MORE REALITY CHECKS...
WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM
REALITY CHECK FLIGHT ETIHAD AIRWAYS, PEARL BUSINESS CLASS
THE FLIGHT: London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 to Abu Dhabi travelling in Pearl Business class. THE CHECK-IN: With no queues at the business class check-in, the formalities, including directions to Etihad’s business class lounge, were quickly completed. Not so at security, where I waited 50 minutes. THE LOUNGE: I only had time for a sandwich and a glass of wine from the beautifully presented buffet in the spacious Etihad business class lounge where there's also shower facilities, wifi and a business centre. THE SEAT: The cabin was configured 1-2-1 and I settled into seat 9K. There were 40 lie-flat seats with a pitch of 73 inches, with a wraparound shell providing privacy. Each seat had direct aisle access, stowage space and in-seat power sockets. The impressive set-up was completed by an on-demand entertainment system, with 16-inch personal LCD TVs providing a mammoth 675 hours of films, news, TV shows and music. THE SERVICE: I was welcomed aboard with a glass of Lanson Black Label Champagne, given a blanket, offered a choice of national newspapers and shown to my seat by a friendly member of the cabin crew. We took off bang on the button, with the courteous and personal service continuing throughout
the flight. My lunch comprised an Arab mezze and a selection of four main courses, my ravioli with mozzarella, roasted tomato ragout, basil and parmesan proving an excellent choice. There were three white and three red wines to choose from, the New Zealand Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc an appropriate accompaniment to my ravioli and the seasonal fruits, cheese and filter coffee that followed. Quite sufficient to satisfy my appetite without resorting to the Kitchen Anytime snacks menu that is available throughout the flight.
THE VERDICT: Now in its tenth or so year of operation, Etihad has been voted World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for half of them. Its fifth consecutive win came last December, when the business class cabin crew were also voted tops in the Middle East. After my flight, I can see why. THE DETAILS: Etihad flies from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi thrice-daily, and from Manchester twice-daily. Return fares from Heathrow are from £449 in economy, £1,859 in business class and £4,591 in first class. See
www.etihad.com COLIN ELLSON
HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL, LONDON
THE HOTEL: After a four-year transform- ation, the Cafe Royal has emerged as a grand, 160-bedroom luxury property that befits its 140-year heritage. It’s part of the Israeli-owned Set group. THE CHECK-IN: For such a grand place, I was underwhelmed by the reception which is off the entrance and lift lobby in a small, unremarkable corridor. Staff were nonetheless friendly and quick to finish all the formalities and we were shown to the lifts: original and ornate and more like it! THE ROOM: A good-size Junior Suite in the Portland room category, which means walls elegantly plastered to resemble the Portland stone exteriors of neighbouring buildings (Mansard rooms feature smoked oak walls panels). No need for much else other than a huge bed as a centre piece, high-spec fixtures and fittings, workstation, flatscreen TV, a lobby/dressing area, plus a large bathroom in white Carrera marble, separate mega shower and toilet cubicles, and bathroom mirror TV screen. There was free wifi in bedrooms and throughout the hotel. THE BUSINESS: Six meeting rooms all with natural light, the largest – the modern Queensbury Suite – for 150 theatre-style, three further rooms for up to 30 and a
boardroom for up to 12. The historic, Grade II listed mirror-panelled Pompadour Suite is a stunning ballroom, for 100 seated including private terrace overlooking Regent Street. Delegate rates are £80-£115 including VAT. THE FACILITIES: All-day dining venue the Ten Room offers French/British brasserie fare in an atrium setting; the historic Oscar Wilde Bar, resplendent with Louis XVI décor, offers a supper menu and regular cabaret acts, plus The Café, absinthe-coloured bar (dark green),
fine dining in the Domino Room, a private members club and stunning spa. THE VERDICT: A grand property in a central location that would impress most business associates. Staff were attentive without being obsequious. THE DETAILS: Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, London W1B 4DY. Rates start from £450 including tax but excluding breakfast. Tel 020 7406 3333; see
www.hotelcaferoyal.com GILLIAN UPTON
THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 71
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76