That Time Of The Year!

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That Time Of The Year!
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  • Tag: Citibank

    • SQ 618 (SIN-KIX) Business Class – a fairly simple sleeper flight

      Posted at 1:12 pm by TTOTY, on March 8, 2019

      There are currently 2 flights to Osaka daily (3rd one coming in April), either the red-eye at or a noon flight.  Although I would have preferred to try out the Dreamliner, the timing was rather not conducive for my short travel as I end up losing one day.  I opted instead for the ungodly hour of SQ618 which departs at 130am (for 5.5 hours flight).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Business Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Airbus A380, Business Class, Changi Airport, Citibank, Japan, Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Priority Pass, Silverkris Lounge, Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SQ618, The Green Market
    • Grand Millennium Hotel Hongqiao Shanghai

      Posted at 11:12 am by TTOTY, on January 16, 2019

      Over the years, my preference for my hotel bookings has slowly switched from 3rd party sites (Expedia – mainly for its 6 miles per dollar promo with Citibank previously) to that directly from the hotel.  This is due to progressively less bonus promo from credit cards (DBS Visa Altitude still has 6 miles per dollar promo) and more expensive hotels (Kaligo offers 10 to 12 miles per dollar but at a significantly higher price).

      My preference further changed once I signed up for the IHG Ambassador programme which then make me choose IHG properties as my first option (direct booking with IHG).  There are indeed benefits one can get from booking directly with the hotel (especially when you have status with them) e.g. my stay in Holiday Inn Munich.  Another of my preference (but only if I will be staying for 4 nights) will be utilizing the Citi Prestige’s Hotel Night benefit (in which the 4th night will be free!).  One can occasionally double dip on this privilege (e.g. for my upcoming stay in Osaka where I managed to book on IHG for Holiday Inn Namba using member’s rate, getting the points and get the 4th night free!).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Asia, Hotels | 0 Comments | Tagged Citi Prestige Card, Citibank, DBS, Expedia, Grand Millennium, Holiday Inn, Hongqiao, Hotel Night, IHG, Kaligo, Shanghai
    • Happy New Year 2019!

      Posted at 9:16 pm by TTOTY, on January 13, 2019

      2018 had been a pretty busy year, and from the look of things – 2019 will be the same. What bad news we have that another round of devaluation from Krisflyer is just around the corner.

      It was only in March 2017 that we had one round of devaluation (the biggest being the removal of the 15% discount for online redemption).  To soften the blow, Singapore Airlines removed the fuel surcharge.  This round, there is nothing to soften the blow as Business Class and First Class award tickets starting from Zone 1! (while Economy Class redemption remained).  Perhaps, the permanent feature of Spontaneous Escape will be this round’s cushion but only a select few will be able to take advantage of the Spontaneous Escape promotion).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Award travel, Citibank, DBS, Devaluation, HSBC, Krisflyer, LifeMiles, Singapore Airlines
    • New Chitose Air Terminal Hotel

      Posted at 5:12 pm by TTOTY, on October 20, 2016

      For my Hokkaido Trip this time, I will be traveling with my parents (both in their mid-70s).  The tour group they signed up with is Organised by Parlo Tours (of Malaysia), which I will try my best to review as well.  Instead of following the tour group from Kuala Lumpur itself, I chose to fly in from Singapore via Haneda instead.

      I had to arrive one day earlier before the group do on October 9.  After some research, I chose Terminal Hotel for its convenience as it is located inside the Domestic Terminal of New Chitose Airport.  I made my booking via Expedia using my Citibank Premier Miles Card (for the 6 miles per dollar promotion).  I paid about SGD $110 (inclusive of tax) and the rate comes with free buffet breakfast and entry into the airport Onsen (located at 4th floor in the Oasis Park).  The entry fee for the Onsen cost about 1500 JPY (about SGD $20).  The price I paid is for a single room.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Asia, Hotels | 0 Comments | Tagged Air Terminal Hotel, Calbee, Chitose, Citibank, Doraemon, Japan, Onsen, Sapporo
    • Credit Cards that offer renewal miles

      Posted at 3:58 pm by TTOTY, on January 9, 2016

      Getting miles from credit cards in Singapore is not easy (compared to USA) but not exactly the hardest too.  There are many credit cards out there that offer miles from paying annual fee.

