JetBlue Mint across the Pond

 

Exciting news, thanks to my friend Ben at One Mile at a Time... JetBlue has announced its Mint service from JFK to London. One daily flight starts 12AUG to Heathrow, and a second daily flight starts 30AUG to Gatwick. 

Here's the outbound schedule to London:

• dep JFK at 9:48 p.m., arr. LHR at 10:10 a.m.
• dep JFK at 7:48 p.m., arr. LGW at 7:55 a.m.

Here's the return flight back to New York:

• dep. LHR at 6:10 pm., arr. JFK 9:35 p.m.
• dep. LGW at 12:10 p.m., arr JFK 3:43 p.m.

Round-trip in JetBlue's lie-flat Mint class seat starts at $1,979, per the airline's website. Combined with a comfortable lie-flat seat and JetBlue's great catering, this is quite a value.

When you're ready to plan luxury travel to London, we can accessorize your flights with stays in five star luxury hotels ... with Virtuoso amenities including daily complimentary breakfast for two + a $100 hotel credit towards F&B or spa, all at the same price you'll find on hotel websites.

London has some of the world's best hotels. Have you been thinking about a trip to England in this fall?

copyright (c) 2021 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member.

travel souvenirs — part 12

Delft houses from KLM (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

If you've flown KLM business class, you'll recognize this souvenir. Passengers on long haul flights to or from Amsterdam are presented with a choice of blue Delft china houses designed to resemble actual historic buildings in the Netherlands. I've even to the Royal Delft factory and seen the process by which the pottery is painted with the iconic Delft blue and then glazed. Of course, that was 51 years ago in the summer of 1969 — so I'm dating myself.

I've acquired these four Delft houses over the years...

73 — De Posthoorn 

83 — Museum Van Loon

33 — De Dubbelde Palmboom

7 — Bols House

KLM has a comfortable business class with lie-flat seats that offer a good night's sleep on your way over the pond. Amsterdam offers convenient connections to destinations all over Europe, avoiding the madness of transfers in Paris or London. Get in touch for specially discounted business class fares when packaged with hotel stays or car rentals... or click here to discover the value-added Virtuoso amenities you can score at Amsterdam's most elegant luxury hotels.

Click here to sign up for the Ourisman Travel Newsletter.

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.

5 reasons to use a travel advisor to book air

Norwegian Airlines 787 at OAK (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Note: I am not an air agent. I specialize in luxury hotel bookings. Want the best luxury hotel in Paris or London given your preferences, I can help with that decision. And I'll get you value-added hotel amenities for no extra cost — like complimentary daily breakfast for two, $100 hotel credits, and sometimes upgrades even at the time of booking. For air bookings, I turn to my colleagues at Brownell Travel's Air Desk or Virtuoso Air.

Here are five reasons to use an experienced air advisor, especially for complicated international itineraries. Inexperienced consumers, armed only with the internet, often make expensive mistakes, all in the attempt to save money.

1. Connections that make sense. Is that connection long enough (or is it too long)? Should you avoid connecting at that particular airport? Is there a non-stop flight you should consider instead? An experienced travel advisor will sweat questions like these so you don’t have to.

• While that 50 minute connection at CDG might be legal, your dash through the immigration and the airport will be stressful and tiring ... with a high chance you'll miss your connection.
• Will you have to switch terminals? Passengers who switch terminals at LHR have to wait in long queues just to catch the shuttle bus between terminals.
• Beware of itineraries that make you change airports. Some options that come up on the British Airways website require taking a 35 mile bus ride from Heathrow to Gatwick (good luck during rush hour!). Always look for an alternative, even if it costs more.

2. Be protected in case you misconnect. I've read many stories about unknowing travelers who've done something like the following: After searching the internet to find the absolute lowest price, they bought one ticket on British Airways to London, then bought a separate ticket on AirFrance to connect to Paris.  They are unaware of how much can go wrong. Always book your connecting flights on the same airline (or their partner airline) and ensure they're on the same ticket. It's then the airline's problem if you misconnect. If your connecting flights are ticketed separately, you'll be out of luck:

• If you miss your connection, your non-refundable ticket is void, and you’ll have to buy a new ticket at the full, non-discounted, last-minute fare.
• Good luck if you intend to check your baggage to the final destination. You'll be in for an unpleasant surprise if the two airlines do not have inter-airline baggage agreements. You'll need to go through immigration, retrieve your checked baggage, check in again at the front of the airport, then re-enter immigration and security all over again. If you miss your connecting flight, you'll have to buy a full-fare ticket.

An experienced air agent will protect you from mistakes like this.

3. Flight monitoring. What happens when there's a schedule mishap? if your flight across the Atlantic is delayed, and it appears you'll miss your connecting flight, there's nothing you can do from the middle of the ocean. But an experienced air agent can monitor your flights and solve the problem before you even know something's wrong.

4. Time, money, and comfort. You will pay a service fee when using an air agent, but it can still save you time and money. Here are some possible ways you can benefit:

• Hate paying for seat assignments on BA? A savvy air agent can do this with no fee.
• Sometimes booking a code-share saves on taxes and fees.
• Is there a better itinerary that google flights doesn't know?
• Sometimes it pays to put all legs of a multi-segment itinerary on one ticket. Sometimes it pays to split the flights up among several tickets.
• Do you want a flight with a true lie-flat business class seat?

An expert air agent can advise about all these issues.

5. Intelligent, coordinated travel planning. Your flights and itinerary should coordinate to provide you the most convenient connections available. An expert travel advisor, working on your behalf throughout the entire planning process, can ensure your trip flows as smoothly as possible.

