A couple of weeks back, I wrote about the trip that Ford and I had booked to Taipei & Hong Kong, and that’s a journey we’re currently on. As I explained at the time, I hadn’t yet booked return flights, beyond Hong Kong. Ford needed to get back (we can only both be away from home for so long!), but I could delay things by a few days, and squeeze some fun airline and hotel content out of the return.
Well, I’ve now booked the entire return journey, so would like to share what I’ve planned, so y’all have a sense of what’s coming up (in addition to some more initial thoughts on Hong Kong hotels). I probably need my head checked based on the way that I plan to get from Hong Kong back to Miami, but here we go…
In this post:
I’m flying Hong Kong Airlines’ A330 business class
I’ll be leaving Hong Kong in Hong Kong Airlines’ A330 business class, flying to Tokyo Narita (NRT). Hong Kong Airlines is the lesser known Hong Kong-based airline, and I’m curious to experience the carrier’s A330 business class, and also seeing how its flagship lounge is nowadays.
Sadly Hong Kong Airlines doesn’t belong to any alliance, so there aren’t many practical ways to directly redeem points toward the experience. However, since I have Chase points that I can still redeem for 1.5 cents each toward flights (for a limited time), I booked that way. Thanks to the reasonable business class fare, I’m actually paying fewer points than if there had been saver level award availability on most other airlines.
Then I’m staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo!
This probably won’t come as much of a surprise, but the reason I’m headed to Tokyo is to briefly check out the Park Hyatt Tokyo. It’s a hotel that I adore, and it just underwent its biggest renovation in history, so I look forward to seeing how it’s holding up. I managed to redeem World of Hyatt points for my stay, so I got quite a good deal as well.
Then I’m flying Malaysia Airlines’ A330neo & 737 business class
From Tokyo, I’ll be flying to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in Malaysia Airlines’ new A330-900neo business class, and then to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Malaysia Airlines’ 737 business class.
I’m looking forward to checking out Malaysia Airlines’ latest business class product. On top of that, though, I’m excited to review the Japan Airlines First Lounge Tokyo Narita (which I can access on account of my oneworld Emerald status), as well as the Malaysia Airlines First & Business Lounge Kuala Lumpur, which I haven’t visited in years.
Here’s a question — I intentionally planned a quick overnight in Kuala Lumpur. Staying at the airside Sama-Sama Express Terminal 1 is the obvious choice. However, I’ve heard that the Capsule Transit MAX Terminal 2 is kind of epic for a terminal hotel. Is it worth it, or how much am I going to regret schlepping between terminals (especially since it would be nice to go to the Malaysia First Lounge for both dinner and breakfast, based on the timing of flights)?
I’m also flying Emirates’ A350 & 777 business class
Why am I flying to Ho Chi Minh City? Well, as I’ve written about in the past, I’d like to review Emirates’ A350 business class and Emirates’ new 777 business class, given that they set the new standard at the airline. The catch is that Emirates redemption rates are sort of high, both in terms of the number of miles requires, and in terms of surcharges.
I found a roughly $1,500 business class fare from Ho Chi Minh City to Dubai (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA), and best of all, Ho Chi Minh City to Dubai is one of the only Southeast Asia routes to get the A350. So I redeemed Chase points at 1.5 cents each, meaning I paid a total of 100,000 points, including taxes & fees, and I’ll even earn Emirates Skywards miles for my ticket.
If I had booked this flight with Skywards miles (with saver level award availability), the ticket would’ve cost me 120,000 Skywards miles plus $845 in taxes & fees. So I think I got the better deal. 😉
I’m flying SAS’ A320neo & A321LR business class
From Frankfurt, I need to get back to North America. I always try to review new products when possible, and quite frankly, I was running out of new and interesting products across the Atlantic to review. But after looking at what was available, I found one interesting option.
Specifically, SAS has a few A321LRs, which are the carrier’s only long haul, narrow body planes. I found availability from Copenhagen (CPH) to Toronto (YYZ). Then I had to position from Frankfurt, so I booked SAS’ A320neo business class, which the airline only recently reintroduced (previously it was simply marketed as SAS Plus, and there weren’t blocked middled). I booked the long haul segment with Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles, and paid cash for the short haul segment.