      To those who are against paying annual fees, this option is not for you.  For those who don’t get enough miles for redemption on premium class, you probably should think twice before doing this.  For those who don’t mind paying annual fees, these are the credit cards that you can consider:

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Credit Cards | 1 Comment | Tagged American Express, Award travel, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, Krisflyer, Miles, Singapore Airlines, UOB
    • Citibank Prestige Card

      Posted at 1:50 pm by TTOTY, on December 28, 2015

      I shall switch my focus to credit card for today’s post.  Citibank Prestige card is one of the best card for miles earning with many benefits that come with the card.  It may not be the best card if we are to judge it based on the number of miles earned on spending alone (that accolade belongs to ANZ Travel card, among general consumer cards).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Credit Cards | 0 Comments | Tagged Citi Prestige Card, Citibank
    • The Haven by Jetquay Lounge

      Posted at 10:43 am by TTOTY, on December 22, 2015

      The Haven by Jetquay is a lounge located in the arrival hall of Terminal 3.  This is one of the partner lounge of Priority Pass and unlike the other lounges in Changi Airport, this lounge is actually located on the landside!  This allows one to access it even without the need of a boarding pass.  This lounge will come in useful for those who:

      • Has a Priority Pass Card (especially those who has an unlimited entry card)
      • Need a place to laze around while waiting for a flight
      • For those who arrives in Changi Airport at a horrible timing (e.g. visitors into Singapore arriving on SQ15, SQ11 etc) and need a place to spend overnight

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Changi Airport, Citibank, Jetquay, Lounge, Priority Pass
    • San Francisco Hyatt Regency

      Posted at 10:26 am by TTOTY, on December 21, 2015

      Date : 22 to 26 November 2015 (4 nights)

      Price : SGD $900 (including tax)

      Type of room : King room

      Inclusive : none

      I booked this room utilizing Citibank Prestige’s 4th night free.  I chose this hotel mainly for the convenience, Amtrak Thruway Bus (continuation from my Amtrak Coast Starlight trip) stops right in front of the hotel.  I definitely do not want to lug my luggage around San Francisco at 10:30 pm.  I had wanted to book the Club room but as I will be spending most of my time away, I decided to just go for the King Room without any additional options (including breakfast).

      The hotel is located conveniently at the junction of Market Street, California Street and Drumm Street and just next to Embarcadero.  The BART, Electric Street car, MUNI Metro and cable car is just at the doorstep of the hotel!  This makes traveling around the city extremely convenient.  The San Francisco Ferry building is just a stone throw away.  Using the above transport options, one can go to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Chinatown, Union Square and other places easily.  There are eateries nearby with Walgreens and 7-Eleven nearby too.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Hotels, North America | 2 Comments | Tagged Amtrak, Bay Bridge, Citi Prestige Card, Citibank, Embacardero, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, USA
    • Los Angeles Residence Inn L.A. Live

      Posted at 4:11 pm by TTOTY, on December 20, 2015

      Date : 19 to 22 November 2015 (3 nights)

      Price : SGD $899 (including tax)

      Type of room : Studio Suite

      Inclusive : Breakfast

      Residence Inn in Downtown LA is located at one of the newest part of downtown, named L.A. Live.  The hotel building is actually 2 hotels in 1 (i.e. Residence Inn and Courtyard, both under Marriott Group).  I booked this hotel via Expedia (for the 6 miles per dollar under Citibank promo) as it was cheaper than booking with Marriott directly.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Hotels, North America | 1 Comment | Tagged Citibank, Expedia, Los Angeles, Marriott, Microsoft Theatre, Olympic Boulevard, Residence Inn, Staples Centre
    • Missisauga ALT Hotel