Note, I'm talking here about expert air agents. Just because someone works at a travel agency doesn’t mean they know what they're doing. I read a post yesterday on fodors.com. This traveler wanted to spend a week in Paris, then visit Spain or Portugal. But, she wrote the forum asking for advice, “our travel agency wants us to return home from Paris.” She apparently wandered into a travel agency and sat down at the desk of someone who didn't know what they were doing.


Here are some questions you should ask when choosing a travel advisor:

• Are you a member of the Virtuoso network? Using a Virtuoso travel advisor is the only way you can enjoy exclusive Virtuoso amenities at over 1300 luxury hotels and resorts around the world.
• Are you experienced with booking international air or — if not — do you have access to international air experts at your agency?

copyright (c) 2019 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.

the best hotel room I never had

The Matterhorn - (c) 2018  photo taken in 1969 by David Ourisman

I had a conversation yesterday with a client who is near retirement; he's about 4 years younger than I. We were reminiscing about some of the travel experiences we'd enjoyed in our youth. He remembered using a one-month European rail pass to criss-cross Europe, using overnight trains instead of hotel rooms. That reminded me of a non-hotel stay of my own.

One of the very best travel experiences of my life, I spent the night sleeping in a field under just a blanket. It was August, 1969, and we had driven into Zermatt after dark (don't think you can drive into Zermatt now). With no intention of getting a hotel room, we settled into a field just outside the village. It was a dark night, and I really had no idea where I was.

When the sun rose the next morning, I awakened. The first sight I beheld that day was the Matterhorn in a cloudless sky. Awakening to this stunning view in Switzerland was truly one of the best travel experiences of my life. But nowadays, I'd opt for one of the luxury hotels in Zermatt for its creature comforts and Virtuoso amenities.

For those who are interested, the picture above was taken with a Minolta SRT-101 with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Though a bit faded with age, it helps me remember that brilliant, sunny morning in Zermatt ... almost half a century ago — ouch!

copyright (c) 2018 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.

why London? | top five reasons

changing of the Guards (c) 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

The United Kingdom is a bargain. While the Pound Sterling was down to $1.37 last week, I just checked the exchange rates again, and the the pound is now down to $1.29. Just because something is a bargain is not a reason to buy it, but London is a most fabulous destination for a your summer vacation.

Here is my list of the top five reasons to visit London this summer.

1) comfortable weather... southern Europe is hot and humid, so unless you really enjoy a lot of summer heat, I encourage my clients to consider northern Europe. Consider places like northern France (Paris, Normandy, Brittany), Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and the British Isles (England, Scotland, and Ireland).

2) the English speak English... though with a touch of British accent. Some travelers are uncomfortable going to a country where English is not the primary language, but that's not even an issue in the British Isles.

3) the pomp and glamour of the royals...  No one can put on a parade quite like they do in England, and one of the top attractions in London is the daily Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Crowds gather in front of the palace well in advance of the daily parade, but if you're in the know, you can avoid the crowds and come face to face with the new Guard before it marches out of the Wellington Barracks to replace the old Guard at the Palace. Ask me how you can have private access to the parade grounds above.

4) gardens and parks... Nobody does gardens quite like the British, and it's wonderful to get out of the city to tour some of England's most beautiful gardens. We can get you hard-to-get tickets to Prince Charles' gardens at Highgrove, his personal country estate in the Cotswolds — and there are lots of other opportunities for garden lovers to indulge this summer.

5) history and culture... London has so many great museums from the British Museum to the Tower of London to the Churchill War Room (where we can get you behind the plexiglass so you can sit in Churchill's chair from which he led his War Cabinet).

London's luxury hotels are all on sale this summer and available with Virtuoso amenities that will save you hundreds of dollars during a typical stay. Ask me about my favorites!

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.

contacting the concierge | top five list

concierge desk at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

I recently received a thoughtful set of suggestions from a client, a frequent guest at luxury hotels around the world. She depends on hotel concierges, as do many travelers, for services ranging from restaurant recommendations and reservations, securing hot tickets to popular shows, booking tours, and arranging airport transfers.

It can be challenging to reach the concierge in advance of your stay, especially if you live on a different continent, many time zones away from your destination. Contacting the concierge should be easy, and here are five suggestions toward that end:

1. Hotel consumer websites should list the current email address for the concierge desk. 

2. The information should be accurate; amazing how often it's not! 

3. All confirmations should invite guests to contact the concierge, providing the email address or — even better — a link right within the document: click here, and our concierge will reach out to you.

4. Pre-arrival communications should include the same concierge contact information and link. 

5. Concierges should have access to a secure credit card website, providing guests with a safe and secure means to send their card information. The solution is simple: RightSignature and similar services exist for this very purpose.

Do you agree?

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.

Palace Hotel San Francisco | old and new

The Palace Hotel in San Francisco is one of the historic hotels of the City by the Bay. Originally established in 1875, it was destroyed in the massive 1906 earthquake that leveled much of the city and caused fires that devastated everything else. Rebuilt after the earthquake, the Palace opened its doors again in 1909. The hotel is on the National Historic Register and is an historical treasure.

Of particular note is the Garden Court, pictured above, a Beaux Arts room whose dazzling stained glass ceiling will make your breakfast or lunch something very special indeed. (We had lunch there and enjoyed their signature Crab Salad). The ceiling was fortuitously saved from destruction during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, having been disassembled during a renovation that was taking place at the time.

The Palace is in the midst of a thorough renovation that will be completed by the end of August, 2015. All guest rooms will have been converted to the new room product by the end of May. These side-by-side pictures give a sense of the transformation that awaits, from the old cream walls with red carpeting to cool light blue walls and plum carpeting that endows the property with updated elegance while preserving the hotel's classic design.

