Category Archives: Trip Reports

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The FERRY Best of Staten Island

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I’m not much into cruises but I do have one that’s my all-time favorite, and it just might surprise you. Even better than it being my favorite, one thing about this cruise seems to be something most people don’t know……it’s FREE! And you’ll almost cruise close enough to be able to shake hands with a very famous lady! Okay, enough with the hints. I’m talking about the Staten Island Ferry Harbor Cruise.

The Staten Island Ferry – A Free New York Harbor Cruise

You’d think there wouldn’t be much to know about the Staten Island Ferry Harbor Cruise except you get on, you cruise and see incredible New York Harbor sites, you get off. But as I recently found out, just knowing about the cruise and that it’s free is only the beginning of what you need to know to make this outing a great memorable adventure.

a ferry boat in the water with Staten Island Ferry in the background

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staten_Island_Ferry

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Visit San Francisco’s Newest Attraction: Salesforce Park

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Good morning everyone.  On Monday, I finally got to experience the brand new Salesforce Park, the newest attraction in San Francisco.  The bottom levels are the new Salesforce Transit Center and the top level is the new Salesforce Park.  The park is surrounded by Salesforce buildings and is a short walk from Embarcadero Bart, Montgomery Bart, and the SF Ferry Building.  If you are planning to visit San Francisco, I highly recommend visiting the new Salesforce Park.  It is free to visit and is open everyday from 6am to 9pm.  I walked the entire park path in 13 minutes and that included taking in the sights and taking a few photos.  There are lots of tables, chairs, green spaces, and activities throughout the day.

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Get to the Oakland International Airport (OAK) Escape Lounge Like a Pro

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Disclosure: I have TSA PreCheck, a Clipper Card, and travel with carry-on bags.  If you do not have TSA PreCheck, your security screening will take longer.  If you do not have a Clipper Card, you will need to buy a one-way BART ticket prior to riding BART.  If you need to check your bags, you will need to drop off your bags before going through security.  With that said, here is how to get to the Oakland International Airport Escape Lounge like a pro.

Good morning everyone.  Last week, I wrote Get to the SFO Centurion Lounge Like a Pro.  I wanted to show the East Bay some love too, so I will show you how to get to the Oakland International Airport Escape Lounge like a pro.  This lounge is part of the Escape Lounge collection and is accessible for free if you have an American Express Platinum Charge Card (you can bring in 2 guests for free).  The lounge is located in Terminal 1, between gates 8 and 8A.  The lounge opens at 5am and closes at 9pm, unless the airport is quiet and the lounge will close early.  I’ve been to the Escape Lounge a few times and I recommend reading Points with a Crew’s review of the Escape Lounge.

a bar with a counter and a television

Image source: https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2016/11/11/norwegian-partners-escape-lounge-oakland-san-francisco/

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The Fastest Way from San Francisco to the SFO Centurion Lounge

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Disclosure: I have TSA PreCheck, a Clipper Card, and travel with carry-on bags.  If you do not have TSA PreCheck, your security screening will take longer.  If you do not have a Clipper Card, you will need to buy a one-way BART ticket prior to riding BART.  If you need to check your bags, you will need to drop off your bags before going through security.  With that said, here is how to get to the SFO Centurion Lounge like a pro.

Good morning everyone, happy Friday. I fly out of SFO often and try to swing by the SFO Centurion Lounge as often as I can – even if it is just for a few minutes to grab a bite to eat before heading to my gate.  I will show you how to get from San Francisco to the SFO Centurion Lounge like a pro.  Since I work in San Francisco, I usually take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to SFO.  I jump on the yellow line headed to SFO and I can get there in under 40 minutes (make sure you are on the train that says SFO / San Francisco Airport).

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Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BARTMapDay.svg

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Curtis DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Denver: Themed Floors & Great Breakfast

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Good afternoon everyone.  A few days ago, I shared my post: Westin Denver Airport: Gate to Hotel Room in 25 Minutes (or Less).  After spending 1 night at the Westin, we went to the Curtis DoubleTree hotel in Downtown Denver.  This hotel was called the Curtis before DoubleTree / Hilton acquired the property, but kept the original name.  The hotel is next to the Performing Arts Center, Opera House, and Concert Hall and 2 blocks from the 16th Street Mall.

The hotel costs 50,000 Hilton Points or $150-$250 / night.  I had 2 free weekend night certificates from when my 2 Citi Hilton Honors Reserve Credit Cards converted into 2 American Express Hilton Ascend Credit Cards, so I booked Thursday night on points, and Friday and Saturday night using the free weekend night certificates.  Since I have the American Express Hilton Aspire Credit Card, I am a Hilton Diamond Elite Member and got 2 free breakfast vouchers for every day during my stay.  There are several Hilton properties around Denver, but I liked this hotel because of the various themed rooms / floors in the hotel.  I like when a hotel has unique character, similar to my Amazing Stay at DoubleTree Arctic Club Hotel in Seattle (Historic Building Built in 1917).  I hope you like my review of the hotel and plan a visit to the Curtis DoubleTree hotel.

a car driving on a street

Image source: https://www.thecurtis.com/the-hotel/

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