SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS Istanbul
By Paul Revel
Sinanpasa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok, No 1, Besiktas, Istanbul 34353, Turkey • Tel: (90 212) 275 8888 •
shangri-la.com
THE SHANGRI-LA OPENED IN MAY 2013, overlooking the Bosphorus to the Asian side. A tobacco warehouse in the 1930s, the building was completely restored – the lavish refurb included 19,000 sqm of marble in 35 different hues, 1,000 artworks and design cues from the neighbouring Dolmabahce royal palace.
ROOMS: The 186 rooms (including 18 suites) are all spacious, starting from 42 sqm. They come in 12 categories, based on view rather than size. My airy fourth-floor Premier Bosphorus room had splendid views of the bustling maritime traffic on the strait, Asia on the far side, and the Bosphorus suspension bridge. The rooms have plenty of thoughtful touches: shaving kit, Nespresso machine, complimentary shoe-shine service, and connectivity hub with UK mains sockets, USB and AV, PC and Bluetooth connections to the flatscreen TV. In the decadent marble-clad bathroom, the vast gilt-framed mirror looks antique – until you notice the inset TV screen, complete with splashproof remote control for the bath.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The glamorous, gilded Shang Palace restaurant serves memorable, classic Cantonese dishes, while Ist Too offers Turkish and international fare. Ist Too is also the place for the excellent breakfast buffet: choices include made-to-order omelettes and smoothies, hot noodles, miso soup, dim sum, curries, cheeses, charcuterie and honeycomb. Le Bar is cosy and chic, with signature cocktails such as Fleur d’Istanbul, made with vodka, champagne and pomegranate. BUSINESS FACILITIES: Nine meeting rooms, plus two ballrooms, each divisible. The impressive Murano-chandeliered Shangri-La ballroom has capacity for 1,000 theatre-style. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel. Conference
services include comprehensive AV equipment, teleconferencing and simultaneous interpretation. LEISURE FACILITIES: The 2,000 sqm health-club and spa area, a large indoor pool and well-equipped gym, and Chi spa with eight treatment suites. A highlight is the spa’s luxury take on the traditional Turkish hamman – you are scrubbed, rubbed, drenched and buffeted with pillows of silky soap suds, to within an inch of your life. VERDICT: Close enough to the action, but its seaside outlook gives respite from the roar of the traffic-jammed city. Spacious and sophisticated, with service, standards and prices you’d expect from a five-star brand in a modern European city.
VIRGIN TRAINS FIRST CLASS London Euston-Manchester
By Jenny Southan
VIRGIN TRAINS OFFERS 48 TRAINS north and 46 south every weekday between London and Manchester (less frequent at the weekend). Journey time is around 2 hours 8 minutes.
virgintrains.co.uk BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
THE LOUNGE: I was catching the 7.20pm train on a Friday night, so Euston station was packed. The first class lounge is located on the first floor, to the right-hand side when you are facing the platforms. It’s open 7am-11pm Monday- Friday, until 8pm Saturday and 10am-11pm on Sunday. There is plenty of seating, plus free wifi, barista-brewed coffee, soft drinks (and paid- for alcohol), showers, snacks and newspapers. THE SEAT: Virgin Trains uses Pendolinos between London and Manchester with 11 carriages – seven for Standard class and four for First. On board is bike storage and a shop. I was in a Quiet carriage, in a forward- facing window seat – you can select your preference when booking. It was comfortable and had a good amount of width and legroom. There is
a mix of tables for two and four, as well as pairs of seats without tables. Everything was very clean and my table for four was set for dinner. There are luggage racks, and amenities include reading lamps, plug sockets, coat hooks and free wifi. THE JOURNEY: Food service on board depends on the time of day you are travelling. Breakfast, brunch, sandwiches and snacks, and an evening meal are offered at the appropriate times. Drinks and snacks trollies came around several times offering free crisps, nuts, cookies, sandwiches, soft drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol. VERDICT: The journey was stress-free and punctual. First class is very comfortable, the staff were generous with the food and drink, and having free wifi is a boon for work.
BBT MARCH/APRIL 2015 117
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