Reality Check ➔ CAR RENTAL AVIS, GATWICK AIRPORT
THE PICK-UP: The car rental desks are well signposted throughout the airport and lead you downstairs and outside, where Avis and a couple of other car hire companies occupy a single building. There was a short wait while the solitary member of staff dealt with the customer in front, before turning their attention to me. My rental details were quickly located, the key handed over and a wad of paperwork completed. I opted to take out additional cover as the car was brand new and had an excess charge in the region of £600. A 'Fuel Up Front' offer was hastily explained and I later had to call Avis to clarify the deal. Roadside assistance was included in the deal. Made my way to the car and checked it for damage as marked up on Avis' paperwork which, as well as listing the obvious missing wing mirror casing, also included the slightest of nicks and marks to paintwork and bumpers. THE CAR: A new VW Golf BlueMotion Technology SE, a more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient edition of the classic car and a member of the Avis Eco Collection. All Avis Eco Collection vehicles run on diesel fuel and have CO2
emissions below 110g/km
compared to the UK average 175g/km. The spec for this particular model lists 107g/km emissions, 68.9 miles per gallon – which
wasn't too far out – and a theoretical range of 800 miles on a full 55-litre tank. Fuel-saving devices included an automatic engine start/ stop system (which took some getting used to!) and suggested gear changes illuminated on the dashboard. Other features included seven airbags, ABS brakes, air conditioning, CD player and an iPod input for the stereo. Overall, a stylish car that was lovely to drive. THE DROP-OFF: I filled the tank up before returning to the Avis depot where a member of staff gave the vehicle a quick check-up before giving me the OK. An 'out of hours' return option was offered when I picked the
➔ HOTEL JURYS INN, LIVERPOOL
THE HOTEL: The hotel is in a great spot in the rejuvenated Albert Docks area, opposite the Echo Arena and Convention Centre, and a 15-minute walk from the train station. THE CHECK-IN: Very friendly staff at check-in. The formalities were dealt with swiftly and I was up to the top, sixth floor, in no time. THE ROOM: A larger than average corner room with great views over the Mersey, the Echo Arena, Albert Docks and, a new-ish addition to the docks skyline, the giant ferris wheel located between the hotel and the riverside. The twin-bed room had plain and simple décor and furnishings in warm rust and sunny yellow hues. There was a small, open wardrobe, decent-size desk with small flatscreen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and internet connection (at £5 per hour/£10 for 24 hours). A simple bathroom had plentiful towels and toiletries, towelling robe and slippers. THE BUSINESS: On the first floor are ten rooms of varying sizes, joined by a large break-out area which can accommodate 150 for a reception. Rooms 3, 4 & 5 can open into one large suite taking 100 people theatre style; suite 6 will take 35 people theatre style while the smallest – suites 2 and 10 – take up to ten boardroom style and 20 theatre style.
vehicle up, plus you get 60 minutes grace on your booked drop-off time. THE VERDICT: The VW Golf BlueMotion is an excellent addition to the Avis Eco Collection, boasting an impressive spec for those corporates with an eye on their carbon footprint. Avis staff were affable and the rental procedure went without a hitch. THE DETAILS: A three-day rental of a VW Golf 1.6 TDI 105ps Blue Motion in November costs around £123, based on a pick-up and drop-off at Gatwick Airport. Tel: 0844 581 0147; see:
www.avis.co.uk. ANDY HOSKINS
All are air conditioned and with bags of natural day light. Videoconferencing equip- ment can be brought in on request. The day delegate rate is £28 per person per day and includes lunch. THE FACILITIES: Car parking is at the Echo Arena and Convention Centre. In the hotel, a bar completes the ground floor offering. THE RESTAURANT: On the ground floor looking out is an open plan restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. It serves wholesome curries and pies on its dinner
menu, backed up by a decent wine list, and the usual help-yourself array of breakfast items in the mornings. THE CHECK-OUT: Despite there being a busy conference upstairs, the reception desk was empty and I departed the hotel in no time. THE VERDICT: Good value, friendly and unpretentious hotel that does what it says on the tin, basically. THE DETAILS: Room only rates are from £69. Tel: 0151 244 3777;
www.jurysinns.com GILLIAN UPTON
FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM I 79
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 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84