The HfP chat thread – Friday 13th August

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• J says:

  13 Aug13 August 07:53

  Hi
  Anyone used chromatics test to return to uk? If I use a BA reference, will it appear anywhere or judy give me the discount?

  • Pete M says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:10

    Just give you the discount.

• Katie says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:16

  Article on Emirates Skywards+. Is it worth getting? Redemption examples etc

  • Rob says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:28

    We will look at this next week.

    • Ryan Gill says:

      13 Aug13 August 08:47

      100 quid plus per week in airmiles too from the “mile per minute” promotion.

      • Katie says:

        13 Aug13 August 09:14

        Really? How does that work out. You are valuing skyward miles at 0.99p per mile?

      • BuildBackBetter says:

        13 Aug13 August 09:28

        Max 5k miles no?

        • Blair says:

          13 Aug13 August 13:18

          Yes limited to 5000miles total. As I never fly economy, I suspect Skywards multiply my miles feature and regular flash points sales may be more lucrative than buying Skywards+. But I’m too lazy to do the maths right now. As I double up with Marriott Your World Rewards, the amount of miles I can multiply is quite large. Useful for topping up to reach a redemption threshold

        • Katie says:

          13 Aug13 August 14:55

          How do you make the most out of Marriott Your World Rewards?

  • Blair says:

    13 Aug13 August 18:47

    YWR-earned miles are eligible for multiplying the same way flight-earned miles are.

• Memesweeper says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:17

  Good morning from Snowdonia’s lovely Garden Inn. I won’t repeat the previous mini-reviews which have turned up in the comments here, which are accurate, only to add there’s EV charging in the car park, which is great, but disappointed to find the breakfast croissants are pre-packed. Based on first impressions this is going to be a great trip. Even managed to find some excellent company for a pint at the bar last night.

  Book your activities *early* if coming during school holidays is my top tip of the day.

  • The Savage Squirrel says:

    13 Aug13 August 09:56

    Enjoy your stay! 🍻

  • Travel Strong says:

    13 Aug13 August 10:43

    The prepackaged croissant was the major let down for me also! Was as tough and as tasteless as budget car tyre. Big difference compared to the croissants at other Hilton’s, which have always been excellent (and not pre-packaged).

    One thing not mentioned in other reviews – for a quick bite, the surf centre next door churns out pizza’s for under a tenner, and serves quite late too. Convenient if you’ve left it too late to head up the road to the pub.

• David says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:27

  Heading to LTN tomorrow for an Easyjet flight to Palma.
  How bad is Luton at the mo?
  Anyone in Mallorca now – hope you are having fun?

  • Rob says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:28

    We should be there next week. Friend who is there now says that the mosquito problem this year is the worst he has ever seen in all his years of visiting, so take repellent and long sleeved items for the evenings.

    • David says:

      13 Aug13 August 08:46

      heard there is a mosquito problem in mallorca at mo – will try and a swat a few for you

      • Anna says:

        13 Aug13 August 08:53

        To my surprise I’ve only been bitten once in Tenerife and not needed insect repellent at all. It’s been very windy, though which often hinders their movements.

        • The cyclist says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:09

          Did you mange to get to Linekers Bar in Playa de Las Americas? They had, a cracking happy hour with half price shots last time I was in Tenerife. I couldn’t remember the night before and missed the trip up Mount Teide, however, when the rest of the group came back they said it wasn’t all that anyway. Fortunately I didn’t get bitten, actually not strictly true, not by an insect anyway!

        • Anna says:

          13 Aug13 August 11:47

          I think my “Playa” days are behind me, though I had some good nights out there in the early 90s!

      • BJ says:

        13 Aug13 August 09:19

        Doesn’t that Avon product work on mosquitos? I think I may have read they changed the ingredients and it is not so useful anymore. Perhaps others can advise.

        • Tracey says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:38

          Was quoted in an article in “the times” this week as a top buy. I still feel safer with tropical strength 50% deet.

        • Anna says:

          13 Aug13 August 11:46

          Me too, Tracey only Jungle Formula normally keeps the blighters off me!

        • Chas says:

          13 Aug13 August 13:24

          That might explain things BJ – I read some comments on here a couple of months ago about Avon Soft, but found it was fairly useless when I tried it.

  • Simon says:

    13 Aug13 August 09:56

    We are going tomorrow. sounds like we need to get some mozzy spray….

• Pete M says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:30

  Hope no one has been buying passes for the Plaza Premium T5 for today because it is still very much shut…

• Michael says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:32

  Morning,

  Any advice on what to do if day two test doesn’t show up? Ordered from CityDoc via BA website and got confirmation order was processed but five days later still not here. Didn’t order earlier as we were not sure when we were coming back to U.K. after flight cancellations. We are both double jabbed.

