Reality Check ➔ FLIGHT QATAR AIRWAYS
THE FLIGHT: QR 002 from Heathrow to Doha on a A330-200 in a 2-2-2 configuration in business class. The service leaves at 20.30 and touches down in Doha at 06.10 the next day. THE CHECK-IN: Arriving well ahead of check- in time there were no queues at check-in. THE LOUNGE: The new Qatar lounge at Terminal 4 has a business environment, with practical seats (each with power points) and a Business Centre with work stations and secretarial services. But it also has a leisure side, demonstrated by private shower rooms with massage jets and a dining area which ceases to feel like a lounge at all, as you stand sipping a signature raspberry mojito and helping yourself from the open deli counter. There's also the more formal global brasserie, which has private dining areas. THE BOARDING PROCESS: Totally hassle- free as the gate was right opposite the lounge. THE SEAT: My aisle seat had a generous seat pitch of 61 inches, a 20-inch width and was separated from the window seat by a small table area. The seat reclines to 165 degrees and is very comfortable, but for a deep sleep, 180 degrees would be better. The Oryx entertain- ment system is easy to use and had a huge list of English and foreign-language films, as well as TV programmes, music and games.
THE SERVICE: The crew could not have been more attentive. Served on a crisp white cloth with heavy and expensive-feeling dinner ware, was a classic Arab mezze, with houmous, baba ganoush and a fresh salad of parsley, tomato and cucumber, followed by a Mediterranean-style baked chicken with pesto and roasted vegetables. After a rich meal, a rose water sorbet was sufficient for dessert – plus the best cup of tea I've had on a plane! THE VERDICT: I was impressed by the attention to detail and luxury feel of Qatar Airways. The inflight blanket feels heavy and
luxurious, the noise cancelling headphones are quality, the Molton Brown amenity kit was packed with goodies and the pyjama pack is a nice extra. The only criticism is the lack of storage space around the seat. Happily, business class seats on the Boeing 777, which will be the backbone of Qatar's longhaul fleet in the future, recline to 180 degrees. THE DETAILS: Qatar Airways flies from London Heathrow to Doha four times a day and from March 25 2012, five times a day. Worldwide fares from £405. LAURA GELDER
➔ HOTEL THE GROSVENOR, LONDON VICTORIA
THE HOTEL: Opened in 1862, the Grosvenor Hotel was one of the capital's first great railway hotels. Today, the listed building is the newest member of the Guoman Hotels collection following a refurbishment project that has made the most of its Victorian features but also added a touch of modern luxury. This four-star hotel has 346 guestrooms and is located right next to Victoria station. THE CHECK-IN: I arrived in reception via the discreet entrance from the station concourse. Those arriving via the main entrance are greeted by a 'wow factor' lobby with intricate decor, an enormous chandelier and gold leaf finishes – I only fully appreciated this after quickly checking in and making for the lift. THE ROOM: My Executive room was on the second floor which still smelled brand new. Facilities included a Hypnos bed, Bose iPod dock, flatscreen TV, complimentary tea, coffee and minibar, an iron and ironing board, desk, safe, lounge chair, air conditioning and bath- room with Grohe rainfall shower and Elemis toileteries. The decor was black and white with a splash of red and gold, plus London- themed artwork. The only disappointment was an uninspiring view over the station roof. THE BUSINESS: My room category granted me access to the swish Executive Lounge on
the same floor where complimentary snacks, canapes, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks are served until 11pm. Breakfast can also be enjoyed in its plush, tranquil surroundings. Elsewhere, there are nine meeting rooms, each named after famous trains. The largest is the Orient Suite with capacity for up to 120 people. There's also a new staffed business centre. THE FACILITIES: The new restaurant, Grand Imperial, serves Cantonese dishes and has a private dining room for 20 people. The Brasserie is best for informal dining, while the new Reunion bar – which was busy late into the night – is set at the top of a central,
sweeping marble staircase. There's also a lounge space for informal meetings and afternoon tea, a small gym, and BT Openzone wifi internet access throughout the hotel. THE VERDICT: This deluxe property is in a tremendous location and has benefitted from a classy yet sensitive makeover. If the travel policy allows it, an upgrade to the Executive floor should definitely be considered. THE DETAILS: 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0SJ. Rates start from £99 per room per night excluding breakfast and VAT. Tel: 0871 376 9038 or see
www.guoman.com. ANDY HOSKINS
FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT
WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM I 83
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