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Reality Check


REALITY CHECK


FLIGHTS / HOTELS / APARTMENTS / CAR HIRE / TRAIN JOURNEYS / CHAUFFEUR / PARKING


➔ FLIGHT HONG KONG AIRLINES


THE FLIGHT: HX876 from London Gatwick to Hong Kong on an Airbus A330-200 offering the first all-business class service between London and Hong Kong. There are two cabins, Club Classic with 82 cradle-style seats in a 2x2x2 configuration and Club Premier with 34 seats in 1x2x1 configuration. THE CHECK-IN: Six check-in desks were open to serve a smattering of passengers so the whole process took just moments. The 21.30 departure (currently the last flight of the day from Gatwick’s North Terminal) is ideal for those who love empty airports – immigration and security were painless. THE LOUNGE: Hong Kong Airlines uses the No.1 Traveller lounge for Club Premier pass- engers and as well as the normal amenities, users are entitled to a 15-minute massage. There's lots of seating and dining areas with both hot food and a buffet available, plus a bar and plenty of newspapers and magazines. THE SEAT: My seat was 6C, a single seat on the left side of the aircraft. The 20-inch wide seat is in a cocooned area with a TV screen directly ahead, beneath which is a footrest and storage area. There’s another small storage area to the side of the seat, a small side table, an overhead reading light, a large fold-down table and a coat hook. There’s


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also a three-pin socket power source. Simple electronic controls convert the seat to a 73-inch flatbed as well as offering a ‘read’ position, massage and lumber adjustment. THE SERVICE: Once on board I was quickly offered a drink, hot towel and a selection of newspapers. Everything served in Club Premier is individually delivered with no trolley use so the deliveries continued after take-off with, one by one, headphones, slippers, menu, Bvlgari amenity kit, landing card and sleep suit. A five-course dinner was served with choices in each, along with a selection of wines. With everything delivered individually the meal service was protracted but presented with great charm and courtesy by the young cabin crew. A Sky Bar is available throughout the flight for drinks and snacks and there's wifi access too. THE VERDICT: With Club Classic a con- ventional business class and Club Premier somewhere between business and first class, the new flights offer a real alternative for both business and leisure travellers. Cabin crew were utterly charming and there was a good selection of food and drink. A huge draw is the fact that passengers can travel onward to some 20 Hong Kong Airlines destinations for no extra charge.


THE DETAILS: HX876 operates daily at 21.30, arriving in Hong Kong at 17.45 the next day. The return departs Hong Kong at 23.50, reaching Gatwick at 05.55 the next morning. Fares are from £1,800 in Club Classic and from £2,850 in Club Premier. Tel: 0844 371 8393. For more information see: www.hongkongairlines.com. ALAN ORBELL


➔ HOTEL BEST WESTERN, MIAMI


THE HOTEL: The Best Western Atlantic Beach Resort is a beachfront property on Collins Avenue, the main artery road that bisects this part of the city. The three-star franchised hotel is located ‘Mid Beach’ on 41st street, just over a mile from the convention centre. THE CHECK-IN: Check-in was casual and informal and dealt with by staff more used to dealing with holidaymakers, but that’s also part of Miami Beach’s laidback vibe, I soon came to realise. THE ROOM: I was in an Oceanfront King which meant a balcony overlooking the sea and a decent amount of space. The room was bright, relatively modern, offered good wardrobe space, coffee and tea making facilities, fridge, in-room safe, cable TV and free wireless internet. Décor was relatively contemporary but in need of some updating. THE BUSINESS: There are two meeting rooms in the hotel and both are located on the lower lobby level and have no natural light. The larger can accommodate up to 180 theatre-style (hire is $300) and the smaller up to 60 people ($150) with the same set-up. There's also a business centre. THE FACILITIES: There was a cavernous all-day dining room, pool bar and grill, small


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shop, ice machines on each floor, basement laundry room, gym and outside pool area. The property backs on to the beach and the beach boardwalk which doubles as a popular jogging track, particularly in the mornings. THE VERDICT: Price and location make this a good choice but service is lacklustre which can be frustrating for business travellers. I had several issues during my three night stay that spoiled my experience: the front desks’ inability to clear the previous guests’ message box which meant no-one could


leave me a message; those messages left at the front desk were never passed on; and the noise from an alarm left on in the room next door. The phone issue was never resolved and staff didn’t treat the complaint seriously. THE DETAILS: 4101 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140. Room-only rates for an Oceanfront King are around £156 excluding taxes and fees, depending on season and demand. Tel: +305 673 3337. For more information see: www.bestwesternflorida.com. GILLIAN UPTON


104 THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE


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