A different kind of search engine
Read More...

If you have not already see www.redzee.com, check it out.



With the regularity old men crave, a new search engine hits the web almost every day. But, rarely does one appear to actually offer something different. RedZee is not like that, it is definitely unique. While there are a few things about it that bug me (E.g. slow to load results for obvious reasons, and it's weird framing mechanism), I really like the basic concept. I think it will be particularly useful for specific types of search. For example, if you are searching for a place to buy a product, this engine will help you recognize at a glance which sites are likely to be the most helpful. You will see what I mean when you check it out.

Also, Red Zee himself reminds me so much of my wine tasting buddy, Rufus, what's not to love?
Hide Entry

My favorite hotel
Read More...

When I travel I generally prefer to rent a house or stay in a B&B but, when forced to, I stay in a hotel. One of the few I really look forward to staying at is the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. The reasons are many.




Vancouver International Airport

Is there a better airport in the world? I have been to dozens of them and not one even comes close. Every time I arrive in Vancouver on an international flight I am struck anew with a sense of pride and awe. For many visitors, the airport is their first introduction to a country and visitors to Vancouver cannot help but feel welcome. The airport is clean, efficient, and crammed with aboriginal artwork, waterfalls, and other impressive displays. Grand, yet light and airy it really gives an awesome first impression. In fact, if Vancouver were not such a beautiful city, I imagine it might be the highlight of many people's visits!

Location

The lobby of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is right smack in the middle of the airport's new international terminal. It is literally a few feet away from the check-in counters. It could not be more convenient for travellers. And it gets better. Located in the middle of a busy international airport, every room in the hotel has a view over a runway and, depending on the exact location, a view of the mountains or the ocean. "Sounds a bit noisy" you say. Not a bit. The hotel has amazing sound proofing which reduces the roar of jet engines to a quiet hum.

Service

The level of service in the hotel is exceptional. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable and genuinely seem to care about guests' wellbeing.

Rooms

The rooms at the Vancouver Airport Hotel are spacious, elegant, comfortable and have all the amenities one would expect from a world class hotel. If you have allergy issues, the hotel have designated hypo-allergenic rooms available. As previously mentioned, the hotel has excellent sound-proofing and a good night's rest is practically guaranteed.

Amenities

In addition to an excellent lounge and restaurant, the hotel has a pool and well equipped exercise room that appears to be empty most of the time. Why would you want to spend your time sweating on a exercise bike when you could be enjoying a drink in the bar or a hot relaxing whirlpool bath in your room?

Fairmont Gold

For a slightly higher rate you can enjoy an additional level of comfort through the Fairmont's Gold program. This program is in operation at all Fairmont Hotels and benefits may vary. At the Vancouver Airport Hotel, Gold rooms are all located on the top floor of the hotel which has its own concierge. The floor also has a private lounge and, included in your room rate is, what Fairmont modestly describes as, a continental breakfast (I much prefer it to the breakfast buffet served in the restaurant). In the evening complimentary hors d'oeuvres are served - also excellent. Other perks of Fairmont Gold include better rooms with whirlpool tubs and complimentary shoe polishing.

Hide Entry