if you build it, they will come

                    looking down onto the tops of skyscrapers

“If you build it, they will come.” The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris; visitors will pay and wait in line to take the elevator (or walk) to the top of this iconic tower to enjoy the views of Paris from the top. Tourists to New York used to pay to take the elevator to the observation deck of the World Trade Center (and still do pay to ride to the top of the Empire State Building). So it should be no surprise that when Ritz-Carlton planned a hotel on the very top floors of the new ICC Building in Hong Kong, the fourth tallest building in the world, it would attract a lot of attention.

And it has. With 312 rooms starting on floor 103 of the ICC building, two restaurants — Tin Lung Heen (Chinese) and Tosca (Italian) on floor 102, and a bar (Ozone) that serves drinks, sushi, and Asian Tapas on the very top floor in Hong Kong, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is a hotel with a buzz. During my site inspection on Saturday afternoon, every table in the Lounge was occupied by visitors enjoying Afternoon Tea. No wonder!

High-speed elevators whisk guests to the main lobby on the 103rd floor in just 52 seconds; your ears do "pop" both on the way up and on the way down. Interior styling is very contemporary with an Asian motif. The lobby has marble floors, black lacquered wooden walls, and a painted ceiling in the medium of ancient ink on canvas. There is nothing at all understated about the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong; its use of colors and materials is intentionally dramatic. But nothing is quite so bold and dramatic as the "Peak-level" views afforded from each guest room in the hotel.

Guest rooms are 540 square feet, and each bathroom offers dual vanities, separate step-in showers, and complimentary internet. But most importantly, each room offers dramatic views in every direction from high above the city. The "smaller" skyscrapers of Kowloon seem strangely tiny from the view high above them. Deluxe rooms face north away from the harbour over Kowloon. Deluxe Harbour rooms have a very interesting view to the west over Kowloon's port. But if you can possibly do it, book a Harbour Island room for its unforgettable views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong. The most dramatic rooms in the house are found in the Suites, all of which occupy corners of the hotel. (And given occupancy levels, especially on weekends, you shouldn't count on an upgrade).

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has an unique Club Lounge in that it is open 24 hours per day with six food presentations, although alcohol is only served when the Club is attended. Cocktails are available, and wine by the glass is served from an Enomatic wine machine.

For the best values, book the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong through a Ritz-Carlton STARS agent in order to receive exclusive amenities: complimentary daily buffet breakfast, upgrade if available at check-in, customized welcome amenity, and late 4 p.m. check-out.

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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the best Chinese restaurant ever

Lung King Heen is the first Chinese restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, and after having lunch here today, I can understand why. The name literally means "View of the Dragon," and from its fourth floor location in the Four Seasons Hong Kong, the restaurant offers a commanding view of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon ... in addition to having the best Chinese food I have ever eaten.

I learned two things at lunch today —

(1) how to eat dim sum with chopsticks... The trick is to lift the dum sum with your chopsticks and place it in the soup spoon. Then, while holding the dumpling in place on the spoon with your chopsticks, you eat it off the spoon in several bites.

(2) what to order when in any doubt... Ask for the chef's choice, and you'll be treated with fresh vegetables as they come into season as well as delicacies you'd never know about otherwise. Here was our menu today:

廚 師 精 選 點 心

Chef’s Dim Sum Selection

菜 膽 竹 笙 燉 北 菇

Double-Boiled Chinese Mushroom with Bamboo Piths and Brassica

豉 油 皇 煎 星 斑 柳

Fried Star Garoupa Fillet in Soy Sauce

龍 景 脆 皮 雞

Lung King Heen Roast Chicken

上 湯 黑 豚 肉 雜 菜 煲

Japanese Pork Casserole with Vegetables in Supreme Soup

四 季 鮮 果 碟

Seasonal Fruit Platter

美 點 薈 萃

Petits Fours

Of special note - the grouper came with very thin slices of lotus root, deep fried like potato chips - simply incredible. Lung King Heen's signature Roast Chicken dish had crispy skin (reminiscent of Peking Duck) and the moistest morsels of barbequed chicken I have ever tasted. The vegetables in the Pork Soup were absolutely done to perfection. This was not your neighborhood Chinese restaurant - but it's a place you must experience while in Hong Kong. Be sure to make advance reservations.

Four Seasons Hong Kong (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

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Hong Kong and Bali

I'm leaving early Thursday morning for Hong Kong — in fact, my Cathay Pacific flight leaves SFO at 1:20 a.m. — for a site inspection trip to Hong Kong and Bali.

