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

[amaroo]

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

Great trip report. Made me think I might actually want to visit LA in the distant future. (have a US trip planned in 2016, but that's going to be Vegas, the Grand Canyon and probably just NYC)

Can't wait to see the rest. And I agree that photos make a trip report.

Thanks suze2000 for some reason I didn't expect much from LA......was very pleasantly surprised! Look forward to returning.

Really enjoying your report, great photos
I nearly always forget to take room photos until the kids stuff is sprawled everywhere and it ruins the look

Really looking forward to your TR Princess Fiona Your two month trip would be epic!

This is my third TR and I'm very much learning on the job.

Ohh QF F, I never tire of reading about this wonderful land! As you say, 180,000 for the four would have to be one of the best way to use points, nice one!

180,000 points is a true bargain. Last year I upgraded the four of us from whY to J on QF1 SYD-SIN (pity that's now changed) and it cost 160,000 points.....not hard to work which one is the better value point spend!

AA now offering F from Canada down to US?

They call it F but it's somewhere between whY and a 15 year old J cabin I'm not complaining as any OpUp is a gift and we're very thankful to receive!

a nice piece of info I'll store away in the memory bank, cheers

Keep up the great report, lovin' it!

Thanks vec they were good seats as whY seats go. Had the same for the return flight to LAX.....for the other AA flights we selected MCE seats that offer larger legroom - more on that later.

$60 for a limo! I know it's not far to the airport, but that seems to be better value than paying for transfers, if there's a group of you. Does that include tips?

suze2000 $60 bucks is a fab deal.....the driver also offered to take us for a tour of the strip (included). Don't know about the tip - I just gave him an extra $10 bucks. We could of got a stretch Hummer for an extra $15 bucks.....bit OTT for me

We had heaps of luggage and it all squeezed into the boot with the aid of an occy strap.

We racked up some transfers on the trip....big $$ however, essential when you're travelling in a family pack with luggage and it's -40C:!:

Would love to know what you did about the laundry?
After a bit of trial and error we worked out a system using Yelp recommendations for wash and fold laundromats. Around 75c-$1 per lb plus tip

Good Question Princess Fiona. We used a combination of buying heaps of new clothes, scrub and hang over the bathtub, laundry service (both hotel & local operators) and donating a large amount of clothing that were either ill-fitting for our fast growing kids, old and replaced with new or just couldn't be bothered bringing home.

We donated (left in the hotel rooms with a note advising please take and "they need a wash") to the hotel maids - things like shoes, jeans, jumpers, jackets, shirts (no underwear). I've no idea if they were taken with a smile or just dumped in the bin however, we like to think they have a new life with someone else

I think the hotel maids have one of the hardest jobs in the industry. They have to work something like 24 rooms a shift, travel great distances from their home to work and get paid bugger all:evil: I suspect very few people leave a tip for them and therefore, their income is not subsidised like waiters.

We leave a tip for the maids because they deserve it......IMHO much more than a waiter that gets extra because I order a bottle of wine......

When I read that I thought - gee, that's just what they do in Brazil. Then I looked at the link. D'oh! I still have my coaster from the place in Rio, 15 years later ('yes/no' has a myriad of uses at home).

Did you go the whole Brazilian experience thing and have caipirinhas?

It was fantastic Rooflyer and a great experience for the kids....the kids swiped their coasters The wife had a few margaritas, I had a Brazilian beer and we shared a lovely Napa red.

 

[RooFlyer]

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

Thanks suze2000 for some reason I didn't expect much from LA......was very pleasantly surprised! Look forward to returning.

<snip>

That's the best way to approach LA IMHE (ie low expectations). I'd still choose San Francisco over LA any day though.

I think the hotel maids have one of the hardest jobs in the industry. They have to work something like 24 rooms a shift, travel great distances from their home to work and get paid bugger all I suspect very few people leave a tip for them and therefore, their income is not subsidised like waiters.

That's why I always try to remember to tip generously to the maids. I loath tipping waiters over there, but do it too as its the 'norm'.

 

[amaroo]

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

That's the best way to approach LA IMHE (ie low expectations). I'd still choose San Francisco over LA any day though.

