EVERYONE'S FAVORITE: "RESORT FEES" -- BUT IN THE CITY??

Are you the only person I know (maybe on the planet, for that matter) who willingly pays those pesky "Resort Fees" that are tacked on to your hotel bill?  If the answer is "yes," by all means let me know.   If you're one of nearly every other traveler I've spoken to, you find them annoying, antagonizing and the exact opposite of engendering a warm and fuzzy feeling.

 

So why do hotels persist in this practice?  Why not simply bundle the cost into the daily rate?  We all know that services provided are not "free" and the properties do incur costs for providing.  But the practice seems akin to paying legal fees (likely NOT cheap), and then seeing a separate line item on the bill for "Xerox copies"!  Is there anything more maddening?? (That's rhetorical, but this annoyance is way up there).

This added cost is not new.  What is new, as I found out from Chris Kirkham's recent WSJ column, is hotels in major (and some smaller) cities have adopted the practice.  Just when you think you can escape resort fees in New York's Times Square, for example,  you'll have a nice surprise on your bill  -- at least at the Crowne Plaza there.  Yes, $30 per night!  Per the column:  "A hotel employee told him (the guest interviewed for the piece) the fee was for two free drinks at the bar, the gym and a newspaper." Really?  What if you're a teetotaling sloth who doesn't read? Do you get a refund??

Back to the situation at hand, maybe if we collectively got together to "protest" there would be more movement on the part of the hotels.  Many hotels say all of their fees are disclosed up front on their website, but what happens if you book through a third party?  Oh, the problems that could happen.    

Beware the fine print before you lodge a complaint!

As a person who has spent virtually her entire adult life selling to customers, why wouldn't vendors (in this case hotels) want to provide the utmost satisfaction?  Don't they get why people become loyal?  First and foremost, loyalty is acquired by providing products at fair prices with no surprises on the bill!  Someone needs to tell the industry that there's a better way to do things without sacrificing their need to make a profit -- I don't begrudge them that.  Likewise, take the time to fill out those surveys that pop up in your inbox about 30 seconds after you've departed.  I know that the responses are read and very ofter responded to.  Likewise on Trip Advisor -- I always get a response from a hotel when I post my review, particularly if there are complaints.

Time to get off my soapbox and "negotiate" my next stay.  Happy travels!

 

BOSTON & PROVIDENCE: FALL FAMILY FUN!

When the family (the hubby, me and the kids) had a chance to get together with far-flung relatives (Florida, NY, CT, RI) gathered together in one location for a bar mitzvah, the decision to attend was a swift one.  Three of us are self-employed (and daughter Hannah got clearance from her boss) so it was just about carving out the four days and we were off! 

Boston's Logan Airport offers far greater flying options than Providence, RI, the site of the weekend's festivities.   We thus arrived late Thursday, rented our car, spent the night and next day in the city and drove the 90 minutes to our destination.  

What does one do first in Boston?  Perhaps checkout Fenway -- alas, the Red Sox were out of town. See Harvard, MIT, BU or the other schools?  No.  The answer is to find the best pizza around, which meant a return trip to Regina's in the North End.

After meeting up with Hannah's bestie from LA who makes her home in Boston, we made our way to Regina's after successfully finding parking which is no small feat in any area of the city.  This was a second visit for us and it was just as delicious as before.  We walked around the area for a bit before saying good-bye to the girls for the drive to Providence.  Hannah would take a late-evening train to meet up with us.

From our Regina's lunch -- two girls very happy to be together and the insanely delicious pies

Providence to me is your quintessential New England town -- sophisticated enough to entice students to either Brown University and/or RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), but quaint enough to have that small-town feel.  We found some of each.  

We first met up with the family (Uncle, Aunt -- who traveled with us earlier this year in India -- and cousins on the hubby's side) for Friday evening (Shabbat) services at Temple Beth-El and a light dinner afterward.  The bar mitzvah service was Saturday morning, followed by a luncheon and a party in the evening.  

Lots of Stone cousins (and an uncle!)

So what's the first thing unique about this?  The synagogue's roots date back to 1849, more than 110 years prior to the founding of the one my family has called home since 1986 -- LA's Stephen Wise Temple.  LA has one nearly that old -- founded in 1862 as Congregation B'nai B'rith -- which over many years (and in different locations) ultimately became Wilshire Boulevard Temple.  But back to Providence ..

We used the time between events to do a bit of exploring around Providence, and the first stop was at Brown -- one of our country's oldest colleges and the third smallest of the Ivy's.  Downtown Providence is bustling as most state capitals are, with a fair share of shopping and food complexes along the banks of the Providence River.

