Merry Christmas

La Cima Club & ClubCorp

Thanks to some company perks, and the Mrs' hard work, we are members of ClubCorp, our home club being La Cima.  I had been a member myself a couple of years ago, but never ended up taking advantage of it.  Times have changed and we are now very happy to be members of La Cima.

Let's be real, the club is spitting distance to our home.  It is on the 26th floor of The Towers at William Square.  With very few buildings around, the view is stunning.

The club wraps almost all the way around the floor, so the view is panoramic to say the least.

Lately, the Mrs and I have gone to some of the events held at the club (Taste of La Cima, Holiday Party) and have thoroughly enjoyed the evenings there.  The food is amazing and the service is beyond great.  I CAN NOT say enough about the staff at La Cima.  It really is CLASS service. I really enjoy my time up at La Cima.

We've also been going there for dinner now and then.  Our membership, the ONE membership, gives us 50% off a la carte dining.  That is an amazing discount.  The food by the new chef is outstanding.  I have really enjoyed everything I've eaten there to date (the Lobster Corn Chowder is A-MAZE-ING).

The perks extend beyond La Cima.  We have the ability to play free golf at private clubs all over the country (most time just paying the cart fee).  The benefits are limitless and as I use them, I will talk more about them.  Right now the Mrs and I have just enjoyed dinners and a couple of special events.

Stay tuned for more blogs about the amazing La Cima Club.

Bad Instagram....Bad!

Today I'm stepping back up on my soapbox!

Instagram, an app that I have enjoyed for a while now on my iPhone, is doing something I consider very very bad; they are letting us know that any picture we take through our Instagram account can be sold by the company for money and promotional purposes.  Are you kidding me?  This is telling me that any photo that not only I take, but people take OF me, now becomes a stock photo that any company that Facebook (owners of Instagram) sells them too can use.  Oh hell no!  See ya Instagram.  You are officially now InstaCRAP!

Now, I like to dabble in Facebook, Twitter and other social media.  However, I would like to think that I take the necessary steps to ensure some level of privacy (limited to my friends).  These new terms from InstaCrap opens the floodgates.  I certainly hope this is a short lived plan and a retraction comes soon.

End rant!

Loews Atlanta

Last week I had my final work trip of the year, to Atlanta.  Unlike most business trips (which are 4 nights), this was just a one-nighter.  My company has favorable room rates at a couple of hotels in Midtown (near out office), most notably the Four Season, which I've stayed at several times now.  While I'm usually very much against staying at non-loyalty-points-accumulating hotels, I generally make an exception when going to Atlanta to treat myself to the luxury that is Four Seasons.  In addition, my preferred hotel brands (near work) are all more expensive than the Four Seasons preferred rate; so I can't justify the change unless I lodge further away.  So I make the exception in Atlanta.  

I have grown tired of the Four Seasons and was curious if another option was more enjoyable, the Loews Atlanta Hotel.  I'm not familiar with Loews at all, but noticed a rate slightly lower than the Four Seasons and decided that this was a good time to take the Loews for a test run.  The stay was for only one night (so not many points were going to be had if I chose one of my preferred branded hotel), the rate was slightly lower than the Four Seasons, and I was curious.   So I booked.  

Loews does have a loyalty program, which they call YouFirst.  As you can see from the benefits page, it is not a points accumulating program.  It is only for Elite Status to enjoy extra benefits.  What I don't like about it is that status is "stay" based only.  I tend to acquire Elite Status at hotels based on "Nights".  From my research on Loews, the brand does appear to treat their Elites very well.  I did join the program for the outside chance that I end up at their hotels during my travel(s).  Just given their number of hotels they have, a stay at a Loews will probably not be frequent.

Now on to the hotel itself.  Right of the bat, I can say, I thoroughly ENJOYED this hotel.  I found it to be very Hyatt-esque.  The hotel was modern and the service was exceptional.  The check-in was easy and I was asked if I preferred a high or low floor.  I asked for highest possible and was given a room on the 25th of 26 floors.  Good start.  

