Author: Shane

LeClub AccorHotels is now ALL – Accor Live Limitless

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Accor has rebranded – once again – its loyalty programme as ALL, which stands for Accor Live Limitless. Earlier this year, Accor has said that it will be launching ALL only in 2020, but it seems like that has been brought forward. The key features of the new loyalty programme is supposed to include: Introducing new premium status to reward our most loyal members Enriched benefits according to our augmented hospitality strategy A worldwide connected experience to earn and burn points across the broadest range of brands in the industry, and a New digital app delivering value across work, live & play. So what’s really new? To be really honest… I’m not sure. I’ve played around with the new website. Apart from the usual booking capabilities for hotels and dining reservations, one other significant addition is probably the ability to purchase or book experiences and tours. Limitless Experiences is essentially a redemption machine, allowing you to burn Accor points for merchandise, stays or experiences. As for tours and activities, Accor has partnered GetYourGuide.com, a tour booking engine. When …

REVIEW: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bangkok Ploenchit, King Guest Room

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Having to clock a few more stays this year to qualify for Hilton Honors Diamond Elite, I did what I always resisted doing: mattress runs. After staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit the previous night, I leisurely made my way to DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit, which was about 15 minutes away by car.  In this post: • Introduction • The hotel • Checking in • The room • The facilities • Dining & happy hour • Final thoughts The hotel A little bit more about the hotel first: if you haven’t seen the property on Hilton’s list in Bangkok over the past couple of years, you are not mistaken. DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit only opened earlier this year in September 2019. Before you get too excited, the property is not a brand new one. The hotel was previously Majestic Grande Hotel, and the deal for Hilton to manage the hotel under the DoubleTree brand was announced back in 2018. The hotel remains owned by Majestic Grande, who also runs other properties in …

LOUNGE REVIEW: Qantas Singapore First Lounge, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

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Qantas has spared no effort in publicising its plans to open a new first class lounge in Singapore since last year, and finally, it’s here. Since last week, Qantas has quietly opened the first class lounge before the official opening gala slated to happen next week. I was travelling out and was fortunate enough to be guested into the lounge. I have tried Qantas’ first class last year when it resumed the A380 service to Singapore, and was looking forward to see what the lounge here in Singapore will offer. Location of the Qantas Singapore First Lounge The brand new lounge is located at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, where Qantas and Jetstar operates. For those who are familiar with the existing Qantas Singapore Lounge (which have since been rebranded as the Qantas Singapore Business Lounge), the Qantas Singapore First Lounge is located on the opposite end of the terminal, closer to the D gates. While the terminal is not huge, it will still take about a 7 to 10-minute hike to traverse between both …

50% off Hilton rooms in Japan, Korea and Guam: 4 days only!

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Hilton is running a flash winter sale for the rooms in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Guam for four days only, from 26 November 2019, 1pm (Singapore time) to 29 November 2019, 1pm (Singapore time). While the marketing spiel reads 50% off, bear in mind that this discount is off the flexible rates and not the sale rates. Also, non Hilton Honors members will only enjoy 40% off. On top of that, you will be slapped with other terms, such as non-refundable terms. While the sale period is tight, you have some flexibility in your travel dates. You can stay between 26 November 2019 and 30 June 2020, giving you quite a fair bit of dates to play with if you haven’t lined up any plans for the first half of next year. Obviously black-out dates do apply, and I will expect that the sakura season will be excluded given the traditional high footfall. What’s good? Tokyo traditionally has one of the most expensive hotel rates in Asia, so this is a good time to …

Cathay Pacific partners Bamford in enhancements to premium cabins

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New collaboration the UK brand will see new amenity kits and bedding in first class and business class Cathay Pacific has refreshed its service offering in its first and business class cabins with a series of enhancements. In its PR, the airline promises the changes are geared towards “indulging passengers with an elevated premium travel experience”. Expectedly, the enhancements ride on the current wave of health and wellness focus by airlines, ranging from providing in-seat exercise videos to healthier options for in-flight menus. First class enhancements In first class, passengers will be treated with a personalised welcome note along with a hot towel and a glass of refreshing sparkling jasmine silver needle tea from their current tea partner, JING. I’m personally not a big fan of JING teas, but I’ll be curious to see how this sparkling tea will be like. In the food department, Cathay Pacific cater a range of lighter (which are supposedly healthier) options for the main and breakfast meals as well as healthy alternatives such as superfood bowls and lighter protein …