I had the pleasure in visiting my favourite European city, Rome to celebrate my birthday and to experience Malaysian Airlines business class product. Even so the weather had its moments; I thoroughly enjoyed my time away and could easily go back to Rome again within 12 months. Such a beautiful city, I knew exactly where I was heading as soon as I arrived; Straight to the Trevi Fountain and eat a panino and absorb the view. I could sit in front of that fountain for an hour at a time and listen to my ipod and just get lost in the moment. Wherever I went for the day, I would always make sure I would pass the Trevi on the way back to the hotel. I visited many of the same sites as I have in the past, but this time it was different - I was on my own. I had more appreciation and more time to take it in, at my own pace.

The hotel I stayed in would have to be rated as one the best locations in Rome as well as extremely high in the customer service department. They have an extraordinary roof terrace where I enjoyed breakfast and overlooked Rome and the Vatican City every morning. Now that was a site and a half. Even so breakfast was only continental, serving only cold foods; it was the croissants that got me every time. They were always just baked and served warm. Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!!! They serve proper lattes and cappuccinos too! One morning I had 4, and then wondered why by lunchtime I was buzzing.

I believe that Malaysian Airline business class is such good value for money. It is nowhere as expensive as other carriers, such as Qantas, Singapore and Emirates. Ok they don’t have the flat bed, but the cost comparison for an extra 10-inch pitch, is just not worth paying. I could only speak highly of their service and product, the only thing I can fault is that always 1 dish out of 3, was not available, and it usually was the chicken that I was so looking forward to.

In Kuala Lumpur, I felt so revived after having a shower in the lounge and a change of clothes. What a difference it made. Followed by a nice light meal and glass of wine, I was all charged up to take the next flight.

The last leg Kuala Lumpur – Sydney was delayed by 1 hour, but we ended up making up the time, but then managed to arrive Sydney almost 1 hour early.

All in all, I had an awesome time, what a great place to celebrate my birthday!


Some valuable information:

Malaysian Airlines: Business Class
Ø Friendly staff, nothing was a problem
Ø Aircraft always clean
Ø Only 2 selections of wines in business class
Ø Bruno Pail lard champagne used in business class (very nice)
Ø Toilets always clean; flights between KL-Rom-KL had orchids around the bathroom.
Ø Amenity kit comprised of: socks, night shades, toothbrush/paste, hand lotion, lip balm, shaver, soap, face cleanser, Listerine and mints.
Ø Always start off with signature dish: satay chicken with peanut sauce
Ø Mains had 3 choices which 1 was always not available, usually being the chicken
Ø Salmon used was always of fresh quality
Ø Huge selection of movies and music
Ø 170 degree beds with built in massage
Ø Used proper doona which is quite heavy
Ø Pillows are very flat, hurt my neck
Ø A lot of leg room, approx 4 windows long


Lounges:

Sydney: Golden Wing
Ø Small but clean
Ø Self service fridge with wine, juice, champagne, soft drinks
Ø Made to order noodles – 3 types
Ø Cheese, crackers, fruit & biscuit buffet
Ø Prayer room
Ø Lower ground of Sydney airport

Kuala Lumpur: Golden Wings Satellite Lounge
Ø Very large
Ø Relaxation room
Ø Prayer room
Ø Smokers room
Ø Showers
Ø Much more variety of food such as seafood bisque, fried rice, curry puffs, sweets
Ø Bar not self serve, long queue
Ø Top level of the airport

Rome: Flight Care Lounge
Ø Small, shared with all carriers
Ø Only Alitalia has its own lounge
Ø Only offer tuna and tomato sandwiches & peanuts
Ø Wine and champagne was not chilled, stored on the shelf, not fridge and flat
Ø Only serve half glasses, not generous in filling up
Ø Seats are yellow leather which are very scratched and tired
Ø Clean
Ø Polite staff
Ø Floors need re-tiling
Ø Lack of signs to the lounge, very confusing to find it

Places Visited:
Ø Vatican City
Ø St Peters Basilica
Ø Trevi Fountain
Ø Spanish Steps
Ø Campo di Fiori
Ø Via Condotti (main shopping strip with brand names)
Ø Roman Forum
Ø Piazza Navona
Ø Colosseum


Hotel Colonna Palace 4 star
Ø Best location
Ø Friendly staff
Ø Beautiful roof terrace to enjoy breakfast
Ø Internet service for EUR5 in lobby
Ø Walking distance to Trevi fountain and Pantheon
Ø Clean
Ø Nice décor
Ø High tea in lobby between 2-5


Changes in Rome since last year:
Ø Now majority of locals speak English
Ø Tip expected every where even in hotel
Ø Streets are cleaner


Things to do in Rome
Ø Grab the 462 bus to St Peter’s Basilica
Ø Visit the Habanna Bar, just before the Pantheon. Best cocktails and dancing starts from 10:30pm till wee hours of the morning
Ø Eat a gelato or 10 in front of the Trevi Fountain
Ø Eat pasta at Circo, just behind the Pantheon, over 40 selections of pasta.
Ø Have a coffee at Sant Eustachio again just right side of the Pantheon
Ø Buy fresh fruit at Campo di Fiori. Wash it in the natural spring water that runs freely
Ø Buy a panino with choice of any fresh salami and cheese, made to order at Il Forno at Campo di Fiori
Ø Shop at Via Condotti, have credit card charged up
Ø Eat freshly roasted chestnuts on the Spanish Steps
Ø Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and make a wish
Ø Wake up every morning and scream out “Ciao Roma”