British Airways have just announced that they are selling out a new million pounds on upgrading the First Class experience. Among the improvements they are going to add a British Afternoon Tea service on bone china, better wine and bubbles and a more luxurious bed / seat arrangement.
This year is 100 years that BA have been around and I think theyve realised that perhaps theyve let things slip a little, and are in dnager of other airlines taking our money. Virgin Atlantic for example is relatively new to the game as far as BA is concerned, but has taken away a lot of its long haul passengers. EasyJet has also taken away a lot of its short haul passengers - so not its time for them to invest some money and buy some new planes, and smarted up the customer experience.
The thing is though, is it too liuttle too late - and did you know that Britsh Airways isnt actually British? Its owned by a Spanish company IAG who also own American Airlines. Isnt adding an afternoon tea service to the mix a little bit 1950s? It's also been romoured that BA are going to buy some second hand A380s, which other carriers have ditched for more economical craft - so it will be interesting to see how they deck those out. Hardly think it will be in the same standard as Emirates or Etihad.
Of course the First expiernece will opnly be for long haul and probably in newer planes, so where does this leave short haul and people who get to fly in the planes from the late 90s? Stuffed, really is the answer and not with scones and jam!!
To be honest I'd give it a few years and let them upgrade everything before giving it a go. You might end up paying first class prices but we stuck with a leaky aircon over your head, or a stained seat where grubby people have sat and farted for the last 20 - 30 years.
Here is the story from the news, makr up your own mind!
BA is getting fancier - more tea vicar?
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Friday, March 8, 2019
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Don't travel to the Travellodge Monaco - N Miami & Sunny Isle Beach
I could summarize this hotel with one word: shocking, or even two words: totally shocking, but tor purposes of writing a descriptive review that's useful i wont.
On booking this hotel we knew it wasnt going to be amazing, but at $80 we thought it might at least be decent, and the description portrayed it to be a "resort" with a pool, a pool side bar and clean, comfortable rooms. It wasn't.
On arrival we were greeted by a building that looked as though it was in the middle of a demolition, they charged $8 for parking, and the pool was shut due to them painting it. Apparently it was going to he closed for a day but by 7pm it hadn't even drained yet. I wouldn't be surprised if it was actually a murder scene. The smaller pool had already been filled with soil. What was hidden under there? If we were hoping to console ourselves with a drink at the poolside bar that was also right out. It was also closed and looked like it had been since 1985.
The room looked as though it should have been rented by the hour and smelt as though it had been. The sink was almost coming off the wall and only needed a small house spider to cross its path to make it fully come away from the wall.
The door had a security chain and a dead bolt on it. Great impression for security then.
The stairwell doorway near to our room needed a serious case of wd40 and they appeared to have purchased the only triangle wheeled trolley left in the world to push up and down every 5 minutes.
The hotel staff were over helpful to try and get you to give them a tip. We didn't. They offered to give us a menu for room service, I assume they meant for food but we declined due to the fact we didn't wqnt to be on a drip in a hospital bed for the remainder if our holiday.
In summary, dont visit this hotel,
Sunday, February 10, 2019
London Gatwick BLOC Hotel Review
I booked the VIP room (runway view 648) for my husband as a surprise before we flew to Scotland to celebrate our wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed with the view at all.
The Armani shower is, without question, the best shower we've ever experienced in our travels. We want one for home!! It was the most perfect way to unwind post travelling and refresh prior to our onward journey. The amenities were greatly appreciated and saved us having to unpack and repack our suitcase.
The bed was comfortable and the blinds offered suitable coverage from the light outside which was impressive.
The view, well, wow, there's nothing negative we can say about that at all, we were looking out onto the stands and had a brilliant view of the two runways. We’re not aircraft spotters by any stretch of the imagination but it was really enjoyable watching the ground activity and seeing the planes land and take off. Just to mention it was really quiet too so you don’t need to worry about noise, the big A380 took off whilst we were there and it really didn’t impact on us at all.
