Indian Tourism and Rajputana Sheraton

Just got back from a trip to Rajasthan.Flew Jetairways to Delhi.The airport while being upgraded did not provide aerobridge-whether Jet is not paying the charges?Seems to be the case,as even when I flew out of Mumbai-there was no aerobridge.If Jet wants to be a premier airline-this is one area they have to improve upon.

The domestic airport in Delhi is very good-can they improve further?provide free internet?Reduce prices of foodstuff?

Flew Jet to Jaipur and was pleasantly surprised to see a clean and neat Jaipur airport.Stayed again at Rajputana Sheraton,which is a great hotel with good service as always.

Amazed that Indian Govt seems to ignore the tourism potential of Jaipur.They can improve amenities and ensure everyone benefits-make a walkabout,clean up the whole area,build modern toilets,ensure that the homeless are provided employment as part of the tourism set up,proper parking and eco friendly transport system.

The food in Jaipur is amazing and delicious.One destination in India which continues to attract me

Definitely not a Four Star Hotel

Stayed at the Tunga Regale in Mumbai which claims itself to be a 4 star Hotel.The staff also claim the same because of the facilities available,so how good is it?It does not go beyond the claims of its staff.I would rate it is a 2 or a 3 star property with a 4 star price.

The biggest drawback of the hotel are its front office staff who behave like 2 star hotel staff,they need training,and the trick that make every guest feel like a king!The Lobby is very small,and they do not accept Diners Club cards.I had booked an Icon room,the Booking experience was good (Courtesy Mitali Joshi)The Airport Pick up car was a sedan and in good condition,that increased my expectation.The room itself was good,but it had a torn and worn out chair which was not expected.The room size could be bigger.

The bath room is the claim to fame of this hotel and yes it is quite good and large ,the icon room has a jacuzzi bath tub and a very nice shower area.

The Laundry was not efficient,i had to chase them for my laundry,and they gave me the wrong set had to chase them again till I got my clothes back.The breakfast is not much,but is decent though the restaurant is small and they do not have enough plates or staff.

The 7th storey pool and bar area looks hip-considering it is a hip hotel.

They should have 24 hour dining.

The room itself was good,but the staff was what pissed me right from check in to check out.Especially one guy-Manjeet(He has forgotten how to smile)When checking in he said no extention of check out time,but agreed to give a change room while collecting luggage,2 days later when I reminded him -he he point blank refused -hmm!They did give me the change room though for 10 mins,the Star Room which was good as well.

I would rate the Hotel as 3 star for the room

Bath room-5 Star

Lobby and staff 2 star

Why American Airlines Need to catch up

Returned from a short trip to Arizona.The trip was in extremes good and bad.One misses the convenience of Singapore Airlines and other leading asian Airlines when you are using United or US Airways.The Star Alliance is itself a mockery where there is such a disparity!
As my ticket was booked by my client-it was on United Airlines.Had a schedule via HK and SFO to Phoenix,where I had chosen my seats and my special meal,as it was an early morning start left home by about 4 am,arrived at the check in counter to be told that they are now routing me via Tokyo and SFO.
Changi Terminal 3 was efficient and has all amenities to make one comfortable.The United flight to Tokyo had very limited in flight selection on all sectors I flew-why cant they provide decent In flight entertainment?They need to increase their movie choices,especially other languages Japanese,Chinese,Indian,as more of them travel.They can have good selection of music as well catering to customers with different needs.
My special meal was not put on the flight to Tokyo,so almost remained hungry till I landed in Tokyo.
Narita airport is good but not functional to needs of today's customers.No free internet,food and duty free shopping is expensive!I had a very small portion of fries and a Coffee for $15/-
The aiport is clean though and the toilets are good especially with backsprays!
The long flight on a 747 to SFO was tough on the economy class passengers as there are still the large screens in front,not the personal screens(United you need to improve).
At SFO-I was put on secondary processing for some reason and after an hour they let me go by the immigration-no apologies /no regret .
Just about to make it for the connecting flight to PHX-I was the last passenger before doors closed,it was empty,clean and neat.
Phoenix airport was efficient as usual.My Hotel Shuttle was not around,had to take a cab which was expensive considering the short distance.
Why cant hotels in US have placards and wait for their guests,like in Asia or even Africa?Why can't service improve?
Arizona was surprisingly cold,Stayed at the Holiday Inn Suites in Scottsdale.A small comfortable hotel with larges suites.
The Hotel is pretty affordable and clean.Decent breakfast,but spread for vegetarians is not much.
Also visited the Four Seasons Hotel,which looked good.Missed out on the Xmas shopping deals and the lighting,heard that Chrismas parties are reduced due to the economic situation.
On my return flight from PHX- to LA took a US Airways flight-the airhostess was nasty when asked for extra sugar(The comment she made was unprintable) and it took a retort for her to apologise.
LAX airport was crowded,the United staff at the counter could not recognise my Resident card for Singapore,it took a long time for her to sort it out.
SQ,Jet Airways,Cathay are setting the standards while the American ones are lagging .
Is US the new third world?