Travel Guide - ThePointsOfLife

National Express: Bus From Heathrow to Gatwick

thepointsoflife

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November 22, 2015

National Express: Bus from Heathrow to Gatwick is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

Not a lot of entertainment in this part of the Trip Report but some useful information that I wish I would’ve known ahead of time. This may be of benefit to you if you are flying into Heathrow and out of another London airport.

Nothing is as stressful as arriving in one terminal and being forced to depart from another. This is true whether you arrive in LAX and have to exit the airport and walk to an adjoining terminal or if you are flying AirAsia and did not realize that the international terminal is a bus ride away from the separate domestic one.

While it is clear that Heathrow and Gatwick are separate airports, the distance between the two is still enough to get your heart racing after a peaceful spa session at the Revivals Lounge.

Here are the steps for getting from one to another that will save you from panic:

Book a ticket on the National Express via their website. Don’t worry about printing your boarding pass, the email confirmation is sufficient. The cost is 26 pounds.
At Heathrow, follow the signs for the Central Bus Station. The walk is around ten minutes.
Check the sign for your departing platform.
Take a nap and an hour later wake up at London’s version of LaGuardia, Gatwick Airport. Take note of whether you are going to the North or South Terminal.

<==Back to Virgin Revivals Lounge – Onto No. 1 Lounge Gatwick==>

Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge LHR: Call Me George Jetson

thepointsoflife

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November 21, 2015

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Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge LHR: Call Me George Jetson

The Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge LHR Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

In the future we will cross the Atlantic on a flying machine, arrive before the start of the business day, and treat ourselves to an a la carte meal before heading to the office.

This is reality if you fly Virgin Atlantic from the United States to London. Upon arrival, be sure to head to the Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge after clearing Customs. There you will find a futuristic lounge with a legitimate breakfast, free spa treatment, and a proper shower.

The concept of an arrivals lounge is clever if you truly are a business traveler. I enjoyed pretending that this routine was part of my weekly commute from the United States to the UK but I’m guessing that Sir Richard Branson conceived this idea to serve a practical purpose not just as a novelty for points enthusiasts. In any event, I loved the added bonus of the Revivals Lounge especially the facial treatment that helped soothe the hangover from Upper Class party.

<==Back to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class – Onto National Express to Gatwick==>

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class DTW-LHR: Party in the Sky

thepointsoflife

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November 21, 2015

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Virgin Atlantic Upper Class DTW-LHR: Party in the Sky

The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class DTW LHR Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

Everything about Virgin Atlantic Upper class is a party. In fact, it was the best flight I’ve ever taken not because it was Emirates, Singapore, or Cathay quality, but because the passengers and cabin crew were like Janice in Accounting, they just don’t give a F*ck. And that’s a good thing.

There weren’t any pompous pricks complaining about Macadamia nuts, no reticent flight attendants too scared of their own shadow, and no overabundance of gold making you feel that you were flying on sultan steel. Instead, the flight featured a makeshift bar, seats that lie flat in the wrong direction, and champagne unworthy of Qatar’s economy class lounge.

None of this mattered as Ms TPOL and I congregated at the bar for dinner and drinks while fellow passengers came and went. The flight attendants never stopped pouring and the snacks never stopped being served. One complaint is that Virgin’s bar can get pretty noisy, thereby interrupting the sleep of those not looking to party. This is a valid complaint and I admit I was the guilty one on this flight. In my defense, it’s hard to tone it down when you’re in comfy pajamas enjoying the mood lighting while the riffraff (Sir Richard Branson’s terminology not mine) is riding in the back.

Having only slept for two hours, I arrived in London a bit exhausted. No matter, next up was pampering at the Virgin Revivals Arrival Lounge. See you there.

I would prefer the seats point towards the window and not the aisle.

Who's going to watch this on flight? — Who’s going to watch this on flight?

The salt & pepper which we took as souvenirs

Cheeses — Fine cheeses and excellent pumpkin cheesecake

<==Back to Delta Sky Club Detroit – Onto Virgin Revivals Lounge==>

We’re All Hyatt Diamond Now

Points

thepointsoflife

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November 21, 2015

5

I’m mad I did the Hyatt Diamond Challenge (under Ms TPOL’s account) not because Hyatt is giving away status like marshmallows at a carnival but because I could’ve saved the challenge for next year when it really could’ve come in handy given the uncertainty presented by the SPG-Marriott merger.

