Tagged With "Starwood Preferred Guest"
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Re: Marriott buys Starwood for $12.2 billion...what's in it for loyalists?
Received this e-mail this morning. Today we're excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the world's largest hotel company. For our Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG® members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries. We will work to bring you the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards®, two of the most...
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Re: Marriott buys Starwood for $12.2 billion...what's in it for loyalists?
I'm hopeful, since I think the last thing in the world Marriott should want to do is to signal Starwood loyalists that they aren't valued. Wonder how long before SPG rewards will book Marriott rooms...that could be a quick thing to do!
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Re: Marriott buys Starwood for $12.2 billion...what's in it for loyalists?
As I'm also a Marriott rewards member, I wonder when I'll get an e-mail from them.
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Re: Starwood's Aloft brand previews voice-activated rooms
Definitely not a good idea for those who talk in their sleep. Lord knows what the room might to to them!
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
Stephen Fry commented on the BBC (jokingly) to an Irish Guest "Do you know why the grass is so much greener back in Ireland ?- Because you're all over here walking on ours !"
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Re: Greenland from six miles high!
I agree it's a spectacular sight not to be missed and that there's more to Greenland that just the ice sheet. 2014 will see me on my 7th month-long visit in the last 9 years. I will again hike alone from Sisimiut on the west coast to a location north east of Kangerlussuaq (something like 110 - 120 miles) and then join colleagues doing wild goose research. By all means aim to set foot on the ground there and enjoy camping in the remote arctic landscape - being alone out there is a unique...
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province
HistoryDigger, I'll explain. At the end of the first day of tulou visits, the large tour bus rendezvoused with a small van and it was indicated that I should bring my things and come with a young man. Since no one could explain, I had to simply trust and go along, an interesting sensation. I later realized that I was the only one who had opted for the second day. The young man drove me to a very basic village of mostly new buildings built, I suspect but of course don't know, for...
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province
Sisyphus, not to nit-pick, but thousands of them according to everything I've read, not hundreds. They're built by the Hakka people so confined to Fujian and neighboring provinces. I suspect there may not be many under construction as efforts seem to be going toward maintaining the ones standing. When I was walking through the clusters I visited there were a few abandoned and in disrepair but not many, at least that I saw. There very well may be more unmaintained in remoter areas. Young...
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I certainly understand GarryRF's comments completely. A guest has a right to expect a good quality meal with good service. That should be part of the dining experience. That said, because I was raised and have lived in Canada/USA my life, I have a sensitivity to food service employees not being paid well and being stressed by their employers. So I tend to follow Dave B's guidelines (thanks for outlining these, Dave!) If I see a waitress is trying hard, I'll leave the 15% tip (and don't come...
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Re: A Birthday Message from the Gumbo Gurus
Here's a piece of cake for you, Portmoresby. E-enjoy it! Or, if you prefer, some ice cream!
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Re: SFO gets OK for emergency cellphone blast
I would prefer improved access and egress to public gatherings. But "Emergency Doors" would be expensive - and life isn't.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#122)
Tourists visiting a prison in Ireland suggests Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. When next in ireland, I still would prefer to go to the Guinness brewery.
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Re: Japan to get 10 more robot-staffed hotels
While it seems a novelty, it is also a necessity. Japan has an imploding population and doesn't have enough workers to fill all its job requirements. Rather than import foreigners to do the work (aside from key spots like education), as the western countries are doing, they have decided to cope in their own way which includes more automation and increased use of robotics. They prefer to retain their nationality and culture more than they want the extra hands. It will be interesting to see...
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Re: Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka
Sorry about the delay in responding - I have been on an Indian train for what seems like eternity! Yes, George, Sri Lanka is a good-value destination and it is changing fast. So now is a good time to go. As to Udawalawe vs. Yala, we prefer the former. Yala seems to be the one which everyone knows about, but we were a bit disappointed when we went (admittedly a long time ago).
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#69)
Well, I'm surprised, actually, that this one was spotted so well, despite its truly odd appearance: A strange landscape from a strange perspective. But I should have known that the folks around here are such committed travelers and researchers that it would be impossible to conceal Cappadocia for very long. The territory was spotted by MAD right away, with concurrence from Roderick Simpson, and PortMoresby's perceptive suggestion that if it were Cappadocia, it must be from a balloon...and...
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Re: From Corfe Castle to Kingston Lacy - Part 2
What a beautiful house! I've visited a number of houses & gardens in the vicinity but seem to have missed this one. I much prefer the scale of this style to others often referred to as great houses. Next time, I hope.
