The best free room I ever had? There have been many, but one that comes to mind is the six-night stay my family and I enjoyed at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. Incredibly, there was no check-in desk. As we entered the hotel, we were ushered straight to our room on the 40th floor by elevator, where we walked through the elegant lobby marveling at the spectacular views over Tokyo. Only after we were situated in our room did a staff person visit us. We signed the necessary paperwork in about 2 minutes--all from the luxury and comfort of the desk in our own room.
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The amenities alone made our stay memorable. The huge bathroom greeted us with marble everywhere, while a giant tub invited us to sit, soak, and relax. Not only were the best shampoos, conditioners, and lotions provided each day, but also a new, top-of-the-line hairbrush and nailbrush. We lounged in complimentary silk kimonos and donned thick bathrobes after using the pool and spa--just a quick elevator ride away on the 52nd floor amid a dazzling 360-degree view of Tokyo.
For all of this, we paid absolutely nothing, not even room tax. But, as we all know, there is no such thing as "free." It actually took 21 paid nights at Hyatt Hotels, using a promotional offer, to earn enough hotel points for that five-night complimentary stay.
Vingle
But here is the key point: When you accrue hotel points or intend to use some promotion toward free nights, make the most of what they offer! Just as you would use those free nights you earn only at hotels which might otherwise be out of your budget, redeem your frequent flyer miles for the most expensive air tickets in business or first class.
Vingle
Research consistently shows that almost two-thirds of all redeemed frequent flyer miles are used for free coach class trips within the US or between the US and Canada. This statistic amazes me. Because these awards usually cost 25,000 frequent flyer miles, travelers who cash them in towards domestic leisure trips--for which airfares are unusually low in today's competitive travel market--receive a poor return on their investment. The savvy traveler can reach almost any domestic destination today in coach class for under $400 using an advance purchase ticket. With low-cost airlines such as America West now offering first class cabins for travel anywhere in the US priced under $1,000 (and frequently matched by the major competing airlines), even premium class is more affordable than ever before. Why not wait until you have accrued 100,000 to 200,000 miles and splurge on one or two premium class tickets for travel abroad?
Vingle
You may argue that you want to use your frequent flyer miles quickly--before the airlines go out of business. Critics across the board are heralding the demise of all major airlines, and with it the frequent flyer mile programs savvy travelers have come to love--and hate! Countless "travel authorities" wax lyrical in newspapers and journals, and "knowledgeable" pundits on radio and TV continue to warn travelers to use up their miles quickly before they are all worthless. How utterly ridiculous....
Hubdock
With the exception of US Airways, which I believe will disappear from the landscape in the next few months, the majors are here to stay for the time being--so continue to accumulate frequent flyer miles and be ready to book your dream trip one day in the not-too-distant future. Will airline miles be devalued in the future? Of course they will--and so will the greenbacks in your pocket and mutual fund account, but that hasn't stopped you going out and earning dollars each workday, has it? Get real now--the major airlines will need their frequent flyer programs for many years into the future, not only as a way to communicate with their customers, but also as a source of revenue from the thousands of businesses (banks, mutual funds, restaurants, long distance phone companies--how do we count the ways?) that offer frequent flier miles as rewards to their loyal customers. Your hotel points are even more secure, not least since the major hotel chains have not hemorrhaged money in the same manner as the major airlines. So keep earning those Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Starwood loyalty points to enjoy the kind of stay I describe in the opening story.
It's really the exotic destinations--from Tahiti to Paris, Antigua to Rio de Janeiro--that should excite you, the sophisticated world traveler who lusts for the unique, the unusual, the spectacular experiences. Start imagining--and planning--the fabulous trips that will take you to a whole new level of exhilaration. Decide which portion of paradise has the highest priority on your wish list--and figure out the amount of miles you'll need for one or two or more business or first class tickets to transform your dreams into reality. Then begin working on strategies to start racking up the miles as fast as possible to accelerate your quest toward mileage nirvana.
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BREAD has an almost mythical status in France so a chance to go out on the daily delivery run could not be missed.Marie Ange Brouqui was to be my guide and as we loaded up the van, with the still warm loaves, she also checked over her route. It was to take in the surrounding villages, schools and farms with a longer stop at Villefranche du Périgord, a village in the Dordogne. "The bread is different compared to regular bread as it keeps fresh for longer," Marie Ange explained.
"This comes about from the baking process so it means that many of the homes will buy a loaf every couple of days." As we hit the road you could hear the bread crusts crackling as they slowly cooled in the back of the van. But it also means that inside the van it is warm, useful in the winter but a problem during the long hot summers. Soon we disappear up a single-track lane into the woods and discovered a small cottage or group of farm buildings. And with a beep of the horn someone would pop out of the house and pay a couple of Euro for a large loaf, which measures about 18 inches.
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"Many of the people we deliver to have been buying bread off us for years so they know they are going to get good quality," Marie Ange said."But times are changing and younger people especially, don't buy their bread from the boulanger they just visit the supermarket every week." Driving down a tight narrow track we would come across a collection of tumble down buildings, with smooth stone archways and a crumbling stairway to a wooden door. Or the valley floor would open up and a large farm often producing foie gras would come into view.
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"I used to be a post woman which comes in very useful for remembering which lane leads where," Marie Ange said. "And often on the drive you will see a beautiful view or catch the sun in the leaves, it really is very calming." By mid-morning the van had been loaded up again and it was off to Villefranche du Périgord. Here we stopped in the market square and attracted a bit of a crowd as they bought up their bread straight from the back of the van.
We would also shoot up and down the four main roads in the village beeping the horn, or tapping on the window, as people came out. "I sometimes think I should stand in the middle of the square and whistle to attract everyone to the van," said Marie Ange. "And you always get one or two who think they are the boulanger and ask how the bread was made, is it fresh, what does it taste like?" By lunchtime the deliveries are made and the ritual of the bread begins again in the boulangerie ovens - but that is another story. Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices.
Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You'll find them to be adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge.
Let me tell you about my favorites:
Disney's flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside "palace hotels" of 19th-century America's Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella's Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a large sophisticated pool in the central courtyard, a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out the list of exceptional offerings.
A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney's Yacht Club where guests find the sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, it's just a short stroll to Epcot's International Gateway entrance and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is the Yacht Club's 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools, a giant "shipwreck" waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart's content.
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The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius. The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms. In it's imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields, a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating. From common lookouts as well as from 90% of the guestrooms are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all.
Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney's dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge's very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity.
What about Disney's dining choices? Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, Disney's reputation for dreadful theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of the incredible meals to be found at many of the over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.
Here are some of Disney's best restaurants:
The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. Don't be discouraged if all the coveted window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird's-eye view of the fireworks extravaganza.
For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to the Flying Fish at Disney's Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea blue sparkling mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars. Named a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it boasts an excellent international list. Don't forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.
Fine dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually flawless service sets Victoria and Albert's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond awarded restaurant you're served a sumptuous seven-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparkling crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the newly-remodeled, 6-person chef's table found in a candle-lit alcove in the kitchen, a spot perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney's top chef in action.
Epcot's Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge's premier dining room is the seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of creations prepared with African flair are turned out in exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South African wine list, the largest in North America. And don't leave without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar's purses served with a honey dipping sauce, one of Disney's best desserts. So, for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for kids, think again! It's a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the parks.
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