      Posted at 1:16 pm by TTOTY, on December 20, 2015

      Date: 18 to 19 November 2015

      Price: SGD $160 (inclusive of tax)

      Type of room: Queen Room

      Inclusive: None

      We had to stay overnight in Pearson as our flight to Los Angeles the following day (AC791) departs at 8:00 am.  With the US Border pre-clearance in Toronto, I had to make sure we arrive in Pearson by 5:30 am.  There are many hotels around Pearson but the 2 most convenient hotels are Sheraton Gateway (at Terminal 3) and ALT Hotel at Viscount Station.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Hotels, North America | 1 Comment | Tagged ALT Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Canada, Citibank, Expedia, Missisauga, Pearson Airport, Toronto
    ← Older posts
    • Posts

      • Intercontinental Hotel Bugis Singapore
      • SQ380 Business Class a.k.a Dine@A380 – Flight of Hope (or desperation)
      • Together, we shall prevail!
      • Review – Life in quarantine facility
      • What I fear, is the fear itself.
      • TTOTY 2020 – not a great start
      • Korean Air Business Class Second Act – The Apex Suite
      • Korean Air Business Class in pictures – KE 644 (SIN-ICN) and KE 765 (ICN-CTS)
      • Looking back at 2019
      • Air China Economy Class
      • Bank of China Elite Miles Card – my crappy experience
      • SQ 32 Business Class (SIN-SFO) in pictures
      • SQ 979 Business Class (BKK-SIN)
      • Renaissance Hotel Bangkok
      • T/G Lounge (DPS)
      • Thai Royal Silk Lounge Singapore
      • TG 404 Business Class and TG 409 Economy Class (SIN-BKK-SIN) – an ‘upgraded’ experience
      • Park Royal Kuala Lumpur – more GHA hotel review
      • Capitol Kempinski Singapore and GHA Discovery Black
      • Holiday Inn Resort Batu Ferringhi, Penang
      • TR 426 (SIN-PEN) and AK 1729 (PEN-SIN) review – tale of 2 budget airlines
      • SQ 611 Business Class (ICN-SIN) in pictures
      • NH 7 Business Class (SFO-NRT) in pictures
      • Sony WH-1000XM3 – The must have traveling companion!
      • Panama San Blas Islands & Panama San Blas Tour – Paradise in the Caribbean
      • Panama – my experience
      • Austin ATX Pass and Houston Segway Tour
      • SQ 637 Suites (NRT-SIN)
      • Intercontinental New York Barclay – an old gem in the Big Apple
      • Crowne Plaza JFK, New York
      • Changi Jewel Lounge
      • Delta One & Korean Air Business Class
      • UA 2 & UA 1 Economy Class (SIN-SFO-SIN) in pictures
      • The Westin Playa Bonita
      • Silverkris Lounge makeover …. finally!
      • Gamboa Rainforest Resort – an old gem badly in need of makeover
      • Waldorf Astoria Panama City
      • Hilton Americas-Houston
      • Lufthansa Senator Lounge (FRA) Revisited
      • Virgin Clubhouse JFK – sanctuary in a busy airport
      • Copa Club Tocumen Airport and The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network
      • Landry’s Seafood IAH Terminal C and non-lounge use of Priority Pass Card
      • United Club and KLM Crown Lounge Houston (IAH)
      • SQ 25 Suites (JFK-FRA-SIN) – my favourite cabin once again
      • CM 804 Business Class (PTY-JFK) – Good alternative connecting into Latin and South America for Star Alliance
      • CA 885 First Class (IAH-PTY) – First Air China experience
      • UA 1045 First Class (IAH-AUS)
      • SQ 52 Business Class (SIN-MAN-IAH) – my long and arduous journey into the Lone Star State
      • That Time of The Year 2019!
      • Gardens Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur
      • First Class or Business Class redemption? A simple breakdown on Krisflyer
