Even with a reasonable layover, connecting flights introduce the risk of a missed connection due to delays ... and increase the likelihood of delayed luggage. And then you have to add on the additional time and expense of train tickets to Paris.

The same is true with hotel bookings. That lower rate you found may come with a compulsory non-refundable prepayment (always, always read all of the terms and conditions of a rate). And cheap wholesaler bookings never include Virtuoso or Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. These can be worth hundreds of dollars in free breakfasts, hotel credits, and upgrades at the St. Regis New York (pictured above) and a thousand other luxury hotels around the world.

Bottom line: always search out the best value, not the lowest price.

5.12.2015

a guide to Hong Kong hotels

Hong Kong is one of the world's most interesting cities. Whether you're traveling there for business, or just using HKG as a hub to elsewhere in Asia, it's worth an extended stay. Where should you stay when visiting Hong Kong?

Here are the questions I ask my clients:

1) Do you want to be on Hong Kong island itself ... or on Kowloon? Hong Kong is the old city with its narrow streets, small shops and restaurants, and the world's longest outdoor escalator. Kowloon is contemporary with modern shopping centers, and it boasts killer views of Hong Kong over Victoria Harbour (see my picture above).

2) Do you prefer traditional Asian hotels ... or contemporary hotels?

3) Do you want a view of Victoria Harbour from your room?

4) Do you want to be in Central? Or another way of asking the question: how comfortable are you with the subway system?

With these questions in mind, here are my tips on where to stay in Hong Kong:

Peninsula Hong Kong has recently finished a thorough renovation, and the results are absolutely stunning. A traditional hotel, located in Kowloon, many guests enjoy the sheer luxury of round-trip airport transfers in a Rolls Royce and the uniformed Peninsula doormen who open the doors when you enter its magnificent Lobby. Rooms in the tower have commanding views of the harbour.

Four Seasons Hong Kong is one of the finest city hotels in the world with superb service, large and beautiful rooms, and a great view of the harbour. FS Hong Kong is the only hotel in the world with two three-star Michelin restaurants, and the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the harbour is something special.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is located right in Central. A traditional Asian hotel with dark carved wood decorating the lobby ... and its Harbour Rooms come with a coveted view of the harbour.

Ritz Carlton Hong Kong has the distinction of being the highest hotel in the world. Occupying the top floors of the tallest building in Hong Kong, you're sometimes above the clouds! The Club Lounge has wine on tap ... and the Island Harbour View rooms have a birds-eye perspective on Victoria Harbour.

InterContinental Hong Kong has the best view of all. Located in Kowloon right on the boardwalk, guests staying in Harbour View rooms have an unobstructed view of the harbour and Hong Kong beyond... a perfect place to sit and watch the evening light show (while listening to the music through your in-room TV).

Upper House is a special hotel. The lobby feels like a living room, and guest rooms are extremely spacious and beautiful. Located a couple of subway stops north of Central, if you're comfortable using public transportation, this could be the place for you in Hong Kong.

Tip: for a better-than-internet deal, book these hotels through a Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Peninsula Pen Club, Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, Ritz Carlton STARS travel consultant for free breakfasts, upgrades, hotel credits, and more.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

4.25.2015

when is a Ritz not a Ritz?

rotunda of the Ritz London

This column is inspired by yesterday's announcement that Four Seasons will cease management of the Ritz-Carlton Chicago effective July 31st. On that date, Ritz-Carlton Chicago will become a Ritz-Carlton. Did you know that there are currently five (5) Ritz properties that are not managed by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. They are:

Ritz Paris — one of my favorite hotels anywhere (I've stayed twice), the Ritz Paris has an enviable location right on the place Vendome. In the heart of Paris's 1st arrondissement, it's easy walking distance to anywhere in the center of Paris and is steps away from high-end shopping opportunities. The Ritz is in the midst of a quarter billion euro renovation. Expected to reopen by the end of 2015, I definitely want to visit when it reopens.

Ritz London — a very British hotel right on Piccadilly and on the northeast corner of Green Park (Buckingham Palace is on the opposite southwest corner, I enjoyed my 2009 stay at the Ritz. Come for the Afternoon Tea, and enjoy your stay in a very reasonably priced, traditional London hotel. Deluxe rooms and above, request a room on a high floor with lots of natural light, and for a real WOW, book a 1BR Deluxe Suites overlooking Green Park.

