Mito Casa Hotel Review - Santiago Chile

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel is in an excellent location, within walking distant to most sites, city centre and entertainment district of Bellavista, the hotel came as a recommendation from a friend who stayed there a year earlier.

Selecting the economy double room places me in room number one just outside by the garden, which at first had its advantages by not having to go up any stairs, however soon I realised the weaknesses this had. Having a garden flat meant I was directly effected by the cold Chilean winter and with no individual control of  room climate, a small heater could have improved  this. I soon discovered the wifi was not working or strong enough to receive in my room, and despite mentioning this on my day of arrival nothing was done to rectify it, even after my second return to the hotel later in the week.

My second stay was much better as I had a room on the 3rd floor of the main building with its art deco appearance, a room overlooking the road with in-room sink but private bathroom/shower in the hallway (which is exclusive to you only - not shared).

The great features of Mito Casa Hotel is the location, the style and design, and its intimate feel, more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel. The rooftop terrace offers great views of the area and superb views of the mountain range that encloses Santiago. Location alone sells Mito Casa Hotel  however I was slightly disappointed action was not taken from issues I raised on my first stay, for this reason I suggest you stay in the main building.

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Photos of Mito Casa Hotel, Santiago Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel - Booking.com 
Mito Casa Hotel - Tripadvisor 

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Flying Economy on American Airlines

First time flying American Airlines, economy, London to Miami on-route to Santiago. I was hoping to fly the 'new' American Airlines from adverts I've seen, but it wasn't to be.

I wasn't fortunate enough to experience the updated interiors and entertainment, inflight wifi and in seat power, instead I flew on a 777-200 with many unoccupied seats and was disappointed by expectations.



Sure there was back of seat screens for watching movies, but not on demand. Two and a half hours into the flight have been served lunch, in plastic trays, forks and knife, cellophane enclosing a simple salad, chicken and broken bits of spaghetti, though edible, it's presentation fell well below what you might get at a fast food outlet. Alcohol is available for purchase onboard, no cash accepted.

Midway through flight cheese flavoured crackers and drinks were offered and about one and a half hours before landing a hot deep dish pizza was served.

It all started right, from check-in to lounge and boarding, the service has been attentive and polite. American Airlines is pushing the 'new' a lot in its ads and online, what I experienced was mediocre.

Oh well, there is still the return flight to be had. Will I be so lucky?

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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AA Admirals Lounge Heathrow

This is the first time I'm flying American Airlines, and being a member of OneWorld alliance with elite status am lucky enough to get access to its flagship lounge at Heathrow Airport, the Admirals Lounge.



Beige interiors with open areas and private out of the way seating areas, the selection of drinks range from coffee and tea to beer, wine and spirits.

What the lounge lacks is a selection of snacks like crisps (chips to some of us), sandwiches, fruit or salads, compared to the BA Galleries which offers champaign (on request).

Overall it is comfortable and is a good way to relax before a flight, so far the service has been polite and attentive.

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Addicted to travel: Dromomania

I have always wanted to define my passion for escaping and wandering, an urge to travel and explore this world of ours. Finally, after investigating and much research I came across this this thing called dromomania, for those with an insatiable urge to travel. At last my condition has a name and something I can understand better.

Dromomania, is an uncontrollable psychological urge to wander or travel. People with this condition spontaneously depart from their routine, travel long distances (and sometimes take up different identities and occupations). The term comes from the Greek: dromos (running) and mania (insanity). The term is sometimes used to describe people who have a strong emotional or even physical need to be constantly traveling and experiencing new places.

I've been called worse things, and besides, there are worse conditions to have, but I can safely make a self diagnoses  and officially call myself a dromomaniac.

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Tickets to Macchu Picchu, the easy way to book in advance

Visitor numbers to Machu Picchu are restricted to 2500 people per day, even less if you want to explore Huaynapicchu or Machu Mountain with only 400 per day. Planning ahead and booking tickets is a complicated process as the official tickets are issued by the Peru Ministry of Culture only. The official website struggles to function, only reservations can be made online, and payment is due within 6 hours, something that cannot be completed on the official website, only locally through registered banks and tourist offices. After 6 hours the reservations are released.

I wanted to do both Macchu Picchu and Huaynapicchu I didn't want to wait for a last chance opportunity to visit. After many tries and research I found an excellent online service, Ticket-Machupicchu.com, that will buy the tickets on your behalf (for a small surcharge). Your required to provide the date your visiting along with your passport name and number, as this will be checked upon entry onto Machu Picchu. In fact, you need a entry ticket just to buy a ticket for the bus up to the site.

The booking process is easy and professional, they even have an online chat should you have any queries about ordering. Payment can be made online and you will be sent an email to track your order. It takes approximately 30 days to issue, but you will be informed by email along with a link to print your pass/entry - this can also be confirmed by checking your ticket with the official government website.

Relief. I'm going to Macchu Picchu and Huaynapicchu with a 7am time slot. Planning ahead ensures my entry. If your struggling to buy tickets Ticket-Machupicchu.com is the easy way to book your ticket in advance.

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Ticket-Machupicchu.com
Peru Ministry of Culture - Machu Picchu Official Reservations System Online

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Hetero Friendly Axel Hotel Berlin Review

After the success of Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Axel Hotel, the world's first heterofriendly hotel chain opened the third location in the heart of the gay district of Berlin, a niche upmarket intimate hotel serving mostly gay clientele, and definitely one of the most unique hotel experiences I've had.

Dark and stylish, floor to ceiling mirrors, black painted walls in corridors, bedrooms balanced by white cotton and red accents with upward lighting. The real difference is discovering the room layout has an open plan bathroom where shower and sink area are exposed (except toilet). Immediately when you walk in to your room a red tinted glass reveals the jacuzzi tub and shower behind it, opposite a wall with floor to ceiling mirror, means all is visible to watch whoever may be in the shower or bath. If your traveling with someone you have to be comfortable in your own skin, and not afraid for others to watch.

The spa area on the 6th floor had fitness equipment as well as a wet and dry sauna, with a jacuzzi outside overlooking the city. The whole spa area is glass windows to watch the world outside. The spa is open till 2am.

Rooms have a luxurious and sexy appeal, but there are some things that score low to make this a repeat experience. The wifi signal and network was difficult and unreliable, connecting on a mobile practically impossible, and the iPad struggled to stay connected. Not included in the room rate is standard TV channels, instead of opting to pay for selected movies Axel Hotel Berlin charges extra to activate even common TV, which in my book should be standard.

Axel Hotel Berlin is in a class of its own and very different from conventional hotels. It is an experience and a destination in itself. This is not a place for the conservative individual but rather one who is willing to be more exhibitionist for a change. It is sexy with upmarket appeal, cosmopolitan design with high standards and specs. No sleaze here, rather sophisticated kink.

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Axel Hotel Berlin - Booking.com
Axel Hotel Berlin - Tripadvisor
Axel Hotel Berlin

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Tegel: from gate to taxi in less than 60 seconds

The quickest exit ever, from the plane to entering my booked airport transfer in less than 60 seconds. Über efficient!

As soon as I landed I was notified my driver and car was waiting via an email, along with the drivers name and contact number, but it wasn't long after we arrived at the gate and got off the plane, passed passport control, exited, find my driver and get on my way - all in less than 60 seconds.

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Airport transfer from Berlin Tegel airport with Blacklane Limousines. Book your car with chauffeur on their website, smartphone app or by phone at a binding fixed price. Billing is handled automatically using your preferred cashless payment method.

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