While having travel fresh on my mind, I was read an amazing article on the Hot Hotels of 2009. They were just gorgeous! Check out this one from the Veranda, Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Veranda Chiang Mai - The High Resort
From the beginning, they create a Zen-like atmosphere where the reception area has cocoon-like lanterns above. You can get a room starting under $250. Look at that calm water!
Then, high on the cliffs of Hermanus, there is the Birkenhead House in South Africa that totally overlooks the beach. Ahhh.
Hermanus: Birkenhead House
Delicious. Then, if you simply don’t want to leave your room yet want to dip into some water, this is for you. The Palais Rhoul at Marrakech is located in Morocco (Northern Africa).
Palais Rhoul at Marrakech
You should consider something different and special for your next travel experience. As for me, where will I go next? Hmm. . . so many places to choose from!
When I left Charleston, I was really sad to go. That day, at least. Saying ciao to my brother and my mom left me choking. I was ready for a long day of flying. I headed for my first flight with US Airways to Charlotte and from there I would catch a quick flight over to LA. Well, that was the plan at least.
I got on the small plane and sat there waiting to take off. And I waited and I waited and I waited. The captain said there was traffic at the Charlotte airport and thus we would be taking off shortly, but should still arrive on time. The total flight should have taken 30 minutes worth of true flying. Then, as we all sat there with no A/C uncomfortable and feeling ancy, the captain said there were thunderstorms in Charlotte and we were being held back. Ugh!
Once we finally had the OK to fly the captain spoke to us almost every 5 minutes. First, we were going to land in Florence, South Carolina. Then, we were going to land in Myrtle Beach. Then we got the OK to go ahead to Charlotte. Damn, those thunderstorms sure are temperamental and couldn’t decide where to stay.
During the whole flight I stared out the window and watched as we chased the sun. It never left us. Beautiful skies the whole way! Interesting. Once we landed, I had to run to catch my next flight. I should have had an hour layover, but I had 5 minutes to catch my next flight and I was on the whole other side of the airport!
By the time I got to my terminal, there was no plane, no people, just 2 girls waiting at the counter for US Airways. My flight had left, on time surprisingly, and a huge line began to form behind me. The US Airways employees were like robots, “Here is a coupon for a hotel & here is your new boarding pass. Your flight leaves at 9:45AM tomorrow.” WHAT!?
So I sat in the airport trying to figure out what to do when I decided I needed to speak with someone else. I waited in a long ass line with a good 50 other people, whose flight was apparently canceled. They all got FREE ROOM & DINNER for the night. Since my flight was delayed due to WEATHER, I could only get a discounted room rate. When I got to the counter and explained to the girl I could not afford the “cheapest” hotel they arranged for me, she looked me dead in my eand said, “That sucks.” When I asked to speak with someone who could really help me, she directed me to a website address.
It couldn’t get any better than that. So I hoped on a shuttle and drove in the boonies to an awesome hotel called Sleep Inn. Cute. I couldn’t sleep all night. I slept with my dry contacts, and day worn clothes, in that hotel room in Charlotte. THANKS US AIRWAYS. Here’s to a great company, with excellent customer service, and people skills. The shuttle drivers (from both days) told me separately that US AIRWAYS does this 365 days a year and keeps them in business. They get half for the room and US AIRWAYS gets the other. The men also mentioned (separately) that US AIRWAYS flights never seem to take-off after 2pm. Interesting.
Cheers to US AIRWAYS! I guess they DON’T love to fly, and it shows.
