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Written by Mr Five Star
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There seems to be no shortage of airline news, with the sky rocketing fuel costs, Airlines like Frontier hanging on by their white knuckles, 5 airlines going out of business since December, and now news of new airlines!
Just as SilverJet departs along comes yet another Business Class Carrier. This one is named OpenSkies. OpenSkies will fly between New York (JFK) and Paris(Orly) starting June 19th. This airline is a subsidiary of British Air. OpenSkies isn’t all Business Class, this time they are a little bit of everything. Biz, Prem+ and Economy. Biz, gets you 24 seats,180 degree reclining, 73 inches of leg room, one attendant per 12 passengers. Prem+ gets you 28 seats, with 140 degrees reclining and 52 inches of leg room. There are 30 additional leather seats in Economy. They are using 757’s and are touting an abundance of service. Click here to go directly to OpenSkies web site.
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Written by Mr Five Star
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How did I over-look this little gem, L’AVION? Check out the price for this summer, starting at just $1,495.00 US, Not one way, that’s roundtrip. In a previous article I mentioned SilverJet was the last to go. Wow! Was I wrong? SilverJet is gone but here is another low fare Business Class Carrier. L’AVION, seems to have a solid plan and is moving ahead slowly. New York, Newark Terminal B, direct to Paris, Orly, "French Style". Click here to visit their web site L’AVION.
I haven’t traveled with them as of this date, however I will within the next 30 days. They look good and I have received several excellent reports.
Here is the skinny so far on this so called Business Class Airline. It seems the check in can be problematic as there are very few attendants. I am also hearing some travelers are expecting a little more service, like a glass of champagne prior to departure and a few more amenities. Remember the seats only pitch to 140 degrees, this is a 757 not a 767 like MaxJet had. Come-on folks, the price is RIGHT! This is an excellent deal for what your are paying. I will be able to give you a first hand report after my flight. The price is really excellent. Read this article by IH Tribune.
Here is another great plus, PC power outlets!
Are you a Paryorker ? To be a Paryorker means to be a Parisian living in New York or a New Yorker residing in Paris -- or simply a person who travels between the two cities for work, family, a passion or just the pleasure of it all!
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Written by MrFiveStar, Ron Crider
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There is only one good way to get between London and Paris. It’s the EuroStar high speed train. Forget Ryan Air, or Easy Jet they will really get you with all the extras for baggage. Don’t even think about taking anything larger than a toothbrush or you will be paying overweigh fees that that resemble a car payment.
May 24, 2008 I traveled to Paris on the EuroStar high speed train from the new St. Pancras station in north London. What an excellent experience. An agent met me as I came through the station door. He showed me to the e-ticket Business Premier electronic check-in machine. I simply inserted the credit card I booked the ticket with and wala! Out came both the London to Paris and the Paris to London tickets. Next, security and immigrations, wala again! I was through in 5 minutes on my way to the Business Premier lounge.

Since 14 November 2007 all Eurostar trains have been routed via High Speed 1 from the newly redeveloped London terminus at St Pancras International. Originally Eurostar intended to retain some services at the former Waterloo International terminal, but this was later ruled out on cost grounds.
From 9 December 2007 Eurostar offers 17 weekday London–Paris services (19 on Fridays) including 7 non-stop, and 10 London–Brussels trains including 3 non-stop.[7] In addition to these three-capitals services, there is one round-trip London–Disneyland Paris and two seasonal services: from July to September there is a weekly London–Ashford–Avignon service, and in the winter months there are twice-weekly Snow Train services to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Aime-la-Plagne and Moutiers in the French Alps for the ski season; one of these runs overnight and the other is a daytime round-trip. Click here for my photo album of St. Pancras, EuroStar train and Paris Gare du Nord. Photo Album
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Written by MrFiveStar, Ron Crider
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May 22, 2008 I found myself mesmerized beyond belief at the grandeur of the thousands of plants, flowers, and gardens on display at the annual Chelsea Flower Show in London.
