LTFJ/SAW - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen - Marriott Hotel Pendik - September 2024

At SAW we stayed at Marriott Pendik (the old Asia Divan).  Another spotter had suggested a Junior Club Suite, but I would say a Junior King Suite with Sea view room was a better selection.  We were allocated 105 which was excellent.  The approach to 06R (predominant runway for arrival) is close to the hotel, and from the panoramic bay window you can see departures off 06L, which is about 2.5 miles away).  So you shouldn’t miss any SAW traffic. You can also go up to the rooftop bar where you can see all SAW arrivals (but not departures).

From the room and the roof you can also get a reasonable chance with IST arrivals from east and north east, and outbounds to the South East (assuming predominant landing direction to the North).  But you are at the mercy of both the weather and ATC. 

Despite good weather forecasts before departure, each day there was a build up of cloud and thunderstorm over Black Sea in the vicinity of IST which then gradually drifted SE to SAW.   Although cloud base was often 6,000ft plus, which meant traffic was often still visible, you then have the ATC effect!  ATC seem to use the whole area from the Bosphorus Channel to well east of SAW in a random manner.  That includes routing and heights. So, just when you think you know where to look they change things about.  At one point they had an inbound from the N and one from SE opposite direction over the same point east of SAW 3,000 feet apart.

Credit: Paul Rainford 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UuG1SwSUn2b1TPzX8

LTFM/IST - Istanbul - Continental Airport Hotel - September 2024

We stayed at the Continental Airport Hotel in Arnavutkoy. A room at the front (506/507/606/607) gives you a view towards IST, which is about 3 miles away.  Arrivals for the middle runways (35l/35R) come right overhead, and you can easily see arrivals on the left side (34L/34R).  Runway 36 is used for most departures and aircraft can be seen over trees after lift off. There was one flight that landed that side, and you only get a brief view of it on short final.

The Continental is very basic and quite small hotel.  Although you would get the impression there are dining facilities, all food seems to be ordered by the hotel via Deliveroo type operations, and you pay the driver when he brings it to the room. Having said that, the meal we ate there was really nice. There is also a garage about 10 min walk away with usual supplies. However the hotel isn’t luxurious but was clean, but we had a 5 hour period without water in the hotel, and as a result we checked out a night early to avoid risking a repeat.

There is now a Hampton Inn on the road from the motorway to Arnavutkoy. Guess that should offer similar views - Editor Note: see later reports.  

Credit: Paul Rainford.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6sshU8GETZ76PTqn9

WADD/DPS - Bali - Sovereign H hotel DPS - September 2024

Sovereign H hotel DPS -  I stayed in 5021.  It’s set up as a double room but am sure this could be split. other rooms that would work are 5016 to 5025 (all rooms face the same way) and the pool area is also open 24/7.   A new super elevated section is being prepared ready for the up coming air show  

 For a change of scenery Kalkan beach is worth a visit.  Plenty of beach bars with a threshold view of the runway.  I downloaded GOJECK and GRAB app ,both similar to Uber. 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rHJCUj23vvBSyK367

KMIA/MIA - Miami - Pullman - September 2024

The hotel is on the South side of the airport about half way down.  It offers City and Lagoon view rooms. It is the City view rooms that you need as they overlook the airport. To get a view of the airport you need to be on the 9^th floor or higher as there are smaller building in front to contend with. The higher the better.  Corner rooms, for example 1201, also offer an Easterly view. They normally charge extra for these rooms, however I was given a corner room , 1201, without having to pay extra.

One down side is that I was advised that City View rooms, with a view of the airport, only have King size beds.  The rooms offer a panoramic view of the airport.  All movements can be seen. Car parking is expensive at over $20 a day.

Close to the hotel, and within easy walking distance, is a Publix supermarket and a whole host of Fast Food options.  The hotel offers free transportation to and from the airport. 