I’m also staying at the Nimb Hotel Copenhagen
I actually have an overnight in Copenhagen, and I was able to book a hotel that has been on my bucket list for eons. Specifically, Nimb Hotel, part of SLH, is a unique property located within Tivoli Gardens. Best of all, it’s part of Hilton Honors’ partnership with SLH, so I was able to redeem a Hilton Honors free night award to stay here… score, given that the rate was around $1,000!
I realize February isn’t exactly peak season, so I’m curious, has anyone stayed, and what should I expect?
I’m finishing with Air Canada’s A321 business class
To get back home from Toronto, I’ll be flying Air Canada’s A321 business class, as there was award availability. Admittedly flights within North America aren’t usually much to get excited about, but I find Air Canada to be a bit better than most airlines in the US. I’m also excited to fly on one of the carrier’s retrofitted A321s, which even have tail cameras!
Bottom line
I needed to get from Hong Kong to Miami, and as one does, my journey will cover eight segments on five airlines, taking me via Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Dubai, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Toronto. I’ll also be staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo and Nimb Hotel Copenhagen, both of which I look forward to checking out.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned (in the meantime, I have some Hong Kong hotel impressions to share, and I’m also going to keep chipping away at my Iceland and Cambodia trip report).
I've flown business class on AC in the A321, A220 and 787. The A321 and A220 cabins are pretty comparable, just a little smaller on the A220 and lacks a tail cam. Service was pleasant and food was good for a North American carrier.
Something that was annoying on AC is that even for daytime flights, they keep the curtains closed to the galley, and therefore to the lavs too. And they don't do anything...
I've flown business class on AC in the A321, A220 and 787. The A321 and A220 cabins are pretty comparable, just a little smaller on the A220 and lacks a tail cam. Service was pleasant and food was good for a North American carrier.
Something that was annoying on AC is that even for daytime flights, they keep the curtains closed to the galley, and therefore to the lavs too. And they don't do anything to prevent going up at the same time as a pilot may be popping out, which could lead to some friction.
Heard that there were some cases of Hong Kong Airlines downgrading business class passengers due to aircraft change. Hopefully this won't be the case for your journey!
Hopefully also the Mandarin oriental. I love that place in HK.
Jurriaan, I find it difficult to read that someone likes the Mandarin, without butting in with my own preference for The Peninsula …. :-)
Would be nice to review some of the Priority Pass lounges at DXB if your connection allows it!
Lucky, you will be disappointed with the lounge of Hong Kong airlines. It is small with minimal food and drinks. The food isn’t that good and service sucks at the lounge. It did not have any restrooms or showers. Though, the check in service at Hong Kong airport was amazing. The on board service was great too and the food was all right. They use EVA for their check in service at Taipei so the...
Lucky, you will be disappointed with the lounge of Hong Kong airlines. It is small with minimal food and drinks. The food isn’t that good and service sucks at the lounge. It did not have any restrooms or showers. Though, the check in service at Hong Kong airport was amazing. The on board service was great too and the food was all right. They use EVA for their check in service at Taipei so the service sucks. I think EVA has terrible check in service and horrible gate agents. CI and CX are so much better than BR.
I just did the KLIA1/KLIA2 transfer two weeks ago. The actual transfer is extremely fast (3 mins probably) on the KLIAEkspres (RM2 / USD0.50 each way). HOWEVER, there is a bit of wait for the specific lift that gets to the train from KLIA1 (only one bank of lifts goes to the station). And train schedules can be as far as 20 minutes apart. So I would plan 30 minutes to be safe between the terminals to be safe.
@Lucky how low was the Hong Kong Airlines fare? I can't find a single date where HKG-NRT or NRT-HKG is under $1000!
The KUL Sama Sama landside is very convenient. Covered walkway between Hotel and main terminal lower level with free golf cart transfers.
@Ben
It is off-season for Tivoli, so the gardens don't reopen until March 27th. So it will not be quite as charming as it could be.
Technically, the hotel is not in the Tivoli Gardens, but part of the buildings that surrounds the Tivoli Gardens.
At KUL, PP has five pod options and even one landside. They even let you book multiple 3-hour slots in advance if you have multiple cards. A solid 3/6/9 hours of sleep and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Then off to MH F lounge for breakfast.