I was able to inspect two Deluxe rooms. The Palace's inclusion on the Historic Register means that the original walls of the hotel cannot be moved, and so room sizes are reminiscent of classic European hotels. Measuring 330 square feet, Deluxe rooms are sized more like Superior rooms, but the shape of the room (more square than rectangular) creates a pleasant residential feel, not the "long and narrow" feel of many hotel rooms. The original bathrooms are small with a single vanity, shower in the tub (most with glass doors), and toilet. But the rooms are attractive and well planned with plenty of electrical outlets, a well planned work area with a surge protected power strip, USB port, and ethernet jack.

In addition to the renovation, the Palace Hotel has employed Forbes to train hotel staff in their distinctive five star service standards. With upgrades to both room product and service, the Palace is committed to becoming one of the top luxury hotels in San Francisco ... and this writer would not be surprised to see them admitted to Virtuoso. As a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, my clients receive complimentary Luxury Privileges at the regular room rate:

• Daily buffet breakfast for two in the Garden Court
• one-time $100 F&B credit
• Upgrade if available on arrival
• Early check-in, late check-out, subject to availability
• complimentary standard in-room internet

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.

China 72 hour transit without visa

Temple of Heaven, Beijing — photo (c) David Ourisman, all rights reserved

A relatively new policy allows travelers to China with US passports (and quite a few other European and Asian countries as well) to avoid the hassle of applying for a Chinese visa if you meet some rather precise criteria. To summarize:

1. Your stay in China is under 72 hours
2. You are both arriving and departing from the same city — Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and a few other cities
3. You're stopping in China enroute from your country of origin, through China, to a third country

My friend Ben S of PointsPros just took advantage of this program on his flight (which routed him from Zurich through Beijing en route to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — don't ask!) and blogged about it here. A really interesting article with some practical advice, if you're planning to do the same thing. (Ben's team has been phenomenal in helping me use miles for award travel).

Traveling to Beijing or Shanghai? Any Virtuoso travel consultant can provide you with free amenities at ten (10) hotels in Beijing and seven (7) hotels in Shanghai — complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, and other added perks — added value making these luxury hotels your best deal in these cities.

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.

how to get breakfast for free at luxury hotels

Does the cost of breakfast intimidate you from staying at luxury hotels? The prices on the breakfast menu above are admittedly expensive, but if you think the only alternative is to leave the hotel and have breakfast in a diner, then you don't know the best kept secret in the luxury hotel business: how to get breakfast for free!

Do the math. If two guests order a continental breakfast every day at the New York City luxury hotel whose menu is pictured above, they will spend $56 per day, plus 8.75% tax — nearly $183 for a typical 3-day hotel stay. The continental breakfast includes a selection of pastries, fruit and berries, a glass of juice, and a cup of coffee or tea (and probably free refills).

Here's the secret to free breakfast: stay at a luxury hotel that's affiliated with a consortium like Virtuoso, and then use the services of a luxury travel consultant whose agency is affiliated with that consortium. There are also luxury hotel families — Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Dorchester Collection, and others — that offer breakfast for free when you book through one of their preferred partner travel partners. You pay the same rate you're likely to find right on the hotel's own website, but you get additional value-enhancing amenities that include a complimentary daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade if available, and an extra amenity typically valued at $100 (such as a food and beverage or spa credit).

Want eggs and bacon instead of a continental breakfast? Some of my preferred partners will give you complimentary Full American breakfasts for two every day, including the breakfast buffet ... or the ultimate luxury of in-room dining. Or even if the amenity is a complimentary continental breakfast, you'll only pay the $4 supplement for a full breakfast.

copyright (c) 2013 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.

four Virtuoso hotels in Washington DC

There are nine Virtuoso hotels in Washington, DC. I have previously toured or stayed in most of them, but I had the opportunity this past weekend to make site inspections of four of these properties. A full review is posted posted on FlyerTalk, but here is an executive summary of my observations. I like to point out that these are my own, highly subjective impressions of the physical product, and you can and should feel free to disagree! I have no way to evaluate service during a site inspection.

lobby of the Ritz Carlton Washington DC

Ritz Carlton Washington, DC. The largest of the four hotels I saw, the RC Washington is a 300 room hotel in the downtown area, located at the intersection of M Street and 22nd Street near the Foggy Bottom Metro station. This property reminds me of other downtown Ritz-Carlton hotels such as Buckhead (in Atlanta) with dark wood paneling in the lobby and classic decor in the guest rooms. RC Washington is a very comfortable, upscale downtown hotel, and if its location is convenient for your reasons for being in DC, I can fully recommend the property.

Deluxe and Premier guest rooms are 450 square feet, with fully featured bathrooms (single vanity, step-in shower, soaking tub, and WC) and a work desk with ethernet and power connections. Suites are double that size, with a sofa bed in the living room and an additional powder room - very convenient for families traveling. Ritz-Carlton Washington features a Club Lounge on the 9th floor, as well as the well-equipped 100,000 square foot Sports Club LA (available to hotel guests for a fee) for travelers who need their daily exercise fix.

Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, created from an old industrial site

Ritz Carlton Georgetown, though having the same ownership as RC Washington, is an entirely different kind of hotel — a boutique property with just 86 rooms just south of M Street in the heart of Georgetown. The owners have developed an old brick industrial site into a very comfortable hotel with a residential feel. Instead of a traditional hotel "lobby," guests enjoy a Lobby Lounge that offers comfortable seating in front of a gas fireplace. You will find guests here throughout the day, doing work via WiFi or enjoying refreshments in front of the fireplace.