Hong Kong is a most fascinating city, combining ancient Chinese culture with contemporary architecture and avant garde interior design. Victoria Harbour is a beautiful sight, and the nightly light show, while kitschy, is a must-see. The shopping malls are fun — with distinctive color schemes and merchandise displays — and the city has countless custom tailors. I plan to get a silk skirt and top made for Claire while we're there.

I'll have a close look at three hotels during this visit, the Four Seasons Hong Kong (where we will spend two nights), Upper House (a brand new property on the Hong Kong side, overlooking the harbour), and the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong (the highest hotel in the world on the Kowloon side of the harbour).

Then, on to Bali, a small Indonesian island with a Hindu culture, beautiful beaches, terraced rice paddies, and local art shops.

I've often been asked my opinion of the two Four Seasons resorts on Bali (FS Jimbaran Bay on the beach, and FS Sayan) and the three Aman resorts on the island (Amankila and Amanusa on the beach, and Amandari in Ubud). One reason for this trip is to tour all of these resorts so that I can provide my first-hand impressions. I will also be visiting the Chedi Club and Amanjiwo (on Java). I also plan to inspect the two Orient-Express properties on Bali (Jimbaran Puri Bali and Ubud Hanging Gardens).

Be watching this space for my reports from Hong Kong and Bali.


Hong Kong and Bali (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Taking Root in Provence | a great read

Taking Root in Provence is a great read — well-written, engaging, with interesting insights on French life and culture. Written by Anne-Marie Simons, who retired to Provence with her husband Oscar, the book contains about three dozen short chapters (3-4 pages each). They settled in Aix-en-Provence, an attractive small city that many of my readers will have visited!

What makes the book so fascinating are Simons's brief glimpses of everyday life in France — the French relationship with food, for example, and how this intimacy carries over to everyday life. Here's one brief snippet.

Food debate is not limited to the dinner table, and it is not uncommon to overhear discussions like this one at the markets: "Potatoes in brandade de morue? Jamais de la view, Monsieur! Oh, you mother did! Where are you from? Alsace? Well, perhaps they do over there, but not in Provence. No sir! Just make sure you use a good olive oil.

Travelers to Provence will find useful information on sights to see, festivals to explore at various times of the year, food to eat, and some of the history of the region. And as an added bonus, 13 recipes from Anne-Marie's husband Oscar are provided in an appendix to the volume.

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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the secret to running a profitable airline

My favorite travel writer, Joe Brancatelli, publishes a subscription-only website. Written especially with business travelers in mind, it's a worthwhile read for anyone who travels a lot, wants to be in the know, and would value a regular summary of airline and hotel "steals and deals." A subscription is $49 a year but well worth it for the information alone.

I was intrigued by the following comment in the April 21 issue of The Brancatelli File.

The airlines began reporting first-quarter financials this week. Surprise! Airlines that offer free checked bags (i.e., Southwest and JetBlue) eked out quarterly profits. Those that don't (American, United and Continental) racked up huge losses.

While legacy carriers keep pointing to their revenue from ancillary fees (a massive amount of income), they fail to recognize this fundamental fact: the only airlines that consistently make money are those known for being consumer-friendly. While I'm not a fan of Southwest (frankly, I like the extra elbow room afforded in business class, and Southwest doesn't have business class), they have a terrific business model. Need to change your flight? No penalty. Want to check your bags? No fee. Want to automatically be in the "A" boarding queue and get the first choice of seats? $10 is a reasonable ticket surcharge for this assurance.

So if you're the CEO of an airline and happen to be reading this blog, the lesson is clear. Whether you're an airline, hotel, cruise line, or tour company, the secret to profitability is customer service. Do your customers feel nickeded-and-dimed when they do business with you? they'll stay away. Are you responsive to your customers' needs and feelings? They will reward you with continuing business ... and profits!

P.S. — luxury hotel guests feel the same way about being charged for internet access.



copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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round the world by private jet

Wouldn't this be be the ultimate luxury, traveling round the world by private jet in 22 days, enjoying Four Seasons brand of hospitality in each destination, and exploring some of the most exotic locations on earth? Here's the itinerary:

Los Angeles — welcome dinner at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

The Big Island, Hawaii — two nights at Four Seasons Hualalai with a choice of activities

Bora Bora — three nights at Four Seasons Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow

Sydney, Australia and Ayers Rock — two nights at Four Seasons Sydney with your choice of activities, plus a trip to Ayers Rock

Bali — three nights at your choice: Four Seasons Sayan or Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay

Northern Thailand — three nights at Four Seasons Tented Camp or Chiang Mai

India and the Taj Mahal — three nights at Four Seasons Mumbai along with a tour of the Taj Mahal

The Pyramids and the Sphinx of Egypt — See the Pyramids and the Sphinx while staying at Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza

London — Farewell gala dinner and overnight at Four Seasons London at Park Lane


We all know the typical stress of international travel. This is a chance to escape all that in a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Sit back, relax, and be pampered as you enjoy some of the world's most iconic sights. You will have a choice of personalized excursions in each destination, arranged by Four Seasons concierge staff. Whether you wish to take a cooking class, visit a local school, hike off the beaten path, or spend the afternoon at the spa, simply ask and your itinerary will be custom-tailored especially for you.

