Reality Check ➔ FLIGHT AIR NEW ZEALAND PREMIUM ECONOMY
THE FLIGHT: NZ1 from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. Seat 26D (one of 50 in total and one of two in the centre aisle). Scheduled departure was at 16.15 with a same-day 19.45 arrival in Los Angeles. THE CHECK-IN: Just one counter was open for economy passengers but with only one person ahead of me – even though I was 15 minutes after the stipulated two-hour cut-off – check-in was speedy, hassle free and friendly. THE SEAT: The fact that I walked straight past my seat, thinking I was still in Business Class, is indicative of how different the new Premium Economy Spaceseat product really is. It’s been designed to provide an ‘exclusive use area’ and there’s no armrest sharing. A large blanket, feather pillow and foot bean bag allows a good degree of comfort with recline and tilt functions. Other features include good stowage, centre seat console (which doubles as an armrest and shared table), reading light, inseat power, USB and iPod jacks. THE SERVICE: Exceptionally good – perhaps the most charming, friendly inflight attendants I have ever encountered. Having been shown the basic functions of the new seat, a menu card was handed out with a choice of four main courses; my choice – halibut (pan seared, of course) was delicious. There’s a good
choice of New Zealand wines and for the aficionados there's a 52-page Wine Guide. The inflight entertainment system is based around a touch screen with umpteen film, TV, music and games options, plus good headphones. THE VERDICT: Outstandingly good service from a committed and friendly inflight crew who could moonlight as trainers for rival airlines. Flight crew are unfailingly personable and efficient and give every indication that there’s nothing they’d rather be doing than looking after their passengers.
➔ HOTEL CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA, BELFAST
THE HOTEL: The 105-room Culloden Estate & Spa was originally built as an official palace for the Bishop of Down. The hotel stands on the Hollywood Hills offering stunning views across the Belfast Lough and County Antrim coastline. The location also provides great access to Belfast City Centre which is less than ten minutes away by car. THE CHECK-IN: After having my bags taken as we stepped out of the car, check-in was dealt with swiftly and efficiently and I was soon being shown to my room. As a golf fanatic, it was the aptly named Muirfield Suite. THE ROOM: Despite squeezing in a double bed, twin sofas, a six-seater dining table and desk, the suite was extremely spacious. A flame-effect wall fire with remote control offered warmth on a cold evening. There was also ample wardrobe space, a large bathroom with shower and bath, plus a range of amenities. Facilities in the suite included a wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, iron and board and bathrobes. THE BUSINESS: The property has eight purpose built conference and boardrooms, offering a variety space for small to large meetings. The main suite can accommodate up to 600 guests for sit down dinner and is one of Northern Ireland’s largest function
THE DETAILS: Air New Zealand flies daily between Heathrow and Los Angeles with a 10.5 hour flight time, and on to Auckland. The airline is due to take out a row of Premium Economy seating in late August in order to add up to six inches more legroom per seat. During this time a Boeing 777-200 will be used on the route. Return LHR-LAX Premium Economy fares are from £1,081 and include use of premium check-in desks. Tel: 0800 028 4149.
www.airnewzealand.co.uk. ALAN ORBELL
rooms. The hotel is equipped with all the meetings facilities one would expect of a property such as this, including wifi internet. Day delegate rates start from £50. THE FACILITIES: The hotel’s fine-dining Mitre Restaurant served the best of Irish cuisine using fresh local produce. The Cultra Inn, situated in the hotel grounds, offered a more informal environment, once again serving local cuisine. The health club and spa featured an indoor pool, a range of leisure and fitness equipment, a fitness consultation clinic and a dance studio. A range of pre-booked spa
treatments were also available. THE VERDICT: An absolutely fabulous property with stunning views over the Lough. The staff could not be more helpful and the whole experience is one of comfort and impressive attention to detail. The Cultra Inn was cosy and just the place to wash down a local delicacy with a pint of Guinness. THE DETAILS: Culloden Estate & Spa, Hollywood, Belfast. Double rooms are from £130; singles from £110; and suites from £150 to £350. See:
www.hastingshotels.com. DAVID CLARE
72 I FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT
WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM
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