In reaction to this insanely great offer, I even upgraded my account to Diamond by tweeting @HyattConcierge and sending an email with the follow-up info. The reason it is worth having two Hyatt Diamonds in one household is because of the Diamond Suite Upgrades which are given out in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Even if you don’t use the upgrades before they expire by staying at a Hyatt, I highly recommend booking a room anywhere in the world, preferably with points, as Hyatt let’s you change the booking over and over and over again (see Park Hyatt Moscow).That way when your SPG points are worth nothing, your Diamond status has been stripped away because you miscalculated your stay strategy, you can still be fake Diamond for years to come.

Diamond Suite Upgrade in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Read My Lips, “No Devaluation,” Says Marriott CEO

Points

thepointsoflife

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November 20, 2015

4

Read My Lips, “No Devaluation,” Says Marriott CEO

Thanks to The Points Guy for posting this clip where Marriott’s CEO Arne M. Sorenson says, “To state the obvious, devaluing points or member benefits is not the way to preserve and strengthen these programs.”

He uses the right lingo but can we believe what he says? I’d like to give Arne the benefit of the doubt but I’ve been hurt too many times before. Furthermore, when the merger does go through he can stand behind his words that he didn’t devalue the SPG program because he genuinely believes that the transfer ratio should be 1:1 or 2:1 or whatever terrible ratio is ultimately decided.

To put it simply, unless the Aloft Bangkok remains at the rate 2,000-3000 points a night I don’t see how he ‘preserves and strengthens’ the programs.

What do you think of his speech and more importantly his choice in shirts?

You can't enhance Sukhumvit 11: Leave the aloft alone! — You can’t enhance Sukhumvit 11: Leave the aloft alone!

Delta Sky Club Detroit Metro: This Again?

thepointsoflife

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November 20, 2015

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Delta Sky Club Detroit Metro: This Again?

The Delta Sky Club Detroit Metro Lounge Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

What's Behind the doors? — What’s Behind the doors?

Am I crazy? Wasn’t I just here? The Delta Sky Club at Detroit Metro Airport is exactly like the one in Minneapolis. This one boasts a grand entrance with a front desk that makes you think you are checking into the Waldorf. Instead, after taking the escalator up one level, you find yourself back in the mediocrity that is the Delta Sky Lounge. This includes a self-service bar, self-service finger foods, and self-service entertainment.

Why doesn’t Delta try harder to give those coming through the sparkling McNamara Terminal a more worldly experience? The reason is because Delta is more concerned with profits than putting on a show. It really is sad to see the reaction from international travelers when they arrive at the Delta lounge. “This is it?” Nobody is expecting Lufthansa’s First Class Lounge or Singapore’s Private Room but at least put forth some effort.

Bored, I chose to leave the lounge and wait in the stunning terminal for my Virgin Atlantic flight to depart.

And now for the pictures:

Another elegant lobby at the top of the escalator

Proving I’m not ‘needy’ as was commented in the Delta MN lounge by making my own Bloody Mary.

The staple of all domestic lounges: celery and carrots

<==Back to Sheraton Detroit Metro – Onto Virgin Atlantic Upper Class DTW-LHR==>

Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport: The Best in the Business

thepointsoflife

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November 20, 2015

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Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport: The Best in the Business

The Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

Getting There: If you’re living in Michigan it can be tough to find anyone to take you to DTW. Your best bet is bribing someone for a ride by offering Empress of China or taking Uber for $100 from Flint. If you’re coming from Ann Arbor or Greater Detroit there is a bus to the airport.

SPG has the market cornered for airport hotels for Detroit Metro. The Westin is sensational and is connected to the Delta terminal. However, the price can exceed $200 a night or 5000 SPG points + $75. The alternative is to pay around $100 or 2000 SPG points + $35 for the Sheraton. There, if you are a platinum or Amex SPG Business card holder, you will receive a room on the club floor, access to the lounge, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Even if you’re a standard SPG member, staying at the Sheraton is a great option. Upon entering the hotel, you will notice that there’s always a party going on in the lobby bar which has huge TVs broadcasting Detroit games. The beer is reasonably priced and the chicken wings are hard to pass up. If you arrive in the early evening, you can enjoy a nice soak in the pool and hot tub after making a stop in the gym.

