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REALITY CHECK FLIGHT BRITISH AIRWAYS A380 – BUSINESS CLASS
THE FLIGHT: A British Airways flight from Los Angeles to London, flown by an Airbus A380. I sat in seat 58K (Clubworld), a window seat on the upper deck which consisted of 53 seats in a 2x3x2 layout. THE CHECK-IN: I checked-in at the dedicated BA Club desk in the Tom Bradley International Terminal and was advised directions to both departures and the lounge by the helpful BA representative. THE LOUNGE: The oneworld lounge is used by Club World passengers. It was fairly busy but had ample seating space. Hot food, salads and beverages were freely available. Free wifi was provided throughout the lounge and showers were available for those wishing to freshen up before the flight. THE SEAT: I was in a rear-facing window seat which moved into a range of positions. There were a number of side storage units below the window plus an additional shoe/ laptop storage drawer. There was also a power socket and two USB ports. A touch screen TV was the platform for a great choice of movies, TV programmes, music, games and the usual journey tracker. THE SERVICE: Once onboard I was shown to my seat by a member of cabin crew who displayed obvious pride of the airline's new
A380 aircraft. I was offered a choice of drinks before take-off along with a menu and amenity kit featuring a range of Elemis products. Shortly after we reached our cruising altitude I was asked for my choice of starter, main and dessert, and offered a drink from the bar. To accompany the meal I had the choice of three Champagnes, two red wines and two white wines. For anyone feeling peckish or thirsty throughout the Club Kitchen offered a range of snack, drinks and ice cream. Breakfast was served around an hour before landing in London.
THE VERDICT: An enjoyable experience with service from staff who were clearly proud of their new product, and the meal service was of a very high standard. Wifi connectivity, available on some other A380s, would have been welcomed – but the cabin crew advised me that this was currently being trialed. THE DETAILS: BA flies twice daily to Los Angeles. Return fares from £542 in World Traveller, £987 in World Traveller Plus, £1,993 in Club World and £8,466 in First. All fares include taxes and charges. See:
www.ba.com DAVID CLARE
HOTEL TRAVELODGE LONDON CENTRAL SOUTHWARK
THE HOTEL: This hotel is just 500 yards from Southwark tube station and around ten minutes’ walk from Waterloo main line station. A word of warning though, the hotel signage is not very clear – if you walk under the railway arch you’ve gone too far. THE CHECK-IN: Reception is located on the first floor. I arrived early to find that there’s a £10 surcharge for checking in before 3pm. For some reason, it’s even later if you book online, although the receptionist couldn’t explain why! THE ROOM: The hotel has recently been updated in line with Travelodge’s new look and rooms now come with the Dreamer Bed – which does what it says on the tin thanks to 950 individually pocketed springs. Regular Travelodge guests will find the surroundings reassuringly familiar: shower (no bath), TV and workspace included. First timers should take note that toiletries are not provided. There’s in-room wifi access, with prices starting at £5 an hour. What came as a particularly pleasant surprise was how quiet the rooms were, despite the hotel being located right next to a busy railway line. THE FACILITIES: Breakfast and evening meals are served in the hotel’s Bar Café
(the concept is standard in over 150 Travelodges). The evening menu is sound if basic, including the likes of ‘classic’ fish and chips, burgers, and sausage and mash, available daily between 5pm and 10pm. Wifi access is also free in the Bar Café. There’s no on-site parking but the nearest NCP is on the same street (prices start from £3 per hour), however this shuts at 7pm and doesn’t re-open again until 6.30am, so park cautiously!
THE VERDICT: You know what you’re getting with any Travelodge, and this hotel is typically clean and comfortable. It's ideally located for the South Bank, London Bridge and the City. Just don’t make the mistake of checking-in early! THE DETAILS: Travelodge London Central Southwark, 202–206 Union Street, Southwark, London SE1 0LH. Tel. 0871 984 6352. See:
www.travelodge.co.uk MARK HARRIS
THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 87
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