      • Long Haul Economy Class or Short Haul First Class?
      • SQ 218 Suites (MEL-SIN) and Silverkris Lounge Melbourne in Pictures
      • SQ 217 Suites (SIN-MEL) in pictures
      • Food in Kansai
      • Wa Yamamura – a must try in Nara!
      • Holiday Inn Osaka Namba – strategically located budget hotel
      • Mikasa Ryokan Nara – a sanctuary for relaxation
      • SQ 618 (SIN-KIX) Business Class – a fairly simple sleeper flight
      • SQ619 Suites (KIX-SIN) – A Great Way To Fly!
      • OD807 Business Class (KUL-SIN) in pictures
      • The end of an era
      • IHG Ambassador Programme
      • Upcoming Krisflyer devaluation
      • Grand Millennium Hotel Hongqiao Shanghai
      • Happy New Year 2019!
      • MH609 (KUL-SIN) Business Class & MAS Golden Lounge in pictures
      • 2018 – looking back
      • SQ 830 (SIN-PVG) and SQ 833 (SIN-PVG) Economy Class
      • MI 988 and MI 985 Business Class (SIN-WUH-SIN)
      • SQ21 Business Class (EWR-SIN) – post inaugural flight back to Singapore
      • Special feature – SQ22 Inaugural (SIN-EWR) Premium Economy
      • SIN-EWR Inaugural
      • Air China First Class Lounge Shanghai
      • SQ618 Business Class (SIN-KIX) – Pictorial review of the Dreamliner
      • SQ828 First Class (SIN-PVG)
      • Holiday Inn Express Mongkok, Hong Kong
      • Holiday Inn Munich City Centre – conveniently located within Munich City
      • Imlauer Pitter Hotel Salzburg – Cosy Boutique Hotel just a stone throw away from the Mirabel
      • Heritage Hotel Hallstatt – a hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage town
      • MI 986 and MI985 Economy Class (SIN-WUH-SIN) – my furthest flight on a 737
      • SQ22/21, here we come!
      • Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge, Changi Airport Terminal 4
      • CX712 Business Class (HKG-SIN) and The Deck Business Class Lounge
      • CX711 Business Class (SIN-BKK-HKG) – First Cathay Pacific experience
      • Holiday Inn Bangkok
      • Oman Air Business Class Lounge Bangkok
      • Adlers Hotel Innsbruck – A gem in the Tirolian capital
      • Radisson Blu Plaza Helsinki
      • Rovaniemi Scandic Hotel
      • London Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel – a luxury that is in need of some uplifting
      • SQ974 and SQ973 Economy (SIN-BKK-SIN) – The Dreamliner makes a debut
      • BA926 (LHR-MUC) Club Europe – a good way to use your Avios
      • Arctic Snow Hotel and Igloo Hotel Rovaniemi
      • SQ327 Business Class (MUC-SIN) – My first A350-900 XWB ride
      • AY412 Economy Class (KAJ-HEL)
      • AY533 Economy Class (HEL-RVN)
      • SQ 308 Suites (SIN-LHR) – a rather underwhelming Suites experience
      • Krisflyer Spontaneous Escapes – March Edition
      • Helsinki Finnair Business Class Lounge
      • Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge Doha
      • Plaza Premium First Lounge KLIA (Part 2)
      • Qatar Airways A330-300 Business Class
      • QR849 Business Class (KUL-DOH)
      • Intercontinental Landmark 72 Hanoi (Club Intercontinental)
      • SQ 176 and SQ 175 Business Class Review (SIN-HAN-SIN)
      • KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Promotion
      • Hotel Jen Puteri Harbor, Johor
      • KLIA Plaza Premium First Lounge
      • OD 807 Business Class (KUL-SIN) and KLIA Premier Access Lounge
      • SATS Premier Lounge Changi Terminal 2 and MH614 Business Class (SIN-KUL)
      • Berjaya Time Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur
      • QR 852 Business Class (DOH-KUL)
      • Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge Doha