Agree on San Fran. Over the weekend we were talking about what we will do for our 20th wedding anniversary (later this year) - fly into LA and drive the coast road to San Fran was high on the list!

 

[docjames]

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

Good Question Princess Fiona. We used a combination of buying heaps of new clothes, scrub and hang over the bathtub, laundry service (both hotel & local operators) and donating a large amount of clothing that were either ill-fitting for our fast growing kids, old and replaced with new or just couldn't be bothered bringing home.

We donated (left in the hotel rooms with a note advising please take and "they need a wash") to the hotel maids - things like shoes, jeans, jumpers, jackets, shirts (no underwear). I've no idea if they were taken with a smile or just dumped in the bin however, we like to think they have a new life with someone else

I think the hotel maids have one of the hardest jobs in the industry. They have to work something like 24 rooms a shift, travel great distances from their home to work and get paid bugger all:evil: I suspect very few people leave a tip for them and therefore, their income is not subsidised like waiters.

We leave a tip for the maids because they deserve it......IMHO much more than a waiter that gets extra because I order a bottle of wine......

Great work. Was enjoying the TR but enjoy it even more reading this (quoted).

 

[JessicaTam]

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

I am enjoying the TR and the photos. I did enjoy the Getty when I was there, and I need to go back to finish it off.

I am looking forward to the next instalment...

 

[Princess Fiona]

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

That's why I always try to remember to tip generously to the maids. I loath tipping waiters over there, but do it too as its the 'norm'.[/QUOTE]

Same
Always tip housekeeping daily, sometimes twice daily if we were in for turndown.
I always leave a little note with the tip.

 

[kevrosmith]

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

Always tip housekeeping daily, sometimes twice daily if we were in for turndown.
I always leave a little note with the tip.

At first I didn't quite know how to leave the tip for the room cleaners: how were they going to distinguish between money left out for a tip versus cash I'd just left lying around, was what I wondered? (Not that I'd leave cash lying around in a hotel room anyway.) So I did end up putting the cash on a piece of paper with "tip" and an arrow written on it. Not being part of our culture/custom, I found it odd and strange doing this, and in general I don't like the principle of tipping. I'd rather just have one business relationship with the business owner to provide the service I'm paying for, and I would expect them to properly pay (their suppliers) for providing that service. When I go to the supermarket to buy groceries, I don't have to run out the back to pay the farmer, delivery service, stock-filler, cash register attendant etc.

Am enjoying the report. I went to that same Brazilian restaurant for my birthday when I was in Las Vegas in September 2012 and really enjoyed it. We are fortunate to have a similar-style restaurant in Cairns, which gets good reviews.

 

[erkpod]

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

Dinner was at a another favourite - Texas De Brazil Las Vegas | Texas de Brazil I don't like buffet/smorgasbord set ups and avoid them like the plague.......but I make an exception for this one.

This is a meat lovers paradise.....don't come here if a) you don't eat meat b) you're not hungry

Unique service style - they serve the 16 or so different types/cuts of meat by walking around with large skewers and very large knives.....they carve the meat at your table straight onto your plate.

Each person gets a round coaster...one side is red and the other is green. When you want meat have the green side face up....when you want a rest flip it over and have the red face up. When the servers see green - you will not be disappointed.

View attachment 23197

The salad bar offers 50+ items including a whole wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano that you shave yourself.

Love these Brazilian BBQ places!

Enjoying an alternative TR to my own!

 

[amaroo]

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

Another day in Vegas.....except it's my Birthday

Had wanted to do the Chopper and Texas De Brazil on my actual birthday however, the dates didn't work out because we wanted to see O Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio - the only option that suited our dates was the evening of my birthday.

The show is amazing (no photos allowed) however, the numbers/stats are just as impressive..... O (Cirque du Soleil) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Has been running since the Bellagio opened in 1998
Has grossed well over $1B in ticket sales
Part of the stage is a 1.5M gallon pool

With sooo many shows going on in Vegas it can be hard to choose one.......we were very happy with our selection.

We were booked for the 7.30pm session which means we had plenty of time to shop! I'm not much of a shopper.....but this place has some bargains!

After breakfast we walked over to the Bellagio and picked up the tickets for the show.