The hotel has a more contemporary feeling, and it will soon begin an extensive $2 million renovation of all guest rooms and suites. Schedule to begin in 2014, new rooms will begin to come online in February, 2014 with the project's completion scheduled for the end of next March. The object is to update and lighten rooms with a color scheme of tans and taupes.

Capella Georgetown, right on the C and O Canal

Capella Georgetown is another boutique hotel in Georgetown, literally around the corner from the Ritz-Carlton. With just 49 rooms, this property is aimed at a young and trendy clientele seeking upscale accommodations in D.C. The public lobby provides access to the hotel's bar and restaurant, but only registered guests can gain access to the inner lobby, called "the living room" where check-in takes place. Your experience begins two weeks prior to arrival when you will be contacted by your personal assistant. The hotel seeks to provide very personal service, and it offers a totally flexible check-in and check-out time — convenient if your schedule doesn't work with the traditional 3 p.m. check-in and 12 noon check-out of most hotels.

Rooms are spacious and the decor is contemporary, featuring a clean and simple style with hardwood floors and white walls. The rooftop has a heated indoor/outdoor pool that is open year-round and a small exercise room.

Premier Room at The Jefferson, cozy but full of historical ambience

The Jefferson is a small gem of a hotel (just 99 rooms) named after Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States. Designed with a sense of American history, the hotel employs Jeffersonian motifs, including a wall with framed documents signed by Jefferson, antiques, and period artwork. A completely renovated  1923 beau arts building, the hotel creates a historical ambience that — importantly — in no way feels dated.

Because it occupies a historical building, the developers were not able to change the dimensions of existing rooms, so they do feel cozy. If you're looking for spacious guest rooms and contemporary styling, you should look elsewhere. But if you are content in a beautifully decorated environment that creates a sense of history, you will enjoy your stay at the Jefferson. Give it a try!

Virtuoso hotels in Washington DC (search here 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.

the luxury hotels of Beverly Hills

Back from a quick 48 hour trip to Beverly Hills where I was able to do seven hotel site inspections of the luxury hotels of Beverly Hills as well as attend the rollout of Dorchester Collection's Diamond Club amenity program. You can read my full review on FlyerTalk, but here's an executive summary for Travel Horizons readers.

DORCHESTER COLLECTION

One of my favorite hotel companies in the world - the Dorchester Collection style happens to match up to my own personal stylistic preferences. Their hotels are iconic traditional properties that maintain a sense of their historic setting without being fuddy-duddy. I'm a particular fan of Le Meurice in Paris and the Dorchester in London, and now I'm a great fan also of their two LA properties.

The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows

Built in 1912, the Beverly Hills Hotel pre-existed the city of Beverly Hills — and the city got its name from the hotel, not the other way around. Located on 12 acres of topical gardens, the "Pink Palace" is a self-contained urban oasis with the largest hotel pool in LA. Guests arrive to a red carpet entrance leading from the driveway to the front doors, passing under a green-and-white striped awning lined with the foliage of banana leaves and other tropical plants.

I stayed in a very spacious Premier Room (pictured immediately below). The wall of windows provided lots of natural light (not really apparent in the photo), and my room was large, comfortable, and provided everything you would expect.

traditional Premier Room (#303)

The hotel is beginning a rolling renovation of its guest rooms, only doing 10 rooms at a time, so it will take quite awhile to finish. Here's a picture of a renovated Deluxe room. Though smaller, you'll get a sense of the updated furnishings that are on the way.

renovated Deluxe Room

Hotel Bel-Air

pathway lined with flowering impatiens

 Just 15 minutes from Rodeo Drive, Hotel Bel-Air is a beautiful, bucolic retreat from city life, a great getaway destination for LA couples seeking a romantic weekend ... or for anyone wanting to get away from it all and be pampered for a few days. Located on a secluded 12 acre estate, guests enter by crossing a bridge overlooking Bel-Air's iconic swan lake. The hotel's grounds feature babbling fountains, colorful Bougainvillea vine, and paths lined with flowering impatiens. Guests can enjoy the large oval-shaped swimming pool or an extensive spa.

The 103 guest rooms and suites are set within traditional Spanish Colonial buildings that look the same from the outside as they did before the extensive two-year renovation that has just been completed. I spent on evening in a Bel-Air Suite with patio. Decorated in an elegant style that is both casual and updated, I was very comfortable.


FOUR SEASONS

My other favorite hotel family, Four Seasons also has two LA area hotels. The Beverly Wilshire was a Regent when that chain was acquired by FS in 1992, while the Four Seasons Los Angeles has been part of the FS family since it was first built 25 years ago.

Beverly Wilshire

the grand lobby of the Beverly Wilshire

Set on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire is for guests who want to be at the very center of everything that Beverly Hills has to offer: shopping, more shopping, and great restaurants, all within walking distance. The original 1928 Wilshire Wing, whose grand lobby is pictured above, has a traditional feel while the 1971 Beverly Wing is more contemporary. All rooms in the hotel are spacious and offer a lot of natural light. The hotel provides traditional Four Seasons bathrooms with separate step-in showers, soaking tubs, but just a single vanity in most rooms. There is a rooftop pool and gym on the second floor of the Wilshire Wing.


Four Seasons Los Angeles

indoor/outdoor exercise facilities - why be in air-conditioning on a beautiful day?

