USA Reloaded - Vegas, Hiking, NYC - QF/SQ (F & Suite)

[jastel]

The last time I played Moon Patrol was in that San Fran pinball place on the wharf.
Gave me a few new ideas for NYC as well...not walking ALL of Broadway but...lol
Great TR...no wine, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants or Art Galleries.

 

[NoName]

NYC – Day 4



Final day in NYC and woke up at a reasonable hour before packing up and heading downstairs to checkout. Easy process. Left the bags at the desk and ventured out the door to be hit with an almighty wave of heat. Same story as yesterday – yuck!

Walked down to the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 40th & 9th and went searching for the ticket booth. Bought a ticket for the 168 bus (about $7 one way/$12 return from memory although could be wrong) and hopped on for the short 3 stop ride through the tunnel to New Jersey. Hopped out (heat just as bad this side of the river) and walked about 100m to Hamilton Park. This site is famous for being the former Weehawken Duelling Grounds and the location of the most famous duel in US history when Alexander Hamilton was killed by Vice President Aaron Burr.

My understanding is that while duelling was illegal in both NY & NJ, the latter was far less vigorous in prosecuting so people would come across the river to settle their differences. The park was interesting with a few statues and plaques with information about its history.









Not good weather for photos with the sun blazing brightly in the east. Views would be better in the afternoon no doubt.




Walked back across the street to the bus stop where one arrived almost immediately. Hopped back on without noting the number and assuming my return ticket was fine to use. Wrong. Was a different bus company but was going to back to Manhattan. Couldn’t be bothered waiting any longer in the heat so just paid and hopped on.

I was back where I started pretty quickly and headed in the direction of the Rockefeller Centre. Stopped in to a 5 Guys for lunch. Burger and fries were ok but not sure what the fuss is about. Is there even any fuss or have I got this place confused with somewhere else? In any event it was only ok and wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again.

A few blocks away I bought a ticket to The Top Of The Rock – the observation deck at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza – where I have been here each time I have been to NYC. Mrs NoName and I love the view up here and it has become a tradition for us to visit as the last activity before we leave. In her absence I decided to go up yet again despite the outrageous price.



The usual photo money grab. Not today thanks:








With the final activity out of the way I was done. Pretty exhausted. Went back to the hotel and relaxed in the bar for an hour or so. Eventually the time came to get off my butt, grab my bags and head off. Goodbye to NYC once again. The guy at the door asked if I needed a taxi, no thanks, walking to the train station. “Always Walking Mr NoName!” was his comment. Is there any better way to do it in New York City?

 

[NoName]

NYC - Day 4 Continued.......




Into the train and about half an hour later I was at Jamaica and onto the air train around to terminal 4. Checked in for what was going to be a much anticipated flight – SQ25 to SIN in Suites! I had booked this on the day it was released nearly 12 months earlier having transferred AMEX MR points to Krisflyer. Now, it was finally here! But first the lounge…..

Through security and I made a beeline for the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. I have to say I liked this lounge. It was very good. Nice space with a sit down restaurant style area as well as many couches with tables around by the windows. Pool table in the centre which is an interesting touch and a few bigger couches in the centre near some TVs. Kind of funky and probably fitting with the Virgin branding style.

For some reason I didn’t get any non-food photos, possibly due to exhaustion taking hold. Hmmm next time!

Had a quick shower to freshen up and then set up by one of the windows. The menu seems pretty good with many different options (sorry no photos). I went with a couple of the small snacks to start with – chicken wings & some pork ribs.




As mentioned in my previous post, the lounge serves the Honey Deuce coughtail at US Open time so I had a couple of those. Very refreshing and a much higher alcohol content than out at Flushing Meadows so a win on both counts.

I relaxed for while, watching some of the tennis on TV before deciding that I better sample something else from the menu. Ordered the beef burger which pretty good. Would have again next time for sure.




Observed a father battling it out on the pool table with his two teenaged sons with the arguments providing some amusement. Eventually they left and at that point it was time for me to do the same. Wandered back out into the terminal and waited to board.

 

[NoName]

SQ25 JFK-FRA
Suite 3A



I had read so much about KF Suites on this forum and elsewhere so I was very excited to finally be hopping aboard. I must have looked quite eager as I was the first on and settled down quickly into 3A. No champagne prior to departure so just had a coke. A very minor negative but really well and truly in the who cares department considering what was going to be on offer shortly.






