Reality Check ➔ HOTEL THE MAY FAIR, LONDON


THE HOTEL: The five-star May Fair is one of London's best-known hotels and a member of the Radisson Edwardian group. It underwent a £75million refurbishment in 2006 to boost its claim of being the capital's 'most stylish and elegant address', and is the official hotel of both the London Film Festival and London Fashion Week. Anthony Lee, formerly of the nearby Connaught Hotel, is the new GM. THE CHECK-IN: The doorman welcomed our small group into the bustling lobby. There was some confusion at reception regarding our party's guest names and room allocations, but the amiable receptionist cut some corners to solve the problem, then guided us to the lift. THE ROOM: The room, a Deluxe Twin, was one of 410 rooms and suites. The décor was largely in natural shades of beige and brown, while two queen-size beds were backed by huge leather headboards. A marble bathroom had twin sinks, walk-in shower, a deep bath complete with a TV set into the wall, and walk- in wardrobe with trouser press, safe and additional bedding. A bathroom at the opposite end of the room had a sink and walk-in shower. There was also a glass-topped table with two chairs, a surprisingly small TV, a minibar and iPod docking station. There are also 12 individ- ually themed suites at the hotel (pictured).


THE BUSINESS: There's a 24-hour business centre and free wireless internet throughout the hotel. The Crystal Room with its giant Baccarat chandelier and bronze-lacquered feature wall is the showpiece room, with capacity for 280. There's also the Danziger Suite, the Atrium for drinks receptions, a screening room for up to 200, and 11 meeting rooms kitted out with the latest AV technology. THE FACILITIES: There's the award-winning May Fair Bar, Amba Bar & Grill which offers British-themed dishes (and a fine buffet


➔ APARTMENT SACO APARTMENTS, CARDIFF


THE LOCATION: This serviced apartment block, with one- or-two bedroom options, is housed in a grand restored Victorian townhouse in the city’s lively Pontcanna district. Set on a busy street, the apartments back almost directly onto Sophia Gardens, home of Glamorgan County Cricket Ground. Access is easy: it’s just a ten-minute taxi ride from Cardiff Central train station, ten miles from the M4 motorway and 12 miles from Cardiff International Airport. THE CHECK-IN: Arriving around 7pm on a foul night of persistent heavy rain, we appreciated the quick and seamless self- check-in. In advance of our visit, we were sent a list of instructions, which included a door code for the main entrance. Once inside, we entered another set of numbers to get our room key. THE APARTMENT: We had a two-bedroom apartment, both of a reasonable size, the largest of the two – much larger than most hotel rooms – featuring a king-size bed, small table and TV and an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom was smaller and had use of a bathroom immediately outside its door. The main living area was spacious, with two couches – one of which transforms into a ‘sleeper’ – a TV with various satellite


breakfast) and the May Fair Spa and gym. THE VERDICT: You can't help but feel a little special at this London landmark, what with the attentive service and über fashionable design and décor throughout. However, my room of neutral tones left me envious of the hotel suites' bold, striking colours. THE DETAILS: The May Fair Hotel, Stratton St, London, W1J 8LT. Rates in February are from £190 (ex VAT) for a Queen Superior Room. www.themayfairhotel.co.uk; Tel: 020 7769 4041. ANDY HOSKINS


channels, large mirror, and large dining table and chairs. The kitchen was equipped with an oven, microwave and fridge, which was stocked with milk and two bottles of water. The living area features original bay windows with high ceilings and huge drop curtains. THE FACILITIES: There’s free secure parking at the back of the apartment and internet access (charged and via a cable). In the Pontcanna district itself, there is a range of independent shops, street cafes and restaurants, plus two nearby pubs. THE VERDICT: This is a homely, clean and


functional, if unspectacular, accommodation in a good location, within easy walking distance of the city centre, railway station, Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium THE DETAILS: 74-76 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, Wales CF11 9LN. Unlike some serviced apartments, single nights are available. For stays of between one and six nights, rates start at £137 for a one-bedroom apartment and £167 for a two-bedroom apartment. This falls to £93 and £130 respectively for stays over seven nights. www.sacoapartments.co.uk STEVE HARTRIDGE


80 I FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM


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