Miri Marriott revisited

Last weekend I was back at the Miri Marriott. Following my previous stay and my recent blog post, this time I found myself upgraded to an Ocean Suite. This is a good room with a decent sized corner bath  and separate shower. The room is also very spacious. Indeed, I have asked for the room by number for my next booking. This time we were given welcome drinks, but they still insist on charging my children for breakfast. Despite this, I was much happier the service received on this occasion and once again look forward to a number of stays in this hotel over the coming months. The market in Miri is getting interesting. Of course, there is the Marriott Mulu resort not too far away,  but there is also a Pullman opening shortly.

Miri Marriott Platinum Moans

Having just spent two nights at the Miri Marriott, perhaps it is worth reflecting once again on the continuing variations in the treatment of elite members in different hotels. At the Miri Marriott I am rarely upgraded, as a gold used to be offered a couple of drinks in lieu of lounge access, but not as platinum (odd). They also charge me for my children's breakfast. Yes, I know the upgrade is subject to availability, and they do not have to offer breakfast to my kids........but I really am never upgraded at the Miri Marriott, and every other Marriott I have visited with my children have included breakfast for them. I am now in the KL Renaissance, and the difference is stark. I have been upgraded to a suite (again), and of course have lounge access.

I will be dropping down to Gold in January, and will be making much more use of my Platinum Accor status, and a big factor in my decision not to pursue platinum Marriott this year has been the lack of recognition at Miri. 

Renaissance Barcelona Fira

An interesting hotel, located a few miles from the centre of Barcelona. However, it is conveniently close to a metro station that will whisk you into the city very quickly- just one stop. Given that it is somewhat less expensive than the more centrally located Marriots it is a good option. The restaurant and breakfast are very impressive and the small roof top pool is an attractive place to unwind. There is also a small indoor plunge pool and a small gym. It is convenient for the airport. On the other hand, there is no lounge and reception is often understaffed. As the hotel is used by tour groups (perhaps from cruise ships) this can be a problem.

Kuala Lumpur to Barcelona- In Economy

If you are flying from Asia to the UK it is often worth looking for flights that start/finish in Europe rather than the UK. Tickets are often substantial cheaper, in all classes. This was the return leg of a trip booked almost a year previously for around £440 return, with on of the long haul legs in World Traveller Plus.
As I have noted before the BA KL service is using relatively old 777s at the moment, and this is particularly noticeable in Economy and with the in flight entertainment system. That having been said, service and food were both good and as I was travelling with my two children we had a row to ourselves. Night flights in Economy are not great, but when you don't have to sit next to strangers I can just about mange them, if I have to.
Unfortunately when I booked these tickets (over a year ago) I did not look carefully enough at the transit time in Heathrow. With 8 hours to kill in Heathrow we all had showers in the Terminal 3 BA lounge. The lounge is fine- and we were there so early it was actually quiet. We then headed out of the airport to do some shopping in Hounslow. A short flight to Barcelona was uneventful, and the catering in economy limited to a sandwich- which was of very good quality.

BA is up against Malaysia Airlines A380s out of Heathrow. If there is a straight choice I'd go on the A380. However, by looking to start your journey elsewhere in Europe the BA flights can be very affordable. Consider looking at Barcelona, Paris, Marseille, Franfurt and Amsterdam as starting points.

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur

The Renaissance Kuala Lumpur is the hotel I use most frequently in Kuala Lumpur. The hotel is large, and is within easy walking distance of the KLCC Twin Towers. Within the Marriott programme the other option is the JW Marriott. Located by the Pavilion, I would argue the JW Marriott location is better, the rooms and breakfast restaurant are also better. However, I opt for the Renaissance more often than not because it usually comes in a little cheaper, but more importantly they pull out all the stops for elite members of the programme. During my last visit, despite being on a very low room rate, we were upgraded to a suite and were given a 18:00 late checkout. The lounge is always staffed and offers extended cocktail hours.

During my last visit I felt a little bad that I had spent nothing in the hotel, and therefore decided to treat myself to a couple of drinks after hours in the lounge- expecting to have to sign for the drinks. To my dismay the staff didn't charge me! At the JW Marriott elite members will find themselves on the executive floor, but you will have to be a more valuable customer than me to find yourself in a larger room.

The renaissance has a large swimming pool, the pool bar can sometimes have a nice vibe to it. The fitness studio and the spa are also very pleasant.

Malaysia Airlines Brunei to KL

Malaysia Airlines fly to and from Brunei from KL four times a week. They go on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (I wish they would go everyday) The flight is often busy, with lots of workers connecting through from other parts of the Malaysia Airlines network. I rate Malaysia Airlines Regional product quite highly and the Brunei route is no exception. Relatively modern 737-800s with spacious 4 row 2X2 seating in Business Class. The food is pretty good, there is usually a choice of three meals and there is a limited bar available as well. Business Class also gets you off the plane quickly- which can be very useful in Brunei.

Business class tickets can be quite steep on this route- almost £200 each way. Sometimes there are promos that bring it down to about £100. (Economy is about £60 each way). If using avios it is worth the extra 7,500 to get in the front. If you are offered MH upgrade it could be worth putting in a low bid (I have never not been successful) though don't forget you may lose the tier points and avios you may have earned on your economy ticket.

Royal Skies Lounge Brunei

The Royal Skies Lounge was refurbished recently, and it offers a quiet and pleasant space to passengers. The food on offer is quite reasonable, though the lack of passengers suggests that turnover at the buffet is not so great. There is a good range of soft drinks and quite good coffee. The wifi is reliable (I love the note on the agents desk- do not unplug the wifi to charge handphones!) There are also a number of computer terminals hidden away nicely if you have work to do.

I get access to this lounge when flying on Malaysia Airlines- either in Business class or as a sapphire member of the oneworld alliance. Of course, it is also available to those flying in Business class on Royal Brunei and to passengers who have status in their loyalty programme "Royal Skies". (Silver members of this programme get access to this lounge, Gold members get access to lounges in other airports aswell.