Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth America

[amaroo]

The Trip!

Planes/Trains
BNE-SYD QF J
SYD-LAX QF F
LAX-LAS AA Y
LAS-LAX AA Y
LAX-JFK QF J
JFK-DCA Amtrak Acela Express Business
DCA-YYZ AC Y
YYZ-YUL Via Rail Business
YUL-MIA AA Y OPUP at gate to F
MIA-DFW AA Y
DFW-BNE QF J

Automobiles
Mercedes Vito Wagon x 2
Chevrolet Suburban SUV x 16
Mercedes S Class x 4 (Hotel Courtesy Car)
Bentley x 2 (Hotel Courtesy Car)
Lincoln Town Car x 4

Helicopter
Maverick - ECO Star - Dream Catcher Sunset, Grand Canyon tour.

Airboat
Florida Everglades

Hotels
LA - Hotel Bel Air
Vegas - Mandarin Oriental
Orange County - Hyatt Regency Orange County
NYC - The Surrey
DC - Park Hyatt Washington
Toronto - Four Seasons
Montreal - Hotel Gault
Miami - The Betsy, South Beach
Dallas - The Ritz Carlton

We had a great time and were very fortunate to miss the worse of the horrendous weather that has been battering this part of the world. Only one minor delay into JFK and no cancellations - we were very lucky!

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Early start to the day!

Due to living outside the QF chauffeur zone we decided to use our own man to take us to BNE. Glenn arrived on time, the drive to BNE was fast and mainly free of the usual horrendous traffic. When planning the trip back in June we decided to fly QF11 to LAX a) to access the Flounge and, b) to enter the upgrade lottery to F......24hrs before boarding QF11 - I got that lovely text sound on my phone Really didn't think requesting 4 upgrades to F was going to be successful......absolutely thrilled to get the upgrades - great way to start the trip!



Approaching the BNE lounge desk we were advised to use the QP, I politely queried that we were entitled to enter the Flounge however, she cut me off and said a QFWP can only guest 1, since we were a party of 4 (two kids aged 12 & 10) it's the QP for us! I stood my ground and explained that was incorrect....she got uppity - I continued and asked her to look it up.....she conceded and as we were walking into the empty Flounge I got the - I've been working here for 21 years rubbish.

Anyway, as most know the BNE Flounge isn't worth the hassle however, she was rude and had a terrible attitude - I felt compelled to (politely) correct her.


View from the BNE Flounge



On board I was told that my seat (3K) was not working and would I mine sitting in 2K....no worries. The flight was pleasant and you could clearly see which passengers had boarded 17 hours earlier in DFW:shock:



Breakfast....not the best and I hardly touched it. I think my taste buds were focusing on an Flounge lunch and QF11 F tasting experience!



Random shot on arrival into SYD.....IMHO the 747 is all class, still get a glint in my eye when I see one!


QF8 is a great way to transit in SYD....as long as you have allowed sufficient time in case it turns into QFlate.....we were on time and our Flounge time was secure.

 

[jetlagger]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Thanks amaroo looking forward to the instalments

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Can't wait for the YUL part of the story ... Good start so far.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

The SYD Flounge was all dressed up for Christmas!












We were offered the private room however, we prefer the general area of the lounge.

 

[alieninperth]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

This looks like its going to be epic. Can't wait for the rest.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

After a few pre-lunch drinks and Spa appointments - it was time for lunch.



Some of the dishes we consumed.....another fine meal! The SYD Flounge is my favourite lounge.....love walking into this place!

The amaroos were well fed and watered.....the girls went shopping, the boy hit the imac and I went and sat by the windows for after lunch drinks and some plane spotting.

 

[LadyC]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Time to board....where did that 4+ hours go? PB worked a treat and we glided on board.

The amaroos were happily ensconced in 4F/4K/5F/5K



The lady taking us to LAX



Pol Roger, Sir Winston Churchill 2000 - lovely!



View from 5K into 5F



View from 5K




Another glass of Sir Winston prior to take off

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Wasn't long and we were up, up and away.....Time to eat!

The adults went for the tasting menu with matching wines Can't recall what the kids ate

The first two courses - Tea Smoked Duck with Pickled Cabbage and Spanner Crab Tartlet with Lemon and coughin......sorry, no photos. I blame it on Sir Winston




The setting




Asian Chicken Broth with Shiitake Mushrooms and Ginger



Game Terrine with Mustard Fruits, Watercress and Crostini



Rockpool Bar & Grill Style Roast Murraylands Lamb Rack with Potato and Silverbeet Gratin, Asparagus and Mint Jelly



The lamb was delicious....perfectly cooked and very lip licking good! The Potato Gratin was also divine!

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame



The Potato Gratin was so good - it deserves it's own photo.


Next was Salad of Baby Cos, Radicchio and Frisee with Palm Sugar Vinaigrette. No photo - too busy keeping up with the matching wines!





Baked Orange Custard with Nectarines and Pistachios



Selection of Cheese served with Accompaniments

Thoroughly enjoyable meal!