Occupying a lushly landscape city block on the LA side of South Doheny Drive (which forms the boundary with Beverly Hills), the hotel occupies an entire city block and is convenient to West Hollywood and the Beverly Center for shopping (or take advantage the hotel's courtesy car for the quick 2-minute drive to Rodeo Drive). The hotel projects a Hollywood vibe, and its bar is sometimes referred to as "Hollywood's living room," a place where you might be able to see some famous faces in the afternoon and evening hours. Every guestroom has French doors leading onto a step-out balcony. Guestroom bathrooms have a shower/tub combination, while Executive Suites and above provide separate step-in showers. The fourth floor features a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a casual dining restaurant, and a unique indoor/outdoor exercise room. A very good choice for families or business travelers looking for luxury at a lower price point; the FS Los Angeles is one of the best values in Beverly Hills.


Montage Beverly Hills

from the rooftop pool, overlooking the public park and Bouchon

An impressive new hotel, just five years old, Montage Beverly Hills is part of a larger project that includes a new public park adjoining the hotel and Bouchon. A new build, the hotel nonetheless maintains a sense of the 1920's through the use of Art Deco motifs. While many older hotels have to work around the constraints of decades-old architectural decisions, Montage was able to design a hotel with the luxury standards of upscale 21st century travelers clearly in mind. All 201 guestrooms and suites provide everything a discerning guest could possibly want — spacious dimensions, desktop computer connections, fully featured bathrooms that leave nothing to be desired, and decorating choices that are restful and calming. A good choice when traveling with children, the hotel offers a supervised kids program with a weekly schedule of activities for children between the ages of 5 and 12.


Peninsula Beverly Hills

lobby living room at the Peninsula

The Peninsula is a small hotel, just 193 rooms including suites and bungalows. I was distinctly impressed by the lobby area, pictured below, which resembles not so much a formal hotel lobby as a comfortable and light-filled living room. Comfortable sofas are arranged in conversation groupings, while five large windows admit the sunlight and greenery of the gardens beyond. There are two daily sittings for Afternoon Tea with music provided by a harpist, while cocktails are served every evening with live piano music.

Guestrooms are spacious, beginning at 480 square feet, decorated in an elegant traditional style with a few contemporary touches. The 5th floor features a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, casual dining restaurant, and spa. Two special Peninsula touches: (1) flexible check-in and check-out hours and (2) guest pillows monogrammed with your initials that you can take home as a souvenir of yoru stay at The Peninsula.


L'Ermitage Beverly Hills

guestroom at L'Ermitage

The other value leader in Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage is a small boutique hotel with just 117 rooms and suites. The hotel has a somewhat minimalist aesthetic. The lobby is casual and understated with low ceilings. Rooms are exceptionally spacious, beginning at 650 square feet, with interiors that are simple and uncomplicated with white walls, blond maple paneling, and lots of natural lights. White marble bathrooms offer everything you would want. I think guestrooms would benefit from a soft goods renovate to soften the appearance and introduce different textures and some splashes of color. The 8th floor rooftop features a pool, fitness center, rooftop ballroom, and a small spa. L'Ermitage is a great option for guests requiring a lot of living space at a lower price point.

luxury hotels of Beverly Hills (search here 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.

how do you shop for hotels?

standing by the rue de rivoli, looking west towards Le Meurice

If you had the choice, how much would you prefer to pay for one night in a Superior Room at Le Meurice in Paris?

     A. 690€
     B. 678.77€
     C. 621€

These are the actual rates that came up this morning for a comparison search that I ran this morning using Travelocity and Orbitz vs. the rate available to a Virtuoso travel consultant. The date of stay was November 15 for one night.

Contrary to popular opinion, the online travel agencies cost you more and give you less.

B. Orbitz — $879.82 = 678.77€. This is a pre-paid rate for room only. Orbitz will charge your card $879.82 at the time of booking.

A. Travelocity — 690€. This booking is 11.23€ more but requires only a credit card guarantee. It's also for room only.

C. Virtuoso — 621€, also requiring only a credit card guarantee.


Your Virtuoso travel consultant can not only get you a better price, you get better value for your money.  My clients receive the following when I reserve their room at Le Meurice.

• Daily American breakfast for two in the restaurant or via room service
• A bottle of French wine and home made petit fours in room on arrive
• Upgrade to Deluxe Room, if available

Moreover, like most luxury travel consultants, I will personally contact management at Le Meurice to VIP your stay. More often than not, my clients get upgraded to a Deluxe Room!

(And don't take my word for it... here's the actual Sabre listing. Double-click to see it full size.)

Over 975 luxury hotels around the world are part of the Virtuoso network, offering free breakfast for two every morning, room upgrades when available, and additional amenities that differ by hotel - usually at the hotel's best available flexible rate (and sometimes even lower). If you've been booking luxury hotels with online travel agencies, you've probably left a lot of value value on the table!


Virtuoso travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 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. .

elevator speech | Virtuoso travel consultant

It's almost a cliche - having an elevator speech - but I got to give mine a couple of nights ago. Literally!

While staying at Vdara in Las Vegas, I was going down to the lobby one night to head over to Bellagio. When I entered the elevator on the 36th floor, a young couple was already in the car. The young woman wore a strikingly beautiful diamond ring on her left hand, and I asked if they were on their honeymoon. They were not. The couple was from Australia, engaged to be married, and on a vacation to Las Vegas.

     "Where are you going on your honeymoon?"

     "The Seychelles," they answered.

     "Are you considering the Four Seasons?" I asked, and the bride nodded yes.
     "I'm part of the Virtuoso event going on at Bellagio, and I can get you
      free breakfasts, a $100 food credit, maybe even get you upgraded."

As the elevator doors opened and we stepped into the lobby, I wished them well, and then the bride asked if she could have my card.

The concept of an elevator speech is based on the notion that someone in business ought to be able to provide a compelling explanation of their product in 30 seconds. That's easy, being a Virtuoso travel consultant. I save my clients hundreds of dollars every time they stay in one of 975 luxury hotels and resorts around the world, whether on a business trip or a romantic honeymoon. I just rarely get to make that speech … in an elevator!