I only take pictures of the room (for the most part) since that is where I spend the bulk of my time when on business.  This room was wonderful (for a regular king room).  The bed was comfortable, the bathroom spacious (with TV), I loved the floor to ceiling windows, there was adequate desk space (where you can pick which side to work on so you are not forced to look at a wall), I loved the built in-wall safe, and there were nice robes.   Even if I had stayed there my regular 4 nights, I would have been comfortable.  Bravo Loews!

I found the valet parking and bell desk personnel very friendly and accommodating; even at one point ready to assist in me in backing up when the driveway was crowded (I declined since I was still waiting on a co-worker to arrive).

All in all, the Loews Atlanta Hotel is VERY NICE.  I could see myself staying there more often when in the area (it is only a block from my local office).  But will I?  I noticed that a Hyatt was in the works in Midtown.  Not only is Hyatt one of my preferred loyalty brands, it is NEXT DOOR to my office.  So providing the new Hyatt is competitive in terms of price, I will be staying there.  If they aren't competitive, I will probably stay at one of my other brands a little further away.  Loews will be the option if it is the best rate only (my company does force us to stay at best rates).  I would stay at the Loews over the Four Season in Atlanta's Midtown (rates being equal).  I just prefer more modern hotels (but I did miss the overnight shoe polishing the Four Seasons has).

Very Comfortable Bed

Keurig in room, NICE!

Built in safe and robes!

At 6'5", shower was spacious and tall

Pick your side! 

Don't miss a minute of TV (in bathroom)

Separate bathtub

Amenities IN SHOWER already!

Ample bathroom goodies!

Thoughts and Prayers

No travel or points blogging today, please join in sending out our deepest sympathies and prayers to all those effected by the tragedy that occurred this morning in Connecticut.

Google Maps... back on iPhone

It's no secret that Google and Apple are at odds (Android vs iOS).  You can look all over the web and see stats pointing in either direction of the domination spectrum.  Who knows what's real (well, I do, but I'll have my critics if I go anywhere with it)?

Today, Google Maps (re)launched on iPhone.  In prior versions of iOS (before the recent move to iOS 6) Google Maps was a mainstay on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad).  But I guess the war got too ugly and Apple decided to dump the standard Google Maps that came with every iOS device and create their own Maps app.  Yeah, that didn't go so good.  It was obviously a "fail" given the standards we Apple consumers expect from our beloved company.  While I didn't have a horrible experience, their Maps app definitely showed its youth and needs a lot more work.  The stories you would read on the Internet about the frustrations with Apple Maps were numerous.  The question always was "is Google going to release, and Apple approve, an updated Google Maps app?"  Well, that question has been answered with today's release.  I have no idea if Apple will work on improving their Maps app, or what, but I have downloaded the tried and true Google Maps already and have placed it on my iPhone where the Apple Maps used to be (Apple maps has been moved to Page 2 in a folder).

Evidently, this new Google Maps app come with turn-by-turn navigation..... Nice!

SPG: 18,000 Bonus Starpoints in 2013

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) has announced a nice promotion beginning in early 2013.  They are calling it SPG Power Up.  Registration starts in early January (you can even send a text now to get a reminder when the registration opens).  When registered, you will get 2,000 Starpoints for every 4 eligible nights at a Starwood property up to a max of 8,000 points.  Then, a kicker of 10,000 is granted if you stay a total of 20 nights.  Great opportunity to get a fast start to Starpoints in 2013.

With SPG being my primary focus in 2013, I like this bonus.

Here are the T&C's as stated from the promotion:

Text Message Reminders: SPG® members who reside in the U.S. or U.K. can opt to receive a text message reminder to register for the promotion when the registration window opens. Submit keyword "PWRUP" to 44264 in the U.S. to opt in. Submit keyword "PWRUP" to 447950080934 in the U.K. to opt in. Opted-in members will receive three text messages from Starwood for this campaign. One message will be sent right after opting in, asking you to respond with keyword "YES" to verify that you would like to receive the reminder text. Once you do so, you will also get a text confirming that you have been opted in. Then, when the promotion is live, you will get the reminder text with registration information. Message and data rates apply. Supported carriers in the U.S. are AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, Nextel, Boost, U.S. Cellular and Alltel. Supported carriers in the U.K. are Three, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin and Vodafone. If your mobile operator is not participating, you may not receive a reply to your message. To receive help information, text "PWRUP HELP" to short code 44264 in the U.S. or text "PWRUP HELP" to 447950080934 if located in the U.K. You may also opt out at any time by sending "PWRUP STOP" to 44264 in the U.S. or by sending "PWRUP STOP" to 447950080934 if located in the U.K. We will not share or use your mobile number for any other purpose. We will only use information you provide to transmit your text message.

