Luxury Travel Advisor - November 2008 - (Page 82)

JUST BACK London&Paris Nancy Strong of Strong Travel Services in Dallas recently returned from a whirlwind trip to London and Paris with her husband, Ace. Here’s her report. hen my husband, Ace, and I arrived at the British Air counter to check in for our business-class flight to London, a pleasant surprise awaited us: We had been upgraded to first class. Not a bad way to start our luxury trip. We were met at Gatwick Airport by Rupert, our driver, who drove us in a RollsRoyce Phantom to The Dorchester (www. thedorchester.com). A lovely early welcome awaited us as our butler whisked us to our Terrace Suite. Champagne, goodies and a lovely breakfast were waiting for us in our own dining room. The curtains were drawn, so he quickly opened them to discover it was snowing on our wraparound terrace (beautiful with chaises, chairs, tables and greenery). We had to wait until later in the day when it cleared to take in our wonderful view of the park and London skyline. The Terrace Suite is about 1,200 square feet and is sleek, crisp, chic and very comfortable with a Jacuzzi tub that looks like a small swimming pool. Wraparound windows and a private terrace complete the effect. Playful Touch: There is a light display on the ceiling you can play with, which features small sparkling lights of every color. Talk about setting the mood! Butler service here is top notch, but Ace wasn’t quite sure what to do with him. I, though, kept him on his toes—particularly when it came to lighting the candles in the evening and choosing the right fragrance for each room. We were never without anything we needed from drinks to newspapers. The rooms W at the time of our visit; however, we had just seen each other in Athens. His team, especially Nigel Badminto, Helen Smith and Concetto Marletta, took such great care of us. On Monday, we had lunch at the American Bar in the Stafford Hotel (www. thestaffordhotel.co.uk). This was the U.S. Airforce Private Club during World War II. This bar is also where Prince William and Kate Middleton hang out—we sat in their favorite window seat. We had a delightful time and also had the opportunity to check out the new suites at the Stafford—they have what we would consider Texassized bathrooms. Tuesday, The Dorchester provided a private car and driver to take us to St. Pancreas Station for our Eurostar Chunnel train to Paris and Le Meurice (www.meuricehotel.com). The property is palatial and the Philippe Starck NANCY STRONG, CEO of Strong Travel Services in Dallas. redesign of the décor in the lobby, lounge and dining were also always filled with fresh flowers and room is brilliant for its whimsical charm. delicious fruits. Off we went to our Deluxe Garden Fun Fact: The adjoining suite is where One-bedroom Suite, No. 522/23, which Richard Burton proposed (the first time) to was simply elegant, all done in shades of Elizabeth Taylor. He was in the shower, she dove gray. Out of one corner window was a was in the tub—so they kept the pink marble view of the Eiffel Tower. in the bathroom the same. We spent the afternoon strolling in the General Manager Chris Cowdry was in Turkey Tuileries Garden across the street and shopping. 82 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | November 2008 http://thestaffordhotel.co.uk http://thestaffordhotel.co.uk http://www.thedorchester.com http://www.thedorchester.com http://www.meuricehotel.com

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Luxury Travel Advisor - November 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Las Vegas Australia Virginia's Northern Neck Posh Penthouses K Club Four Seasons Florence Entertaining Luxury Caribbean Spas The Pulse Jetset Report Luxury Lifestyles Just Back Luxury Travel Expo Sightings Source List Virtuoso Insert

Luxury Travel Advisor - November 2008

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