Largest chocolate fountain in the world - Jean Philippe Chocolate by Jean Philippe


You can always count on the Bellagio putting on a decent flower/Christmas display!








The plaque reads - Mamma Bear, her coat is made of 10,000 white carnations, which are irrigated and maintained daily:shock:



We departed for Premium outlet North and shopped like prefessionals!

Since we were traveling to Toronto and Montreal we planned to buy cold weather essentials in Vegas. OMG - that was a great call! If you haven't heard already the Nth East has been subjected to a "Polar Vortex" or in simple language - it's been bloody cold :!:

We all got new Timberland boots, new coats, gloves, etc.........I picked up a "classic" paddington bear looking Brooks Brothers wool coat May never wear it again....but jeez, it was warm

Back to the hotel to drop the bags, freshen up & be entertained by those amazing circus people!

After the show we enjoyed a birthday dinner at noodles Las Vegas Asian Noodle Restaurant - Noodles at Bellagio over a few Tsingtao

 

[JessicaTam]

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

Happy Birthday!

 

[amaroo]

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

Adios Vegas.

Got a Town Car to the airport - $45 + tip.

AA2470 LAS-LAX whY.

Once again SWMBO was tagged OWE on the BP. No lounge in Vegas - geez, these AA elites put up with rubbish!

No OWE treatment to speak of (other than excellent managed PB and priority baggage) we selected row 16 like the previous flight. Seat belt was left on the nearly the whole way (very smooth flight) so we missed out on our Canada Dry Ginger Ale



Photos from the gate






That's my bag! Great to see priority baggage in action - bags were amongst the last on and first off for every AA flight AA deserve special mention for delivering this successfully....

Landed and we were sitting in another SUV driving towards our next hotel in no time. This time it's Hyatt Regency, Orange County. This is a mattress run to keep my Hyatt Gold account in play.

On the way I bribed the driver (brought him a burger) to stop at IN and OUT Burger......have never had one and after reading many posts here on AFF we wanted to try one. The burger was nice however, the fries were not my cup of tea!

We booked the Kids Suite.....drawing a very long bow calling it a suite!






The kids liked the bunk bed!

This hotel is located close to Disneyland and has a shuttle that runs every half hour to & from the park. IIRC the shuttle is $5 PP per day. The place was packed.....just like Disneyland!

 

[RooFlyer]

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

At first I didn't quite know how to leave the tip for the room cleaners: how were they going to distinguish between money left out for a tip versus cash I'd just left lying around, was what I wondered? (Not that I'd leave cash lying around in a hotel room anyway.) So I did end up putting the cash on a piece of paper with "tip" and an arrow written on it. <snip>.

The 'convention' as far as I know is to put the tip on the pillow. I tend to leave it out of plain sight there, to avoid being 'noticed' by any other staff that might come in.

 

[erkpod]

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

Some places will leave you a note and/or an envelope from housekeeping for tips.

 

[amaroo]

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

Two days doing Disneyland and California Adventure park out of the way.....it's time to fly to New York City

I have two tips for newbies visiting these parks - 1) Fast Passes 2) Single Rider.....


Early check out as our flight departs at 8.45am......arrive at the airport to see people standing around waiting for the QF counters to open

Tip - don't arrive before 6.30am to check-in for QF107

Formalities complete - time for breakfast in the lounge......was told the Flounge was closed.












Walking to the gate we saw Reginald......the work horse that delivered us to LAX 9 days ago.

 

[amaroo]

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

QF107 LAX-JFK J

I'd been keeping an eye on QF MMB and EF - we had a re-furbish bird right up till the night before At check-in I told the gent that I knew the craft had changed and wanted to know what seats we were allocated. I Couldn't see on QF MMB:?:

He replied (with a hint of attitude) it was still a 747.....I again asked for the seats! No surprise, they had us spread all over the damn thing including one of my kids upstairs:evil:

I explained that we booked some 6 months ago and had allocated seats 3 E/F/J/K and it all changed last night. He was very helpful and worked the system to get us in 2 J/K and 3 J/K.

Once on board we had a bit of excitement....