Ritz Lisbon — a Four Seasons hotel in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, I enjoyed my stay here in 2009. A tip: it's relatively easy to score a room upgrade into a Deluxe room here. Just book through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant for priority status on the upgrade list ... as well as enjoy a rich set of FSPP amenities. Email me for full details on FSPP amenities at over 90 FS hotels worldwide.

Ritz Madrid — the Ritz Madrid is owned by Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express), and it's located in central Madrid next door to the Prado Museum. The Ritz is an older, traditional elegant hotel with great service. While I had to wait in line for concierge service at the Westin Place across the circle, two concierges approached me as soon as I walked up the Concierge desk at the Ritz.

Ritz-Carlton Chicago — still a Four Seasons Hotel (until July 31st), I can provide you with Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities up until then ... and Ritz-Carlton STARS amenities afterwards (which include a complimentary daily breakfast for two, free internet, and more). I expect the hotel will remain a member of Virtuoso after the Ritz-Carlton take-over.

I can provide added-value amenities at each of the above hotels, including complimentary daily breakfast for two, upgrades if available, and extra amenities that differ by property. Contact me for full details!

11.29.2014

Four Seasons Baltimore | inner harbor luxury

A contemporary hotel located right in the heart of Baltimore's inner harbor area, I found the Four Seasons Baltimore to be a comfortable and attractive city hotel. The styling is casual and elegant, creating an "at home" feeling in the guest rooms and suites. The effect is pleasant and extremely well done, and I very much enjoyed my stay. The hotel has 256 rooms, of which 45 are suites. I had the opportunity to see a Partial Water View Terrace Room (502 sq ft), and we stayed in a FS Executive Suite with Water View (953 sq ft).

Regular guest rooms are in the range of 502 - 530 sq foot (inclusive of bathroom and closet area). Entering the door of your room, there is a closet and luggage storage area straight ahead, large enough to use as a dressing area. The bathroom is to one side of the entrance, equipped with a single vanity, TV in the mirror, WC, step-in shower (with both rain shower and wall mounted shower heads), and deep soaking tub. The bedroom is to the other side of the entry. The Partial Water View Terrace room we saw had a King bed, desk space (thoughtfully equipped with four power sockets at desktop level), and sitting area. The bedroom of the Terrace room had pleasant dimensions, more square than rectangular, which helped create the hotel's residential feel.

Thoughts on which room category to choose:

The views from Full Water View rooms are stunning, so if you enjoy a great view, it's definitely worthwhile to upsell into these categories. Because the hotel is frequently 100% occupied, you can't count on an upgrade into the best views.
Unless you intend to make significant use of an outdoor terrace (which occupies some of the room's total square footage), I recommend booking a "regular" guest room in order to enjoy a larger bedroom and sitting area.

We stayed in a FS Executive Suite with Water View (#801), and it was a WOW suite. Wrapping around the northwest corner of the building, the LR faced directly north toward the heart of the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards. The BR occupied the corner, with views both to the south and west. Moreover, the hallway leading to the bathroom and dressing room area had west facing floor-to-ceiling windows; the panorama included a good view of the iconic "Dominoes Sugars" sign to the south (see the photo above). The Executive Suite's bathroom was larger than that of guest rooms but still provided only a single vanity.

Other facilities: The hotel has a fully equipped Fitness center on the fourth floor (open 24/7), offering harbor views while you exercise. An outdoor Infinity pool, open only in the warmer months, offers lounge chairs and resort service reminiscent of Four Seasons beach resorts (roving attendants with Evian mist and occasional cold snacks). The hotel's full service Spa offers complimentary sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for guests. FSPP guests can make good use of the $100 spa credit, part of the amenity package.

Book FS Baltimore with Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant to receive the complimentary FSPP amenities:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)

Spa credit of USD100 once during stay (not applicable to products)

Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)

Now standard at all properties: Complimentary Basic Internet (up to 2 devices) in all guest rooms, Complimentary Premium Internet (up to 4 devices) in all Suites.

