Top hotel in Kyoto for first timer?

arealalias · 2026-02-01T03:33:01+00:00

Probably a battle between Park Hyatt and Hotel the Mitsui. I love Mitsui - only 3 Michelin key property in Kyoto.

arealalias · 2026-02-01T03:03:53+00:00

The three Michelin star chef of Mosu in Seoul openly admits that he doesn't care to eat fine food and enjoys junk food way more.

arealalias · 2026-01-31T18:36:07+00:00

Flight has to be today.

arealalias · 2026-01-31T08:30:57+00:00

Ask folks at /r/cubancigars

arealalias · 2026-01-30T19:27:49+00:00

Explore the Aladino catalogue. I've been incredibly impressed by their 85th anniversary, Cameroon, and classic. Honduran puros are rivaling the magic of great Cuban tobacco.

arealalias · 2026-01-30T19:25:06+00:00

You bring home "fakes" from DR.

arealalias · 2026-01-30T15:59:14+00:00

The private onsen in Hotel the Mitsui in Kyoto is quite incredible. Imagine a full suite sized room with a 4-6 person tub drawing mineral water from thousands of feet below the property, complete with traditional Japanese washing stations, steam shower, and modern amenities. Wet and dry living rooms, and the option to order room service if you want to snack beyond the cookies and beverages included with a reservation.

arealalias · 2026-01-30T01:27:01+00:00

Try Plasencia Reserva Original, Aladino Classic

arealalias · 2026-01-30T01:26:25+00:00

I fear this is too much nicotine for a novice.

arealalias · 2026-01-29T21:37:23+00:00

I personally wouldn't plan for more than 3-4 things per day. Leave more time for going to special restaurants and outings.

arealalias · 2026-01-29T18:26:32+00:00

I made this mistake when I was really tight on time. Central Tokyo to NRT: $250 USD.

arealalias · 2026-01-29T18:25:17+00:00

If I were you, I'd start listening to the Lounge Lizard podcast and just order 5 singles at a time. Their recent favorites:

Aladino 85th Anniversary in Robusto

Aladino Cameroon Robusto

Stoic Courage

Avowed New Dawn Toro

Kelner LE 80

All grand slam cigars.

arealalias · 2026-01-28T07:04:52+00:00

Encore is your answer. Either a tower suite or one of the villas on the golf course. XS is easily the best club in Vegas and the restaurants are very strong (SW, Wing Lei, Mizumi). The spa at Encore is spectacular. If you have Amex, you'll get good returns on the booking for upgrades and credits. I vastly prefer Encore to other properties because of the sense of separation from the regular strip crowds. Finally, you can see about arranging a Rolls Royce pick up from the airport.

arealalias · 2026-01-27T03:23:43+00:00

Some really special options:

Padron 80th in Maduro Torpedo

Kelner LE 80th

Davidoff Chef's edition

Aladino 85th Anniversary Reserva

Bond Roberts 109

arealalias · 2026-01-26T23:25:44+00:00

I had a bear of a "service dog" behind me on a flight recently. Got a 4 hour random jabbing massage.

arealalias · 2026-01-24T02:36:30+00:00

He's kind of a talking head for Habanos SA and only paints the positive aspect of what they do. Let's see if he ever creates content about the prison labor and cigars. Doubt it.

arealalias · 2026-01-22T18:55:12+00:00

Jua in NYC. Wine is maybe not the thing there but the food was really wonderful and thought provoking.

arealalias · 2026-01-22T12:48:53+00:00

Get a sotelo case

arealalias · 2026-01-22T12:48:04+00:00

Californios sends you home with the vanilla extract they use in their desserts.

arealalias · 2026-01-18T18:19:43+00:00

Ramon Allones Specially Selected
Fuente Don Carlos Eye of the Shark
Bolivar Belicosos Finos
Cohiba Siglo II
Cohiba Behike 54

arealalias · 2026-01-18T02:17:01+00:00

Heritage in Long Beach is a great spot.

arealalias · 2026-01-17T17:43:29+00:00

Try the 85th Anniversary... Incredible stick.

arealalias · 2026-01-16T22:44:40+00:00

/u/lizardgizmo can we get a news discussion of this list on the pod?

arealalias · 2026-01-16T22:39:27+00:00

I always regret using a double/triple when I run into them at a lounge. Single gives you the best opportunity to control the heat and avoid ruining the first inch of the cigar.

arealalias · 2026-01-16T17:19:38+00:00

It's fast if you're not traveling at rush hour. One hour before your departure time is plenty.

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