From top left: An Urs Fischer untitled sculpture (other than Lamp/Bear) on the Brown campus; Providence River; main quad; welcome sign; metal sculpture (artist unknown)

The party was as it should be -- mostly friends of the "man of the hour" Ben Stone.  The music was loud and lively and everyone had a terrific time.  And since it was at our hotel, it was a fantastic commute -- i.e., none!  We likewise gathered the following morning for a lovely brunch and a chance to say our goodbye's.  We headed back to Boston for a few more hours of sightseeing before going to the airport.

Ben's priorities are in order:  sports, family and lots of dessert!

Oh, would that the trip home had been as pleasant as the rest of our stay.  I will spare you the utterly disastrous experience courtesy of Virgin America for another post.  For now, we'll savor the 3-1/2 days of family fun and New England sights as they aptly deserve! 

After parking in the underground garage at the Boston Public Garden, we exited into the Garden and quickly found out we were smack in the middle of a weed festival ... like we'd entered Woodstock (I guess!)  Groovy, man .. 

                     Picture-perfect weather made for a terrific afternoon.

 

GLOBAL ENTRY vs. TSA PRE-CHECK: SIMPLIFIED

Do you ever get confused between Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check? If your answer is "no," feel free to go back to what you were doing (thanks for reading anyway).

If you're like a lot of the rest of us, you're wondering which of the pre-screening programs are a must and can one overdo it?

Rather than write my own post, I am sharing with you this excellent piece by Katherine LaGrave (online at Conde Nast Traveler):

TSA PreCheck is a government-sponsored program that began in October 2011 and grants approved passengers on domestic and some international-flights expedited screening. PreCheck passengers don't need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which means less time in line-and more time in the lounge. It helps you when you're leaving the country.  Acc

According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, "Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States." In short, it allows travelers to bypass the lines at customs and immigration by checking in at a kiosk with an entry pin number-your - "Trusted (Known) Traveler number"- and a fingerprint scan. The kiosk then spits out a receipt, and travelers can proceed to baggage claim, customs, and the exit. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck eligibility in participating airports. Global Entry helps you when you're trying to return to the U.S.

Who's eligible?

For TSA PreCheck, U.S. citizens, nationals, and residents. There is no age restriction to apply for TSA PreCheck.

For Global Entry, U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, andcitizens of Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Mexico. (Depending on the country, visas may be required.) Canadian citizens and residents are also eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS partnership program; the Netherlands has an arrangement for its citizens via FLUX, its trusted traveler program. Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental or legal guardian consent to participate.

If you've got a criminal record; provide false or incomplete information on your application; have pending criminal charges; have violated customs, immigration, or agricultural laws in any country; are currently being investigated by any local, state, or federal agency; or are inadmissible to the United States under current regulations, your application will most likely be denied.

Where can I use each service?

Nineteen airlines work in cooperation with TSA PreCheck, and the service can be found in more than 180 airports across the U.S. The airlines, in alphabetical order, are: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, OneJet, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America, and WestJet. They all participate in PreCheck, which means they meet the standardized system and checkpoint requirements.

Nearly 60 airports around the world have Global Entry kiosks.

If I'm a member, can I bring travel companions through the expedited lanes with me?

Not necessarily. Use of the Global Entry kiosks is limited to program members and does not extend to family members or travel partners. (Want to get Global Entry for a kid? You're in luck.) However, family members ages 12 and under traveling with an eligible PreCheck-approved parent or guardian are also able to participate in expedited screening.

They have different benefits-that must mean they probably cost different amounts, right?

Correct. TSA PreCheck is cheaper ($85 for five years), and Global Entry is $100 for five years. Consider, however, that Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, and that extra $15 seems well worth it. While the government itself offers no discounts or reimbursements for either of the fees associated with the programs, several credit cards and loyalty programs  do: For Global Entry, look into benefits for the Platinum Card from American Express, Citi Prestige, or the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card; for TSA PreCheck, read the fine print on the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, and Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example.

What's the application process like? Is one easier than the other?

Not quite-they're surprisingly similar. For TSA PreCheck, submit an online application here, and then schedule an appointment at any of more than 380 enrollment centers across the country. At your in-person appointment, you'll have to give your fingerprints and undergo a brief background check. (Appointments usually take around ten minutes.) Applicants will typically receive written notification within two to three weeks after the in-person appointment; however, some individuals are approved mere days after the appointment.

