Caesar Park Hotel, Guarulhos, Brazil

With the protests occurring in Brazil recently, UAL crews as well as others have been staying at the Caesar Hotel - the one just south of the approach end of 9R.  It's pretty isolated - no way to walk to anything.  We may be back at the Tivoli by now, but just in case this situation crops up again, I've recorded a few tidbits here for posterior:

Free internet for all of your devices.  There is wired ethernet at the desk, but it seemed to actually be slower.  The TV has an HDMI input, so you can watch your favorite movies using your iPad or laptop.

Free breakfast buffet from 6am to 10:30am.  It starts to get really crowded after 9.  Inbound crews might make this as long as your not delayed too long.  They start taking the trays of food away right at 10:30.  The custom made omelets are pretty good - ask for a 2 egg omelet or they'll just give you one.  The eggs in the buffet line aren't that good, so it's worth the wait.

There is a crew room with a TV and some tea - go to the business center and its the last room on the right after the conference rooms.  There is a hot water machine and a microwave (no hot water kettle in the rooms, so if you need hot water, this is the source).  Starting the crew party here is fun.  You can later migrate outside by the pool if you want.  The restaurant will deliver to this room.

We get a 20% discount on food (and bar, too, I think...).  The pizzas aren't bad, and are probably the best deal - 30R for a pizza that can serve 2.

The hotel bar is nice, but standard higher prices.  If you wanna imbibe more economically, bring your own, or buy a bottle of Stoli on the plane with duty free.  You can grab some beers in the airport shopette.  They'll be pricier than a store, but less expensive than the hotel bar.  A bag of ice or two off of the airplane is a nice touch, since you have to 'room service' order any ice.

There are a couple of restaurants nearby - some that'll pick you up.  I've heard that the nearest churrascaria is just average in quality with above average prices.  There is a Mexican restaurant near also, that is apparently pretty good.

There is a huge mall nearby with many American style stores and restaurants.  There is a shuttle bus that runs between the hotel and the mall 4 times a day.  The schedule is at the concierge.

The pool can be used to swim laps (~25m), although the water was pretty chilly.  The cabana by the pool has a ping pong table and a pool table.  It appears to be a perfect spot for a continued crew party.

There is a tennis court and a basketball court for use, and equipment to sign out.

The gym on the 10th floor is certainly not the best, but if you're creative you can still get a workout in.  Best to just to play basketball and swim lap, IMO.

If you owe money at checkout, allow some extra time or pay up or pay up at your convenience a few hours in advance.  The counter was swamped with crews checking in and out and it can cause delays.

Post here if you have any questions!

Here are some links for further research...

• The Caesar Park Hotel website
• Tripadvisor RE Caesar Park Hotel

PEK: Renaissance Hotel

We've recently moved from the J.W. Marriot in Beijing to the Renaissance Hotel. I was never able to get a Beijing layover during the J.W. era, but I hear it was pretty good. With the bar set high for the Beijing regulars, the Renaissance has it's work cut out for it.

The rooms are great, with a hardwood foyer, and a fluffy comfy bed. There is a big screen LCD and free high speed internet (just charge it, and they remove it from the bill at checkout).

The bathrooms are great. The shower has both a handheld showerhead and a rainforest-type showerhead above that can operate simultaneously. There is a big standalone tub by the bathroom windows, which look into the bedroom. There are motorized shades that lower them.

Probably the neatest thing about the hotel is the gratis food and beverages. There is an open bar and hors d'oeuvres on the 24th floor. The food is served until 7:30pm and the booze flows freely (literally) until 9:30pm. In the morning, there is a complimentary breakfast in the 24th floor, as well as complimentary admission to the buffet on the 4th floor, which I only learned about until eating my fill on the 24th floor. So, unless your taste buds are bored, you'll not need to spend much on food and drink during your Beijing layover.

Be prepared to be surrounded by the local massage and spa folks when the bus pulls up. They'll follow you up to the lobby (on the 4th floor) as they hand out cards and try for your business. I got a 1 hour in-room massage for 100 yuan, and if you want more attention than the norm, the price will go north from there. Just let them know the time, and they'll knock on your door promptly and get to work.

The van to the Peal Market works a bit differently (apparently) than other hotels. This one was a small 12 pack van under contract by the Pearl Market. It left full for the 15 minute ride to the market. I didn't get a schedule, but was able to figure out the one of the pickup times for the return was 1:30pm at the front of the Pearl Market, perfect for the pickup time.

The fitness center and pool is on the top floor, and is fantastic. Very well maintained machines, and a wide range of dumbell weights. There is a squat cage also. The pool is a 25M lap pool on the same floor, but hang a right at the desk instead of a left. So, if you're into swimming, be sure to bring the goggles, speedos and cap!

Overall, a great hotel! The regulars will say its a step down from the J.W., but don't let these naysayer comments sway you. The Renaissance is no slouch! All things considered, I'd still rank it as one of the best hotels we stay, maybe even taking the top spot.

Have fun!