Note the Landside Sama Sama hotel via PP is actually the restaurant/bar area and not a typical lounge. Quite relaxing there also!
Ad as someone mentioned, make sure to ask for the MH J/F limo. Much better and faster.
@ Merry Chris Moss -- Interesting, thanks! Just to clarify, all the Plaza Premium Lounges have pods, or which one exactly, in Terminal 1? Is there any way to book them in advance, even at a fee? And it's a proper bedroom, or a capsule? Can't seem to find anything about it online, so just curious to learn. :-)
Hi Ben, Plaza Premium Lounges in KUL don't have sleeping pods AFAIK.
Capsule Transit (without the MAX) and Kepler Lounges are on PP, and come with 3-hour sleeping slots. You need to book them in advance by e-mailing them (which can be found on the PP app).
The very nice Capsule Transit MAX that you mentioned in KUL T2 is on PP, but the PP Privilege allows entry to lounge only. For sleeping at Capsule...
Hi Ben, Plaza Premium Lounges in KUL don't have sleeping pods AFAIK.
Capsule Transit (without the MAX) and Kepler Lounges are on PP, and come with 3-hour sleeping slots. You need to book them in advance by e-mailing them (which can be found on the PP app).
The very nice Capsule Transit MAX that you mentioned in KUL T2 is on PP, but the PP Privilege allows entry to lounge only. For sleeping at Capsule Transit MAX, you'd have to book and pay them from their website.
I like to redeem my PP to eat at Capsulte Transit MAX and sleep at Capsule Transit (without the MAX) or Kepler.
I cannot wait. What an interesting journey.
Do not change terminals in KL yes you will regret it
What an amazing itinerary! Cant wait to the reviews!
Lucky, an exciting trip ahead ! Can you share your perspective on using a large amount of Chase points for a portal redemption at 1.5c/p ? In the past the advice has been to use the transfer to partners for an outsized value (>3c/p). If even the pro is chashing out, is this an admission that outsized value redemptions are harder and harder to find ?
I realize there wasn’t another points option for the...
Lucky, an exciting trip ahead ! Can you share your perspective on using a large amount of Chase points for a portal redemption at 1.5c/p ? In the past the advice has been to use the transfer to partners for an outsized value (>3c/p). If even the pro is chashing out, is this an admission that outsized value redemptions are harder and harder to find ?
I realize there wasn’t another points option for the specific flights you were looking for. However could it not have been beneficial to just pay cash and save the Chase points for future transfers to loyalty programs?
Looking forward to it! Keep up the good work! :)
I know this is boring for most of your audience, @Ben, but I would love to see you reviewing one of AC's long-haul routes.
1) Flight reviews aren't boring, regardless of the airline. Ok, maybe Southwest would be.
2) Such a review would probably be relevant to a fair number of readers.
He reviewed AC’s 77W on FRA-YYZ back in 2023. There hasn’t been major overhauls in their hard or soft products since so it should still be relevant: https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/air-canada-business-class-777/
Enjoy the satays on MH!
It'd be helpful if you could share your modes of transport once again; I remember you staying Nagoya Marriott Associa along with the W Taipei. And since you mentioned you took the train and taxi respectively, it was actually a huge help as I did the same later on!
For Ho Chi Minh I believe international connections have to be on a single booking number so you'll probably need a visa if you're traveling under your US passport.
For the visa application, make sure your name is entered EXACTLY as it appears on the bottom of your passport page. It's a common scam immigration there runs charging fees to correct tiny typos.
Depending on what time you use the MH lounges in the Satellite terminal, the Business/Gold lounge is actually better than the First/Platinum lounge. MH F lounge is mobbed in the mornings which makes their a la carte offering pale in comparison to the expansive and sumptuous buffet offered on the Biz side. Also, I would make time to try the Benz private car service at gate G1 from the KLIA T1 Main terminal to the...
