April 6, 2016: SF’s iconic St Francis Hotel — with their newer tower building in the background. The hotel, now run by soon to be merged Starwood, has been around for over 200 years — sad to report the restaurant-observation lounge atop the tower, access by outside glass elevator, is closed. Also sadder to report the popular streets around Union Square over populated in the early am with overnight homeless — shameful the city and merchants can’t figure out how to help — especially with all the city add on fees with most retail and food charges!!
April 5, 2016: The opening of Las Vegas’s new T-Mobile Arena is causing a stir among Vegas tourists. MGM’s new arena, rumored to be the home of the NHL’s next expansion team, will be a premier location for regular sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale shows. The projected increase in visitors has pushed the MGM Grand, and surrounding resorts, Aria, Monte Carlo and New York-New York, to start charging event-night parking fees, and even higher valet fees.
April 4, 2016: It appears Richard Branson’s group has found a US partner for a full take over. Today, Alaska Air Groups announced their plans to acquire Virgin America. Too bad — SFO based Virgin has distinguished itself recently with outstanding traveler recognition — Best Airline in North America, Best Airline Staff and Best Low Cost Airline — can’t name one US carrier with that even comes close! The TC’s take: Alaska is known as ons of the best managed airlines, from on time performance to traveler innovations. Alaska definitely didn’t need the acquisition, but you can now expect them to grow into a national juggernaut looking to set the bar for customer satisfaction.
April 2, 2016: In an unusual “non revenue” producing move, Disneyland Resort has added seat cushions on it’s popular Matterhorn Mountain Bobsled ride. The Matterhorn Bobsleds opened in 1959 and was the first tubular steel track roller coaster in the world. Today, it’s still one of the Park’s most popular attractions. Although Disney says it will make the ride less rough, some early riders disagree and say the ride experience is actually rougher. By the way, Disneyland employees have named the snowman the ride passes inside the mountain “Harold” — and he’s been upgraded to be more animated.
March 31, 2016: Always a popular travel destination, San Francisco ranks at the top for year round fun and unusual atmosphere. Historic Union Square, in the midst of a huge under ground area construction cluster, always worth a visit. Sidewalks are packed with locals and visitors — many obnoxious and pushy expecting you to be aware that they are in a hurry and command right of way! Enjoy it for a time, and then hope a Bay cruise or ferry up to Tiberon to enjoy the city from a peaceful distance. http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ferry/tiburon/
March 30, 2016: It’s an annual event — spring break — schools close and send students off with their friends (if old enough) or holiday fun-seeking parents to invade beaches, theme parks, and any other place with open space, easy access to booze and a police force that kind of looks the other way. This years spring break runs from early March until mid April, with most travelers landing at US domestic locations. The number one gathering state is Florida with California close behind. The TC recently did his spring break in Galveston, Texas. This somewhat weathered resort location (that includes a well used cruise ship port), features miles of open beaches (this year full of pesky jelly fish) and hundreds of motel/hotel rooms that will pack families or groups of 4-8 in very tight quarters. Overweight heavily tattooed adults, booze in hand, populate most hotel pools. For the more adventurous, old town Galveston is worth the visit with numerous places to dine, snack or drink — and all the shops you’d expect close to a major cruise ship port — including a Witchery, where wanna be or professional witches can browse for merchandise needed to support their calling. The best part of spring break in any location is when it’s over and the locals can add up the revenue, repair the damage and take their own break!
March 29, 2016: Though “Favorite Airline” is an oxymoron, there are certainly some airlines that are less awful than others, especially when it comes to international, non-us companies that put an extra level of luxury on flights than the standard airbus US carriers have to offer. Which world airlines rank among the best though? Find out here.
March 28, 2016: Small space Microhotels, with room sizes ranging from 50 to 100 square feet, are opening in major markets around the US. New York currently has several lodging groups, from independent operators to more well known chains like Hilton (Tru Hotels), opening these samll space rooms for business travelers who just want an easy and efficient place to stay over night — without shelling out hundreds of dollars for ammenities not used or needed. Typical hotel rooms are 300 to 500 square feet in size. Micro hotels reduce staff sizes — including automated check in and other front desk needs — and the availability of more common area spaces for work and social activities. Watch out when you book — some rooms might include a shared bathroom!
March 26, 2016: Europe’s budget airline carriers move thousands of travelers every day — fares are low but just about everything else — excluding use of a seat belt — requires an extra fee. Customer service is fairly non existent — and by the looks of this clip so is airline maintenance responsibility?