Earning: Once registration opens, SPG members will have until February 28, 2013, midnight ET to register at spg.com/powerup. Members can earn 2,000 bonus Starpoints® after every four eligible nights, up to a maximum of 8,000 bonus Starpoints after 16 eligible nights. Members can earn an additional 10,000 bonus Starpoints once they have stayed 20 eligible nights. Members may earn a maximum of 18,000 total bonus Starpoints for eligible nights from January 15, 2013, through April 15, 2013 (the "promotion period").

Bonusing: Bonus Starpoints will post to the registered member's account within 2–4 weeks after the qualifying stay posts that includes the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th eligible night. Bonus Starpoints will be awarded after the complete stay posts, regardless of when the qualifying nights within a given stay occur.
Eligible Nights: An eligible night is a night at any of the over 1,100 SPG-participating hotels and resorts paying an eligible rate during the promotion period. Nights do not have to be consecutive and can be accumulated across multiple stays. An eligible rate is any rate that is eligible to earn Starpoints in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program. SPG-participating hotels and resorts and a description of eligible stays and eligible rates can be found at spg.com under program terms and conditions. See Section 1.4 for the complete definition of eligible rates, but note that certain prepaid rooms where the booking is made through a third party (including but not limited to travelocity.com, expedia.com and orbitz.com) are not eligible rates and do not earn Starpoints or qualify toward promotional earnings.

Qualifications and Starwood Terms: All promotions are subject to the Starwood Preferred Guest program terms and conditions, which are subject to change without notice and can be found at spg.com. Offer is applicable to individual members only and not to groups. Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time. To update your communication preferences or learn about our privacy practices, view our Privacy Statement on spg.com/privacy, or access our privacy information line by calling 1-877-782-0071 in the U.S. and Canada or +353-21-4930474 in all other countries. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, Sheraton, Four Points, W, Aloft, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Element, Westin, St. Regis and their respective logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. Void where prohibited by law. ©2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.

American Airlines first Boeing 777-300ER

American Airlines, today, took possession of its first 777-300ER.  As I type this, the plane has just landed at DFW and probably being readied for normal service.  

I'm looking forward to my annual trip to England in March 2013 since a new plane like this one will be in operation for the DFW-LHR (London Heathrow) route.  I've been critical of AA's business class seats as compared to many other airlines, but I feel AA may redeem themselves with this new baby.  Best of luck AA, and I can't wait to be checking these new digs out.

AMAZING Hilton Sale (50%) for the Holidays

Thanks to View from the Wing for this one!

Hilton has a GREAT sale going on right now with their Exclusive Friends & Family Sale.  The offer is 50% off at "participating" Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Hilton Grand Vacation hotels.  There also exists 30% at Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suite and Home2 Suites.  Amazing!

If you already have a "refundable" reservation, go back and check if your hotel is now running the offer.  You HAVE to go through the link otherwise the regular rates will show up.  I tested this offer by checking the Hilton properties in Savannah, GA (since I am going for a couple of nights in December).  Sure enough, all hotel room rates were down.  I opted for the Hilton Savannah DeSoto for, get this, $54 per night.  That price should be illegal for a full Hilton hotel.  I was previously reserved at the Hampton Inn for $120 per night.

This is why I am a HUGE fan of never "advance paying" for a room (where they charge the room up front and you are locked in).  Advance paying may get you a better rate, but changes in plans, and sometimes rate changes (like this deal), could cost you.  If I had advance paid my prior reservations (all to save $20 a night), I would have paid way more, and at a lesser hotel, than what I now have at the Hilton.

The offer is good for stays between 12/14/2012 and 1/7/2013.