      • QR40 First Class (CDG-DOH)
      • Qatar Airways Premium Lounge Paris
      • South African Airways Premium Baobab Lounge
      • Bidvest Domestic Lounge, Cape Town
      • SA8651 Economy Class (CPT-SZK)
      • Enhanced security screening going into USA from Canada
      • That Time Of The Year 2017 – Part 2
      • Royal Park Hotel The Haneda
      • Hakone Yoshino Pax Hotel
      • Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome
      • LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel
      • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
      • Banff Aspen Lodge
      • SQ478 Business Class (SIN-JNB-CPT)
      • St. Regis Hotel Vancouver
      • Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal
      • SQ631 Business Class (HND-SIN) and ANA Business Lounge Haneda International Airport
      • SQ11 Business Class (LAX-NRT) and Star Alliance Lounge LAX
      • AC578 Economy Class (YYC-LAX) and Calgary Aspire Lounge
      • TS8788 Economy Class (YVR-YYC)
      • AC307 Domestic Business Class and Maple Leaf Lounge – a case of downgraded bird
      • DL 4106 Domestic First Class – A very forgettable experience!
      • SQ26 Suites (SIN-FRA-JFK) Round 2, with my first ever in-flight medical call
      • That Time Of The Year 2017 Part 1
      • Let’s talk about Avios
      • My take on the upcoming devaluation of Krisflyer Miles
      • The day we all dread …..
      • A Tale of 3 Lounges
      • Seoul Courtyard Marriott Time Square Club Room
      • MH616/66/67/607 Business Class (SIN-KUL-ICN-KUL-SIN)
      • Special! 7D 5N Parlo Tour (Malaysia) Hokkaido
      • Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
      • New Chitose Air Terminal Hotel
      • MH619 Business Class (KUL-SIN)
      • D7 551 Economy Class (CTS-KUL)
      • NH63 Economy Class (HND – CTS) – and Ninja Wifi review
      • SQ636 First Class (SIN-HND)
      • More upcoming review
      • SQ67 Business Classs (GRU – BCN – SIN)
      • Sumaq VIP Lounge, Lima
      • Premier Lounge Ngurah Rai Airport
      • ANA Suites Lounge Narita Airport
      • Changi Airport Terminal 1 Dnata Lounge
      • Upcoming review for October 2016…
      • JW Marriott Cusco
      • KL836 Business Class (DPS-SIN)
      • KL835 Business Class (SIN-DPS)
      • Next up? Bali
      • My short Malaysia getaway
      • MH628 & MH 605 Malaysia Airlines Economy (Via JAL Redemption)
      • Award redemption using Krisflyer Miles
      • Credit Cards that offer renewal miles
      • Citibank Prestige Card
      • SQ856 Business Class (SIN-HKG)
      • MH73 & MH609 Business Class (HKG-KUL-SIN)
      • SQ866 Suites (SIN – HKG)
      • The Haven by Jetquay Lounge
      • Penang Rasa Sayang Shangri La Resort and Spa
      • San Francisco Hyatt Regency
      • Los Angeles Residence Inn L.A. Live
      • Missisauga ALT Hotel
      • Niagara Sheraton On The Falls
      • Toronto Intercontinental Club Room
      • Boston Intercontinental Club Room
      • New York Residence Inn Times Square
      • Part 6(B) – SQ 15 First Class (ICN – SIN)
      • Part 6(A) – SQ 15 First Class (SFO – ICN)
      • Part 5 – Amtrak Coast Starlight, Sleeper Cabin (LAX – SFO)
      • Part 4 – AC 791 Transcontinental Business Class (YYZ-LAX)
      • Part 3 – AC 7627 Domestic Business Class (BOS-YYZ)
      • Part 2 – DL 4004 Domestic First Class (JFK-BOS)
      • Part 1(B) – SQ 26 Suites (FRA-JFK)
      • Part 1(A) – SQ 26 Suites (SIN-FRA)
      • That Time Of The Year – 2015!
      • Round The World Trip
      • SQ807 Business Class (PEK-SIN)
      • SQ802 Suites (SIN-PEK)
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