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Re: Cruising California's 17 Mile Drive
Fine houses in their pristinely manicured gardens. Don't think I could even afford the taxes. I do like the areas that remain untouched by golf and the hand of fortune. I prefer the untouched to the "candy box tin" painting of nature. I've been to many places where the presence of paupers - like myself - detract from the ambiance of opulence. Even today I had a note attached to my car, that parking in a non-designated zone was being selfish. Even though they were full !
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Re: What do travelers like least about airlines?
The thing I like least is when something goes wrong. Of course you can expect things to go wrong sometimes. But I really hate the B.S. reasons you get told. And if your flight gets cancelled then you really become an unwelcome guest.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
Must look into this. I prefer sweet wines. Hate dry wines. Which I know is very unfashionable. But I do love asking guests to try my Italian "Martini. Asti Spumante. Sparkling Wine". I do enjoy converting people with an attitude to sweet wines !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 23, 2014: Marseille, Capital of Sport 2017
I recently had an Airbnb guest from the south of France. He's in the process of selling his long-time home in a fashionable place and plans to buy an apartment in Marseille. I think it's another indicator that the city has come a long way and clearly with intent. I look forward to visiting.
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Re: For those who hate Heathrow, Gatwick plans new allure
Maybe part of a proposal for Heathrow could include making it less complex to negotiate. I've never had a problem with it, although I know it's the airport people love to hate. Never having flown into Gatwick, I can't compare. The other 2 I have used are Stansted & Luton, but, like Gatwick, transport to them is limited compared to Heathrow. I'd prefer they get it all right at one, rather than have 4 less than convenient. Maybe I'll just charter a plane and go into City next time, which I...
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Re: Avoid Airbnb scammers by following the rules
In my experience, as a host with around 100 guest experiences behind me, I know people tend not to read either the listing thoroughly, likely relying on the photos, nor anything in the message threads other than what they're replying to. I just had a look and there is, indeed, a warning on the messaging page as described above. But it's in the same smallish print as the entire page so doesn't stand out, and is on the lower righthand part of the page with nothing to draw one's attention.
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Re: Ferry Service to Cuba Approved by US
The Ferry travels mostly with Trucks and trailers from the UK and Europe. Fresh produce and manufactured goods. Then its folks on vacation with their car and the occasional caravan. From the UK and Europe. Many prefer their own car when touring Ireland for a few weeks. Full of kids survival kits. Wellington Boots and a beach bucket and spade ! Many travel with tents and trailer tents. And you can continue on from Ireland to Scotland. Travelling on the ferry can be a pleasant day. On board...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 12, 2015: Barcelona
Thank you Marilyn. Barcelona is definitely worth a visit, I've been to Madrid 2 years ago, and I much prefer Barcelona!
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
They may laugh, Chatterbot2, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that your fumbling attempts to speak their language melted their hearts. You were a valued guest, if not one of them, after trying.
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Re: Have you a reservation, sir? Thailand considers selling tickets to country!
I consider it infinitely better to pay a relatively small fee to enter the country than to go through hoops & bother for a visa as we must for a number of Asian countries. Thailand was the first, and I think the only country, where I was required to stop at a booth to pay a departure tax upon leaving the country by air so what possible difference if we pay coming or going (or both?). And I actually prefer the idea of an up front fee rather than having it buried as taxes that can increase...
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Re: Check Your Statement! A Big Hotel Credit Card Breach...
As I see it, PM, mostly they are just stealing the data off the magnetic strip. Or the PIN in the card has data that can also be copied, but that's a little hard than just scamming the read off the strip. With a PIN, that data, validated by your unique PIN (which you pick) are encrypted and sent off to the bank for approval. Not just the strip data, but the two together are the key. I have a credit card with a Canadian bank (chip and pin) which I prefer to use over the swipe and sign USA...
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Re: A fall visit to Highwood Pass and hike in the alpine meadow of Ptarmigan Cirque
Thanks for your note, Garry. I also prefer loop hiking trails. This particular place would be great to hike in the spring (which comes late this high up) because of its large numbers of wildflowers. The only time I was up here during that season the trail was closed because a grizzly bear was hovering over a carcass. But the fall colours are also lovely. And get out there and hike before you can't. Would love for you to share a hike from the Liverpool region with all of us.
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Re: Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland. Where Gumbo was #44
Interesting, Dr F, that you're a fan of fannings (the F in BOPF). The smallest particles of the tea, what tea bags are made from, I too prefer it to whole leaf as I like my tea strong. Now we have a beverage in common.
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Re: Who are we when we travel?