Who would believe MrFiveStar at a flower show? Well, there I was in the thick of it, and what a glorious event it was. This is definitely something you should see in your lifetime, if only once. The Chelsea Flower Show is the most celebrated event of its type in the world. I was in London doing a piece on the Goring Hotel; St. Pancras train station and the EuroStar train. As it happened, just by luck the Goring Hotel was offering a Flower Show special. The Hotel staff insisted it was something I shouldn’t miss. “Sir, you certainly aren’t going to miss the most important event in May are you?” With that they whisked me off in a special car for a short ride to the Royal Hospital grounds near the Thames River, about one mile from the hotel. The weather was perfect about 68 degrees with a light breeze.
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Written by Ron Crider
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First there was MaxJet, then there was EOS, then came Silverjet. Friday SilverJet announced it was the last to go. It is the end of a short run for the all Business Class carriers. Lawrence Hunt CEO announced May 30 it will park the planes for good after only 16 months of operation. I was scheduled to return to New York May 30 or 31 but at the last minute took Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy class direct to Orlando. This announcement left thousands of passengers scrambling for a new way home. Silverjet has been struggling for the past few months to get additional financing to keep their birds in the air. Perhaps with the uncontrollable, skyrocketing fuel costs and the economy such as it is Silverjet should view this as a blessing in disguise, after all this is the end of the final red ink for them. Had they received another round of loot they may have gotten themselves deeper in the hole. Sometimes those investors really do know what they are doing. For more information on SilverJet click here: SilverJet, BoardingArea, YahooFiance, ParcteAirport, MSN Money, Excellent SilverJet Pictures
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Written by Mr Five Star
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Just as I was reporting the demise of EOS airline along comes the news that MaxJet may be getting a new lease on life. Click here to read what is posted on the MaxJet’s website. Come on Maxjet the MrfiveStar team is pulling for you.
Here’s what to expect when you choose MAXjet Charter Services • Outstanding service and stress free travel • Exceptional in-flight comfort • Efficiency and choice: fly where you want, when you want • MAXjet is licensed to fly to 89 countries around the world. MAXjet Airways is being acquired and a closing will occur in the near future. After the closing MAXjet will be operating under the ownership of NCA Sports Group, a leading one-stop travel service for university and professional sports programs and their fans
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Written by Roy Lowe
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Eos Airlines Files for Chapter 11
Saturday April 26, 9:58 pm ET
Planned Investment does not Close; Premium Class New York-London Carrier Forced to Wind Down Operations
PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eos Airlines, the premium class New York to London carrier, which has become known for its operational excellence and uncrowded Guest experience, announced today that it has filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
It is with much regret again we have to report another fine airline is gone. I recently reported the loss of Maxjet another excellent Business class trans-Atlantic carrier. One wonders if it wouldn’t have been a good idea for EOS, Maxjet and SilverJet to have combined forces.
Hind sight is always 20/20.
Now the question is how long will SilverJet be able to operate in this environment of sky rocketing fuel costs?
The petition was filed April 26, 2008 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York. Read EOS statement here.
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Written by Mr Five Star
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Here is some great new material from Ritz Carlton Hotels, least we forget the Ritz Carlton’s parents are Marriott. Watch some of these films and you will soon see why Marriott properties and the Ritz Carlton group is the finest hotel organization in the world. Click here, then watch the Films.
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Written by Mr Five Star
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Here is our quick finder for the 2008 Michelin Restaurant Guides for, New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Every restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide is recommended by their team of professional inspectors. The ones listed below have earned stars that reflect their exceptional culinary achievements, regardless of cuisine style. Stars represent only what is on the plate. They do not take into consideration interior decoration, service quality or table settings. Click here to see the Restaurants for New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. To check out the US Michelin Guides for the US click here. Gayot Rating System their 20-point rating scale developed from the system that launched Nouvelle Cuisine in the early 1970s and resembles the grading range used for students in France. They focus on the quality of the food, while reserving our analysis of the décor, service and ambiance for the establishment's review.
