Why United is Just Awful
October 5, 2014
Only since the ill-fated merger have I flown economy class to/from Europe because of no upgrade. That is just awful. You would think that after 1,578,471 miles (which I paid for) United would have some loyalty to me. But they don’t.
Ten years of 100K status drops fast. Be forewarned United flyers. Your airline does not care about you at all.
This last trip to London/Helsinki was no exception. Business class on the way there (which we paid to upgrade at purchase) but no upgrade from economy on the way back. 8.5 hours in an awful seat with terrible food.
First world problem, I know. But frankly I expect more from an airline that used to earn my business.
United has gone to the dogs.
Helsinki again, at Hotel Fabian
October 26, 2011
Seems like I was just here…and I was…in August. Not much has changed at the Hotel Fabian since I was here last. This time I was in room 402, which was really just about the same as 407. The good news is the shower was equally fabulous.
Sadly, the staff at the Fabian had no idea that I had stayed before. Bummer. They really should get a computer.

The courtyard gives a nice feel for what Helsinki is like. The architecture in most of the city is spartan and boxy. Even the old part of town is this way.
The best part of this trip to Helsinki from a travel perspective was an absolutely fantastic meal at the Chef and Sommelier Restaurant. This place must be only the tiniest smidgen from getting a Michelin Star. Truly memorable food and great company. Wow. Go before they get their Star and raise their prices.
We also made an after dinner trip to A21 Cocktail Lounge for some mixology. A21 remains a very nice bar to visit in Helsinki. We had a batch of Corpse Reviver #2 and then moved on to a rum lesson. They still have no Amer Picon or Torani Amer. I miss my Liberal.
All in all, the Hotel Fabian retains its four showerheads rating. I guess it is missing the personal touch. Maybe I need to show up more often?
Hotel Fabian in Helsinki, Finland
August 26, 2011
Helsinki is an interesting place to visit—somehow both cosmopolitan and provincial at the same time. The best time to come to town is in August, and lo and behold…it is August!
The brand new Hotel Fabian is an upscale, hip hotel near the beautiful green park in the center of town. Like all of the buildings in Helsinki (and most of the neighborhoods) the architecture is post-industrial square with clean lines. The hotel design reminds me of the Morgans in New York. Something out of the ’90s, monochromatic with various different browns.
I was in room 407, which is a rather uninspired room with a slightly generic feel to it. Somehow not quite enough light. Even the Restoration Hardware inspired Hollywood light wasn’t enough. The chair says it all.
The shower is huge and very nice with excellent controls and plenty of hot water situated nicely in a large comfortable bathroom with plenty of working surfaces. Great design. Given Helsinki winters, I can see why an infinite supply of hot water is a major plus.
Breakfast at the Fabian is functional and very much in the spirit of Scandinavia. If you like cold cuts and cheese, this is the breakfast for you. No grapefruit juice.
All in all, the Fabian is worth a stay and it is by far the best place I have found in my four visits to the city. I’ll give it a four showerheads rating.
Mixology bonus. My friend Antti, who made this trip a complete blast, took us to the A21 Cocktail Lounge after an inspired dinner on the wharf. Excellent mixology, really interested and engaging bartenders. About the only thing they are missing is a collection of Amaros. (Sadly, that means no Liberals for you.) We tried a number of concoctions during our visit, and had a great time.
Some Sea Kayaking rounded out the visit to Helsinki perfectly. Antti’s kayaking club is named “well hung”…really…you couldn’t make that up.
The Baltic sea is a nice place to paddle.