People sometimes ask about my process in designing travel programs. “How do you put it all together? How do you choose hotels? How do you satisfy everybody?”

To answer question #3, I’ve learned that I’ll never satisfy everybody. But, if you can imagine what it must feel like to have an unhappy traveler, you’ll know why I take great pains to choose correctly! That’s why 30+ years of experience helps. As does luck, or as I prefer to call it – karma. And sites such as TripAdviser, Fodors, etc. And a world-wide network of expert suppliers.

A few fundamentals:  The itinerary must be well-paced and feature quality over quantity. More nights at fewer places. Of course it’ll include the “must-see” sites – but will also spend time at lesser-known places that round out the experience. Like Sacred Valley in Peru – which is more desirable (in my opinion) than Cusco. Or, like Trinidad in Cuba.

 

With respect to hotels, my first priority is quality – although that doesn’t necessarily equate to price or number of stars in their
rating. For a multi-stop itinerary, I like to have some variety in the lodging experience.

At the first destination – after long and arduous travel – I choose a highly-rated hotel that will guarantee a comfortable bed, clean and quiet rooms and a great “orientation” to the place. For the just-completed journey to Cuba, we first stayed at the iconic Hotel Nacional – a grand dame from the thirties. Elegant, stately and evocative of Havana’s heyday when Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Meyer Lansky and other mobsters frequented the place. Vintage elevators, wide corridors, high ceilings, stately gardens, etc.  The Cuban government owns and manages the hotel and so it was (as expected) behind the times. Everyone was pleasant – although service wasn’t particularly attentive. Everything worked adequately, but fittings and furnishings were dated and a bit threadbare. No flat screen TVs or trendy bath amenities. The buffet breakfast was bountiful, but a little weird. Butter wasn’t near the bread, for example!  A different “logic”. Oddities that jolted me out of the “norm” – which is a good thing!

After visiting Trinidad, we spent our last nights in Havana at the Parque Central. Modern, crisp, efficient – and “normal.” Although the Cuban government has majority ownership, the management (and training) is that of a Spanish hotel chain. I watched front desk staff inform arriving individual guests that the hotel was overbooked – and that they were being bumped to another property. Not an easy message to convey, yet all was communicated with professionalism and diplomacy. You’d never have guessed that the Communist system pays everyone an identical salary … and that there’s little incentive to excel. This staff was motivated to perform!

First stop on our upcoming journey to IndoChina features the legendary Metropole in Hanoi. Also a historic landmark, this property is positively spiffy! Brilliantly renovated in a vintage/chic/retro/hip vibe …. the property captures the essence of forward-looking Asia and the nostalgia of colonial France. The neighborhood is grand, with shady boulevards and impressive mansions. And it’s just a few blocks from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake – offering a fascinating glimpse of daily life (see my story, Badminton Boy of Hanoi:   https://www.wowtravelclub.com/travel-blog/memories-of-indochina/

Most itineraries visit Halong Bay as a very long day-trip from Hanoi. But I wanted our itinerary to be more relaxed. So we’ll overnight on a traditionally-styled (but brand-new) luxury junk on Halong Bay. Spending a night in this quiet, peaceful and magical bay, studded with rock outcroppings, will be a special treat. With no light pollution, the stars should be amazing!

As we move on to Luang Prabang, Laos, a not-to-be-missed experience is pre-dawn feeding the hundreds of saffron-robed Buddhist monks who walk through town with their alms bowls, collecting rice and food from the local people. The monks pass by Villa Maly, the small boutique property called where we’ll stay. Guests can rise early – and then go back to bed if they wish. The original building was once the home of a Laotian prince. And, there’s a swimming pool, too!

Siem Reap, Cambodia, has exploded in recent years. Every hotel caters to foreign tourists. An obvious choice is the Sofitel Grand. Same management company as the Metropole, this is a big, beautiful spa/golf resort. Modern, but built in Khmer/French architectural style, with gorgeous gardens. I know I wouldn’t have a complaint from anyone had I chosen this hotel. But I wanted something more intimate. Less predictable. So I chose the FCC (Foreign Correspondent’s Club) Angkor. Why? Central location. Bright, spacious rooms. Free internet. Salt-water pool. Complimentary welcome massage (choose neck/shoulder or foot). Great bar scene. A stylish sanctuary after a busy day of temple visits.

Stay tuned … I’ll write about the experience after we return. Hope I’ll have made the right decisions!