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Written by Mr Five Star
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Newton Vineyard Unfiltered wines, 2003 Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are the wines most closely identified with the heritage and history of the estate. The winery is recognized as an American pioneer of unfiltered wines, a philosophy that adds complexity to the winemaking process and demands meticulousness and attention to detail, but maximizes all the subtle characters of the fruit.
Grapes for the profound and powerful Chardonnay are grown on the Newton estate in the Carneros region and other marine-influenced sites where bay breezes and morning fog combine to create the cooler climate idea for full and rich flavor development. Red grapes are grown on the Spring Mountain estate and display the intensity of color and flavor typical of mountain wines.
Unfiltered wines are favorites of savvy connoisseurs and may be found in fine wine shops and dining establishments around the world.
Press Releases 95 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) "Consistently one of California's finest, longest-lived Chardonnays is Newton's Unfiltered Chardonnay, and the 2002 is drinking spectacularly well. Moreover, it is capable of lasting another 4-5 years. However, the light green/gold-colored 2003 Unfiltered Chardonnay plays it closer to the vest. It displays hints of marmalade, caramel, liquid rocks, and honeysuckle, good background acidity, more obvious structure and backwardness than the previous two vintages, excellent weight, and a long finish. This beautiful Chardonnay is reminiscent of a top premier cru from Chassagne-Montrachet. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years." Retail $50.00
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Written by Mr Five Star
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To experience the ultimate in fine dining in Sedona, visit the AAA Four Diamond rated Yavapai Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Graced by a Randy Hedden mural and elegant Southwest interiors, your breath will be taken away by views of Boynton Canyon through massive windows providing a 180-degree view. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or delightful Jazz Brunch on Sundays. Lunch is for those who want to savor the view as well as the cuisine. We strive to maintain an atmosphere of casual elegance during Dinner. A collared shirt and slacks are requested for Gentlemen. Please, no shorts or athletic attire at Dinner.
Surrounded by the majestic red rock formations of Northern Arizona's Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort combines luxury with rugged grandeur inspired by Native American culture which is honored every day through the resort's Native American Program.
The resort's adobe casita-style accommodations offer world-class comforts amid its pristine 70-acre setting. Enchantment Resort, in Sedona, is 110 miles north of Phoenix. At the heart of Arizona's 'Red Rock Country,' the Coconino National Forest, replete with archaeological rarities and rich Southwestern history, borders the property. An altitude of 4,600 feet ensures that even the hottest Arizona weather is within the comfort zone.
Click here for more Enchantment information.
Luxury suites and bedrooms at Enchantment Resort offer casual sophistication with southwest interiors in rich earth colors. Every room has an outdoor deck for viewing the serenity and beauty of Boynton Canyon. For guest convenience, every room has a mini-bar, coffee maker, safe, complimentary high speed internet, in-room movies/Nintendo, iron with full size ironing board, hair dryer and bathrobes. Service is provided twice daily by our Executive Housekeeping Staff.
Casa suites have a full kitchen, oversized living room, fireplace, generous soaking tub with separate walk in shower, king bedrooms and private covered parking. One Bedroom Casa Suite $850-$1050 Two Bedroom Casa Suite $1225-$1525
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Written by Mr Five Star
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MrFiveStar lives in Vero Beach, Florida several months each year. I can assure you this is the best Vero Beach has to offer. The Vero Beach Hotel and Club is definitely a solid 4 star and closing in on the fifth star.The service is Five Star.
Nestled in the heart of a charming seaside village in Central Florida’s Indian River County, Vero Beach’s relaxed atmosphere and kind-hearted residents, give the city its quaint “Olde Florida” touch. As the Treasure Coast’s newest hotel surrounded by breathtaking views of the ocean, prepare to be dazzled by our exquisite West Indies-style décor, the finest designer amenities, and unrivaled service.
