Archive for October, 2011

I am absolutely THRILLED to announce the winner of my very first Giveaway.

Before that tho, I would really like to thank Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for so generously providing a night at one of their amazing properties.  I am forever grateful!

I would also like to thank the amazing staff at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC for providing such an amazing experience each time I am there.  I can not WAIT to go back.

Now…

I am pleased to announce….

oh wait…

Have I mentioned that this lucky person will receive a certificate directly from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts? And that it is good for a night at one of their amazing… oh wait… yes…  I DID mention that.

Alright then…

The winner IS:

@HABWXGIRL / AKA ROSE

Here is her comment: “I try to stay at a hotel at least once a year (even locally) to reclaim some of my sanity! I go by myself and spoil myself and get away from the “zoo” that is home! Some people barely notice their room when they stay at a hotel, for me it’s all about the room! It becomes a retreat for me! Best thing is the solitude and the way a hotel stay makes me feel pampered!”

Well Rose, I can guarantee you will feel pampered during your stay!!!

I can not WAIT to hear about your stay!!!!

Happy Travels, Friends.

-Flygirl

It is always nice to be welcomed home.

As most of you know, I only get to be in my actual home approximately half the time. I spend a great part of my life on the road, living in hotels, and most hotels are NOT home.

Some are so far from being home that you have to shut your eyes tight, and hope for the best.

Some, however, are so close to home that you miss them when you aren’t there. You plot and plan and figure out ways to stay again and again. You smile at pictures of them. You crave their food, and wonder what new drinks are on their ever-evolving cocktail menu. You know interesting and sometimes useless facts about them. You feel like you belong when you visit.

 

The Fairmont Empress (Victoria, BC) is just that hotel.

I have been trying to count the number of times I have stayed at this amazing hotel. I know it’s probably hovering around 10. If I had millions of dollars, I’d visit every weekend! I come back because it’s a beautiful hotel, situated at the edge of one of the most amazing harbours I have seen, in my absolute favourite city. I tell everyone I know to try it because it offers an amazing level of service with a consistency found throughout Fairmont Hotels & Resorts properties.

Some of my favourite Fairmont-isms:

• All of the staff stop and smile when they pass you.
• The food is absolutely amazing.
• The beds are to-die-for comfortable.
• The rooms are clean, cozy and comfortable to be in.
• If you need something, the staff will do their very best to get it for you;
• If the staff can’t get help you, they will find someone who will;
• If that fails, they will apologize. Sincerely.
• You will be treated the same no matter who you are.

My recent trip to The Fairmont Empress was, of course, amazing. I was lucky enough to be staying on the Gold Floor. (If you don’t know about Fairmont Gold – read HERE.) I was greeted by Dillon and Lesley. I have been greeted by them before, but they see so many people, I wouldn’t dream that they remembered me. I was wrong. Lesley smiled immediately and used my name. Also? Dillon APOLOGIZED that my room wasn’t ready. This may not seem like such a big deal, except that I arrived hours before one would expect to be able to check in! The Gold Lounge was offered as a place to relax, and the view was spectacular.

I enjoy being in the Gold Lounge. It’s view, the beverages and snacks, the beautiful furniture, the cozy atmosphere – it’s all lovely. However, I enjoy watching the people more. I admit it, I am a people watcher. I like to observe them, sometimes even making up my own little stories about that. It’s a fun passtime, and in my line of work – there is no end to the people to watch! In the Gold Lounge tho, I like to watch the staff. I like to watch them interact with their Guests, and with each other. It’s like watching a family.

Other staff members to be noted on this trip:

Laura and Bradley who served up amazing beverages and nibbles on the Veranda. Laura claimed the Rattenbury Ceasar was the most delicious I would have ever had – and she was right. Also, when I declined to order an afternoon snack as what I wanted was not on the Veranda’s menu, she seemed shocked. Why of COURSE I could order something from the Bengal Lounge. I was brought the largest portion of Bengal Poutine ever! Still as delicious as ever!

Manon in the Bengal Lounge was another gem. An after dinner glass of wine was in order, and she served it with so much joy and charm that I found myself wishing I could have her bring me another dinner – just so I could enjoy her service longer.

It’s never a surprise when I experience what the Fairmont Empress, or any Fairmont property, has to offer, but it is always a pleasure. I cannot wait to have another wonderful Fairmont Experience again SOON!

I have enjoyed spending time at the following Fairmont Hotels:

• Fairmont Empress Victoria, BC
• Fairmont Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB
• Fairmont Palliser Calgary, AB
• Fairmont Banff Springs Banff, AB
• Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver, BC

Feel free to ask about my experiences at each of these hotels, or any hotels I experience along my travels.

 

I am excited to be using my experience at The Fairmont Empress as the relaunching point for Flygirl’s Travels. I am even more excited to be able to offer my readers a “NIGHT AT THE FAIRMONT”. That’s right!! I am so enamored with my experiences, I want YOU to enjoy your own! Fairmont has graciously offered to provide one of my lucky readers with a certificate that will enable you to have your own Fairmont Experience. Simply leave a comment telling me what your FAVOURITE thing about staying in a hotel is!!

RULES:

• You can only enter once on the Blog.
• If you tweet about my contest, you can get one extra entry. Don’t forget to @ me so I know!!
• Rude comments will be deleted immediately and will not count.
• Draw for the winner will take place on October 9, 2011.