We took off on time and that was that for this visit to the US of A. It certainly wasn’t the end of the trip though!

I started looking through the inflght menu and wow! This was going to be good. A significant step up from QF!

 

[NoName]

SQ25 JFK-FRA Continued.......

 

[NoName]

SQ25 JFK-FRA Continued.......




Service got under way almost immediately as with a close to 9pm departure and only around 7hrs to FRA, I guess most people are keen for sleep. Started off with a glass (or two) of the Krug. As has been noted SQ now serve the 2004 vintage after previously serving the NV version. A fantastic drop!:



Next up was the caviar service. Another big winner!



For the soup I went with the New England Chowder which was only ok. Not hot enough for my liking but couldn’t really be bothered sending it back.



I had used book the cook for my main and chosen a rack of lamb which was fantastic. Nice and tender with a beautiful jus. Can definitely recommend!



Having also downed several glasses of the Margaux as well as more Krug, I was pretty much done. Decided to skip dessert and get some sleep. Changed in to the PJs while the bed was made up and then hopped in and got comfortable.

Watched some TV for a bit but pretty quickly gave it the flick.



I ended up having a great sleep. I understand many people are not a fan of the SQ bedding but for me it was perfect. I like a nice firm surface and as a result actually had some of the best sleep I have even had on a plane. Woke up just as the breakfast service was beginning. As I had more food coming up on the next leg I gave it a miss and just relaxed as we came into FRA.

 

[Maisy33]

NYC - Day 2 – Broadway! Continued.....




I reached Dyckman St (around 200th) and detoured up into Fort Tryon Park.

View attachment 159577

I walked around up on the hill for a while taking a look around. It’s a lovely park highlighted by The Cloisters which is a museum housing The Met’s collection of medieval art. Wasn’t open at this early hour on a Sunday so couldn’t visit.

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The Cloisters:
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Medieval suits of armor in the park:
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Across the Hudson River:
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I didn’t fancy the idea of having to backtrack all the way to where I left Broadway at Dyckman St so I only explored the northern half of the park. Perhaps I’ll go back for the rest next time. In any event, I made my way back down the hill to where I began and back out onto Broadway.

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Loved The Cloisters and Fort Tyron Park. Can’t believe how much you’ve walked

 

[amaroo]

Thanks! But really I get more out of it than I put in. I’ve said before that I consider my trip reports a repository for travel memories. It’s great to have the narrative composed to go with the photos. Adds to the story when I read back through myself.

That’s the reason I do them.... it’s also been good for the kids as they forget stuff.

 

[amaroo]

SQ25 JFK-FRA Continued.......




Service got under way almost immediately as with a close to 9pm departure and only around 7hrs to FRA, I guess most people are keen for sleep. Started off with a glass (or two) of the Krug. As has been noted SQ now serve the 2004 vintage after previously serving the NV version. A fantastic drop!:

View attachment 160137

Next up was the caviar service. Another big winner!

View attachment 160136

For the soup I went with the New England Chowder which was only ok. Not hot enough for my liking but couldn’t really be bothered sending it back.

View attachment 160138

I had used book the cook for my main and chosen a rack of lamb which was fantastic. Nice and tender with a beautiful jus. Can definitely recommend!

View attachment 160139

Having also downed several glasses of the Margaux as well as more Krug, I was pretty much done. Decided to skip dessert and get some sleep. Changed in to the PJs while the bed was made up and then hopped in and got comfortable.

Watched some TV for a bit but pretty quickly gave it the flick.

View attachment 160140

I ended up having a great sleep. I understand many people are not a fan of the SQ bedding but for me it was perfect. I like a nice firm surface and as a result actually had some of the best sleep I have even had on a plane. Woke up just as the breakfast service was beginning. As I had more food coming up on the next leg I gave it a miss and just relaxed as we came into FRA.

View attachment 160141

Great stuff! Only a couple of weeks before we're ticking this off our list

 

[MathNerd]

SQ Suites are just the best, aren't they?

 

[NoName]

Great stuff! Only a couple of weeks before we're ticking this off our list

You’ll love it! They really are fantastic. No surprise the next trip to the US is being planned for the long way on SQ again!

SQ Suites are just the best, aren't they?

Love them! Very hard to fault any aspect.

FRA-SIN & SIN-SYD (new suites) to come in the review over the next couple of days.

 

[MathNerd]

FRA-SIN & SIN-SYD (new suites) to come in the review over the next couple of days.

