We didn’t originally plan to visit Brighton but a cruise ship itinerary change gave us two days to sort out before we went to London and we chose to spend those days in Brighton. Located slightly over an hour from London by train it was a nice getaway to transition from the cruise ship experience to land.  I first visited Brighton during the Christmas holidays years ago when my friend and I wandered the city easily by foot stopping in pubs along the way to take the chill off. The city is still easy to walk about with the iconic Brighton Pier as well as the newer attraction from British Airways, the Brighton i360 experience. So Brighton offers lots to do, see and eat even for a quick escape.  But first we needed to find central lodging with double beds that was reasonably priced and easy to get to/fro.

Brighton Waterfront Hotel

As the name states, Jurys Inn Waterfront is centrally located across from the beach and the water.  Some rooms are waterfront facing, ours faced the interior lobby. You can easily walk to the British Airways i360, along the beach or to the Brighton Pier.  You are also close to the Pavilion and Gardens as well as the lane ways of shopping and if not with heavy bags you can walk the main road to/from the train station in about 15-20 minutes.  A taxi will cost approximately £8 from the station to the hotel in mid-day traffic (Uber is not in town).

Welcome to Jurys Inn Waterfront Brighton Lobby

The taxi dropped us off in the front of the hotel opposite Brighton Beach.  We used the elevator rather than the flight of stairs to the lobby given our cruise ship luggage was too heavy to lug up the stairs.  The street level lobby has access to conference (congress) space, gym/pool (down the stairs) and stairs up to the hotel lobby. There was security at all doors and in lobbies during our stay due to the music festival/conference at the hotel.

We were welcomed by the front desk staff and quickly checked in and directed to the elevators to our room.  The front desk has a flavored water station that is open 24/7 and a nice refresh after the train travel.

The hotel lobby space is quite vast with restaurant, bar, lobby seating throughout and a mezzanine of seating space. While it was frequently busy, it never felt too crowded.   The multi-purpose lobby also has a self service snack bar next to the front desk, a hair/nail salon and a business center.

Standard Double Room at Jurys Inn Waterfront Brighton

The hotel is basically a square with rooms on both sides and interior facing rooms looking down into the lobby space.  That said, we exited the elevators and had a long walk to the other side of the hotel to our room 333.

After spending ten days in a small cruise cabin (124 sq. ft.) sailing across the pond, arriving at Jurys Inn Waterfront Brighton was a wonderful change. The room had two double beds so we no longer had to attempt sleep in the small twin cruise ship beds, we had actual comfy beds to fall into and fall into we did.  Facing inward, the room had a window to open (which we did) and when shut was quiet despite the lobby noises.

Despite the heavy use of the hotel for tourists and conventions (congress meetings) the room decorated in warm tones looked newly renovated. Kudos for the artwork (we all know how this is a pet peeve of mine).

There was a coffee maker with supplies for four people (coffee mugs, tea and coffee supplies) as well as an iron/ironing board in the closet. Wifi was free and surprisingly high speed throughout the stay even with the conference in residence.

Bathroom – Standard Double Room

The bathroom door was odd as it didn’t lock, was quite flimsy and obviously not included in the room renovations done when Jurys took over the property a few years back.  The bathroom included a tub which my friend loved and quickly drew a bath to relax in (she always uses the tub for a bath, while I never do).  The amenities were from Gilchrist & Soames and the counter/vanity space quite spacious for multiple people to store their toiletries easily.

Gym/Pool at Jurys Inn Waterfront

We did a quick visit of the gym and pool, both which are used by local members and open to hotel guests.  We were told of the Thursday children’s/babies swim time so my friend made note to visit the pool and sauna before the children arrived. She enjoyed the pool and sauna and said there were only a few people there after breakfast. While both are small spaces – they actually have enough equipment and space to enjoy your visit. No photos as the gym/pool were in use on both visits.

Restaurant at Jurys Inn Waterfront Brighton

While the room service menu was the same as the restaurant options, we only dined at the breakfast buffet as it was included in our rate.  The morning offerings included a hot bar selection for the Full English breakfast, breads/pastries, cold bar with fruits, yogurts and meats/cheeses and of course the coffee/tea machine. There was enough to fill folks and if not for an additional cost you could have pancakes or waffles.  Servers wandered throughout to clear plates and deliver coffee/tea, etc.