  • Pete M says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:36

    You’ve bought them, got your PLF code, you’ve done your part.

    • Michael says:

      13 Aug13 August 08:49

      Thanks – does feel like that. Just wondering what happens if Test and Trace contact us though?

      • TGLoyalty says:

        13 Aug13 August 08:52

        Say they never turned up ?

        • George K says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:47

          Just to say, if you tell the T&T callers that your test hasn’t turned up, they will advise you to ring up 119 and get a PCR test sent for free. You can absolutely do this, and they will (in most cases) keep calling till you report a negative test.

      • Tracey says:

        13 Aug13 August 09:39

        Are you isolating? If you aren’t waiting for your result to be freed, then I wouldn’t worry.

        • Michael says:

          13 Aug13 August 14:14

          Thanks George K and Tracey!

          Not isolating. Appreciate the helpful advice.

  • Tony1 says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:42

    Card chargeback ?

    • Michael says:

      13 Aug13 August 08:50

      Good idea. Do we have to buy another test though to comply?

      • TGLoyalty says:

        13 Aug13 August 08:52

        You’re well past day 2 now. What are you complying with?

        • Michael says:

          13 Aug13 August 08:58

          We purchased the test five days ago – we didn’t arrive back five days ago.
          The PLF says you could be fined if you don’t take a test.
          Thanks

        • TGLoyalty says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:10

          So be clearer. When exactly is day 2?

          Give it a few more days and take it whenever it turns up.

        • Tracey says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:40

          Do a free NHS lateral flow while you are waiting. When it arrives, do the test.

        • Katie says:

          13 Aug13 August 14:55

          Heard NHS LFT is no longer free in Aug?

• BJ says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:40

  Any thoughts on Virgin Hotel (Hilton Curio) Las Vegas? Vegas not really my scene, just plan to use it as base for Zion, Bryce, GC etc so not fussy about theme hotel casinos.

  • Tracey says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:44

    If you are not interested in themed hotels, it’s all about location, don’t under estimate the distance between hotels.

    • BJ says:

      13 Aug13 August 08:54

      Got a stack of HH points so a good opportunity to use some. Need to decide between fly plus drive or even more drive on road trip so that’s why I am contemplating Vegas. Might scrap it in favour of Denver to California by road or Amtrak.

  • Paul says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:47

    Then why stay in Vegas? Plenty of good quality wide ranging accommodation nearer the parks, saving on travelling and probably cost too, as although Vegas is a good starting point, it’s still a fair way from everything you mention…

    • BJ says:

      13 Aug13 August 09:03

      Yes, I know distances are still great. Further to comment to Tracey if I do chose Vegas we will do fliggt tour GC and drive to Zion and Bryce. We can also then drive drop Vegas to SF with stop in Yosemite for a couple of nights. We want to fly to East Coast and back from the West with something inbetween; spoiled by choices is the problem 🙂

      • TGLoyalty says:

        13 Aug13 August 09:12

        Even if Vegas casinos isn’t your scene there are so many great restaurants, shows etc so probably still worth being in the area.

        • BJ says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:28

          That’s part of it. It will be my partners first visit to USA so it is about showing him places too, even if they are not my own favourites. Only thing decided so far is 3 nights NYC, 2 DC and 3 each in LA and SF. The decision to be made is what to do with remaining nine or ten nights.

        • Tracey says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:44

          Vegas is worth doing if you’ve never been before. My distance comment was referring to the distance between hotels. One tip that we failed, if you are staying on the strip, give your hire care back and take a new one when you leave. We paid 4 days parking and effectively 4 days car hire for nothing.

        • Andrew says:

          13 Aug13 August 09:45

          If you’re doing DC and NYC, why not do an overnight in Philadelphia on the way?

          See the world’s biggest organ, the Liberty Bell, and have a mooch around the prison.

          One of the benefits of the states is that there is just so much to see and do. I’m trying to do every state capitol. Some are easier to get to than others…

        • Chas says:

          13 Aug13 August 13:41

          We did the west coast aspects of what you’re thinking about a couple of years ago, and whilst my teenage kids loved LA and SFO I really wasn’t that bothered by them – highlights of those days for me where a Dodgers game (I’m not a baseball fan), Santa Monica and Alcatraz. Vegas was the only city I wished we’d spent more time in.