If you have an existing reservation at a Hilton property, go see if you can get a better rate!  If you have made reservations at a different brand hotel, check Hilton properties in the area for a lower rate!  If you need a small amount of stays to make the next Elite level at Hilton, you may want to consider a mattress run with these rates!  This is nothing short of AWESOME from Hilton!

Xmas Shopping..... through Portals

Today was Xmas shopping day for the Mrs and I.  We accomplished most of this using shopping portals.  I had always intended to buy most of my gifts online; I can't stand all the crowds at the mall(s).  So we sat down this morning, made the gift list, and then hunted where to buy the gifts online.  Once I had located the best online price for what I was getting, I checked to see which portal was best to go through using evreward.com (read: which would give me the most points).  I just clicked the link on  the evreward website and was right back to the original store site buying the gift.  I received, sometimes, as much as 9 points/miles per dollar spent.  Tack that bonus on top of buying on miles/points-getting credit cards and I should see a lot of points added to my loyalty programs in the next couple of weeks (depending how long it takes to post).  It was so easy and barely any extra work.  I can't emphasize any more that if you are already shopping online, going through a portal on evreward.com, is just a couple of clicks more for easy miles/points.

Mission accomplished for the Mrs and I.  We did head out to a couple of stores where there was no bonus and we needed to see the item or were close to the store while running errands.

Happy Holidays from Balfour Beatty Construction Services US

Quick and easy 1000 MileagePlus

Similar to the recent 500 miles on AA, here's a quick 1000 for Untied Mileage Plus for doing barely anything.  Kind of works for my purposes since my MP account is dormant with some expiring miles coming up.  With the addition of the Chase Sapphire Preferred recently, United is a transfer partner so I want to keep as many miles as I can.  

Bckstgr.com has partnered with United for some free points.  You get 400 points for just signing up.  Then 200 points per social networking site you link to (Facebook, Twitter, and foursquare).  I changed my MileagePlus password before I signed up since it asked for it on bckstgr.com; then changed it back after I did all my thing.

As of this writing, bkstgr.com shows that they gave me 1000 total points, but I have not seen them hit my MileagePlus accounts.  Reports out in the points blogosphere are that they post quick.  We shall see.

12/7/12 Update: The 1000 points have posted to my MileagePlus account (and extended my miles expiration date for an additional 18 months).  Mission accomplished!

Chilhuly Nights at Dallas Arboretum

Chilhuly Nights is a special evening exhibition by Artist Dale Chilhuly.  It takes place at the Dallas Arboretum on selected evening and requires paid admission ($12 for members of the Arboretum and $20 for non-members).  It only happens on selected evenings and will only go on until 12/31/12.  After that it may show up in your city.

Dale Chilhuly's art is large free-standing sculptures made of glass.  Chilhuly sculptures can be seen all day if you visit the Arboretum, but the special Chilhuly Nights are where the glass sculptures really shine.  They are majestic when beautifully lit to be singled out in the evening darkness.  The sculptures are scattered around the gardens and it is a nice walk in the cool night air to visit and see this magnificent art.  I will leave you with personal pictures taken from yours truly.  Enjoy!

Dallas Star

Neodymium Reeds

Mirrored Hornets

Mexican Hat Tower

Blue Bulbous Reeds

Green & White Striped Reeds

Fiori Sun

Citron Green & Red Tower

Aqua Blue & Amber Chandelier

Cattails

Silvered Red Bamboo

Yellow Icicle Tower

The Sun

Blue Marlins & Turquoise Reeds

Black & White Striped Reeds

Neodymium & Blue Reeds

Red Reeds

White Belugas

Turquoise & Clear Eelgrass

Persian Pond

Float Boat

Carnival Boat

Scarlet & Yellow Asymmetrical Tower

Steak + Cast Iron Skillet = Amazing

I didn't find anything too interesting on the points/miles and travel front today, so I'm going off the beaten path.

So it's probably unknown to the general public that I am a meat and potatoes guy.  No veggies decentd inside me, or fruit for that matter.  OK, so maybe a starchy veg here and a fruit there.  But for the most part is meat (all are welcome) and pasta, rice, potatoes.  It's not about my diet today folks!  I'm a huge fan of steakhouses and jump on the opportunity to visit a good one.  If you are ever in Dallas, you MUST visit Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (there are other cities with a Pappas Bros too).  To date, my favorite and I do eat at a lot of steakhouses during my travels.