Brimming with a superior level of sophistication and style, Vero Beach Hotel & Club invites you to discover the area’s first true luxury hospitality experience. Surrounded by the city’s alluring ambiance and Olde Florida charm, each of our 83 graciously appointed one, two and three-bedroom suites envelope you with opulent West Indies-style décor and lavish amenities that redefine what it means to unwind.
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Written by Denver Post
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Unlike MaxJet, ATA and Aloha, Frontier is still flying. We at MrFiveStar are pulling for you. We love Frontier. We go out of our way to fly Frontier because of the service and friendly people, all the way from the reservation department to the flight attendants. Come on Colorado, think first of Frontier on your next trip even if it costs a little more, support the Colorado economy. Support our hometown airline.
Frontier Airlines was cleared by the bankrupty court Friday to continue operations as it reorganizes under bankruptcy protection. The Denver-based airline is continuing to operate while reorganizing, a process expected to take nine to 18 months. Frontier blamed the action on an "unexpected attempt by its principal credit-card processor to substantially increase a 'holdback' of customer receipts, which threatened to severely impact the airline's liquidity." Frontier's credit-card processor is First Data Corp., a Greenwood Village-based company. "Frontier is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, and we intend to continue delivering on that promise with normal operations throughout our reorganization process," Read more from the Denver Post, click here. Most recent Denver Post article.
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Written by Mr Five Star
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ORLANDO, Fla., April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), announced today that it has taken the top spot in the highly regarded annual Airline Quality Rating (AQR) study, developed in 1991 as an objective method for assessing airline quality. AirTran Airways, ranked third last year, was one of only four airlines to improve its AQR score between 2006 and 2007.
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Written by Sue McCarthy
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The legendary Phoenix rose up in the desert and so has the town of Glendale, AZ. Glendale is one of the western communities with a growth spurt due to the current development in downtown Phoenix spreading north, south and west. In 2006, Phoenix was listed as the 5th largest city in the United States with a population of 1,512,986. With an arid climate, the “Valley of the Sun” has an annual average maximum temperature of 100 degrees F and is the highest of any major U.S. city. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has an annual average temperature of 72 degrees F.
The mythical “Phoenix” bird, bedecked in feathers of red and gold, stands for rebirth and resurrection. Phoenix, Arizona was named as a rebirth of the Hohokam Indian civilization that founded the area. You’ll also find the Phoenix bird on the city’s logo and flag.
Neighboring Glendale is like an oasis in the desert featuring the newest 12-story four-star Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa (a John Q. Hammons hotel) with 320 rooms, three presidential suites, 46 suites, and two concierge levels. The suites have cable high-def TV, a microwave, mini refrigerator, in room coffee and tea service and a work desk equipped with a Jack Pack dataport for your Internet audio and video use. The contemporary beds are furnished with fine linens, soft pillows, a comforter and a colorful designer duvet reflecting the warm reds, oranges and golds of the desert and setting sun. There is a modern shoji-style sliding screen between the bedroom and luxurious bath with a whirlpool tub. You can leave the screen open as you relax in the tub and gaze out at the setting sun. The adjoining sitting area provides a table and two chairs for in-room dining from room service. The contemporary couch and chair offers comfort and a place to sit back and relax.
The contemporary marble-tiled lobby has a 3-story colored glass sculpture and water fountain. There are colorful and comfortable chairs for lounging and celebrity watching.
Soleil Restaurant features upscale casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try Executive Chef Scott Cape’s luscious Lobster Omelet for breakfast, and contemporary American Cuisine with a Southwest flavor for lunch and dinner. Ray’s lobby bar serves beverages and light appetizers. Refresco’s serves cuisine poolside. Caffeina’s Marketplace Café has wireless Internet access and your favorite mocha latte served at Starbucks.
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Del Fresco Double Eagle Steak House # 1 2008 Again
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Maxjet Airline, Gone!
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Wine Spectator 2005's "Now a Classic"
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Robert Keenan Chardonnay 2006, MrFiveStar March Pick
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