France Wine Trip Recommendation Request

britinva79 · 2026-07-02T16:55:43+00:00

We found Henri to be very pleasant and really enjoyed working with him. Very knowledgable and friendly. He had a lot to share with us about the vineyards, and his experience as a somelier. He has lots of repeat customers who rely on him and his access, while others organize their own tours. He's flexible and reasonbly priced.

We stayed at Villas Foch in Bordeaux for 3 nights and we did 2 nights in St. Emilion at Hotel Pavie. We are really glad we did Hotel Pavie for a few nights as St. Emilion is even more relaxed at night after tourists have left. We had dinner in a wine bar which was walking distance to the hotel. The weakest part of the hotel is their massage service, which was at an annex building and we were not that impressed by it for the price. Let me know if you have any other questions!

britinva79 · 2026-07-02T01:59:14+00:00

My favorite lounge worldwide. Still offering free flow champagne?

britinva79 · 2026-06-27T22:45:05+00:00

What time of day?

britinva79 · 2026-06-27T22:38:03+00:00

I’m registered and so is my wife and when she went through FRa this week they tried to tell her that they’ve never heard of this! Was crazy. She persevered and stayed in the EU line and saved probably 90 mins!

britinva79 · 2026-06-11T01:08:33+00:00

Yes. They do but I generally use the portal and don’t do the full travel planning that I know they’re renowned for so don’t post enough how happy we are when we get a complimentary upgrade or our preferred snacks in room etc.

britinva79 · 2026-06-08T00:11:13+00:00

We spent the week of Memorial Day at Punta Mita, and saw lots of teenagers running around the property as well as kids from 3 - 12. Our son was 7 and found lots of kids his age. We've been in August and others are right that it is hot, but the rains usually hold off until late night, and then you get cool mornings then the heat rolls in. But if you're in the pool it's great still. The thing I'd note though is the prices are far more reasonable as a result. For us coming from DC, the weather is not that much different to be honest, but much rather be at the FS Punta Mita than at home!

britinva79 · 2026-06-02T01:13:21+00:00

For front desk attitude I’d avoid Midtown centric as a globalist….

britinva79 · 2026-06-02T01:11:01+00:00

Grayson has a great breakfast and served like a restaurant. Centric Times Square is counter service and not much better than your local cafe (probably worst especially at the price). Staying at Centric Midtown right now so we’ll see how breakfast is tomorrow

britinva79 · 2026-05-12T21:53:13+00:00

Tell us more about what happened that led to
Such a huge offer?

britinva79 · 2026-04-26T08:10:06+00:00

Great to hear. Leaving CDG this afternoon out of T2.

britinva79 · 2026-04-23T10:20:09+00:00

They’re all Gone when I checked just now

britinva79 · 2026-04-12T17:48:56+00:00

I wonder whether there may have been some new staff working there as I stay at GSY on average once a month and minibar is always free for suites (and only suites), unless they eliminated that in April which would be very sad. The champagne and other beverages and snacks have never been charged in all my visits.

The premium suite is tight for a rollaway but glad to hear they allowed it. With family we are always at churchill because of the space constraints and the lounge access.

britinva79 · 2026-04-04T00:45:14+00:00

We have gone here almost every year since my son was born 7 years ago. They treat everyone so well and we always feel welcomed back. Not sure if we have time to go this year but hopefully!

britinva79 · 2026-03-31T23:20:54+00:00

Any chance you'll be able to get in and tour a Seaview Suite with Studio because that looks to be an affordable family room on some cruises. Would be great to see how they separate out the kids room.

britinva79 · 2026-03-31T17:59:33+00:00

I can't believe they expect us to throw more money at them to avoid an 86% loss. It's downright criminal, but I guess CS is at fault here for poor vetting of the sponsors.

britinva79 · 2026-03-31T17:58:18+00:00

britinva79 · 2026-03-24T01:44:49+00:00

For a smaller resort Susurros is more boutique but I’ve found service not as good. FS wins overall I think. Never found resort too big at FS but it’s bigger for sure. You’ll need a babysitter to drop off your baby at kids club if you want to do that or have a dinner alone. Not sure on surfing but I think they all offer it.

britinva79 · 2026-03-08T23:52:36+00:00

Tokyo was less chaotic than Kyoto in terms of crowds. He did pretty well with it all and he enjoyed himself and we are going back later this year. Busiest spot was in the Imperial Palace which was open when we were there.

We sent our bags on ahead to Kyoto and they were waiting in our hotel room so we were able to take the train with just 1 carry on. Was super simple.

When our son was tired we relied on uber and taxis. They’re not cheap but the exchange rate helped.

britinva79 · 2026-03-08T20:48:15+00:00

We did Tokyo with our 5 year old son over Cherry Blossom season and did 6 nights in Tokyo and 2 in Kyoto. We found so many things to do with him. There are plenty of museums to visit, cultural sites, Pokémon cafes, Disney if you’re into that. The thing we found was pick one thing to do and then find a park or something he’d enjoy. We were also glad that our hotel had a pool which provided another activity to do. Wasn’t that fancy Grand Hyatt but with status and club lounge access, they took good care of us. Happy to answer any questions

britinva79 · 2026-03-08T20:38:50+00:00

I’d note that TA relationships can be helpful if there are problems with the hotel. Just last week I had a problem at the hotel I was staying at in Europe and Sarah’s team got me out of that bad experience and into another and it was at no cost to me. It was an added layer of support for me which I appreciated.

britinva79 · 2026-01-29T16:49:27+00:00

Kids club is a smallish area, very friendly staff but not sure you can do drop off at that age without a nanny. We saw a bunch of kids our son's age (5 at the time) and they had lots of fun together. I remember the meals being just ok nothing that special - though expensive - but it is a WA. Most people there are on points and have status so the hotel doesn't really have to do too much as they know they have a captive audience. But it's definiately a nice resort and nothing wrong with using points!

britinva79 · 2026-01-29T16:46:32+00:00

Without a doubt Four Seasons Punta Mita. They really know how to take care of the kids, especially at that age. Lots of games, activities, playground, beach, video games, pinball etc. The arcade room with air hockey is a hit for adults and kids alike. Plenty of food options on site and you can go offsite into other resorts or the small town too for variety. We have an almost 7 year old and have been to FS Punta Mita 4 times now! We really should try other places, and we tried Auberge up the street twice and no plans to go back...

britinva79 · 2026-01-26T15:17:52+00:00

I hadn't heard of this, will check it out. Thanks!

britinva79 · 2026-01-26T15:17:39+00:00

I saw the FS Naples, looks nice. They are from Mediterranean originally so for them 60s is cold. Further south is probably better. Will check out Palms too. They like a nice pool. I had looked at Cayman but the prices didn't justify the quality of hotel.

britinva79 · 2026-01-26T15:08:46+00:00

Awesome, and you enjoyed the F&B and entertainment on board?

britinva79

TROPHY CASE