VIA Rail is Canada’s inter-city train service. It is the Amtrak of the North, but like so many things in Canada, a bit nicer. VIA Rail recently updated their fleet of trains on the eastern portion from Quebec City to Toronto. During my trip, the train reached speeds of 160km/h … Read more
After completing two nights at the Hyatt Centric Montreal, I was on to Ottawa for a two night stay at the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market. I booked the two nights through Prive as the prices were equal to what was available on Hyatt.com. As a benefit, I received breakfast included, … Read more
This summer I spent time in Canada visiting cities that were new to me. The Hyatt Centric Montreal is located on the north end of Old Montreal. It is a new hotel (opened in 2023) with 177 rooms built on the grounds of the old Canadian Pacific Railway station. The … Read more
I booked a free cruise with Holland America on the Zuiderdam that left from Boston and sailed through the Canadian Maritime Provinces. I paid $220 in taxes and a $100 deposit that would convert to onboard credit for an Interior Guaranteed Stateroom. I paid an additional $158 to upgrade to … Read more
I applied for the updated Chase Sapphire Reserve on Monday, June 23. I was instantly approved. I previously received the Chase Sapphire Reserve (and sign up bonus) in 2016 when the card was first introduced. I also previously had the Chase Sapphire Preferred (and sign up bonus) in 2021. After … Read more
JetBlue has probably my favorite domestic product in their Mint Class. I also have found JetBlue to be a customer centric company, as they were extremely helpful during a past weather related disruption. I have flown it several times in the past, but not since COVID. I decided to try … Read more
My stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico was okay. There were a few hiccups but overall it is a nice property on the beach in the Caribbean. I was visiting Puerto Rico for the second time, having stayed at the El San Juan during my first … Read more
My flight from Seattle to Puerto Rico had an overnight layover at Dallas-Fort Worth. I was scheduled to arrive at 11:24pm and depart the next morning at 8:37am; giving me just 9 hours for my overnight. Previously I had stayed at the Hyatt Regency DFW, where I was upgraded to … Read more
The Davenport Grand is part of Spokane’s Davenport Hotels family, all part of the Autography Collection of Marriott Bonvoy. The original Davenport Hotel in Spokane has been around for 110 years, and in 2015 the owners opened The Davenport Grand next to Spokane’s Convention Center. During my stay in March, … Read more
Each year before the start of the Alaska cruise season, Holland America hosts a travel show in both Seattle and Vancouver — their two gateway ports to the 49th state. Admission is free so I decided to check out the show in Seattle on March 8, 2025. I registered online … Read more
Alaska Airlines moved their operations from Terminal 2 to the newly renovated Terminal 1 at SFO. They also opened a new Alaska Lounge, the second largest in the network, across from gate B6. The lounge is located one floor up from the gate level, so once through the glass doors … Read more
After nearly two decades of development, the Thompson Palm Springs finally opened in October 2024. Originally planned to be condos, then an Andaz property, and finally the Thompson, the hotel is two blocks from Hyatt Palm Springs. The hotel has 168 rooms including the Upper Stories, an adult only portion … Read more
Virgin Voyages recently started a refer a friend program. The idea is that people that have sailed with Virgin Voyages in the past can refer their friends that are brand new to Virgin Voyages. Both the friend and the referrer earn $150 of free drinks in the form of a … Read more
There are some bad airport lounges. However, the worst airport lounge I have visited in the USA has to be the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Miami International Airport near the E Gates. The lounge is located just past security at the E Gates. There is a small set of stairs … Read more
I spent one night at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, located near Miami International Airport, after completing a cruise on Virgin Voyages. Unlike the older Hyatt Regency Miami, which is located right downtown, the Coral Gables property is more resort like and feels a bit more upscale. It is also … Read more
