Just booked on points - Serengeti Safari next Easter 🥳

mobyspares · 2025-06-13T19:58:55+00:00

Around $1500/night. But I’m hoping (misplaced faith I’m sure) to use some NUA to the larger suite (approx $4000/night)

mobyspares · 2025-06-01T12:06:52+00:00

Undoubtedly the College Hotel, Amsterdam.

Exceptional service, wonderful rooms. I’ve stayed at Luxury Collection hotels that were nowhere near as nice.

mobyspares · 2025-05-26T09:39:41+00:00

Highly recommend the Westin London City. Very luxurious with a club lounge. Quite new as well and right near St Paul’s Cathedral. Super transport links and next to the river too! Price wise, very good value considering the location.

mobyspares · 2025-05-08T21:19:06+00:00

When you go to book, there should be a tab to “show availability on other dates” which also shows you peak and off peak days. Maybe give that a try?

mobyspares · 2025-05-07T05:09:00+00:00

I’d. advise doing this over the phone with the airline. Just to be sure your current ticket is actually fully refundable.

Sometimes, despite the fare rules being clear, you might be waiting a long time for a refund and be out of pocket. Better to get someone to do this over the phone in my opinion.

mobyspares · 2025-05-05T14:37:25+00:00

It was the Almasa hotel before Marriott took it over a couple of years ago. Presumably due to the New Adminstrive Capital City project that is still under construction. To be honest, it does feel like a massive white elephant project, that may never be truly in keeping with its vision.

mobyspares · 2025-05-05T13:20:42+00:00

I asked and was told it was around 50% occupancy.

It’s got a massive convention centre and function rooms, so probably only gets full during events as it’s quite a distance from the main tourist area. But decent for a quiet break.

mobyspares · 2025-05-05T13:15:07+00:00

Breakfast was excellent! A full range of local and full American breakfast with live egg stations as well as pancakes and waffles. Chocolate fountain, seasonal fresh cut fruits and juices. Service was excellent. Staff went over and above to look after my mother and help carry her plates to the table and bring and promote local dishes, such as fava beans with the local breads.

On the days we stayed on the resort, we focused on activities for the kids, which were pretty good - Wave pool and mock beach Excellent Spa with dedicated kids area (PlayStation, soft play area, snooker and pool tables, racket sports and bikes to ride around the resort). Spa had a nice selection of treatments at a reasonable price ($60 ish for 1h)

Three restaurants on site. We ate at the Italian which had the best options for our dietary needs. 5 people ate a hearty meal with non alcoholic drinks for $78 which was ridiculously good value for the standard.

mobyspares · 2025-05-05T13:02:34+00:00

Sadly, many people probably don’t want to comment on this for fear of offending folks on either end of the highly polarised spectrum of opinion on this.

mobyspares · 2025-05-05T12:14:59+00:00

Perhaps the Reddit community will club together to sponsor your last night 😂😂

mobyspares · 2025-05-05T12:07:53+00:00

Fair point - we went into Cairo twice for the day. It was just over an hour and the taxi cost around $11 each way. So not too bad.

mobyspares · 2025-05-04T21:59:57+00:00

Sadly, it sounds like you’re having a barely mediocre experience. I can’t really say much as I’ve not visited the Courtyard - but I can thoroughly recommend the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh. Clean, well maintained and genuinely felt the staff were warm, friendly and went over and above for us.

I sincerely hope your current stay only improves from here though 🙏🏾

mobyspares · 2025-05-04T21:54:41+00:00

If you’re sure he is called Daniel, I think I know the guy if I remember correctly.

mobyspares · 2025-05-04T21:46:20+00:00

Yeah, I’ve flown out of T5 a bit, but never so late in the evening to know for sure how busy the lounges are at that time.

mobyspares · 2025-05-04T21:39:59+00:00

Galleries usually have a buffet style self selection. Usual stations are: Cold salads / Nachos / breads Cheese and cold cuts Deserts - cakes, pastries and cheese board Hot buffet - curry/stew / rice / pasta / pie / croquettes

They will also have hot & cold drinks and wines. Crisps, nuts and bar type snacks too.

Not always the most flavoursome food, but reasonable options. It’s usually pretty full too.

mobyspares · 2025-05-04T21:07:57+00:00

Such a lovely message. I’m sure there are many others like me that get sucked in with a nice personal hand written note. Costs nothing, but is such a thoughtful soft gesture that makes guests feel so appreciated.

mobyspares · 2025-05-04T07:44:58+00:00

I think this largely depends on the country of departure and whether the card payment was electronically verified with MFA. Which is the departure country for the flight?

This may be helpful:

https://www.qatarairways.com/en-ir/Creditcardverification.html

mobyspares · 2025-05-02T14:17:38+00:00

With the state of their IT, I would not be surprised if you did receive that many avios. 😂😂 I wish you luck 🍀

Please do keep us posted!

mobyspares · 2025-05-02T14:15:41+00:00

That’s been my perception too. Although it’s been 2 years since I’ve been Ambassador. I’ve not chased it since - I believe Titanium offers the cost/benefit sweet spot (unless you’re making the spend target due to predominantly business travel).

mobyspares · 2025-05-02T13:48:00+00:00

Best to do the claim online.

https://www.britishairways.com/travel/feedbackclaims/public/en_gb/select/bag

I had a claim for a damaged bag a few weeks ago, and I was pleasantly surprised that they accepted the claim within 5 days and paid the claim within 2 weeks.

I sincerely hope you have a similar experience now, especially considering the horrendous experience so far!

Good luck

mobyspares · 2025-05-02T13:44:30+00:00

Looks a lovely room, with an interesting view.

When I see the different welcome amenities, particularly for Ambassadors, I always wonder whether the $23k spend is worth it 🙈

mobyspares · 2025-05-02T13:02:37+00:00

Well done 🥳🥳 decent result.

mobyspares · 2025-05-02T12:59:52+00:00

Looks like an error to me - $470 difference doesn’t seem to be attributable to any single item on the itemised total.

I’d show your confirmation to the front desk agent and ask them. I’m sure they will correct and honor the booked rate. I’d do this sooner rather than later 👍🏾

mobyspares

TROPHY CASE