To begin the Global Entry application process, create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. (Everyone, regardless of age, must have their own GOES account.) After setting up an account, log in and complete the application. After completing the application and submitting the fee, CBP will review your application. Should your application be conditionally approved, it's then time to set up an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. (Applicants must schedule individual interviews.) Bring a valid passport and another form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card, to the appointment. You'll have a 15-minute interview with a CBP agent, and if approved, will be given your "Trusted (Known) Traveler number," which you can then begin entering when booking tickets in order to get TSA PreCheck access.

Which is best for me?

Depends. Thankfully, we don't have to answer that question. Use the Department of Homeland Security's interactive Trusted Traveler tool, which only requires that you answer a few questions about your travel habits before generating the best program for you. 

I hope you got as much info out of this post as I did.  If you're up for more, check out the newest program popping up called CLEAR -- another way for us to ostensibly move faster to our destinations.  Safe (and uneventful) travels!

RAISING FUNDS IN A MOST DECADENT WAY

This is the year I finally decided to attend LA Loves Alex's Lemonade rather that simply admire the annual event via social media.  What previously caught my eye was the stellar array of LA's best chefs gathering at UCLA (on the Quad in front of Royce Hall) with attendees being the sated recipients of their amazing offerings.  What drew them all in??

A magnificent cause, that's what.  Alexandra "Alex" Scott sadly passed away at the age of 8 from childhood cancer.  Before she died in 2004, she started the ball rolling for a mission that to date has raised more than $150 million towards curing all types of childhood cancer via the Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation.  Her family continues the cause today.

Suzanne Goin and Carolyne Styne (partners in The Lucques Group), along with David Lentz (The Hungry Cat) brought the event to LA and have since raised over $4 million dollars ($1 million in 2016 alone).  This year's total exceeded $1.3 million with 2,000 attendees.  Well done.

Above l-r: Me with Giada de Laurentiis; Suzanne Goin & Carolyne Styne; with Nancy Silverton (Mozza and founder of La Brea Bakery) -- Nancy hosted the night before at her home for key sponsors

The chefs provide a signature taste with the mixologists doing their thing and lots of vintners providing wine.  LA icon Pink's Hot Dogs was there -- you could get beef, turkey or even vegan (but why would you?)  The current generation of the Pink family was there as well .... long may they live and cook.  

Richard Pink with sister Beverly (l) and wife Gloria (r); skipping the chili on my half of the dog!

Clockwise from upper left:  BBQ expert Adam Perry Lang and team preparing tastes from the massive smoker -- clearly the longest line of the day; Susan Feniger (Border Grill and one of the "Two Hot Tamales"); volunteers manning the booth with all-things-Alex for sale

Clockwise top left: Tracey Skupny's Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc (a personal favorite!); two devoted family members; hosted Kids' Area; the "tasting" tent featuring vintners and mixologists.

The biggest surprise was the number of chefs participating from all around the country.  It makes sense for local restaurateurs to support the event as it is good for business while supporting a worthy cause (a win/win).  But it is no small undertaking to transport themselves, staff and provisions from a distance.  Bravo and thank you!  

Jimmy Kimmel is a longtime supporter of Alex's and very gracious with his time!

NEW YORK ICONS ARE WELCOMED LOS ANGELES

I had the pleasure of recently experiencing not one but two NY icons done L.A. style. The first is the Broadway-Tony-award-record-breaking-smash-hit-musical Hamilton, which I was fortunate to see way back in October 2015. The second is the restaurant Jean-Georges, which the hubby and I have enjoyed on numerous occasions in NY and thus selected the new LA (Beverly Hills) outpost for our 31st anniversary dinner.  So, how did the west coast versions fare?

October 2015:  With daughter Hannah and Jonathan Groff (King George); Javier Munoz (took over for Lin-Manual Miranda on Broadway) and Tony-winner Daveed Diggs

It didn't come as a surprise that Hamilton-LA is as terrific as the original.  Creator Lin-Manual Miranda as well as others responsible for the show were all present for opening night at the Pantages. Given Miranda's well-known creative integrity, it follows that this cast, while providing their unique signatures, are marvelous. In particular, Michael Luwoye as Hamilton and Rory O'Malley as King George are stand-out's.

It was a joy experiencing the show with the hubby and son, for whom this was their first time. The daughter and I have now seen it three times (twice in LA).  The takeaway is what an incredible service Miranda has done to generate so much interest in the story of our country's founding. The audience was completely silent save for regular raucous cheering at the end of each number; i.e., so totally captivated not a single "shhhh" was necessary! That says a lot.  (The show runs through December).