Cost per person is $66,950 (single supplement is $8,500) and includes all private jet transportation in a VIP-configured Boeing 757, deluxe Four Seasons accommodations, all meals, ground transportation, excursions, and taxes. This trip is limited to 78 travelers; trip begins in Los Angeles on October 29 and ends in London on November 19, 2011.


round the world by private jet (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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luxury Egypt | $6,000 nine day tour for two

Photos courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent offers the most outstanding luxury tours of Egypt, and with the slowdown in tourism to Egypt, this is an amazing summer promotion for luxury Egypt: $6,000 for an eight day tour for two guests. Here's the itinerary:

Day One — arrive in Egypt and private transfer to FS Cairo at First Residence

Day Two — buffet breakfast, followed by a tour of the Egyptian Museum and the Mummies Room. Following an à la carte lunch, visit the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Overnight at FS Cairo at First Residence.

Day Three — buffet breakfast, followed by a guided tour of the Step Pyramid and Teti Pyramid and the ancient city of Memphis. Following an à la carte lunch, visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Solar Boat Museum, and the Sphinx. Overnight at FS Cairo at First Residence.

Day Four — buffet breakfast and transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor and on to your luxury Nile Cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer where entertainment and food & beverages are included. Afternoon tour of the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. Dinner onboard ship in Luxor.

Day Five — buffet breakfast, followed by morning visits to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Dinner onboard ship.

Day Six — buffet breakfast, followed by a morning tour of the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Horsus at Edfu.

Day Seven — buffet breakfast, followed by a morning visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo and an afternoon visit to the Philae Temple, the unfinished obelisk, and a Felucca Ride. Farewell dinner onboard ship.

Day Eight — buffet breakfast, followed by a transfer to Aswan Airport and your flight to Cairo. Afternoon optional tour of the Temples of Abu Simbel. Overnight at FS Cairo at First Residence.

Day Nine — buffet breakfast, followed by private transfers to Cairo airport for your return flight.


You will never again see this kind of pricing from Abercrombie & Kent and Four Seasons Cairo. If Egypt has been on your bucket list, this is a value that won't come along again! And once you've enjoyed the comfort of an escorted tour with private guides throughout, you'll be spoiled!


luxury Egypt (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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the luxury hotels of Chicago

© LauraAndersonArt.com

I spent last weekend in Chicago where I stayed at the Four Seasons Chicago. While in the Windy City, I had site inspections of three other luxury properties, the Ritz-Carlton, Peninsula, and Elysian. Here are my impressions of the luxury hotels of Chicago:

Four Seasons Chicago is a traditional hotel with great service. Entering through the lower lobby at street level, elevators take guests to the main lobby on the 7th Floor where the front desk, concierge desks, and the hotel’s restaurant are found. Take the elevator one floor down to gain entry to the 900 North Michigan Shops, anchored by Bloomingdales. Four Seasons guests receive a discount cards that provides worthwhile savings throughout the mall.

Guest rooms are located on floors 30-46. Room decor is attractive but understated; the Four Seasons Chicago offers comfortable and spacious room with great views. Corner rooms provide the best views of the city and Lake Michigan. Marble bathrooms feature separate soaking tubs and step-in showers, although there is only a single sink in a vanity that is quite wide enough for two quests.


Ritz-Carlton Chicago is likewise a Four Seasons property (predating the establishment of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company) with an entirely different ambiance. Just a short walk away from the Four Seasons, the 12th floor lobby of the Ritz-Carlton is filled with natural light with a beautiful fountain at its center.

Guest rooms feel slightly larger than those at the Four Seasons and are decorated in a more contemporary fashion with splashes of color. There are two basic color schemes — blue topaz or pewter. Bathrooms have dramatic black granite counters. Deluxe rooms and above offer dual vanities while Premier rooms and above provide separate step-in showers and guaranteed lake views.