Virtuoso travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 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. .

Luxury Hotels in Ireland | Virtuoso choices

reflections of Dromoland Castle, built in 1730

Eleven hotels in eight days is a lot to write about, this is more of a quick summary than a detailed set of reviews of luxury hotels in Ireland. Upscale travelers to Ireland have a LOT of great choices in all manor of styles (from centuries-old castles to ultra-modern hotels). A travel consultant who's been to Ireland can really help, not only with personal recommendations but also with value-added amenities — such as free breakfasts — that you'd normally have to pay for yourself.

Check out this google map of the Virtuoso hotels of Ireland, showing locations as well as the Virtuoso amenities.

DUBLIN

There's so much to see and do in and around Dublin. Must-sees include the Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College, the old Kilmainham Gaol, and the Guinness factory. Visit Newgrange north of Dublin, a megalithic passage tomb that is older than Stonehenge. South of Dublin are the gorgeous Powerscourt Gardens.

The Merrion is located in the heart of Dublin, an ideal place for most travelers to stay. Comprised of four traditional mansions, along with a new Garden Wing, The Merrion is a traditional hotel with a strong sense of place. Standard and Superior rooms in the Garden Wing are smaller but newer, while most luxury guests will choose a Deluxe Room in the Main Georgian Mansion.

Four Seasons Dublin, just a six minute drive north of the city center, is found in the most upscale residential neighborhood in all of Ireland. Just 11 years old, the hotel's red brick exterior makes it look as though it has always been in the neighborhood. Large, comfortable rooms and marble bathrooms with everything FS guests would expect, you will have a very comfortable stay here. My favorite room was the Corner Executive Suite.

Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt is a new hotel 20 minutes south of downtown Dublin. This resort is a recent build, and guestrooms and bathrooms are everything you'd expect from a new Ritz-Carlton. The resort has a huge 30,000 sq. ft. ESPA spa as well as its own golf course; moreover, County Wicklow is home to a greater concentration of golf courses than any other place on earth. If you stay here, do not miss the gorgeous Powerscourt Gardens.

COUNTY KILKENNY

Mount Juliet is a WOW property, a former Manor House built in the 1760s. Set on 1500 acres overlooking the River Nore, activities include golf, fishing, horse riding, shooting, archery, and a spa. The rooms are charming and beautifully decorated, with the best views out the back of the house over the river towards the green fields beyond. Its golf course has twice hosted the Irish Open.

CORK

Hayfield Manor is a good choice within the city of Cork with spacious rooms and and a good location walking distance from the center of town. While the rooms are nice for a small city hotel, they do not rise to the level of five star accommodations. Bathrooms appear finished in faux marble ceramic tiles, and the gold-colored plating splashed around the room does not create true elegance. Breakfast was good, but we found the service was uneven.

Castlemartyr Resort is a better choice in the area. A very large property with only 103 rooms, and I was struck with the expansiveness of the place. Rooms are spacious, decorated in attractive shades of greens and tans, and provide everything a discerning upscale traveler would expect. The resort offers a links style golf course and five restaurants and bars.

COUNTY KERRY

In the southwest of Ireland, visitors will want to drive around either the Ring of Kerry or the Ring of Dingle (but probably not both!) 

Sheen Falls Lodge was originally built as a fishing lodge in the 1600s. A 300 acre resort in Kenmare, it is set by the side of the picturesque waterfall from which the property gets its name. We were fortunate to visit on a beautiful, sunny day and were struck by the beautiful light that filled the guest rooms and dining areas of the hotel. One of the most requested rooms is Signature Suite # 209. Occupying a corner location with a private outdoor terrace, guests enjoy a panoramic view of the bay and the falls.

Aghadoe Heights is a spa resort five minutes from downtown Killarney that boasts a magical view of the lake and mountains in front of the hotel. Built 45 years ago, the exterior reflects the 60s architecture of its day, but updated guestroom interiors are appealing and comfortable. Most guests will want to end up in a Junior Suite in the new wing of the hotel.

Killarney Park is a family-run hotel built in 1992 with just 68 rooms. This hotel's major advantage is its location in the heart of Killarney. Step outside the front door, and you have countless options for shopping and dining within a couple of minutes' walk from the hotel. Deluxe rooms feel like Superiors, so you will want to book a Jr. Suite (or higher) to get the space normally associated with a Deluxe accommodation. While guest rooms could benefit from a soft and hard goods renovation, the staff here is warm and genuinely friendly.

COUNTY CLARE

The Cliffs of Moher, ancient Celtic archeological sites, and golf are among the attractions that bring visitors to County Clare, convenient to Shannon and its international airport.

Dromoland Castle was originally built in 1730 and converted to a hotel in 1963. There are three different buildings, but you will want to request a room in the Main Tower, the most elegant building in the complex with 18 foot ceilings and with the most convenient access to the spa, dining facilities, and bar. Stay here to have the experience of spending a few nights in a castle! As every room is unique, take the opportunity to see several rooms when you check in to choose the one you like the best. The real WOW accommodations are the State Rooms with high ceilings and tall windows.

The Lodge at Doonbeg is an hour north of Shannon, closer to the Cliffs of Moher and home to a dune style championship golf course designed by Greg Normal. With the tall, thick, and deep dune grasses that constitute the rough, and every hole by the sea, this will be one of the most challenging tests of golf you've ever experienced. An all-suite property, the lodge has everything from basic 1 BR Suites to elaborate 4 BR, 3000 square foot homes.


luxury hotels in Ireland (search here on Google)



copyright (c) 2012 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. .

