LAX -- February 8, 2016
2016 HAL Volendam Asian Adventure -- Pre-cruise
We just returned from our trip to Asia and I will be posting pictures of our trip as regularly as possible in the next couple of weeks to report on this amazing journey. This trip included five days in Taiwan, spending some post Lunar New Year days with family in the southern part of the island. Then we flew to Singapore to board the HAL Volendam for a 14-day Asia Adventure cruise to Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Then back to Taipei for three nights before coming home. It was yet another memorable trip that we took as a family and we thank God for that! We also made good use of mileage redemption and free hotel nights which made this trip even more enjoyable.
Our itinerary started with an early morning flight out of LAX on February 9, 2016. To save us a drive out to the airport in the middle of the night and to use up our soon-to-be-expired free night certificates from IHG, we decided to spend the night at the LAX Crowne Plaza which is right near the airport. They have 24-hour complimentary shuttles between the airport and the hotel which makes it convenient to get to the airport early the next morning.
Crowne Plaza, LAX
After a busy day tying up ends at home and at work, we arrived at the Crowne Plaza around 11:00PM. (including a trip back home to get the medications that MOR forgot to pack.) Check-in was done efficiently at the IHG designated counter as we are platinum members. We were given our room keys and drink coupons (which we never used) before heading up to our rooms. We were so tired and were ready to just go to sleep.
Our room was on the 15th floor of the Crowne Plaza, facing Century Boulevard and the airport. We were not bothered by the noise either from the street traffic or the airport. If anyone is sensitive to noise, they have provided ear plugs in the little packet set on the beds. We wanted two rooms as close together as possible, so we got a room that is handicapped accessible with a larger bathroom.
Our king room
Templespa amenities provided.
Little packet with aromatherapy resting cream, soothing balm for aching feet and limbs, calming mist air spray, and ear plugs to help guests rest, relax, and recharge.
After a few hours of sleep, we woke up early the next morning to catch the shuttle to the airport. The shuttle was surprisingly full, with passengers and crew from different airlines. We were dropped off promptly at the Tom Bradley Terminal for our flight out on Cathay Pacific.
It was just a little before 6:00AM and the check-in counters were quite bare, especially the Business Class counters, and we checked in all the way through to Taipei with no delay. Security line was not even opened when we were done checking in so we waited in front of the elevator and watched the TSA employees rushing to work before 6:00. The whole terminal was eerily quiet that early in the day as we went through security and up to the One World Lounge.
Crossing the 'bridge' to air-side.
Stores were not opened...
...not even the lounge.
So we waited in the empty restaurant outside the lounge for them to open up.
Looking down to the main hall from Level 5. Just love those big screens.
The ever-changing pictures of the clock tower.
One World Lounge-LAX
The One World Lounge finally opened at 6:30 and yes, we were the first to enter.
Just a few shots of the empty lounge.
I was surprised at the size of this lounge.
Breakfast was ready at the buffet bar with everything you need to start the day with, like buttery scrambled eggs,
fresh fruits,
cereal,
and a variety of baked goods and drinks.
The bar.
They even had a fresh fruit juicer which you can make your own juice. Great idea! My glass of carrot, green apple, and celery juice.
The computer room
Another self-serve drinks station at the far end of the room.
Looks like a fire pit.
Ladies room
After spending an hour or so in this nice lounge and had our fill of breakfast food, we were ready to board our flight to Hong Kong.
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