While chomping my way through the dishes - I watched Blue Jasmine and Two Guns. Absolutely filled to the brim.....it was time for sleep!



Some random shots from 5K




Somewhere over the Pacific....

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Lovely sleep.

Before you knew it - breakfast was served!




No 1 Son had Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Strawberries and Vanilla Yoghurt




I had Baked Croque Monsieur with Gruyere and Serrano Jamon served with Braised Beans.......absolutely yummy!



Loving watching the IFE all the way down to the tarmac



Looks like it needs to move a little to the left.....



Perfect!!!

A very enjoyable flight. The point cost to upgrade was 180,000 for the four of us......this would have to be the one of best value use of points! We were very, very lucky to get the nod for 4 seats.....a day either side of our flight was chock-a-block days out and one was an ancient 747:-|

I was keeping a very close eye on the F cabin leading up to our flight. Three days out there were 9 open seats in F......we took 4 of those so I guess the other 5 were upgraded as well - the cabin was full.

Excellent crew - very friendly, efficient and on their game. The kids were very impressed and thought the flight was 1000% better than their last F experience on BA......I'd have to agree!

Walking down the bridge I couldn't help wondering - will Qantas Chauffeur Drive be waiting for us.......I never received a confirmation call....

 

[QF029]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Great report. Please keep it up.

 

[Major]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Great photos...keep them coming

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Great to see those food pics after reading the thread about the carp and tiny J class meals. keep 'em coming!

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Wow, what a zoo LAX is! It took round 1.5hrs to clear LAX Immigrations......we got stuck behind an A380 load of Koreans. The agents must have been asking them every question under the sun.....painful!

The PA calls for KE agents to attend counters was relentless. Finally, we got processed, entered the baggage collection area to find every QF11 bag neatly placed on the floor.....quickly got our bags and exited.

This is my first time in LA....have transited many times but never left the airport before.

Walking towards the men/ladies holding signs I was focused on seeing my name, BINGO - QF Chauffeur Drive delivered! Had zero contact with QF or the service provider since booking some 6 months earlier. Not a call, not an email, nothing. I find it frustrating that QF in offering this service isn't proactive in ensuring communication is first class!

We were entitled to three cars (son is 12 therefore, classed as an adult) so I wanted to ensure we got one large SUV. This is exactly what they delivered however, a little communication wouldn't hurt.



Suburban SUV - first of 16 we loaded and unloaded on the trip!


The SUV loaded - we were on our way to Hotel Bel Air.

Hotel Bel Air is wonderful. We had a great stay....saw a few known faces over breakfast and at the bar. The property is beautiful and an oasis of sanctuary in the middle of LA.

We took advantage of their Family Time offer and booked connecting Deluxe Room with Patios.




Reception

.

Our room



Kids room




Bathroom - both rooms had the same layout.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Thanks amaroo looking forward to the instalments

Cheers, jetlagger can always count on you reviewing TR's Would really like to see a TR of one of your trips to the Philippines :idea:

Can't wait for the YUL part of the story ... Good start so far.

Thanks Rooflyer we really enjoyed Montreal......the very French time-out in the middle of all that American Pie is pure bliss!

This looks like its going to be epic. Can't wait for the rest.

alienperth not sure about Epic however, we really enjoyed the trip. Hope you enjoy the TR.

Looking forward to reading more!

LadyC you'd like the FS Toronto. It is a beautiful hotel and well worth putting on the itinerary. Very different to HKG but all class!

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

After check-in we walked around the grounds of the Hotel. It opened in 1946 and closed in 2009 for a two year renovation, it's part of the Dorchester Collection and is owned by the Sultan of Brunei.

The property is very well maintained and is stunning.











First of many Squirrels of the trip!

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

After a refreshing swim we headed for Beverly Hills and a walk down Rodeo Drive......the Hotel has a courtesy car (S class Merc) which was fantastic, free (excl tip - not compulsory) and always available! We were in two minds about staying here due to location and not having a car.....however, the hotel car is brilliant and we're glad we decided to book here.

Didn't take long for the hunger to return and we decided to have an early dinner at IL Pastaio the restaurant was overflowing with people - always a good sign.



Lovely meal.

Quick call to the hotel.....10 mins later the S class pulled up to take us home



At night the hotel grounds are lit up like a Christmas tree.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

The next day we went to Santa Monica Pier.......not very impressive. Pretty boring and bland.....should have done some research and went elsewhere!

At the beach I looked at the little map the hotel gave us and saw the Getty Villa not far from where we were.......hailed a taxi and we were off.




That's Malibu over there



Normal sight on LA beaches



Now this Getty fellow had some coin! J. Paul Getty - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Villa was stunning and has an excellent collection - worth a visit.

Beware!!! If you're catching a taxi to & from here be warned that getting a taxi to collect you can be painful.......we got the Villa staff to call and we still waited over an hour When the taxi did come he apologised for the delay and said he came from LAX:shock::shock::shock::shock: Now this could well have been a cough and bull story to squeeze a larger tip - it worked!