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. As affiliates of Brownell Travel, we can provide our clients with Virtuoso amenities and amenities from other Brownell preferred hotel partners including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and more. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

11.24.2014

Thanksgiving, Baltimore style

I've spent very little time in Baltimore, despite growing up less than 40 miles away. But my son and daughter-in-law moved to Baltimore a year ago, and they're hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Josh is a partner with Bolster Labs, a web design company located in Baltimore … and Jessica heads the east coast office of Ourisman Travel.

After many years of celebrating Thanksgiving in New York, I'll miss walking through Central Park, catching live glimpses of the Macy's Parade, and making my early morning Black Friday visits to the 5th Avenue Apple Store (reasonable crowds at 5 a.m. - impossible crowds later in the day).

So what awaits me in Baltimore? We'll of course be staying at the Four Seasons Baltimore, located on the inner harbour. Later this week, I'll let you know about the rooms, the service, and what to do in the area. If your plans take you to Baltimore, contact me (or any Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant) to get complimentary breakfast for two, free internet, $100 spa credit, and space available upgrades at the best luxury hotel in Baltimore.

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

10.30.2014

Four Seasons Paris | within walking distance

Four Seasons George V has an enviable location if you're going to Paris to shop and eat. The hotel recently published a magazine article that details some of the luxury shopping, eating, and art museums within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Here are some of their suggestions:

Avenue Montaigne. Walk down this one shopping street leading from the Champs-Elysees toward the Seine to find Chanel, Marni, Gucci, Céline, Jil Snader, Saint Laurent, Fendi, Chloé, Ralph Lauren, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Armani, and Prada.

Framboise, 7 rue de Ponthieu, is a crêpe stand. The jambon fromage is recommended.

Ladurée, 75 Champs-Elysees, for tea, coffee, and their famed macarons in 20 different flavors, including salted butter caramel.

Hermès, 42 avenue George V, the more intimate of the two Hermès stores in Paris. Come here for an easier shopping experience

Petit Palais, avenue Winston Churchill, built for the 1900 World's Fair, has an art collection including works by Monet, Pissaro, Cézanne, and Rodin. Free and open every day!

La Maison de la Truffe, 14 rue Marbeuf, all truffles, all the time. The foie gras with truffle soup is recommended and said to be "easily packable and ready to make the journey home."

Artcurial, 7 Rond-Point des Champs-Elysees, is an auction house with collections on view before they are auctioned off.

Book the George V through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant to receive these exclusive added-value amenities:

daily full breakfast daily, served through in-room dining or in the hotel restaurant
spa credit of 100€
upgrade if available at check-in
complimentary internet

10.27.2014

a fifth Four Seasons in Hawaii

the site of the future Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina was just announced this morning. This is a take-over and complete redevelopment of the JW Marriott Ihilani into one of Hawaii's finest luxury resorts. The lead architectural firm is James K.M. Architects, winner of the 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Located on the sunny west side of Oahu, the resort is located just 17 miles from the Honolulu airport (and even further from the crowds and madness of Waikiki Beach). FS Oahu will become the fifth Four Seasons resort in Hawaii.

My clients all receive extra value through the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program which will apply to FS Oahu when it opens. Right now, you can get the following complimentary amenities when staying at FS Maui, FS Hualalai, FS Manele Bay, or FS Lodge at Koele.

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Food and beverage credit of USD100
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
Now standard at all properties: Complimentary Basic Internet (up to 2 devices) in all guest rooms, Complimentary Premium Internet (up to 4 devices) in all Suites.

10.05.2014

FS Tented Camp | it's a (ma)hout!

We're nearing the end of our trip to Thailand and Bhutan, and we have been able to squeeze in about 30 hours at Four Seasons Golden Triangle, otherwise known as FS Tented Camp. I think this picture says it all ... Yuki, one of Four Seasons' four Asian Elephants, is dousing my wife Claire with a surprise rain shower!

Four Seasons has created a unique elephant camp in the jungles of Northern Thailand, right on the border with Burma (Myanmar). In fact, the view from our tent is entirely of Burma. The highlight of your stay (for most guests), and the primary reason for a vacation here, will be the mahout training. If you love horseback riding, if you love getting up close and personal with animals, if you get an adrenaline rush from active adventure, FS Tented Camp should definitely go on your bucket list. (There are plenty of additional fascinating cultural tours for anyone not into elephants).