Depending on what time you use the MH lounges in the Satellite terminal, the Business/Gold lounge is actually better than the First/Platinum lounge. MH F lounge is mobbed in the mornings which makes their a la carte offering pale in comparison to the expansive and sumptuous buffet offered on the Biz side. Also, I would make time to try the Benz private car service at gate G1 from the KLIA T1 Main terminal to the Satellite terminal (exclusively for MH Biz pax, albeit a very quick and short ride). Save the (notoriously packed and unreliable) aerotrain for another time :)
I genuinely am curious about the Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen, since Hilton previously had no other presence in the city. I needed a multi day stay and had too few points. Plus "inside an amusement park" didn't really vibe with me so I stayed at the pretty plain but enjoyable Marriott.
As for MH lounge at KUL, quite nice and good food but crowded even at 9 PM. A330neo looks nice and big upgrade from...
I genuinely am curious about the Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen, since Hilton previously had no other presence in the city. I needed a multi day stay and had too few points. Plus "inside an amusement park" didn't really vibe with me so I stayed at the pretty plain but enjoyable Marriott.
As for MH lounge at KUL, quite nice and good food but crowded even at 9 PM. A330neo looks nice and big upgrade from the A330 I took. And they try to imitate SQ with MANY food preorder options (at least departing KUL)
This is a supreme itinerary. Looking forward to it.
HKG: I've heard the lounge now has high tea sets, egg waffles, cocktails, etc. Would you try out the Priority Pass experience at the Intervals bar as well (I'd recommend it), the new Kyra lounge, or the PP First lounge? Also, HX now partners with Ming Court (Cantonese restaurant) for business class meals – only the longhaul meals look particularly glowed up, but still keen to...
This is a supreme itinerary. Looking forward to it.
HKG: I've heard the lounge now has high tea sets, egg waffles, cocktails, etc. Would you try out the Priority Pass experience at the Intervals bar as well (I'd recommend it), the new Kyra lounge, or the PP First lounge? Also, HX now partners with Ming Court (Cantonese restaurant) for business class meals – only the longhaul meals look particularly glowed up, but still keen to hear your thoughts.
NRT: Feel like Narita has had a glow-up lately (despite HND still being better), would definitely be keen to know which airport you prefer in 2026 and why!
KUL: Will leave this to others (been ages since I've been to KUL T2) but DEFINITELY I'd be interested in the T2 hotel.
Malaysia First & Business (even satellite lounges) are par with Emirates,maybe better than Emirates,DXB.
Just came back from KUL. Malaysia Airlines new product and service were amazing from CGK TO KUL. No problems moving from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 or vise versa. Fast Trains (Make sure wou have KLIA Tickets.) KUL to DOH was with Qatar,Ground service at Qatar counter at KUL was awful,awful(Even with Gold/Business Class Flight) QR Flight was amazing as always.
Enjoy your time at Nimb - you are in for a treat :)
If anything I think you will enjoy Tivoly even more in the winter, when it's all cozy and not as busy.
Be sure to try out some propper "Smørrebrød" (Open faced sandwich) when you are in Copenhagen. I can recommend Schønneman or "Det lille Apotek" for a great but very authentic experience.
Regardless of what you choose, be sure to book a table in advance.
Wow, sounds like a lot of fun, can't wait. But please give us some live updates
Awesome. Somehow can't help but think you're doing this to redeem a good chunk of your CSR points out at 1.5c - plans to downgrade that card to a CSP in your future, perhaps?
Nimb is lovely, unless there is a concert on at Tivoli, in which case you won’t sleep. Make sure to visit the cocktail bar in the hotel’s historic ballroom.
MH has greatly upped itself with the A330neo, and these are the airline’s best aircraft today, period. Better than the A350, certainly. The IFE is a joy to use, and the new seats show its seriousness of stealing back some of SQ’s thunder. TG and MH are both on the upswing, which is great to see given their well-known struggles — all while GA continues to flounder with no hope on the horizon for a...
MH has greatly upped itself with the A330neo, and these are the airline’s best aircraft today, period. Better than the A350, certainly. The IFE is a joy to use, and the new seats show its seriousness of stealing back some of SQ’s thunder. TG and MH are both on the upswing, which is great to see given their well-known struggles — all while GA continues to flounder with no hope on the horizon for a better product, and SQ waits desperately to launch its new A350 products (forget the 777X!).