Looking forward to the review. Can't wait! I'm planning myself to take the same journey albeit in the opposite direction, MEL-SIN-FRA-JFK in July 2020. Gearing up for it!

 

[NoName]

FRA-SIN

Landed in FRA and was escorted to the LH Senators Lounge. Given the relatively short layover and the continued feast awaiting me on board, I didn’t really do much in the lounge at all. Grabbed a shower and just relaxed on the couch. Didn’t really check out the food options as I wasn’t interested but what I did see looked adequate. Nothing special. The lounge was a decent size with plenty of tables and couches etc around the area. Very clean. It was fine for what I needed it for but I probably wouldn’t rush to spend a huge amount of time here. I’m told SQ Suites passengers also have access to the Air Canada lounge and would probably check that out next time.


SQ25 FRA-SIN
Suite 3A

Milled around the boarding gate before the announcement was given and once again one of the first on board. Back into 3A and with a glass of Krug in hand soon after.

Took the obligatory champagne tasting photo just after takeoff:




FRA-SIN Menu:











Meal service started soon after with a satay appetiser:


Caviar was again fantastic:


Chose the Basmati Rice Cream Soup. Again, the soup was only ok. Luke warm again which was a shame.


Salad was good:

 

[NoName]

SQ25 FRA-SIN Continued.........


For main I had ordered the Lobster Thermidor as I had heard good things about it and it seems to be a book the cook staple. Unfortunately it was pretty average. Lobster was overcooked (read rubbery) with a lack of sauce. Won’t order this again:



The mango passion mouse cake for desert was great. A nice way to finish the meal:


I skipped the cheese as by now I was totally stuffed. Several reds and several more champagnes had me well and truly ready for a lie down so I had the bed made up while I changed. Came back and relaxed for a while watching some movies.





Privacy:


The first of 6 gathered for NoName Jnr:


A few hours later and I was ready for a sleep. Nodded off and again got a fantastic rest. Really love the harder bed on SQ! Woke up a couple of hours out from SIN in time for breakfast.

Started with a plate of fruit which was standard:



I had booked the wanton noodle soup and it wasn’t too bad. The broth could have used a little more flavour but overall it was decent:



Table was cleared, changed back into regular clothes and awaited the decent to SIN. The marathon journey from NYC was over. Well kind of. MrsNoName & NoName Jnr had been in SIN visiting her family for the past week and a half and we had another 2 days before continuing on home.

Cleared immigration in a flash and was soon in a cab to a chalet at Changi Villiage.

 

[docjames]

Loving the TR especially the walk of Broadway and US Open.

Just a data point - the lack of champagne (alcoholic beverages) pre-departure seems to be a US thing and I assume relates to some sort of customs / duty issue (QF similarly complained about ex-LAX).

 

[NoName]

SIN-SYD



The next two days were spent relaxing at the Civil Services Club at Changi Village where MrsNoName’s mother had booked a chalet for us. Between relaxing by the pool, tenpin bowling and making our way back and forth to the Changi Village Hawker Centre it was great to be able to unwind from the trip and work off some of the jetlag.





Late afternoon the next day rolled around and it was time for the three of us to depart for the airport and our flight back to Australia. We packed up, said our goodbyes, hopped in a cab and a few minutes later we were pulling in to the SQ First Class check In. The hotel-like reception here was great. From the “bellboy” picking up your luggage at the curb to the desks where they check you in while you wait on the couches – it was an exceptional service.

Through security and straight to the SKL we went. Managed to find the First Class lounge where I guested in Mrs NoName & NoName Jnr. From here I said goodbye. Left the other two NoNames to fend for themselves while I made a beeline for The Private Room.

I have to say it is a kind of sterile environment. I like the idea of a section only for those actually flying F but feel like they could do more here. Of course this is just my opinion and I know some people love it so YMMV. I was happy to be able to sit down to a meal but other than that there was nothing to entice me. Nevertheless, I grabbed a table and ordered.

Glass of Dom to start:


Western Soup – was sweat potato and/or pumpkin predominantly from memory:


I had heard about the burger with quail egg so had to give it a try. Definitely a winner:


Ice cream for dessert – nothing special but a nice way to finish:


I was done pretty quickly here and took my 3rdglass of Dom and made my way back outside where Mrs Noname had found the PH Rare! Had a couple of mouthfuls and wished I had have requested they pour that with my meal!

