Elite Experience: Traveling with points gives you access to places you don't belong
when Beverly Hills 90210 When I debuted as a sophomore in high school in 1990, it was a “fish out of water” kind of story, focusing on a family from Minnesota as outsiders and looking at the privilege of those around them. . That element of this show quickly disappeared, becoming more or less a standard teen drama.
A recent online discussion got me thinking about how Miles and Points can have the same effect as the 9-0 showrunners.
I don't think I've ever felt out of place on a luxury airline flight.But they soon Of course Don't think too much. Twenty-six years ago, the first time I was upgraded to business class on a cross-country flight on a United Airlines Boeing 777, I didn't want to get off. It was a Sunday afternoon, they brought me a course meal and drinks, and I ate mine. new york times. It was sublime and I didn't want the flight to end.
- I have used the A380 suite in Singapore, ANA first class, Thailand first class, and Korean first class cabins myself and others. Experienced Etihad Residences. That's a bit of a luxury!
- The only awkward moment I've ever had was many years ago when my wife and I flew first class on Lufthansa, rode on the upper deck of a 747, had the cabin to ourselves, and took a few minutes to pack our bags upon arrival. It's time. We didn't realize until we came down the stairs to deplane that they still held the entire business class cabin until we got off.
Singapore A380 Suites
Etihad A380 Residence
However, hotels are another matter. Historically, the most exclusive and expensive properties weren't the ones you could access with points. They could not be accessed by status. Travel a lot for work as a middle manager and explore the world.
This has given rise to many stories of hotel guests seeing things that are far removed from their life experiences, sometimes making them uncomfortable, or making guests feel like their own appearance or demeanor makes them stand out. It's something.
I recently stayed at Park Hyatt Kyoto for 2 nights using points. I don't go to hotels that cost 2,000 a night very often.
We walked up to the entrance to drop off all our civilian sports equipment travel bags, but were quickly stopped by a staff member before we even got to the door. They asked if we were lost. Once we confirmed the reservation, they started acting appropriately (lol). Next to us, a real Rolls Royce was loading and unloading families from the bus.
I met a man at a public bath. If you talk to him, he runs several companies. I kept complaining about how small the bath was and how the multiple baths in the Miami mansion were much bigger and hotter.
And just watching the rich and upper class people move around. They live themselves differently.It's amazing to look at
Take this to another level. This story is about the Park Hyatt, and over time I was able to redeem points to the Park Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria, and St. Regis, but never to the Hôtel de Crillon or the Four Seasons George V. Paris; Chedi Andermatt or Badrut Palace in St. Moritz; Cheval Blanc Saint Barth. Or maybe Amanyara in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
There are several Marriotts that fall into this category, including Cala di Volpe in Sardinia. But only recently have unique, exclusive, independent and small chain true luxury hotels opened for points travelers.
Hyatt – SLH Hotels has been a bit of a turning point in this regard. SLH is moving towards Hilton with Hyatt's acquisition of the Smiths, creating more consolidation and hotel opportunities than when the luxury booking platform partnered with IHG (a fish out of water in itself!) It should be. Will I have redeemable access to Amankora, Amanwella, Amantaka, Amanzo and Amandari?
Some of the things I learned along the way are:
- People don't see you as much as you think they do
- Even if you do, you'll be traveling and probably never see them again.
- You belong there just like they do.
- If you believe you belong and act like you belong, you won't look out of place – you will look out of place because people are acting uncomfortable.
In other words, anxiety is usually in our own heads. And guess what? Even the rich have worries! When I see something flashy, display As opposed to just living your life without caring about others, it's usually a game of insecurity and status, and a game of imitation that only matters to others who are playing the same game. I'm acting.
By the way, you may be surprised, but It's not a thing Park Hyatt Vendôme is Paris.
What I think about the best services and experiences is that they are out there to make you comfortable. Here's what sticks in my mind: The first time we dined at Tetsuya's in Sydney, he asked me and his wife if we could take a look at the kitchen (it looked very impressive at the time). Our server's answer is that it is located in a city not known for its service. – “Of course, today is your night.'' We were shown the test kitchen, and as we were leaving, Tetsuya Wakuda came to say hello.
I never once felt uncomfortable dining at El Bulli, the most difficult restaurant in the world to book. They made us a reservation! And we were welcomed. you are a guest Therefore, you belong. You don't have to conform to other people's expectations. Stop worrying so much about what other people think of you and sit with your own experience. It turns out that miles and points are actually great social equalizers.