          The national parks were awesome though, and I wish we could have seen more. Of those you’ve mentioned we did Zion, Yosemite and Grand Canyon – south rim rather than the Vegas end, followed by a loop east to Navajo Nation and Mexican Hat. My big tip with any National Park is to book your accommodation REALLY early. With Yosemite, GC and Navajo Nation my wife booked them nearly 365 days out, and choices were already limited as they were nearly sold out. Otherwise we’d have to have stayed outside the park and then travel in each day (c1.5 hours for Yosemite), so the convenience can’t be underestimated even if some of the accommodation is a bit basic). In GC, Mavericks helicopters have the most modern fleet of aircraft and had great reviews – we were very happy with them.

      • DBM says:

        13 Aug13 August 09:23

        Hampton Inn in Kanab is decent and not that far to drive to Zion and Bryce parks. Can also go to Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend easily

        • Matt says:

          13 Aug13 August 13:13

          +1 for Kanab as base for Zion, Bryce, horseshoe bend etc. Can’t vouch for the Hampton but try eating at Canyons Boutique in the evening. Great cooking (3 years ago…).

  • The Savage Squirrel says:

    13 Aug13 August 10:09

    Virgin is the old Hard Rock rebadged. A fair way from the strip and the opening was a bit of a clusterf*** by all accounts. For a first timer with Hilton points I’d suggest the WaldorfA. Right in the centre of the action; it’s rebadged too but from a Mandarin Oriental…. ResortsWorld also a better option although it is up the north end – but will be brand new. Even the Tropicana will give you more of a Vegas experience on HH points although it’s a VERY tired property at this point.

  • Number9 says:

    13 Aug13 August 10:10

    Hasn’t Hilton taken over the old Mandarin Oriental hotel, think it’s now a Waldorf? It was great as a MO no casino so no smoking ,small hotel by Vegas standards and in good location more towards end of strip nearer airport. If you have Hilton points to burn have a look there BJ.

  • Travel Strong says:

    13 Aug13 August 10:52

    Resorts World has 3 Hilton redemption options in Vegas now, the Hilton branded one is generally only a few more points than the Virgin resort, and there’s a lot more going on there.

    If GC and zion are your targets – page Arizona also has two excellent hilton redemption options – and is itself an incredible place to stop. Minutes from horseshoe bend, the wave, antelope canyon, and cottonwood canyon byway.

    P.S. Never underestimate how different vegas can be with the right company. If you have been before, you might find you enjoy it 10 x more (or 10 x less!) with your partner!

    • BJ says:

      13 Aug13 August 11:10

      Thanks to everybody for your feedback, all helpful and some new options to explore too. I’ll take it on board and make a decision when my partner triggers his 241 next month. Decided already to do BA open haw via LHR instead of direct Y from EDI. Flexibility plus comfort wins in the end.

      • Mel T says:

        13 Aug13 August 17:54

        BJ, If you don’t mind a drive into Yosemite, and aren’t worried about suing points, Red Tail Ranch is the most amazing B+B. And Ditto the comment about parking in Vegas – you’ll end up not using the car at all. Although if the closer NP/State parks like Red Rock, or visit the Hoover damn its handy to have the car. ( We like the Vdara but there no points options there!) Second the vote for Page, Arizona too – some lovely off the beaten track places around there. We’ve done two circuits of Vegas, Page, Moab, Sedona etc and also yosemite/route 1 and a bit of northern California too so happy to pass on tips if you want 🙂

        • BJ says:

          13 Aug13 August 19:53

          Thanks Mel, based on your comments and those of the others above I am seeing a 3-4 night road trip from Denver to Vegas via Glenwood, Moab and Kanab bookended with 2 nights in Denver and 3 in Vegas that would work but only just. It would leave no slack for anything going haywire. However, combined with NY, DC, LA and SF it would give me the chance to show my partner a good mix of cities and country. I am mindfuln of Andrews comments though and may revert to original idea of sticking to the East on first trip and doing West later on a second trip. We will see, no pressure to decide imminently. Like me, you appear to be a California fan and we’re this just about pleasing me I’d probably just combine NYC and California in depth. My own favourite is California Coast, and the North around Lassen and Shasta. Arianna I will have to research, it would be new for me too so for that reason it might be a good choice.

• Chrisasaurus says:

  13 Aug13 August 08:53

  Best lounge option in T5 with galleries full?

  • Rob says:

    13 Aug13 August 08:54

    Gordon Ramsay Plane Food (Plaza shut, Aspire rubbish)

    • Chrisasaurus says:

      13 Aug13 August 09:56

      Plane food it is (and yes galleries in B closed for the foreseeable) – quite a queue here too but got in eventually

  • TGLoyalty says:

    13 Aug13 August 09:51

    Pret

    is Galleries B open yet?

    • George K says:

      13 Aug13 August 09:52

      T5B lounge not yet open, unfortunately.

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