In the morning, the kind driver will take you to whatever terminal you need to get to and isn’t pushy about receiving tips. While there is no reason to stay at this hotel unless you are flying out as Detroit Metro is located in Romulus, it still is a top-notch, airport proximity notwithstanding.

<==Park Hyatt Toronto – Onto Delta Sky Lounge Detroit=>>

Hyatt Diamond [Un]Challenged: Status Match Via Twitter

thepointsoflife

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November 19, 2015

7

Hyatt Diamond [Un]Challenged: Status Match Via Twitter

If you’re not a Hyatt Diamond member, go to Twitter and tweet @hyattconcierge to match your status from an existing program such as SPG.

I’m not breaking the news but think it’s funny how being at the right place at the right time can make the points game that much easier. I jumped through all the hoops in my Greatest Hyatt Diamond Challenge of All Time including stays in Phoenix, San Diego, & Mexico City to hit diamond. It seems I could’ve bypassed all of that and waited for news of this promotion instead. Perhaps if I sit here long enough, I will also become Delta elite.

Diamond suite upgrade in Sharm el-sheikh

The Park Hyatt Toronto: Sadly Disappointing

thepointsoflife

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November 19, 2015

3

The Park Hyatt Toronto: Sadly Disappointing

The Park Hyatt Toronto Hotel Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

Getting Here: I drove with Michael Jeries from Michigan to the Park Hyatt. If you’re flying into Toronto then you will arrive in Mississauga which is quite a ways from the city center. I recommend taking the bus as taxis, even Uber, can be expensive.

One of two things must be true: 1) I am getting spoiled in my old points age. 2) The Park Hyatt brand is so strong that it is easy to spot an impostor.

I’m going to go with number two though I will let you decide if you agree with me by comparing the Park Hyatt Toronto with the following Parks that I have stayed at across the globe. Here are the great ones:

Here are the mediocre ones:

Park Hyatt Melbourne
Park Hyatt Mendoza

Indeed, the Park Hyatt Melbourne was better than the one in Toronto and the Park Hyatt Mendoza was the worst one of them all.

The problem with the Park Hyatt Toronto is that it isn’t anything special. It is dated luxury. I’m sure when it first opened, it was the talk of the town. Now, locals see it is an overpriced hotel that services the likes of the New York Yankees while charging $40/night for parking.

The Location

The hotel is located in the posh neighborhood of Yorkville. It is close to shopping, restaurants (including the best pho in T Dot), and cafes making it my favourite district in Toronto.

The Room

As a Diamond member, I was upgraded to a room that was nice enough but nothing spectacular. The view was far from impressive.

Instead of CFB my options were curling and figure skating

The Service

The service is what you would expect from the Park Hyatt. Check in was prompt and smooth. As it was Halloween, the concierge was very helpful in telling us where to go buy last-minute costumes and where to go join in the debauchery.

The Breakfast

This was the biggest ripoff of the hotel. There isn’t a breakfast buffet. Everything is a la carte. Diamonds are given a $24 credit to be applied towards breakfast. Otherwise you’d have to either be rich or a jerk to justify paying that much for scrambled eggs and a tomato.

Conclusion

I used my Chase free night certificate to stay at this category 4 property. I would not waste points, cash, or a combination of the two to stay here when there are better choices in this great city. Worst case, I’d rather crash in George’s basement.

<==Back to Delta Sky Club Minneapolis – Onto Sheraton DTW==>

Delta Sky Club Minneapolis: Serve Yourself

thepointsoflife

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November 19, 2015

2

Delta Sky Club Minneapolis: Serve Yourself

The Delta Sky Club Minneapolis Lounge Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

Click here for the picture preview.

“Where is the bar?” I asked the check-in hostess. She directed me to go to the back of the lounge where to my surprise I found two things: 1) A decent selection of alcoholic beverages 2) no bartender.

I was expecting more from this lounge because Minneapolis is a hub for Delta. Compared to the Atlanta Sky Lounge which is one of the best lounges I have visited, this one was average.

The crowded bar area was overwhelmed with guests who are granted admission either because they are flying business or because they have an Amex Platinum card. The food offering was typical finger food that nobody really wants to eat but overloads on because it is free. The seating area is decent enough with large TVs and comfortable couches.

Still, after all the lounges I have seen and after all the nonsense Delta has put us through, I expected much more.

*To be fair, I found out that there is another Delta Sky Club at this airport that comes equipped with a bartender.