We didn't wait until late in the evening before we attempted to use the TV. Despite following the instructions it became clear the box linked to the TV screen was clearly not working. Unfortunately we had both got into bed so were unwilling to clamber down to reception to make them aware. Believe you me, the other guests would have not appreciated the view either!
We attempted to ring reception but it wasn't answered, we rang back again and the phone rang until it connected to the duty manager’s answerphone service and neither of us felt it appropriate to make the on-call manager aware of this blip. The answerphone message asked as to phone reception and leave a message for them to contact us if we did not wish to speak with the manager. This we did however the call was never returned, we left feedback online then gave up and went to sleep.
The hotel has now fully resolved this by way of a refund and its clear they are keen to ensure all guests get what they paid for!
It’s fair to say I shall be saving up to stay in the VIP room again!!
Destiny Scotland - Chisolm Hunter Suites review
This review for The Chisolm Hunter Suites (Destiny Scotland) in Edinburgh could have been a 4 or even 5 star review but unfortunately it was not to be.
First things first I think it’s important to start on the positives.
The view of the Castle and the location of the apartment are completely incomparable. You are in the heart of the City within easy walking access to everything you may want. The apartment had every facility you need for a self catering break.
Negatives
Changing our apartment the day before check in to a less desirable apartment, pee soaked bed linen and an extractor fan you can’t turn on unless you want the apartment to smell like sewage.
We have previously stayed at one of Destiny Scotland’s other locations (the Malt House Apartment) and absolutely loved it, the apartment was beautiful and extremely comfortable with all the amenities we needed to support us during our stay. We felt we were a little out of the centre of the city however and decided when we were going to return we would be in the heart of the city and we truly were.
We were a bit let down in a number of areas however. We booked our stay 6 months in advance to guarantee the best room available and requested to stay in one of the ‘Superior one Bed Apartments’. The images shown on the website from which we used to decide which apartment to book clearly showed two floor to ceiling huge windows which flooded the apartment with light. A sofa in front of one and the dining table in chairs in front of the other. Lovely jubley. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
A week before we were due to book in (when we had already left home and were staying elsewhere) we received our check in instruction advising us we were in Flat 1 on the second floor. We were so pleased as from looking at Google Street View it was clear we were going to be staying in one of the apartments with the huge windows we’d seen in the pictures and had booked.
Unfortunately, the day before we checked in we received a further check in email which said we would be in Flat 4 on the third floor. There was no explanation for this. I was really disappointed as I knew from looking at Street View we would not have the benefit of the larger apartment we had anticipated. I contacted the team to be told it was like a game of Tetris to get everyone in which meant people would often be moved. I was not impressed.
We raised this again with the team when we arrived at the offices to drop off our luggage (such a useful facility to have to drop off our luggage prior to booking in and leaving with them until our evening flight, thank you). I said I was disappointed as we would not have the floor to ceiling view we had been anticipating. The member of staff we spoke with said we were still in a superior apartment and our view would not be compromised. Once we entered however I can categorically say I disagree.
The apartment is beautifully modern, the induction hob, fan oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer were all very appreciated and meant we were fully self-sufficient, all items we were very grateful for.
However, let’s be under no illusion here, the top floor apartments are compromised in space and access to the view of the castle. You lose space because of the roof line. Be aware too, the staircase to reach the apartments are almost corkscrew so carrying our 32 kilos of suitcase up the stairs was not a fun experience.
We entered to find the sloping ceilings impacted on the overall space we had been anticipating in the apartment. We had a bay window which looked out over the castle which we had to clean as it was filthy inside, and out. We don’t expect the outside to be cleaned regularly, they face out onto Princes Street so expect them to get dirty quickly, however, we do expect the inside to be cleaned. There were face and hand marks of the previous occupants on the glass which impacted on the view and we couldn’t relax until we’d moved the sofa around and cleaned the windows so we could enjoy the view of the castle.