Paris luxury hotels | four reviews

the pyramid in front of the Louvre in Paris

During my recent trip to Paris, I spent three nights in Paris. I stayed at Le Meurice and visited three new Paris luxury hotels I had not previously seen. Here's what I saw and thought:

Le Meurice

This is my personal favorite in Paris. While neither the most expensive nor the most elegant of Paris's palace hotels, I love Le Meurice for two reasons.

(1) Location, location, location. Le Meurice has the most perfect location. Walk out the front door, cross the street into the Tuilleries, and you can walk everywhere!

(2) The hotel feels very Parisian to me. Rooms are large and comfortable with a traditional feel.

Le Meurice has reasonable rates, especially compared to some of the other luxury hotels of Paris, and Virtuoso guests receive a 10% discount, Full American breakfast for two daily, and a room upgrade if available.

Mandarin Oriental Paris

A brand new hotel that just opened in June 2011, the Mandarin Oriental is located just off the Place Vendome, one block from the Tuileries. The Mandarin Oriental is a terrific choice if you want a new contemporary hotel that enjoys a great location.

Guests enter an elegant and sophisticated lobby that overlooks a beautiful courtyard garden. Planted with over 200 varieties of trees and plants, the courtyard sets the tone for the entire hotel that is designed to be an urban retreat in the middle of a busy city.

We were able to see a Deluxe Room and a Superior Suite. Rooms will appeal to guests who appreciate warm, contemporary interiors. Rosewood is used extensively in the doors, headboards, and built-ins. There are no painted surfaces in the room; walls are finished with fabric surfaces. Bathrooms are finished in polished white marble, and all rooms have dual vanities, deep soaking tub, step in rain shower, and separate WC. However, the design of the bath area in the Deluxe area was a bit unusual. The two sinks were on one side of the tiled entry into the bedroom, while the tub, shower, and WC were on the other side. Although called a Deluxe Room, it felt like a Superior room in terms of space provided.

Raffles - Le Royal Monceau

Located near the Arc du Triomphe, Le Royal Monceau was built in 1928 at the height of the Roaring 20's. Along with the Ritz, it was a favorite of the expatriate community in Paris. The hotel has been recently renovated with a bold, contemporary interior design by Philippe Stark that I would describe as more LA than LA. Visitors looking for something quirky, artistic, and avant garde will love Le Royal Monceau. But if you favor traditional Parisian styling, or prefer more classic contemporary styling, you'll want to look elsewhere.

Guestrooms have a bit of a cluttered design. Starke is not a minimalist; his intention is to provide lots of details to intrigue the eye. Each room has at least one large widescreen TV within a mirror leaning against the wall. Bathrooms have lots of mirrors, so you'll see yourself in multiple reflections. Each bathroom has a large, deep soaking tub, two large vanities (large, square, and just an inch deep), step-in rain shower, and a separate WC. My favorite rooms were in the back of the house, very quiet and overlooking the large garden. Among other features, Le Royal Monceau offers the largest hotel swimming pool in Paris and a movie theatre.

Esprit St Germain

Looking for a boutique hotel on the Left Bank? Eglise St Germain is located near the Eglise St Sulpice and offers an attractive location from which to explore the 6th arrondissement with its shops, boutiques, and markets. The major feature of the hotel are the two homey, comfortable living rooms on the ground floor. Guests make extensive use of these common areas which feature a complimentary open bar, soft drinks, and coffee and tea throughout the day.

Guest rooms are quite small. This is typical of Left Bank hotels as they are situated in older buildings with smaller rooms. Most luxury guests will want to book either a Premier Room or a Suite. The Premier room is essentially the size of the hotel's Deluxe rooms with a larger closet and bathroom. The top floor Premier room has a terrace looking over the rooftops toward Eglise St Sulpice, while the others have more floor space. Suites are small Jr. Suites, a small sitting area separated from the small bedroom.

If having a lot of space is a priority, this hotel will not work for you. But Esprit St Germain has a lot of repeat guests who enjoy the residential feeling of the hotel.


Paris luxury hotels (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 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. .

two new luxury hotels in New York

guestroom at The Chatwal, New York

I had the opportunity to visit two New York Virtuoso hotels over the Thanksgiving holiday. Here's a brief description of these newly renovated luxury properties.

The Chatwal — Planning a visit to New York to see some Broadway shows? The Chatwal is a great hotel in the heart of the theater district, located on W. 44th Street, half a block from Times Square.

The contemporary art deco design of the hotel creates a warm and vibrant entrance, while the guest rooms are cool and elegant with unique decorating motifs with everything you'd want for a comfortable stay and a good night's sleep: 400-thread count Frette bed linens and sound deadening suede wall coverings. Bathrooms offer double vanities, soaking tub, separate walk-in rain showers, and separate water closet (not to mention TV's in the mirror). The hotel's spa and fitness facility provides a small, salt water lap pool (with a current to swim against) and two jacuzzis (one with hot and one with cold water).

Virtuoso guests enjoy an upgrade on arrival subject to availability, a complimentary continental breakfast for two daily, and a $100 Spa credit.



The Mark — This Virtuoso property was closed for an extensive three-year renovation during which the 1927 building was gutted to create larger guest rooms and install modern heating and plumbing systems. Located on the Upper East Side (E. 77th Street at Madison Avenue), the hotel is located in a residential neighborhood away from the bustle of midtown. The Mark is convenient to the Metropolitan Museum (3 blocks), the Whitney Museum (2 blocks), and the 77th Street subway station (2 blocks).

With a contemporary style created by French designer Jacques Grange, the lobby features black and white striped marble floors with very contemporary furnishings, and the very trendy bar pulses with energy. If you're looking for an elegant yet lively nightspot, consider the Mark.