MH’s 737s, on the other hand, leave a lot to be desired, like AI’s A320neos, and they’re simply not competitive enough. This is especially true since MH has far more 737s than widebodies, so it’s not like SQ and TG with their widebody-dominated fleets — and even there the SQ 737 MAX and now the TG A321neo have true lie-flats.
As for HX, it, like GA, has fallen sharply from its high-flying days prepandemic, and has sharply pared back its onboard product. I’m curious to see how HX is doing nowadays, but I’m not holding my breath!
I do wish you’d fly to CGK, though, to knock off the Park Hyatt Jakarta — and see how much value for money that provides compared to your beloved skygrazing Park Hyatt KL. Admittedly CGK isn’t that great in terms of premium products, as you’ve covered the decline of GA barely a year back!
I really enjoyed PH Jakarta, but all of his stays are brief one night stints and that is a very difficult location to want to do that due to the INSANE traffic (especially so thanks to the central location). Phenomenal rooms and F&B, but also couldn't stand that it's a massive conference hotel (making the traffic even worse).
I stayed at nimb during the christmas break and is my favourite boutique hotel. The level of service is amazing and the breakfast spread is not huge but the quality is insane! I also stayed at villa CPH during that trip but was a let down after staying at nimb and enjoying that level of care/service
Question regarding your Ho Chi Ming to Frankfurt redemption decision: you mentioned the cash price is $1500 but you decided to redeem 100k Chase points for that. According your valuation of the later, they’d be worth approximately $1800. So wondering why you decided to use the points vs buying the ticket outright since you would’ve saved some money there.
Also wondering the same!
I can’t stress what a wonderful experience Hotel Nimb was although I do think timing matters.
Our family was able to book two rooms, each for two nights using Hilton points over the Christmas holidays to unlock a highly memorable stay. This was without doubt one of our best redemptions we’ve done with Hilton, aside from four nights at Riverview Ranch earlier in the year.
While the hotel and service is great (it is...
I can’t stress what a wonderful experience Hotel Nimb was although I do think timing matters.
Our family was able to book two rooms, each for two nights using Hilton points over the Christmas holidays to unlock a highly memorable stay. This was without doubt one of our best redemptions we’ve done with Hilton, aside from four nights at Riverview Ranch earlier in the year.
While the hotel and service is great (it is a 5 star hotel after all), the biggest draw is unlimited access to Tivoli and its ride through a private door from the hotel. This was magical and a highlight for our daughter.
Tivoli is compact but beautiful, full of charm and history. The grounds, especially at night decorated for the holidays, were classy and the rides well suited for all ages. Being able to freely come and go, using the park all three days we were at the hotel, without feeling like we had to “make the most of a day in the park” was liberating.
While I’m sure you’ll have a great experience Ben, this seems like one of those stays that might be best as a family when Tivoli is at its best (long summer days with access to their pool and the amusement park, or over the winter holidays when it’s dressed up for Christmas). So if you do end up staying this February, I’m sure we’ll be reading about how you’ll no doubt want to return!
I haven't stayed at Nimb. I usually stay at Villa Copenhagen which is a block away and which is one of my favorite smaller hotels in the world and I love the service and breakfast spread there. I've heard great things about Nimb though and if you have any time at all, Copenhagen is an incredible city with incredible food and also very walkable, especially from where you are staying.
Wild routing (we know, it's for the reviews). Can't wait to see/read what you find! Safe travels!
Malaysia first lounge - juice isn’t worth the squeeze
Have spent a few times at the MH F lounge in the past year and loved it. The solitude is amazing. Mind you, not a great place to work or for plane spotting, but the airiness, natural light, service, and table dining hit the spot for me.
The Biz lounge across the hall is loud as heck though. Ugh.
Completely non-related, but the last picture of the A321 cabin made me think: is there any resource online to tell me if a narrow body jet has a physical barrier between First and Economy? The barrier makes it guilt free to fully recline from take-off to touch-down.
Looks like an exciting trip and I cant wait to read. Have fun.
Re: Hong Kong hotels.. I know that you;re excited about Rosewood etc (who wouldnt?) but you really do need to stay some time at the Mandarin Oriental in Central. That is THE classic HK hotel.
Many believe that there are none as truly great as a double suite at The Peninsula.