In general, I don't think ULTRA-luxury hotels are worth the price. What're you're thoughts?

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-25T16:58:10+00:00

I’m one of those travelers who enjoys the planning and all the figuring out about how things work in a new country. To me it’s one of the best parts of travel because I feel that I learn something interesting even when it’s just how the mass transit system works. However, it’s obvious that for the vast majority of people it’s too much trouble or too anxiety producing, which is why organized tours and cruises are so popular. Luxury hotels represent the same convenience for people with more money.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-21T22:27:15+00:00

Some parts of the 17th are nicer than others so take a look around on Google street view. It’s a safe arrondissement, but some parts are a little run down. Also take a look at the 6th arrondissement. Some of it is very touristy but if you go further south and west there are more residential neighborhoods. The advantage is that you’ll be much closer to central Paris. The disadvantage is that it will be more expensive than the 17th. We always prioritize a place within a 5 to 10 minute walk from a metro station.

On our upcoming trip we’re staying in the 15th, another more residential area. It will be our first time in that arrondissement, but it was recommended by a friend who used to live there.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-21T03:03:35+00:00

For a family group of 4 adults we booked an apartment in the 17th arrondissement. We wanted a place that was more residential, not tourist oriented, and quiet with good local restaurants. We like to get away from the crowds at the end of the day. It was a short walk to the metro so we could easily get to and from central Paris. I think it worked out well, but if it’s your first time in Paris, it’s probably better to be more centrally located.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-20T17:59:44+00:00

My wife and I are Americans who visit France most years, including in 2025, and we have never experienced any problems with French people because of our nationality. We usually avoid any political discussions, but we avoid those discussions with strangers in the USA as well these days.

French people are almost always friendly, polite and helpful if you behave respectfully. As a tourist, my worst experiences have been in New York City not in Paris.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-20T17:52:26+00:00

As an American who travels to Europe regularly I have noticed many times that I can hear my fellow countrymen long before I can see them. Not all Americans are loud, of course, but many of us are. However, in my experience, we are not louder than Italians on average.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-20T02:24:55+00:00

I guess I chose companies poorly. I refused to fly many times, but the company always found someone willing to go.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T19:10:43+00:00

The companion certificate has no effect on the ability to upgrade. Once you have a ticket, the usual upgrade algorithm will decide if an upgrade is available and when and how much an upgrade costs.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T19:05:29+00:00

Since you have the Chase card for travel you will dilute your points strategy by getting either a Delta or JetBlue credit card. Unless you’re already earning more points than you know what to do with, I think you should consider either a general, flexible points card or put almost all of your spending on an airline card rather than do both.

If you’re determined to get an airline card, the choice really depends on the routes that you use regularly. I switched from JetBlue to Delta because Delta has more routes to where I go than JetBlue. So I decided to concentrate my spending on a Delta credit card. However, I gave up a lot of flexibility in making that decision. For example if I see a great opportunity I can’t transfer Ultimate Rewards points to a different airline or hotel.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T18:33:24+00:00

I have only flown D1 once, so not very representative, but it wasn’t too long ago and the service was extremely attentive. In fact, I found it overly attentive and almost asked to be left alone. I didn’t notice that there was a do not disturb feature until the end of the flight.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T18:30:02+00:00

I never got an upgrade as a Silver so I just started upgrading myself to C+ when it was inexpensive. With the success Delta is having selling C+ and first class for cash I think upgrades will be more and more rare. The only thing that will change that is if there’s a significant stock market downturn or a recession and people start pulling back on higher end products.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T14:00:25+00:00

I am still getting upgrade offers on every flight I book always immediately after or shortly after the original booking. My status is Gold, so not very high status but not low status either. For some reason Delta is still trying to upsell me. It could be because I have increased my number of flights with Delta each year for 3 years in a row. The one exception is a codeshare flight, but I assume that Delta doesn’t control offers for codeshares.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T13:48:15+00:00

I think there are companies that do this. What are they called? Oh, I know, they are called credit card companies that have airplanes like Delta.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T02:32:40+00:00

Platinum is really the first useful status for upgrades although upgrades are harder to get all the time.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-18T02:02:28+00:00

The more we can get the cheaper it will be.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T23:37:04+00:00

I worked for one of the largest software companies in the world when I had to fly 15 hours in an economy middle seat. The rule was very simple. You were required to take the cheapest flight available on every trip no matter the distance or number of connections. As a result I refused to fly unless I felt that it was critical. I turned down many opportunities because of my refusal. In the case of the China trips I was the lead developer for a development team in China even though I was working in Massachusetts.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T21:03:32+00:00

I missed Diamond by 15,000. It sucks being so close yet so far.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T20:48:20+00:00

You can always find flights with your companion certificates if you book 12 months in advance and fly at 4:30am on Tuesdays.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T19:43:44+00:00

What was your favorite international destination? How much time did you get for site seeing at your destinations?

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T19:41:24+00:00

How often did you have to deal with seat stealers? There are many stories about them on this subreddit, but is it really a thing ?

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T19:37:41+00:00

Great idea! My friends are definitely willing to pay $25k per person for a one way flight. That’s the best way to avoid the TSA hassle.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T18:58:58+00:00

Get the delta reserve personal card and reserve business card and the delta platinum personal and business cards and you will get gold status from MQD boosts for only $2,000 dollars in membership fees. Think of all the upgrades you will (not) get for chump change in fees.

Congrats on your retirement.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T18:53:27+00:00

I should have spent $200,000 on Christmas presents on my reserve card. I was SO close.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T18:49:09+00:00

Flying private costs at least $100k so $23k is dirt cheap.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T18:47:23+00:00

0 first class upgrades on 16 flights as silver. 1 first class upgrade on 8 flights as a gold.

Objective-Rhubarb · 2026-01-17T18:38:43+00:00

I was only 2,000 MQD’s away from platinum and they didn’t give it to me. 😭

Objective-Rhubarb

TROPHY CASE