The Peninsula Chicago has the look and feel of a Peninsula property. Its dining room reminded me of the lobby of the Peninsula’s Hong Kong property.

Superior, Deluxe, and Grand Deluxe guest rooms are identical in layout except for view; Deluxe rooms offer city views while Grand Deluxe rooms offer lake views. Virtuoso guests can often be offered upgrades from Superior to Grand Deluxe at time of booking, and Virtuoso guests booking a Grand Deluxe can often be accommodated with an upgrade to an Executive Suite at booking.

The Executive Suite is a great room with a cozy living room and bedroom. These suites are corner rooms, each providing great views and lots of natural light. The bathrooms have dual vanities and separate step-in showers - everything most guests would want.


The Elysian was originally Virtuoso, but their Virtuoso affiliation has mysteriously disappeared; even the hotel’s sales manager could not explain the circumstances surrounding this question. This is a shame because the The Elysian is truly worthy of consideration for your stay in the downtown Chicago area. So no Virtuoso amenities, at least for now, but the pricing is right (ask me about discounted Tzell Travel rates) and the property is superb in every respect.

Guests enter the hotel lobby through a courtyard and enter the hotel’s art-filled, contemporary lobby decorated with bright splashes of color. The hotel has large guest rooms and suites, averaging 890 square feet. Bathrooms feature white Carrera marble with soaking tubs, step-in showers, and dual vanities. Because guest rooms are on lower floors here, this would not be the hotel to choose if you want the most dramatic views, but otherwise this property receives high accolades. A client who recently stayed at The Elysian described her stay as “all 10’s” in terms of room quality and service. Hopefully, The Elysian will soon be returning to Virtuoso!


Get the best luxury hotel deals by making your booking through a Virtuoso and Four Seasons Preferred Partner agent. You'll receive free daily breakfasts, room upgrades, and food & beverage credits that can often make a luxury hotel stay a better value than the mid-level hotel just down the street.


luxury hotels of Chicago (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Ritz-Carlton Orlando | a magical offer

Orlando is home of the Magic Kingdom, and Ritz-Carlton Orlando has just announced a truly magical Family Fun Package with $100 Resort Credit. You receive the $100 credit just by booking through a Ritz-Carlton STARS agent. Here's what you get:

• Overnight accommodations in connecting rooms.
  
• Confirmed upgrade to Lake View rooms at time of booking.
  
• Kids (up to age 12) dine free with every adult entrée purchased.
  
• Choice of Ritz Kids day for two children (ages 5-12) OR breakfast buffet for two adults and two children.
  
• Photo album and disposable camera.
  
• Ice cream passport for up to two children up to age 12.
  
• Guaranteed 2 p.m. late check-out.
  
• Transportation to Sea World, Aquatica, Universal, and Wet 'n Wild.
  
• Additional $100 resort credit for STARS guests.

The package is available through December 31, 2011. Contact a Ritz-Carlton STARS agent for full details and to make your booking.

Ritz-Carlton STARS (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Four Seasons Vail | a resort for all seasons

Four Seasons Vail is a recently opened resort with activities for all seasons. Located in Vail Village, just steps away from the lifts, Four Seasons is the premier luxury resort for a ski vacation at one of America's top ski destinations.

Winter or summer, Vail offers countless choices for an active vacation. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and sleigh rides top the list of winter activities, and the Four Seasons Ski Concierge will make your trip all the more enjoyable. Leave your equipment in a heated locker at the base of the Vista Bahns chairlift ... and come back the next morning to enjoy warm, dry boots!

Summer visitors enjoy golf, hiking, white water rafting, fly fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning.

Be sure to book through a FS Preferred Partner. Why? Preferred Partner guests at Four Seasons Vail always receive these added-value amenities:

• Daily full American breakfast for two through In-Room dining or the hotel restaurant
  
• Spa credit of $100 (in addition to the two free massages)
  
• Upgrade of one category based on availability at check-in
  
• Complimentary high-speed Internet access for suite bookings

Four Seasons Vail (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong | world's tallest hotel

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has the distinction of being the highest hotel in the world! Occupying the 102nd - 118th floors of the International Commerce Centre, this hotel features commanding views over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. With 312 guests rooms - each offering a spectacular city or harbour view - the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is a hotel to experience while visiting Hong Kong.

As a Ritz-Carlton STARS travel consultant, I can offer you complimentary amenities at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong or any Ritz-Carlton hotel or resort in the world - including daily continental breakfast for two at the unrestricted best available rate, upgrade if available, customized welcome amenity, and a late 4 p.m. check-out.

Ritz Carlton Hong Kong (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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