On our last night we had booked a night walking tour but when we went to leave the complex we were held back by a number of extremely drunk people trying to access a party which was being held on the floor below us. We’re unsure whether this was in apartment 1 or 2 but it wasn’t a nice experience being stood at the bottom of the stairs being unsure to leave the complex as a group were struggling to get in. We didn’t want to face refusing access to the complex as we were unsure how they would react so we had to wait for them to source the number to access the right apartment. It was clear they were too drunk (and, according to their conversation, too stoned) to remember the log in code. We waited until they had called their friend and sought the code to enter the complex before we left. When the door opened we found two women completely unaware of their surroundings and barely able to stand entering the complex with three other gentlemen and another female. We returned to our apartment at approximately midnight to find the party still going in full, noisy swing, not what we had anticipated.
Another note, do not turn on the extractor fan in the bathroom for Flat 4, my god, we turned it on following a shower, went out and returned a couple of hours later and it smelt like something had died in the apartment. The smell was so pungent and made the apartment an unpleasant place to be. It smelt like rancid drain water and it took us a while to work out what it was and where it was coming from. We turned the extractor fan off, aired the apartment and then left it off for the rest of our stay.
On the day of check out we always try to make things easier and strip the beds and place all the linen and towels in an easily accessible place for housekeeping staff. This is when we realised that underneath the top sheet there was a thin mattress protector which was covered in yellow stains. This would have been instantly obvious to whoever had placed the top sheet over when changing the bed linen between guests. We took photos as we couldn’t quite believe it. At £150 a night we don’t anticipate sleeping in other people’s urine because a member of staff couldn’t be bothered to change a mattress protector. Fair to say we were furious and I’m unsure whether or not we will be using Destiny Scotland again which is such a shame as they do have some fabulous properties in our favourite city.
If you want to be in the heart of it the definitely go for it but check you get the room/apartment you pay for and expect and be anticipated to clean or check it’s clean before you stay.
First things first I think it’s important to start on the positives.
The view of the Castle and the location of the apartment are completely incomparable. You are in the heart of the City within easy walking access to everything you may want. The apartment had every facility you need for a self catering break.
Negatives
Changing our apartment the day before check in to a less desirable apartment, pee soaked bed linen and an extractor fan you can’t turn on unless you want the apartment to smell like sewage.
We have previously stayed at one of Destiny Scotland’s other locations (the Malt House Apartment) and absolutely loved it, the apartment was beautiful and extremely comfortable with all the amenities we needed to support us during our stay. We felt we were a little out of the centre of the city however and decided when we were going to return we would be in the heart of the city and we truly were.
We were a bit let down in a number of areas however. We booked our stay 6 months in advance to guarantee the best room available and requested to stay in one of the ‘Superior one Bed Apartments’. The images shown on the website from which we used to decide which apartment to book clearly showed two floor to ceiling huge windows which flooded the apartment with light. A sofa in front of one and the dining table in chairs in front of the other. Lovely jubley. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
A week before we were due to book in (when we had already left home and were staying elsewhere) we received our check in instruction advising us we were in Flat 1 on the second floor. We were so pleased as from looking at Google Street View it was clear we were going to be staying in one of the apartments with the huge windows we’d seen in the pictures and had booked.
Unfortunately, the day before we checked in we received a further check in email which said we would be in Flat 4 on the third floor. There was no explanation for this. I was really disappointed as I knew from looking at Street View we would not have the benefit of the larger apartment we had anticipated. I contacted the team to be told it was like a game of Tetris to get everyone in which meant people would often be moved. I was not impressed.
We raised this again with the team when we arrived at the offices to drop off our luggage (such a useful facility to have to drop off our luggage prior to booking in and leaving with them until our evening flight, thank you). I said I was disappointed as we would not have the floor to ceiling view we had been anticipating. The member of staff we spoke with said we were still in a superior apartment and our view would not be compromised. Once we entered however I can categorically say I disagree.
The apartment is beautifully modern, the induction hob, fan oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer were all very appreciated and meant we were fully self-sufficient, all items we were very grateful for.
However, let’s be under no illusion here, the top floor apartments are compromised in space and access to the view of the castle. You lose space because of the roof line. Be aware too, the staircase to reach the apartments are almost corkscrew so carrying our 32 kilos of suitcase up the stairs was not a fun experience.