Four Seasons Golden Triangle is an all-inclusive resort, but book through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner (such as myself) in order to take advantage of an additional perk, a $100 spa credit. I'm looking forward to experiencing Four Seasons' spa in about 90 minutes, right after lunch!

P.S. — Our Thai Couples Massage was fabulous! Our therapists were Mimi and Yomi, and just as wonderful as the massage therapy was the setting ... an open-air massage studio in the jungle with the gentle sounds of birds and crickets.

9.01.2014

Virtuoso Week | Four Seasons Orlando

Here's #4 on my top ten list from Virtuoso Travel Week.

It's no secret that many travel consultants shudder at the thought of having to phone Disney Destinations in order to book Theme Park ticket packages. Is it the Tinker Bell trill that first greets callers? Or the overly enthusiastic recorded voice leading you through yet another voice prompt phone system? Or the anticipation of a long time on hold to waste your time?

So when I learned that Four Seasons Orlando has a Disney Desk on property that can take care of all of this for my clients, I took note! If you're taking your family to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida (or if you're going as a couple), Four Seasons Orlando will be my top recommendation.

located within the Walt Disney World Resort
Four Seasons packages including Disney park tickets for your park of choice
complimentary Four Seasons transportation to the four Disney parks
Explorer Island, a 5 acre playground with pools and a waterside
a true luxury resort with Four Seasons' hospitality

Any Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant can provide you with value-added amenities to make the most of your stay — complimentary full American breakfast for two daily (including room service), $100 Food and Beverage credit, and upgrades if available upon check-in… on top of Third Night Free, when you see that promotion available.

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

9.11.2013

100 EUR lunch credit | Four Seasons George V

Here's 100 EUR toward lunch at Le Cinq, the two-Michelin starred restaurant at the Four Seasons George V, the iconic hotel of Paris. Eligible for new Four Seasons Preferred Partner bookings for travel from November 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, my clients will receive a 100 EUR food credit to be used towards lunch.

My clients also receive...

Daily full American breakfast for two (including room service)
100 EUR spa credit once during stay
complimentary internet
room upgrade if available

... while paying the same price you'll find online on fourseasons.com.

Read some of these reviews of Le Cinq, and you might just want to take advantage of this deal! Just email me for the details.

Four Seasons George V (search here on Google)

9.03.2013

Le Royal Monceau | Saturday Royal Brunch

Probably the most exquisite brunch I've never had, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris offers a Saturday Royal Brunch most every weekend of the year. Set in the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant "La Cuisine," the brunch lasts from 12:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The price 74€ per person.

Here is what one Trip Advisor reviewer had to say about the experience:

The food was diversified (salads, delicatessen, oysters, shrimps, sushis, beef, veal, vegetables, fish, pasta to the order..., large choice of cheese and desserts) and of a high quality standard (pastries and viennoiseries are supplied by Pierre Hermé). Everyone at our table was happy and enjoyed the food.

Want to enjoy the brunch for free? I won a certificate for two (2) Saturday Royal Brunches at Travel Week in Las Vegas. Yes, it was a game of chance - I got lucky with the dice! I have the option of enjoying the brunch myself or gifting it to a client.

So here's the deal. Book a three-night minimum stay through me, inclusive of the Saturday lunch hour, at any of the four palace hotels of Paris listed below. Whoever makes the largest qualifying booking (in terms of total value of the stay) will win the Royal Brunch for two. In the interest of fairness, as they offered the prize, I'll give a 50% bonus to the total value of a booking at Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris. The contest booking period ends at 3 p.m. PDT on Friday, September 20.

Eligible palace hotels for this contest:

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

Four Seasons George V

Le Meurice

Le Bristol

Everyone wins when you book through a Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, or Dorchester Diamond Club agency. For the same price you can find online, you get complimentary value-added perks that you can't find online including:

free breakfast for two every day of your stay
upgrades if available (guaranteed in some cases)
spa; food and beverage; or hotel credits

P.S. — There are fifteen Virtuoso hotels in Paris, and while I didn't list them all for this contest, I'd be happy to create a contest around a special perk any of them would like to offer!

Le Royal Monceau (click here to search on Google)

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Links