However, tonight is about self-cooking a steak rather than going out and throwing down $50+ dollars.  I'm limited on grilling, due to living in an apartment, so I have to resort to oven or stove top.  For our wedding, the Mrs and I received a cast iron skillet.  Not knowing anything about what to do with it, I searched the internet and found out it was a great way to cook steak.  I decided "what the heck".  I've only done this now twice, but OMG how perfect does it work.  I follow the teachings of Alton Brown (a TV food personality that I've found quite funny the limited times that I have seen him).  During my research, he was just a recognizable name, so I ran with it.  He has a great receipt RIGHT HERE.  You  may have to trial and error on the time (by 30 seconds to a minute or so).  But I will tell you right now that this matches anything I've tasted $40+.  It cooks to perfection and the seasoning is GREAT!  We use Costco's meat which we find very good for mass production.  When I find a quality butcher here in Dallas, I may try another meat.  Try it; you won't be disappointed!!

AAdvantage Great Customer Service and an Easy 500 AA miles

Today's post is mainly a shout out to the fantastic customer service I received from American Airline's AAdvantage Customer Service department.  I only wish I would have written down the name of the agent that assisted me for singling out (I'm just bad at that).  Anyways, here's a quick recap of what happened:

So if you've followed me the past couple of days, you read that I reached AA Executive Platinum (EXP) level for the rest of this year and through February 2014.  I reached the level on Saturday (12/1/12) morning just after AA updated everyone's accounts for the current double promotion (AATHX).  Of course no one knew when that update was going to happen.  I had planned a mileage run of sorts (prior to the AATHX promotion announcement) on 12/1/12 to reach EXP while trying to get to a party in Carlsbad, CA.  The flight was DFW-MIA-LAX.  I requested upgrades on both flights and was cleared for both.  The million dollar question was whether AA would treat those 2 upgrades as a Platinum Elite or EXP Elite?  The difference is that at Platinum Elite, the upgrades "cost" me eight 500 miles upgrade stickers.  If the system updated fast enough, I could be treated as EXP where no 500 mile stickers are taken from my account.  Only time would tell on Monday which was I was treated.

So on Monday I logged into my account and noticed that eight 500 mile stickers were deducted from my account balance.  It did not come to a surprise to me since the timing of my graduation to EXP was during a weekend of flying.  I decided to make a call to AAdvantage Customer Service to beg for them back.  After going through all the prompts I laughed as I got an automated message saying my call would be answered in 30 minutes.  As I was about to immediately hang up, an agent picked up.  After some laughing together I explained that I had become EXP effective 12/1/12 and that I had been deducted eight 500 miles stickers on flights that day.  She verified the information in her system and, after a short hold, informed me that all 8 would be returned to my account.  While many may believe that I was entitled to keep those stickers, I think AA could have gone either way on that.  The call was pleasant and fun.  Thank you AAdvantage!  I wanted them back in order to upgrade the Mrs when we fly together and clear for upgrades.

As a quick bonus, answer a few questions on AA's "Mile For Your Thoughts" on Facebook and get 500 miles credited to your account.  Yeah, it's not much, but many of us have, at one time or another, been short a few miles for redemption.  Just snag the free miles!

National Car Rental

2012 was my first year in using National Car Rental.  Previously, I had been a loyal customer to Avis (due to a previous employer's strict usage of Avis) and the Hertz.  I switched based on some online reading that I did.  It intrigued me that as an Emerald Club member I could pick any car (from a particular aisle).  I loved the idea that I could just pick something I liked.  Countless times when I used to rent from Avis or Hertz, I didn't particularly care for the vehicle I was given.  Bypassing the counter and being in my car quick was great, but if I didn't like the car I had to find someone and it took time to get me changed.  No Hertz did start a new program that you could choose a car from the Gold Choice area if you didn't like your car, but it was a new system and had it's learning curves.  