Most big cities have shelters where the homeless can sleep. But many still prefer to sleep rough. Politicians think they have the answer by asking for more shelters. But the folks who give their time to helping those "down on their luck" tell us of many ex service men, returned from armed conflict and can no longer manage their own lives. They don't want to be told what to do and prefer the outdoor life. No help in getting these guys mental problems solved. I've read about soldiers returning...
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Re: Airbnb: 1 Night Free for New Users, Andorra new top choice
I'm lost folks. Is the confusion resulting from the brief comment with the news clip? If so, I apologize, although it seems to me to be a pretty good replication of this quote from the original document, which they copied from an Airbnb press release, by the way. " First-time Airbnb guests who book a trip between January 13-17 for travel by March 31 , for stays of at least two days, will receive a one night discount (up to $300 ) on their trip." I don't see why "over one night" is clearer...
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Re: Don't Expect Things to Work Like Home
Sounds like the unplanned cultural excursion that I prefer. I hate being shoulder to shoulder when its peak time. So like you I go the opposite way to the rush. Good pix too ....
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Booking.com Changes as Travelers Change : Interview With Stuart Frisby
One of the biggest stories in travel over the last 20 years has been the growth of accommodation website, Booking.com. It was founded by a computer scientist, Geert-Jan Bruinsma in 1996 and is based in Amsterdam. Priceline bought Booking.com in 2005...
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United "right-sizes" its fleet; who's next?
United Airlines has just announced a whole bunch of swaps and changes in its fleet, based on changed priorities and preferences. Among the key changes: more wide-body domestic service, swapping some 787 orders for 777s, and phasing out the 50-seaters...
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New startup aims to be "Airbnb for yachts
Airbnb has made a name for offering vacation rentals that range from a couch to a condo to a house or caravan, including the occasional boat. Beds on Board, a new startup, aims to do more or less the same, except they're focusing on yachts. ...
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A Brief Visit to Avignon
The center of Avignon with the Rhône and l'Île Piot in the distance. The purpose of my stop in Avignon was a pause in a pleasant small city, between arriving in France and the week I planned to spend in Uzes. I recalled...
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Scottsdale By the Numbers
Scottsdale Attractions: 1) Hot Air Expeditions: Start your day in a hot air balloon soaring over the desert with the sun creeping over the mountains. 2) Taliesin West : Frank Lloyd...
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Jerez Cathedral and Neighbors: Where Gumbo Was (#75)
Frequent-solver Roderick Simpson identified Gumbo's locale as the Cathedral of Jerez, in Spain. Another frequent contributor to the solutions spotted lots of clues: Spanish garb of non-angel statues, size not huge and cathedral not wealthy...
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JetBlue + TWA = new airport hotel? Maybe!
If the equation seems a bit arcane, so is the problem—recyling an iconic and historic building to both be useful (make money) and still be itself. JetBlue and its hotel partner MCR, think they can do it, and it seems the Port Authority, which...
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Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is one of the most desolate place I have been. Others include central Greenland and the Dead Sea. Death Valley is the lowest place in the western hemisphere at 282 feet (86 metres) below sea level. The Dead Sea in Israel is 1,370...
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Morse Museum: Tiffany and Much More
When it's time to leave Disney World for the Real World, Orlando's Charles Hosmer Morse Museum provides an excellent re-entry point.
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Columbus Antiquities Discovered in the Unlikeliest of Places
Who would have thought a great collection of Christopher Columbus artifacts could be found in a small Pennsylvania town. Stephanie Kalina-Metzger shares her discovery!
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Journey into the past: Prague's Lobkowicz Palace
While on a cruise expedition, Marilyn Jones has the chance to see the past through the life and home of a noble family.
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Four Ways to Savor Savannah
Stephanie Kalina-Metzger shares some of her favorite ideas on what to see and do when visiting Savannah, Georgia
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Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage (Part 1)
Lisa Day presents the first in a two part series on hiking and experience the Kumano Koda, a pilgrimage trail in Japan.
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Spanish hotels cry foul on food poisoning claims
Spanish resorts fight back against a one-year 700% increase in food-related claims that cannot be checked because the guests have gone home.
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Yellowstone: Old Faithful Inn & Geyser
PortMoresby arrives in Yellowstone and begins her visit at the logical place, Old Faithful Geyser and its companion, the Old Faithful Inn.
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Vacation: Time for a hike, or a snooze on the beach?
No answers, but plenty of numbers on the age-old question of what to do with vacation.
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James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, Virginia
At the end of the week, we arrive at Gumbo's secret location, the former home of one of America's early Presidents.
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In Bordeaux: World's biggest wine festival opens
Vinexpo is expected to draw 45,000 visitors, 1,000 journalists and 2,300 exhibitors to France's wine capital.