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REALITY CHECK ➔ HOTEL GRAND HYATT, HONG KONG
THE HOTEL: Hyatt’s flagship property and one of Hong Kong’s ‘Grande Dames’ first opened in 1989 but has been frequently upgraded since to offer a five-star product overlooking Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. The 549-room property is located in Wan Chai, right next door to the convention centre, and a new metro station is under construction by the hotel. THE CHECK-IN: Almost instantaneous with the level of welcome and efficiency that five-star guests would expect. THE ROOM: A Grand Harbour View corner room with plate glass windows giving fantastic views over the harbour and Kowloon Island beyond. The room had a soft green carpet, very comfortable king size bed, recliner and occasional table, work desk with reading light, internet access and three-pin sockets. Other amenities included a flatscreen TV, mini bar, hot water dispenser, bowl of fruit, safe, iron/board and wardrobe. The black and white marble bathroom had a full wall mirror, large corner shower, bath and basin. Amenities were by June Jacobs. THE BUSINESS: In-room wifi costs from HK$160 (£13) for 24 hours. Off the lobby is a business centre with two meeting rooms, a computer workroom and videoconferencing.
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Grand Club Hyatt's ‘hotel within a hotel’ includes access to a split-level lounge on the 30th and 31st floors and three private boardrooms. As well as the hotel's Grand Ballroom, there are 24 other event spaces. THE FACILITIES: A steakhouse, Chinese, Japanese and Italian restaurants are the main eating places along with the Grand Café. The Plateau Residential Spa is open on the 11th floor and has 13 treatment rooms and Hong Kong’s largest swimming pool. There’s also a 24-hour gym, sauna, tennis courts, golf driving range and jogging track.
THE VERDICT: One of Hong Kong’s iconic hotels with a great central location ideal for getting around Hong Kong Island and across to Kowloon. It has an air of seamless efficiency with typical Asian style. THE DETAILS: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong. Rates are from HKD3,500 (£281, plux tax) for a Grand Room and from HKD3,900 (£317 plus tax) per night for a Grand Harbour View Room. Tel: 0845 888 1234. For more information see:
www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com. ALAN ORBELL
➔ FLIGHT VIRGIN ATLANTIC, UPPER CLASS
THE FLIGHT: VS900 from London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita, departing at 13.00 and arriving 9.55 the following day (local times). The flight was operated by an A340-600. THE CHECK-IN: There was a short queue at Virgin's Upper Class area in T3. The member of staff apologised for this before sending my bag off and printing a new boarding pass after advising a better seat selection. I then made for Virgin's fast track security channel. THE LOUNGE: With its 14-metre cocktail bar, deli counter, dining area, office/library, lounge chairs, giant screen, pool table and Grey Goose Loft Bar, the Virgin Clubhouse is a joy to visit! I arrived shortly before break- fast menus were changed for lunch options so took advantage of the Clubhouse British Breakfast. There's also a Cowshed spa at the far end of the lounge where there's a range of pampering options on offer. THE SEAT: The Upper Class cabin – in which all seats bar one were occupied – was in a 1-1-1 herringbone formation. There's useful storage space under the footrest and to the side of the seat, plus a small tray, reading light and larger dining table that pops out and slides into position. The seat can be reclined to one's liking at the touch of a button or converted into a 78-inch long
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flatbed, complete with bedding. A 10.4-inch screen is the outlet for a long list of modern films, TV shows, music and games. THE SERVICE: Drinks were offered before take-off and then again shortly afterwards, when sleep suits, hot towels and bowls of crisps were also distributed. Dinner orders were taken from a choice of starters, mains and desserts, accompanied by a selection of red and white wines. A cheese platter and glass of port were also offered, by which time many passengers were settling down to sleep, despite it being only late afternoon UK time. I enjoyed a drink in the rear bar area instead, before settling down to a film.
THE VERDICT: Virgin Atlantic is launching an updated Upper Class product this summer, but its current form remains among the most stylish and comfortable on the market. The various aspects of the experience – from the flagship Clubhouse at Heathrow and the onboard service, to the flatbed seat and the IFE system – combined to make this 12-hour flight sail by in comfort. THE DETAILS: Virgin operates a daily service from Heathrow to Tokyo Narita. Economy fares are from £874 and Upper Class from £3,236. Fares during promotional periods can be much lower.
www.virgin-atlantic.com. ANDY HOSKINS
THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 103
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