Went off for a shower and to get NoName Jnr into his pyjamas before we set off for the gate. Arrived, through the gate security and waded our way through the sea of people waiting for boarding. The call came and we all made our way on.

 

[NoName]

SIN-SYD Continued.......




When I made the booking for myself all the talk was about which route/flight would be the first to get the new suites. The consensus at the time seemed to be SIN-SYD with the most likely flight number being SQ221. That was good enough for me and when my return date became available I snapped up a suites saver adding it to my existing SQ25booking from JFK. A couple of months later I logged in to find the seat map now only had 6 Suites to choose from. Jackpot! I would be riding in the new Suites! In early 2018 when Mrs NoName decided she would visit Singapore at the same time, we lucked in and found 2 J awards on the same flight using Velocity Pts for her and NoName Jnr.


SQ221 SIN-SYD
Suite 3F
(Mrs NoName & NoName Jnr – 12D & 12F)

We made our way down the bridge to the upper deck. I turned left and the other two turned right but given they were in J, there were no sulks as there might have been if they had have been downstairs, simply a “we’ll visit you soon”. The FA escorted me to 2F and then explained that there was a couple in 1F & 3F and asked if I would mind switching so they could be together. I had originally chosen 2F as I reasoned that with 1F being a bassinette suite that it would be the last one allocated and therefore I had the highest chance of snaring a double suite to myself. With the cabin being full this didn’t work out so of course I had no problem changing. “I’m not sure how we got separated with the seat allocation”, the older English gentleman said to me. Well I do mate, I thought to myself. In any event, 3F was perfectly fine and I settled in with a glass of Krug.

Shortly after, Mrs NoName & NoName Jnr made the 5 metre journey up from row 12 to visit. “WHY DID YOU GET A WINDOW SEAT!!??” he almost shouted at me, disappointed that he was stuck in a middle seat with mum. Sorry buddy, they are ALL window seats up here!



Went and took a look at the bathrooms. Wow! They are large! Very well done!






Soon it was time to depart and away we went. The short Singapore stop was over but we will be back again soon. Meal service got underway and of course I went for the caviar again. So good!


We were interrupted by pretty bad turbulence and it took a while to get through the rest of the meal.

Salad:


Soup – cant recall what it was but it was easily the best of the three soups I had on SQ although still not hot enough for my liking.


For main I had used book the cook and ordered the wagyu steak. Very nice.


As it was getting late and I was exhausted at the end of the trip I skipped dessert again and had my bed made up. It was a bit odd lying down at right angles to the side of the plane but once again I was very comfortable and had a great sleep.



Only a continental breakfast served so nothing to write home about and certainly nothing to take photos of. Changed out of the PJs and into some normal clothes before awaiting the descent into Sydney.

So Old Suites vs New Suites?? Hmm tough one. Both fantastic obviously. I like the more modern feel of new suites and they are much more spacious. There were some quirks though like the chair that rattles as it doesn’t quite slot into place. If I was travelling with a companion then not being able to dine right next to each other (as in the centre section of old suites) would be a negative. I’m going to say new suites for the solo traveller and a slight lean towards old suites if travelling with a partner, although only due to the dining situation. YMMV.


Off the plane, through immigration, into a cab and that was that! The (reportable part of) the trip was over! The 2.5 weeks had gone so fast. A sure sign of a good time!

 

[Welsh-Kiwi]

Great TR and photos.

 

[VPS]

Thanks for yet another great TR - I love that you go to places that are a little bit off the beaten track.

 

[NoName]

And so with the report complete we come to the end. Really loved this trip and there are lots of great memories there which will no doubt be relived as I read through the report over and over again. But what were the highlights? Well obviously everything. How about a top 3?

• Hiking – will lump it all in here because the first week in some truly spectacular country was great! Looking forward to going back for more some time. Already talking to BroName about maybe trying the John Muir Trail so hopefully that will be on the agenda, maybe 2021.
• Broadway – I had been so excited to do this and it did not disappoint! If you enjoy walking and want to do something somewhat unusual in NYC then jump on that 1 Train to Marble Hill and walk the entire length of the Manhattan section of Broadway! You won’t regret it!
• SQ Suites – It will be no surprise to many on this forum but this was an exceptional experience from start to finish. A few minor issues but really nothing to put me off. Already keen for a repeat!

Hope people enjoyed the trip report as much as I enjoyed writing it. Till next time……..