We entered to find the sloping ceilings impacted on the overall space we had been anticipating in the apartment. We had a bay window which looked out over the castle which we had to clean as it was filthy inside, and out. We don’t expect the outside to be cleaned regularly, they face out onto Princes Street so expect them to get dirty quickly, however, we do expect the inside to be cleaned. There were face and hand marks of the previous occupants on the glass which impacted on the view and we couldn’t relax until we’d moved the sofa around and cleaned the windows so we could enjoy the view of the castle.
On our last night we had booked a night walking tour but when we went to leave the complex we were held back by a number of extremely drunk people trying to access a party which was being held on the floor below us. We’re unsure whether this was in apartment 1 or 2 but it wasn’t a nice experience being stood at the bottom of the stairs being unsure to leave the complex as a group were struggling to get in. We didn’t want to face refusing access to the complex as we were unsure how they would react so we had to wait for them to source the number to access the right apartment. It was clear they were too drunk (and, according to their conversation, too stoned) to remember the log in code. We waited until they had called their friend and sought the code to enter the complex before we left. When the door opened we found two women completely unaware of their surroundings and barely able to stand entering the complex with three other gentlemen and another female. We returned to our apartment at approximately midnight to find the party still going in full, noisy swing, not what we had anticipated.
Another note, do not turn on the extractor fan in the bathroom for Flat 4, my god, we turned it on following a shower, went out and returned a couple of hours later and it smelt like something had died in the apartment. The smell was so pungent and made the apartment an unpleasant place to be. It smelt like rancid drain water and it took us a while to work out what it was and where it was coming from. We turned the extractor fan off, aired the apartment and then left it off for the rest of our stay.
On the day of check out we always try to make things easier and strip the beds and place all the linen and towels in an easily accessible place for housekeeping staff. This is when we realised that underneath the top sheet there was a thin mattress protector which was covered in yellow stains. This would have been instantly obvious to whoever had placed the top sheet over when changing the bed linen between guests. We took photos as we couldn’t quite believe it. At £150 a night we don’t anticipate sleeping in other people’s urine because a member of staff couldn’t be bothered to change a mattress protector. Fair to say we were furious and I’m unsure whether or not we will be using Destiny Scotland again which is such a shame as they do have some fabulous properties in our favourite city.
If you want to be in the heart of it the definitely go for it but check you get the room/apartment you pay for and expect and be anticipated to clean or check it’s clean before you stay.
Heathrow T5 Pod review - Its bloody amazing!
Heathrow T5 Pods - Its bloody amazing!
Many years ago the option for travelling to the airport was to catch a taxi to the local train station, and then a train either to Heathrow or to Gatwick. Having experienced this on a few occasions with varying degrees of anguish, disappointment and upset we vowed to find an alternative to what we considered to be hell. The final straw was finding a load of cancellations due to overrunning engineering works, and then a taxi driver who wouldn't shut up. Having just asked us where we had been, and us replying - we had been out of the country - his next question was "did you watch the Rubgy?" "NO, we've been on holiday!!" This was after we had to clear away the rubbish from his back seat to actually let us sit down in the first place. Enough was enough!
Having investigated parking prices at Heathrow and Gatwick it was a no brainer. Prices to park a car for 2, even 3 weeks was cheaper and far less hellish than a taxi and a train. Just don't go dirt cheap and get valet parking from one of these firms who take your car, let it rest upside down in a wet ditch for a few weeks before bringing it back to you, and then expecting a tip!
Now what could be better than not catching a disease from a train, and getting talked at by a taxi driver until rigamortis sets in? Maybe parking your car in a secure car park easily just outside of the airport and then getting a little electric pd that takes you directly into the terminal? As luck would have it, British Airways Terminal 5 at Heathrow has just this. Check out the full journey view below:
This actually opened in 2011 so has been existence for a while but its revolutionary. The car park is known as "business car parking" and has a good amount of spaces in a very secure place. It is just outside of the runway. Sidle up to the bus stop like thing and tap a little button to say you want a ride and within seconds a pod that can house 4 people, or 2 with a good amount of luggage arrives and whisks you into the terminal. You get a great view of the runway as you speed along. It really is fantastic and worth doing. It is this kind of technology that makes Electric cars seem useful!