Credit: Rob Aldridge

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ezw81EgECtH7BZKA

Above: Similar view to room 1201

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PHNL/HNL - Honolulu - Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa - September 2024

 As there are limited hotel options close to the airport, we stayed at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in Waikiki. While it is some distance away from the airport, all aircraft departing on runway 8 make an immediate right turn after take off and fly along the coast. From the hotel, rooms on higher floors can provide a partial view of the airfield through the other buildings so ground movements can be seen from here but do require a telescope or binoculars to see clearly. The hotel provides easy access to the beach and is close to other attractions. We had a tour of Pearl Harbor which picked up from the hotel. The helicopter tours from HNL also fly along the coast, close to the hotel as well as frequent movements from Wheeler Army Airfield (HHI).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVM18mWDyY8tJSMg8

Credit Adam Feasey

KSFO/SFO - San Francisco - Bay Landing Hotel - September 2024

During our stay we stayed in the Bay Landing Hotel with a bay view room. (Even numbered room on the second floor.). The room provided views and photo opportunities of all 28L and 28R movements as well as 1L and 1R departures. 

Movements at Oakland were visible in good weather but are extremely far so I didn't bother. 

Any hotel along the Bayshore Highway should provide a good view of movements at SFO if the room has a view of the bay.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/C1dEuzVnZgnes5TE9

Credit Adam Feasey

ZBAD/PKX - Beijing Daxing - Daxing Radisson - September 2024

 

Just started some travels in Asia. First two nights enjoying the view from room 915 at the Daxing Radisson. New hotel has 10 floors and the front aspect faces back towards the terminal. Decent views of movements on runways either side .. some readable but mostly with the help of FR24 which takes a bit of time to get used to glitchy coverage. SBS would likely assist but left my 1090 stick at home .. not helpful as multiple movements from the mil base missed … 738/319/734/CR7 and An12 types incl AWACS variant seen 1x CRJ pinged on FR B-4069. 738 B-290A seen doing circuits, also pinged on FR but not read. Plenty to see and when arriving from South .. a steady stream OTT into PEK also.  About £80 per night in a premium room after registering for loyalty scheme. 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ERYddAgnSsFwkRCS8 NOTE locations in China are often inaccurate.|  

RPVM/CEB - Cebu - Water front airport hotel - September 2024.

I flew to Cebu with the idea of knocking off the missing gaps of the local fleet, especially the DHC8  and ATR s. I will be returning home with one PAL DHC8 un logged as it was based out of one of the other islands . Cebu pacific also have some of my fleet needs stored at Clark and Alice springs. 

Stayed at the water front airport hotel. Check in is at 3 , so as the were landing from the left as you view towards  the airport , I looked for a suitable land side place to view.  It’s possible to see arrivals from the shelter of a palm tree outside the hotel .  I opted though to go back to the terminal area.  I sat on the balcony near the security check point for check in counters 1-29. ( what3words location sharpen.silk.alert ) Free airport wifi here too  

The best way to the hotel I found was to head to the upper level … cross the road , and look for the red CASINO sign . Go up the steps , and to the right in the main entrance to the hotel . 

 

I got some quick  lunch, many different types of cuisine to choose from .  I went to the pizza/pasta place. Very good value ….. There is also a 7-11 that has beers / wine / snacks etc in the airport mall, lower level . 

 

I was allocated room 511 . This has a panoramic view across the airfield , perfect for spotting. 501-521 odd numbers only , look towards the airport. The rooms are a little dated , but that was of no concern . The aircon works well , and there is a fridge for beers . 