First, a DYKWIA type was very upset that his bags were last out and therefore, he missed his shower and to top it all off - he was being bumped from the front to rear of the J cabin....I did wonder if we bumped him out:?:

Second, the A/B side of the plane was suffering the worse case of dripping piddle.....the condensation was impressive. The FA's did a great job mopping it all up.



That's our shadow



View from 3K



Air Traffic control playing with us * I know it's not play and deadly serious

I had the Schnitzel Pork.....it was disgusting! I found out after landing that my son also had the Pork and he agreed it was terrible. This is my second dud Schnitzel meal with QF......no more for me!






I settled for a Liquid lunch......just the thing after two long days at Disneyland!

 

[amaroo]

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

Great work. Was enjoying the TR but enjoy it even more reading this (quoted).

Thanks docjames I have a lot of time for those lovely ladies.....

I am enjoying the TR and the photos. I did enjoy the Getty when I was there, and I need to go back to finish it off.

I am looking forward to the next instalment...

Jessica Tam the Getty like many museums over there are Super Sized. It's good to see the mega wealthy creating these institutions and giving back to general society!

Same
Always tip housekeeping daily, sometimes twice daily if we were in for turndown.
I always leave a little note with the tip.

Nice one Princess Fiona - we also leave a small note with a smiley face

<snip>

Am enjoying the report. I went to that same Brazilian restaurant for my birthday when I was in Las Vegas in September 2012 and really enjoyed it. We are fortunate to have a similar-style restaurant in Cairns, which gets good reviews.

thanks kevrosmith the place was packed when many others in Vegas weren't.

Love these Brazilian BBQ places!

Enjoying an alternative TR to my own!

Thanks erkpod I'm enjoying yours too.

Happy Birthday!

The 'convention' as far as I know is to put the tip on the pillow. I tend to leave it out of plain sight there, to avoid being 'noticed' by any other staff that might come in.

RooFlyer I was told that "some" housekeeping managers will "raid" the rooms prior to the ladies arriving :evil: :evil: Despicable behaviour if true!

Some places will leave you a note and/or an envelope from housekeeping for tips.

Have never seen that erkpod apart from the issue mentioned above - this is a great idea. IMHO most waiters have a gold plated path to a decent living.....I got sick of seeing restaurant bills with a printed suggested gratuity of 18%, 20% and 22% circled/highlighted by the wait staff.

 

[craven morehead]

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

I remember dining up at The Stratosphere revolving restaurant and in the menu as a "guide to our international visitors" it was suggested 20-30% for tipping :mrgreen: !!!!

 

[amaroo]

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

The ATC induced donuts over Greater NY made us around 1hr late....bags took ages to arrive at the carousel and true to QF form....came out nearly last. Packed another SUV and then started the slow crawl to the UES of Manhattan (UES = Upper East Side) eventually made it - horrendous traffic!

Stayed at The Surrey in a Grand Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite. The hotel is located on 76th Street between 5th and Madison Avenue.












Feeling starving after the rotten schnitzel.....we walked a short distance down Madsion Ave and dined at II Ristorante, Salumeria Rosi Il Ristorante New York Beautiful meal and worth a visit if you're in the area.

After dinner we strolled back to the hotel and passed a real estate office :shock:




Yes, that is a window real estate brochure detailing the bargain price of $24,950,000 There were many others around the same price tag......the streets reeked of money.

 

[jneufeld]

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

Yes, that is a window real estate brochure detailing the bargain price of $24,950,000 There were many others around the same price tag......the streets reeked of money.

For those curious like I was here is what that $25 mil will get you 1185 Park Avenue Unit PH16G Manhattan NY | Douglas Elliman

 

[amaroo]

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

So much to see - so little time! Pretty well sums up NYC....we stayed for 5 nights, it was our third visit (first for the kids) and we've hardly scratched the surface.



View from inside the MET



Guggenheim - another spectacular building by Frank Lloyd Wright



The view from the top



X-mas eve - craving Chinese we dined at Philippe Philippe Restaurant | 33 East 60th Street, New York | 212.644.8885 the Peking Duck was delicious! This is a really funky place not your usual Chinese environment. The place was pumping - great evening.




After dinner we made a spur of the moment decision to go up the Empire State Building (I wonder if it was something I drank).....it was late and we ended up being up the top as the clock ticked over to Christmas - one for the kids to remember