So I decided to switch it up to National starting in 2012.  Other than a hiccup in Seattle (where there were no cars to select due to the mass amounts of renters that arrived at once), I've been REALLY happy with my vehicles.  Thanks to the American Express Platinum card, I get automatic upgrade to the Executive status of the Emerald Club.  This is an even more select aisle (titled Executive Selection) where the cars are just nicer and bigger (not by much though).  With Executive status, one gets a free day rental every 6 rental credits (vs every 7 for regular level).  So it's just a slightly quicker means to get free rental days.  I end up in SUVs or exotic muscle cars (ie. Camaro or Mustang) frequently with the Executive Selection aisle.  I will even check a few cars to get a nice and clean one and one with less miles on it.  The choices are endless.

The pickup and drop off is very quick.  For pickup, you just pick up your desired car (both the Emerald Aisle and the Executive Selection area are usually the closest to where you arrive) and then drive to the  checkout booth and hand the attendant your driver's license; when they give it back you are on your way. Upon return, my receipt is in my email inbox before I even get to the shuttle for the airport most of the time.  

National appears to run a promotion called One Two Free.  With this promotion (which is over the course of several months, one earns a free rental day every 2 rentals (of two days or more).  Since the promotion started on August 20, I have obtained 3 free rental days.  Add that to the 3 days I have accumulated based on the standard free rental day earning in the program, I have over a week's worth of car rental available for free.  I will be using this during my 2+ week stay on Hilton Head Island over Xmas and New Years.

Switching to National Car Rental this year has been the best loyalty change decision that I have made in a long time.  I am now a dedicated client of theirs and will only use them.  The only time I would switch to another program would be if the cost of my rental is DRASTICALLY different.  A few dollars here and there and I would stay with National.  National's prices are always competitive.

American Airlines Executive Platinum = Acheived!

When I left California is December 2007, I made a promise to some dear friends that I would return to Carlsbad every year for their annual Christmas Party.  So far, I have held my promise.  The party always takes place on the first weekend in December.  So the party is tonight.  When I booked my flight a while back for this trip, it was prior to the end-of-year promotion by AA giving double elite qualifying miles AND double redeemable miles.  At that time, I was figuring out my end-of-year flying schedule and realized I may need some extra miles to make my goal of Executive Platinum (AA's highest Elite level) for the next year.  EXP requires 100,000 qualifying miles which is basically 100K miles Butt In Seat (BIS).  AA had some good bonus promotions in the first 6 months of the year too for bonus qualifying miles.  Anyways, I needed to fly from DFW to San Diego (SAN) this weekend.  After some messing around, I found a way to fly from DFW to Miami (yep, heading the wrong way) and then direct to LAX; I would fly back home direct from LAX to DFW.  Doing that would get me 4698 miles instead of the standard 2342 direct round trip (before double miles) between DFW and SAN.  And it would only cost me an extra $100 in cost.  So I booked it!

So here we are today.  I am sitting in the LAX lounge writing this having done the DFW-MIA-LAX leg of my trip.  I am waiting for a friend to fly in from the Bay Area so we can drive down to Carlsbad (about and hour and a half). 

Of course, shortly after booking this itinerary, AA launched the promotion for double qualifying and redeemable miles.  So in actuality, I'm getting 9396 miles (qualifying miles) for this trip and 14094 miles (redeemable miles); Only 25000 are needed for free domestic round trip tickets; so it a good chunk of miles.  This trip is costing me 3.1 cents per mile flown, which is quite good actually. 

Even better is that when I landed in MIA this morning, I checked my AA account and I saw 100,659 in qualifying miles year to date.  That meant I had reached my goal, EXECUTIVE PLATINUM.  This was due to other flights in November that I had flown for work and personal reasons.  ALl of us flying under the Double Promotion didn't know when those double qualifying miles were going to hit.  Evidently, AA decided to do it at month end. 

You may be thinking I'm a bit crazy to do this, but keep in mind I flew both legs this morning in Business Class.  Flying is not too hard when you are not in cattle class.

So here I am on December 1, Executive Platinum until through February 2014.  This, hopefully, means more upgrades to Business Class next year for all my flying.  The Mrs will surely smile as she enjoys the fruits of my labor.

Now if my friend Matt could just get down here already we can go celebrate at a Xmas party!