Reality Check ➔ HOTEL MÖVENPICK AMSTERDAM CITY CENTRE
THE HOTEL: On the banks of the River IJ in the Eastern Docklands area and with great views, this 408-room hotel is in an excellent location adjacent to the cruise passenger terminal, next to the Muziekgebouw concert hall and an easy ten-minute walk from Central Station with its rail link to Schiphol Airport. THE CHECK-IN: Quick and efficient as I was checking in late, at 10pm. No queues. THE ROOM: I was on the 19th floor, in an executive floor room. It was a good size, contemporary in style, and in neutral colour palette, well-lit by a large picture window. The room had all you would expect: a desk with wired and wireless internet access, air conditioning, iron and ironing board, laptop- size safe, TV (not flatscreen but with satellite, on-demand programmes), pillow menu, good wardrobe space, a Nespresso coffee machine, personal stereo, bottles of water and a bathroom with a large shower (no bath) and pleasing Hydro amenities. THE BUSINESS: A business centre in the lobby had two computers and free internet access plus there is an impressive 912m2 conference centre divided into a dozen meeting rooms with bags of natural daylight and high ceilings, plus free wireless internet. Matterhorn is the largest, taking 600 for
cocktail receptions or 450 theatre style. The smallest are six rooms that can accommodate 16 boardroom style. THE FACILITIES: Underground car park, executive floor and lounge, outdoor terrace, 24-hour room service, cosy bar on the ground floor with extensive whisky selection, bicycle rental service, gym, Finnish sauna and treatments on request. There's also a free shuttle every 30 minutes to Central Station. THE RESTAURANT: Good food, as ever, in this Mövenpick hotel. There is an all-day restaurant, Silk Road, on the first floor offering trendy East/West fusion food. There is formal
➔ FLIGHT VIRGIN ATLANTIC UPPER CLASS
THE FLIGHT: Virgin Atlantic flight VS400 to Dubai, departing from Heathrow's T3 at 22.00, scheduled to arrive at 07.55, travelling in Upper Class. Flown by a A340-600. THE TRANSFER: Shortly before arriving at London Victoria I received a text message informing me a chauffeur pick-up was ready and there to meet me. The vehicle was an executive Volvo saloon and the driver was amiable. Quite a refreshing contrast to 50 minutes on the Piccadilly Line! THE LOUNGE: The chauffeur swept into Virgin's exclusive Upper Class Wing where I was greeted by name and directed through the airline's private security channel, through the busy main concourse and into the Virgin Clubhouse. In brief, the 2,500m2 space is home to a cocktail bar, brasserie, salon, Cowshed spa, 'office', pool table, giant TV screen, video games and observation deck. THE SEAT: A flatbed seat in 1-1-1 herringbone configuration, with cool shades of red and mauves dominating the cabin. Easy controls, plenty of storage space and a handy amenity kit with shoe bag and 'Sleep Suit' pyjamas which were put to use by some passengers. There was initially a problem with the IFE but once dealt with the variety of film and audio on offer proved quite comprehensive.
seating and a more communal feel to the space with long bench seating that allows a chance to chat to other guests over breakfast, for example. THE VERDICT: It's a great hotel in a great location. I loved the look and feel of the place and the non-stuffy staff who were warm yet efficient at the same time. THE DETAILS: Möevenpick Amsterdam, Piet Heinkadell, 1019 BR Amsterdam. Lead-in rates from 139 euros standard room, 209 euros for an executive room. Tel: 0207 690 0634; see:
www.moevenpick-hotels.com. GILLIAN UPTON
THE SERVICE: Drinks were swiftly offered after boarding then dinner orders were taken. Hot towels, a bar service and snacks followed, before a good three-course meal was served. Nightcaps were poured soon afterwards, by which time most passengers were converting their seat into a bed and settling down for the night. As far as I could tell, nobody had taken advantage of the small bar and stools located between Upper Class and Premium Economy. I had a good night's sleep and was woken by the general clatter of breakfast preparations, well timed before a swift descent into Dubai.
THE VERDICT: The chauffeur transfer and serene Upper Class Wing make for an airport experience like no other – it's a toss-up between turning up at the last possible moment and sailing through security, or indulging in the delights of the Clubhouse, which pretty much sets the tone for an equally enjoyable and comfortable inflight experience. THE DETAILS: Virgin Atlantic flies daily to Dubai from London Heathrow. Upper Class fares start from around £1,870 for travel this November. See:
www.virgin-atlantic.com. ANDY HOSKINS
FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM I 79
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