But once you leave the lobby, the subdued guest floors create a restful environment for a good night's sleep. Rooms combine traditional, elegant crown moldings and door trim with contemporary furnishings. Bathrooms offer what every five-star hotel should have: double vanities, deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, and TV in the mirror. (OK, I really don't understand the TV-in-the-mirror thing, but the best new hotels all provide them!) Lead-in Courtyard rooms are more than 400 square feet and overlook the very attractive backyards of several townhouses on 78th Street (and, in particular, a beautiful maple tree whose autumn colors were quite striking). The fitness facility is large and very well equipped.

Virtuoso guests receive the added value of an upgrade on arrival subject to availability, complimentary daily Continental breakfast for two, and a $100 F&B credit.

New York Virtuoso hotels (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 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.
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luxury hotels in Paris | my recommendations

He was planning a five-day visit to Paris in November and sent me a very brief email: any hotel recommendations? I usually recommend one of three luxury hotels in Paris.

In the 300€ range — InterContinental Paris Le Grand. The hotel is very well located, right next to the Paris Opera House, steps from the main store of the Galleries Lafayette, and right over a Metro station. It's one of the largest hotels in Paris. Napoleon wanted his capital to have a Grand Hotel, just like the other great European cities, and this hotel was built to fulfill that ambition. Lead-in rooms are a bit on the small side, but if you're looking for a good value on the Right Bank, Le Grand is a good choice. Virtuoso guests receive discounted rates, an automatic upgrade from the lead-in Classic Room to a Superior, and free access to the hotel's private Club Lounge where you can have a daily breakfast buffet for up to three guests and enjoy full "grazing rights" during the day - snacks, hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails in the evening (access normally costs 120€ daily).

In the 500€ range — Le Meurice. This is my personal favorite hotel in Paris. It has the perfect location right on the Jardin des Tuileries. You can walk straight across the park to the Musée d'Orsay, turn right and get to the Place de la Concorde, or turn left for a short walk to the Louvre and Notre Dame. One of the "palace hotels" of the city, Le Meurice has a very Parisian feel. Virtuoso guests enjoy discounted rates, a Full American breakfast daily (by room service, if you wish), and are upgraded if available.

In the 800€ range — Four Seasons George V. The George V is one of the great hotels of the world, totally renovated by Four Seasons and imbued with the warm service for which Four Seasons hotels are so well known. Possibly the most luxurious and elegant hotel in the city, everyone who enjoys luxury hotels should have the opportunity to experience Le George. Because I am with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency, my clients receive a full American breakfast daily (served through in-room dining, if you wish), a $100 spa credit, and will be upgraded if available upon check-in.

To get a quote for specific dates, as well as full list of amenities, just drop me an email.


luxury hotels in Paris (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 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.
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when to book hotels - now or later?

Clients have frequently asked me whether they should book their hotel room now ... or wait in the hopes that room rates will go down. The answer to this question is easy: book now.

Like the airlines, many hotels often use dynamic pricing when determining room rates. If a hotel fills up, rates can go up. If a hotel remains empty, rates can go down. However, hotel reservations, unlike airline tickets, are usually flexible. If you book a room today - and rates go down in the future - it's an easy matter to get your rate revised.

Moral of the story: book your hotel rooms as soon as possible. If all that's required is a credit card guarantee, it's a no-brainer. If rates go up, you've locked in the lower rate. If rates go down, you can get your rate lowered - as often as you like!

And another tip ... you can get complimentary amenities at over 800 luxury hotels and resorts (such as the Four Seasons Langkawi, pictured above) by booking through a Virtuoso travel consultant - free breakfasts daily, room upgrades, and other perks - all at the same price you'd pay on the internet.


Virtuoso travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 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.
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Virtuoso Best of the Best

Virtuoso's 2010 guide to the best luxury hotels and resorts in the world has been published. Featuring a cover shot of the new One&Only Cape Town in South Africa, this is just one of over 800 properties in 89 countries around the world in the exclusive Virtuoso collection.

Why should Virtuoso matter to you? Do you want to experience the utmost in comfort, service, and luxury when you travel? Do you care about maximizing the value you receive when you travel? Virtuoso offers added-value amenities at every one of the 800+ properties in this catalogue:

• complimentary daily breakfast for two
• room upgrades upon check-in, subject to availability
• an unique extra amenity or perk at each property that may include lunch, dinner, a spa credit, or transfers

You don't pay more — you just get more — simply by booking through a Virtuoso travel consultant. And just as important, you will receive the personalized attention and service you deserve from an experienced travel professional.

Click here to view the digital version of Virtuoso Best of the Best.


Virtuoso travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 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.
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how to get better hotel service | one easy tip

The most frequently asked question from Sales Managers of luxury hotels is simply this: do you know what time your client will arrive?

Look at it from the hotel's point-of-view. They want to provide you with great service. When you check in at the front desk, they want to be able to tell you that your room is ready. However, guests check in and check out at all hours of the day. Upon check-out, a room has to be cleaned and made ready for the next guest. Because there are a finite number of rooms in each category, blocking guests into rooms is really like assembling a complex jigsaw puzzle. It makes the hotel's job much easier if they know when to expect you.

So when your travel consultant asks you if you know your ETA at a hotel, please provide that information! It's not a casual question. We all want great service; that's why we stay at luxury hotels. Providing this one little bit of information can really help a great hotel provide you with five star service from the moment you enter the front doors.


P.S. The front desk pictured above is in the lobby of the Four Seasons George V in Paris, a hotel that really gets service right!


luxury hotels (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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