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
British Airways - Club Europe
As you may have seen in an earlier post. Recently we travelled to Edinburgh and decided that instead of painting ourselves Orange to mingle with Easy Jet peoples, we would go forth and fly with BA. We opted for Club Europe mostly for the lounge access, but also because you get Food and drink on the plane, priority boarding, better seating, more luggage allowance and the chance to throw a potato at the pilot should he not be very good.
Whilst you contemplate which kind of potato check out the below for a time lapse of London Gatwick Runway (Not filmed by a Drone)
London Gatwick lounge access is very good, but I have to be honest and say it is not as good as at London Heathrow. There is a much better selection at Heathrow. None the less the ability to have food and drink and not sit on a chair made of nails out in the standard departures area is a good thing!
Boarding the BA A320 was fine. We were in row 2 and when it came to choosing between a cold meat selection and an English breakfast the choice was obvious. More Bacon please!! Then it came to the people in row 3 to have a choice and they were told they'd run out of English Breakfast, and only had 1 cold meat selection. They did not appear amused, and when pushed were offered a bacon sandwich! It would appear on these very short flights that BA only stock 3 of each option. Considering you could have 12 people sat in Club Europe - you could have some very upset and hungry people. Funnily enough on the return journey it was the same. The random choice of a Salmon salad at 9pm at night was not the favoured choice, but they only had 3 of the alternative mushroom, vegetarian, olives, shaken up in a bag and served in a dish option.
The landing however was text book and there was no requirement for throwing of the aforementioned potatoes
On the return journey however, things were not well. An announcement was made informing passengers that all the lockers on the A320 heading back to London were broken and basically insisted all passengers check in their hand luggage to go into the hold. Stupidly we believed this to be true and begrudgingly checked in our hand luggage. Not many other people had done so and the crew were getting increasingly agitated at this fact. One lady who must have had a hard time holding up her face due to the layers of face paid on, looked really angry and marched up and down looking for victims. She made a few people hand in their possessions but other members of the crew seemed to be avoiding the issue and even on large wheelie bags (the sort of size a small man could fit into) they let them off and said it would be OK.
Upon getting on the aircraft we watched our bag sit in the pouring rain before being loaded into the hold, surrounded by a max of 20 bags. A member of the cabin crew then was overheard saying that only 3 overhead lockers were broken, but this then transpired to only be 1. So in fact there was no requirement to panic people quite so much and make such a big deal out of this. Not sure exactly who had ordered the panic, but the customer service and communication skills, and consistency in their approach was not great.
So in conclusion, is Club Europe on very short flights really worth it? If you like getting drunk at 6am in a comfy chair whilst waiting for the plane then yes. If you want to get a slap up meal of your choice on board - then no. Make a visit to Burger King before hand and sit down and shut up.
Whilst you contemplate which kind of potato check out the below for a time lapse of London Gatwick Runway (Not filmed by a Drone)
London Gatwick lounge access is very good, but I have to be honest and say it is not as good as at London Heathrow. There is a much better selection at Heathrow. None the less the ability to have food and drink and not sit on a chair made of nails out in the standard departures area is a good thing!
 |
| View from the lounge |
 |
| BACON |
The landing however was text book and there was no requirement for throwing of the aforementioned potatoes
Upon getting on the aircraft we watched our bag sit in the pouring rain before being loaded into the hold, surrounded by a max of 20 bags. A member of the cabin crew then was overheard saying that only 3 overhead lockers were broken, but this then transpired to only be 1. So in fact there was no requirement to panic people quite so much and make such a big deal out of this. Not sure exactly who had ordered the panic, but the customer service and communication skills, and consistency in their approach was not great.
So in conclusion, is Club Europe on very short flights really worth it? If you like getting drunk at 6am in a comfy chair whilst waiting for the plane then yes. If you want to get a slap up meal of your choice on board - then no. Make a visit to Burger King before hand and sit down and shut up.
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