While the Waldorf Astoria  and restaurant officially debuted late June, at the iconic intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards (next door to the Beverly Hilton), we decided to wait for the "dust to settle" before checking things out. 

Our last visit to the flagship Jean-Georges on Columbus Circle was an adventure -- literally.  We happened to be visiting when Blizzard Jonah struck (Jan 2016), closing the entire city and environs.  Not to be daunted, we walked up 7th Avenue from our hotel to Central Park South (pictured below) to get to dinner.  I could have seriously used those cross-country skis.  It was quite something!   

8pm - the streets are virtually deserted!

Back to the dinner at hand, any comparison to the centerpiece of the J-G empire (nearly 40 in the US and abroad) is virtually silly as the experience is completely different.  It's not even fair to compare one with three Michelin stars (not to mention a dress code) to one serving meals all day long in a more casual setting.  J-GBH is beautiful with excellent staff, but the menu -- supervised by J-G to incorporate seasonal flavors -- contains some ubiquitous choices (margarita pizza). The BH experience is much more akin to the more casual Nougatine, next to the flagship J-G, set in the bar area with a less serious albeit delicious menu. 

Clockwise from top:   Entrance to the restaurant; simple tablesetting; wine case in the bar; our beverages (loved the CabFranc from a not-too-impressive wine list

IMHO (as the kids say, "in my humble opinion"), I think they would have been better served to pick a different name for the main downstairs restaurant so no Michelin-star experience would be anticipated.  That doesn't mean we won't go back for the hotel is gorgeous.  But save for Providence, LA will continue to be about LA food and will leave the serious dining to Napa, San Francisco and NYC. 

The rooftop setting is a home-run with the pool, restaurant (Rooftop by J-G); view towards Westwood over the Beverly Hilton; pink-shirted Wolf Blitzer checking things out ..

Clockwise:  Monterrey calamari; corn with manchego, lime & chili (fabulous); skirt steak; lobster in coconut milk emulsion

Table-side prep of the salted caramel sundae was definitely a delicious treat!

HOW TO END VACATIONS WELL

Even before I came across a column by Erin Geiger Smith (WSJ, 8.24) entitled "Own the Last Day of Vacation," I have always paid particular attention to how any vacation comes to an end -- whether that be allocating time to do "nothing" for a day, or reserving a particular restaurant for our "last meal" (hopefully not in the literal sense).  There is some risk, of course, that plans go awry -- say you've planned for a baseball game that gets rained out or someone gets sick.  The point is, planning at least gives one a shot a savoring that vacation aura for as long as possible.  Erin's tips are listed below, and my comments are below hers (if I may be so bold): HOW TO MAKE THE LAST DAY COUNT Do pack early, perhaps even as you go along. I pack as we go along -- particularly on the long trips.  In fact by week 3, I don't even open one of the suitcases as it is dedicated to bags of laundry collected along the way. No, I'm not bothered by it at home. This is what you don't want to happen Do book a special meal or excursion. As I've written before, we've ended two long trips with incredible dinners at L'Atelier Joel Robouchon (London and Hong Kong).  Highly recommend this practice wherever you are ... Do ask locals where they'd go if they had a last day in town.   If you're at a good hotel, USE your concierge to weigh in on what you should not miss. I'll admit to asking a random concierge some questions if we're out and about in a city, even if it's not our hotel, but only a few questions.  It is their livelihood.  And we like engaging locals at restaurants ... you can learn so much.  Do catch the final sunset, perhaps with a cocktail in hand. The Four Seasons, Kuda Huraa Maldives, happened to have a sunset cocktail party while we waited for our transport to the airport.  It was a perfect ending. Do talk about what you loved about the trip. This drives the kids crazy.  But I persist and the hubby goes along.  Called "High Point/Low Point" Do find some alone time if you're traveling with children, even if just a short stroll. This applies to traveling with adult children -- they want their alone time as well. Do save something you're looking forward to for the last day. Shopping! Unless obviously you see something you can't live without and don't want to take a chance that it's the last one on the planet.  Yes, I've used that logic.  Don't choose something weather-dependent. See my opening comments. Don't check work email on the last day. If you're fortunate to really get away, congrats.  The hubby and I are both sole proprietors of our businesses so checking work email while we travel is just part of the equation.  We manage to compartmentalize pretty well ...  Don't choose an activity that requires lots of transportation-save that for the trip home!

Couldn't agree more -- get out and walk around, even if it is at the airport.  You have lots of sitting ahead of you ...