V-Flyer

Barely 2 weeks after I got back from SFO last time I was off again.

The beauty of leaving on a Sunday is that traffic is much better, so I only had to leave home at 6.30am, still that is far too early for my liking, but hey more time in the lounge

There was basically zero traffic and by 8am I was making my way through an absolutely deserted upper class checkin, security channel (staff looking very bored), and into a very quiet lounge

Those of you following v-flyer will know I wondered about having a haircut - I wasn't brave enough to risk it, and had already had it done, so opted for a shave instead, so after booking that it was off to do something about breakfast. They could really do with some black pudding in the english breakfast, but other than that it was great!

I can recommend the shave, very relaxing especially the hot towel, and it avoided having to shave myself which always goes down well with me

By now it was nearly 9.30 and I hadn't touched the alcohol yet, not very v-flyer, so I found a nice little seat in a corner by a power socket, behind the bar, and promptly ordered a mojito, barely 2 minutes later I'm told they don't have any today So onto the backup of a glass of champagne

As this was only my second time in the lounge I went for a little look around, and got a nice view from the roof garden (I gather it isn't actually open that often?).

Bording was a bit painful, they seemed to be selecting some passengers (but not UC passengers!) for a search of their hand luggage, but that just left a big queue, grr

Once on board the seat was in pretty good condition, although the IFE did have the common problem where the handset doesn't quite operate until you push the cable back into it firmly ...

The FSM made his presence felt all the time, he came round with the wine over the meal, and re-fills, and was generally a good presence.

I had the lamb pie, and despite other comments here I thought it was very tasty After converting the suite to a bed I tried to get a couple of hours sleep, but for some reason I couldn't get comfortable despite having slept great before in the suites. Oh well, I gave up on that idea and went to the bar which was packed, fortunately I could grab a seat, and chatted to everyone else about the election amongst other things.

One of the people there had an iPad which I had a play with (too heavy IMO, and made by a company getting more and more evil every day).

After realising afternoon tea had been served I rushed back to my seat and found the cabin crew who was looking after my little bit (she was excellent as well). She served me quickly, and managed to get it all eaten (great scone!) in pretty quick time.

By now we were nearly there, but air traffic and weather would make the last bit interesting. Firstly we slowed down to basically minimum speed, which means the engines spin up and down as the auto pilot keeps the plane in the sky, that coupled with really quite severe turbulence (I don't mind it at all), and one lady in the A zone not liking it at all, made it really interesting landing.

I have flown into SFO quite a lot over the last few years, but this was the first time flying over oakland and landing on the east-west runways, very strange! We also landed in the middle of torrential rain, which was fun

Taxiing was swift, except for waiting for a plane to do a 180 ahead of us (he had missed his gate), and then we were off, rushing to beat the swarms of Y from the just landed BA plane.

Immigration was busy, but head to the right, and there were about 10 empty lines that they were letting 'aliens' use. So I got to one of those, and was through probably first of the entire flight

My bag was off quickly, and then a quick taxi and it was off to the Westin Market Street for a couple of weeks. I'm now fed up of that hotel - you can't open the window, and it is pretty soulless, so I'll be staying somewhere else next time.

All in all a good flight

Great stuff, wetted my appetite for the same flight this Sunday coming.

I'll be staying at the Hotel Vitale, opposite the ferry building, which I highly recommend if you're looking for new digs when you're there.

Great TR !

I'd recommend the Adagio.

Crispin

Thanks for the comprehensive TR

No mojitos I do hope the supply is adequately (or should a say more than adequately) replenished by 12 May There could be some pretty disappointed passengers in the Clubhouse that day if they don't

Thanks once again

buns

I seem to remember it's the fresh mint that causes the problems with mojitos.

So own up, which v-flyer drank so many mojitos before 9:30 on Sunday 11th April that caused them to run out of mint?

Crispin

Taking my first SFO flight with VS soon - interesting TR! Hope mine is as smooth - apart from the turbulent bit

Thank you for the great TR.

Maybe you should try this place

http://www.redvic.com/

MarkedMan,

Thanks for the tip, although I'm in need of somewhere closer to 3rd street :-)

I'm actually trying Hotel Palomar next time - I'll report back!

Crispin

You should muck in at the W with the rest of the reprobates!

Pete wrote:You should muck in at the W with the rest of the reprobates!

Ahh, the bar with the best pimps and ladies of the night in San Francisco!

crispin wrote:MarkedMan,

Thanks for the tip, although I'm in need of somewhere closer to 3rd street :-)

I'm actually trying Hotel Palomar next time - I'll report back!

Crispin

15mins or less to 3rd St on the N-Judah

While the Red Vic is not likely an appropriate abode for most practical things ... I'd encourage you to try somewhere off the Geary-Market-Howard zone, especially since you are going to move out here. It's a small city, you can get from anywhere to anywhere with ease, and the place is worth exploring.

Failing that I'd probably vote for the Clift just because of the bar in the hotel, and the bar couple of blocks away (Bourbon and Branch).

no point messing about, if you need to stay near third street then it has to be the Four Seasons!