As 2018 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite hotel stays from 2018. As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list nor does it even contain the 10 most luxurious or expensive hotels I stayed at this year. Rather, […]
Review: Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

As I reflect upon my time at the Miraval Resort & Spa in Arizona, I am thankful for the great food, amazing massage, and luxury accommodations. Service was great and I enjoyed the time with my wife. That said, I don’t think this is a resort for me. This trip was a last-minute decision. I’ve […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 12, 2018

I’m back in Las Vegas, anxious to get home to my family, after a whirlwind trip over the last several days to Mexico City, Paris, Dubai, Beirut, Frankfurt, and Washington, DC. All in a day’s work… Tomorrow, look for an update on the Delta lounge denial incident, a post that drew significantly more traffic than […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 05, 2018

After a lot of domestic travel last week, it has been nice to spend the last two days at home. Another trip, however, is on the horizon. More details on that in the days ahead. Here’s a review of the week’s top stories as well as a look back at every story that appeared on […]
My Top 10 Hotels Stays in 2017

I spent roughly 85 nights in a hotel room in 2017…not too bad, but still quite a few nights away from home. Here’s a list of my top 10 hotels I personally stayed at this year. My list is admittedly boring. Every single hotel on the list is a Hyatt. It simply demonstrates my loyalty. […]
Convalescing on the California Coast

I’ve been sick a lot lately. More this year than the several previous years combined. Nothing deadly, but a particularly vicious stomach flu and several colds, which all seem to manifest themselves in the same cycle of sore throat, then a simultaneous cough and running nose. I’ve been taking my vitamins and haven’t really been […]
Hit and Run: My Car Was Damaged in Hotel Parking Lot

I spent a few nights at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands last week and came home with an unexpected souvenir…a damaged front bumper. What do you do when your car gets damaged at a hotel? Of course the immediate answer is to call your insurance company. But is the hotel on the hook for any damage? […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 06, 2017

A pleasant Sunday evening to you. It has been a quiet week for me that included a nice trip with my family to Carmel, CA. I’ll have a full report on the Hyatt Carmel Highlands in the weeks ahead. United announced several new European routes for summer of 2018 this week, Air Berlin inched closer […]
My 2024 Elite Status Progress Report

Welcome to August. Seven months down, five to go in 2024. I thought it would be a good day to take a look at my elite status progress report as I think about the rest of 2024. My Elite Status Progress Report – August 2024 It has been a familiar theme over the last few […]
Escaping The LA Summer Heat In Santa Barbara

Greetings from Santa Barbara, California, where I am enjoying some family time this weekend and escaping the harsh summer heat of Los Angeles. Change Of Venue, Change of Climate – Escaping The Los Angeles Summer Heat In Santa Barbara When we left our house yesterday, it was 98ºF. By the time we reached Santa Barbara, […]
A Private Jet Trip For My Family

I recently introduced my wife and daughter to the private jet experience for the first time with a brief family trip to the Bay Area. A Weekend Family Private Jet Trip Last summer, my first trip in the air after many months at home was onboard a Citation X from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona. […]
My Thanksgiving Travel Plans Are Up In The Air…

If you’re a regular reader, you know that for several years I’ve spent Thanksgiving weekend at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt property in Carmel. It has become a cherished family tradition. This year, however, we may just stay home. My 2020 Thanksgiving travel plans are up in the air… 2020 Thanksgiving Travel Plans Carmel, California […]
The Totally Clueless United “Global Services” Passenger…

I spent Thanksgiving weekend in Carmel, California with my family. As always, we stayed at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt property. During brunch on Sunday, two couples seated at the table next to us began speaking about airline travel. While I do not make a habit of eavesdropping on others, I could not help but […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 18, 2018

Good evening from Carmel, CA…I’m spending the holiday weekend at my favorite California Hyatt and have been enjoying the fresh air and beautiful weather with my family. Earlier today we drove down Highway 1 to Big Sur…it is always beautiful: Last week, Alaska Airlines introduced a draconian new restriction on Cathay Pacific, Hainan, and JAL […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: December 03, 2017

I’m in LA tonight…the question is for how long. I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay home this week, but I may be on a plane to New York tomorrow, then Hong Kong, then Zurich…maybe even Las Vegas. We’ll see how the week unfolds… Last week the big story, for me at least, was the […]
I’m Feeling Stupid for Messing up a Suite Upgrade

Sometimes my carelessness is nothing short of amazing, and not in a good way… I’m spending a few days in beautiful Carmel, CA at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt Residence Club property. I booked the trip months ago and was particularly looking forward to it because Globalist confirmed suite upgrades are to a townhouse suite: […]