 

Made 20 frames on day 1 at Cebu , many of which didn’t visit Manila whilst I was there 

 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2RtPw2oyj7kwpi629

RPLL/MNL - Manilla - Hotel Belmont - September 2024

Stayed at the Belmont Hotel at MNL airport . I arrived late night from PEK. No paperwork  to fill in with UK passport.  To save time , I took a grab taxi from the “grab taxi stand” area outside T1 … They only accept cash here , so its worth either getting some from the ATM, or having the grab app set up before arrival in the far east. I Was given room 6039 , airport view … ideal would be floor 8 , 9 , 10 floor. the 10th floor is the The tranquility level is the highest bookable floor. Even asking at reception for my future booked stay was told room “allocation if available”. The pool deck on the 11 floor has perfect views over the airfield. Views are over the two main runways as far as the intersections to the left across to T2 and to T4 and GA areas to the right. Foliage surrounding the roof deck gets in the way a bit, but bag the right seat and there’s a low wall to stand on.There is no shelter up there though if it’s raining , and did it lash it down on day  1. ……… This area is open 0800-2200 Breakfast included which was very substantial . There is also room service menu , accessed by scanning the QR  card on the back of the room key . Out of the hotel to the left are 3 ATM machines. To the right a Lawsons store which has beer / wine / drinks and snacks . They only take cash. Close by are Subway and McDonald’s .  I ordered from the room service menu, which was good value , and helped maximize my spotting time. The wi-fi works well , and the hotel is clean , modern and tidy . 

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8xAaJDECFB88wCcr8
  

VTBS/BKK - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Siam Mandarina Hotel - November 2024

I'm currently ensconced in room 541 at the Siam Mandarina Hotel (formally the Grand Inn come hotel) with superb views over the Suvarnabhumi airport which also allowed a few of the Don Muang movements to be seen. There are 4 rooms with similar views, 516, 532 (single room), 523 and 541. Top floor is 6, 4th is also OK but not quite so good from the 3rd as there are a few trees in the way.  Since my arrival yesterday afternoon, most arrivals have been on the opposite side of the terminal on runway 19L, but can clearly be seen on approach and also after landing. Virtually all departures have been on 19R right in front of me. Also right in front of me are the taxiways linking both runways, and I have a clear view right down to the bottom of cargo. Nothing can be missed from  here, although you can't read off the regs on the far side so SBS/FR24 is needed for those. You can read everything off on the near side, and like many Asian airports it operates 24 hours. Wi-Fi is fair in the hotel but does have a habit of cutting out occasionally. Rooms have fridge, coffee pod machine as well as a kettle and, if you don't fancy eating in the restaurant, there is a 711 and a small supermarket on the opposite side of the road to the hotel. That road has 3 lanes in either direction and a zebra crossing 100 metres to the right handside of the hotel. It is an interesting crossing to say the least and not for the feint hearted. Breakfast was split between English and Thai foods, certainly enough to keep me going. My only small gripe is that, with the desk in the ideal position in the window, there are no mains sockets within reach of my laptop mains lead (but fortunately I brought my extension which just about reaches) and there is no desk light so it's a bit difficult to see in the dark without having the main ceiling light on, thus making it harder to see the aircraft. The hotel does operate a shuttle bus to a timetable, but on arrival if you go to door 5 there are staff who will order the bus for you.  Overall the best hotel I've stayed in so far on my visits here, one I would recommend as long as you get the views.

A previous report stated that room 632 was excellent (note this is a suite with a big double bed).  It was also noted that the shuttle bus can be unreliable and grab, a local Uber style app can be used as an alternative to save hanging around.  The cost is less than £4.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eq9ACkLG1QpvtjXc7

WSSS/SIN - Singapore Changi - Changi Beach Hotel - September 2024

We're staying at The Village Hotel, Changi (free shuttle bus) which is almost level with the threshold of 20R. You need floors 5 to 7, although some 5th floor rooms have trees in the way. I'm in 513 which has a queen-sized bed and can see arrivals on both runways, useful in the early hours because currently (5 a.m.) everything is landing on 20L. There is also a rooftop pool and bar. Although the food menu didn't particularly appeal to us, happy hour lasts all day for beers etc, and there are also loads of places to eat just along the road, including one called 'the food court' which was excellent, and from where you can still see arrivals on 20L. Departures can't be seen although some double back and fly over the hotel at around 10000 feet. Wifi is fairly strong and certainly more stable than our Bangkok hotel, and rooms have kettles and fridges.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tq11iStELRoAGz3s6

Credit Keith Harris