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REALITY CHECK  SERVICED APARTMENT GO NATIVE, COLLEGE HILL, LONDON


THE BACKGROUND: College Hill is a small development of one and two-bedroom apartments located in a private courtyard area within a two-minute walk of both Cannon Street and Mansion House stations. THE CHECK-IN: I was sent an email which gave me the codes to access the courtyard and a safe where the keys were located. Once collected I gained access to the main block via an entry fob and was soon inside my two-bedroom apartment. THE BEDROOMS: The large main bedroom came with a super king-sized bed, tall mirror, TV and ample storage space. There was an en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower plus some toiletries and a range of towels. The second bedroom was slightly smaller but still had room for a king-sized bed. There was a separate bathroom next door to this bedroom. Once again toiletries and towels were provided. THE FACILITIES: The open-plan main room included a lounge, kitchen and dining area. The kitchen was well equipped with a range of appliances including hob, oven, micro- wave, fridge/freezer, toaster and dishwasher all of which had operating instructions in a folder. Washing-up liquid, some dishwasher tablets and tea towels/cloths were


provided. A television, music and DVD system were in the lounge area along with sofas and a coffee table. There was plenty of storage in the room plus a dining table for four people. A welcome pack was provided with information on the apartment’s facilities, advice on using the wifi, intercom and telephone, and a list of various numbers should there be any issues with anything. There was wifi throughout the property. THE VERDICT: A nice property tucked away down one of the side streets in the city, but


close enough to several transport stations for good access across the city. The lounge area was a generous size as was the en-suite bathroom in the main bedroom. THE DETAILS: Rates for a one-bedroom apartment are from £168 for a single night or from £144 per night for stays of 90 nights or more. For a two-bedroom apartment the rates are £217 for a single night or £179 per night for stays of 90 nights or more. See: www.gonative.com DAVID CLARE


 HOTEL NOVOTEL, NEW YORK CITY


THE HOTEL: Impressively located over- looking Times Square, the four-star, 480- room Novotel is bristling from a recent and massive, 18-month refurbishment project that cost a cool US$85million last September and which marks it as the company’s North American flagship hotel. THE CHECK-IN: Reception is on the first floor and the lift doors open up to a large open-plan space designed around hexagons, pentagons and octagons – illuminated in different colours – to reflect the significance of the hotel’s location and celebrations at New Year. There were no queues at the desk and I was soon waiting for the lift upstairs to my room. THE ROOM: Key card-operated rooms are sleek and contemporary in cool colours, with light-coloured wood units, oversize back-lit headboard, good-size work desk with iPad docking station, occasional chair, 46-inch flatscreen TV (with onscreen billing info), wifi access, laptop-size safe, iron and ironing board and, surprisingly, windows that actually open. THE BUSINESS: There are two small meeting rooms on the hotel's ground floor, called Broadway (for up to ten people) and Times Square, which is slightly larger and


accommodates up to 12 delegates. THE FACILITIES: The cavernous Supernova bi-level restaurant offers American comfort food and an extensive cocktail menu in the evening, plus those fab views over Times Square. The restaurant has 5,700ft2


of


open-air terrace on two sides, fitted out with fire pits and comfy seating for winter nights. There is also a fitness centre, video game area and multimedia internet corner in the lobby and gift shop. Parking can also be catered for.


THE VERDICT: This hotel is in a great location, there are fantastic views from the upper floors, and the open-plan lobby is very funky. My only whinge is the fact there are only two lifts from reception to street level, which means waiting is commonplace; ditto waiting for the lifts up to guest rooms. THE DETAILS: Room rates start from US$205 per night. 226 West 52nd Street, 10010 New York. Tel: (001) 212 315 0100; See: www.novotel.com GILLIAN UPTON


THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 89


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