Overall – Jurys Inn Waterfront Brighton

The staff were lovely throughout the stay and the location perfect to explore the seaside town. I would definitely return to the Jurys Inn Waterfront in Brighton as the pricing was reasonable, the room was large by UK standards (normal for US folks) and quiet plus the bonus pool on property could be fun (although there’s a big ocean across the road).  In all of my travels, this was my second stay with a Jurys Inn (the first was in Ireland) so this property exceeded my expectations which is always a good thing.

First Impressions – AA First Class Lounge Terminal 3 LHR

The first thing I noticed was the candy bar to fill a bag (or two) of sugary treats (they have candy in the business class lounge too).  The second thing I noticed and probably more important was the Moet & Chandon Champagne on ice in both Brut and Rose. Many passengers would stop on their way in to fill a glass before going to find a seat. I like Moet champagne (I toured the Epernay France Moet cellars) but I don’t usually equate it with First Class travel to be honest. (#firstworldproblems)

The lounge isn’t fancy or massive but a nice size that it never felt crowded. Standing at the champagne, there are seats arranged two by two in groups of four on your left, straight ahead up a few stairs is an open platform of seating options, on the right behind the wall is all day breakfast in the dining area and in between all the areas is the kitchen with drinks and food.   The brown leather was definitely dated and didn’t quite have the feel or the allure of a first class lounge.

I decided to sit in the first group of seats to plug my phone into the outlet (there are outlets aplenty throughout the lounge).  A staff member stood behind me for most of the visit surveying the room to see what was needed. It was noon-ish on a Tuesday so not much was needed as there were about 15 people in the lounge at the time spread out. The wi-fi was fast and easy to use in the pin drop quiet room.

Food & Drink Options – American Airlines First Class Lounge at Heathrow

The kitchen area similar to your work lunchroom setup probably –  had two food setups – hot bar and cold bar – as well as a drinks and snack area. For lunch this day, there was chicken tiki masala, rice and a vegetarian pasta.  On the cold bar – salad and prepared sandwiches. The dessert included chocolate tart and cake cubes.

The drinks area was self-serve and I liked both the bottle water choices – one was UK local and the other was Evian. Soft drinks, beer and liquor were also available. Again similar to the champagne, I can’t say it was the best wine or premium liquor but hey it’s free!  There needs to be some barometer I guess, I think I expected more as this is the “International First Class” lounge.

The all-day dining area had a separate server to oversee guests.  The menu was American breakfast all day (eggs, avocado toast and pancakes, etc.) as well as a full English breakfast option and I will say I was tempted by the pancakes since I was away over two weeks eating eggs every day.  I did think it was a bit weird though to be in a First Class lounge and the menu was breakfast.  By comparison the British Airways Concorde Lounge has a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu available with various selections.

Given that I needed to go to gate early for additional security (ugh SSSS), I left the lounge before they told me to leave but not before filling a bag full of candy.  I was surprised that the trek to Gate 28 was really, really long even with moving sidewalks so wear good shoes and leave early to get to the gate.

Final Thoughts – American Airlines First Class Lounge Heathrow T3

The American Airlines First Class Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 was fine.  Nothing really stood out to me as being a premium experience or food/drink offering. Ok, maybe the champagne and candy was fun option.  The design is a bit dated to be honest and I would have liked the AA sundae, chocolate chip cookies or other American Airlines flair.  The fact that the sit down menu didn’t have a burger and fries was a surprise and quite disappointing as I would have liked that lunch option.

The lounge experience foreshadowed my flight experience – adequate but not premium.  That’s what the lounge was like for me – adequate as I could relax and eat before the flight but compared with the three other partner OneWorld lounges you can visit next door (Cathay, Qantas and British Airways) this would rank last. I had to laugh because when I checked in with AA and asked about lounge access, the staff member wrote on my boarding pass “Cathay Lounge” because even he knew a better lounge experience was available with One World partners rather than American.

Despite luggage space being at a premium, I’ve often sacrificed precious shoe space for my workout clothes, sneakers/trainers and good intentions (thinking I’ll find a cool yoga, barre or cardio class in my destination or at the hotel).  I’ve found that I rarely get to the local gym or boutique studio for travel workouts and instead tend to get my workout on the road with hours walking or through fun adventures (i.e. bike tour in Naples, hiking in Zion, kayaking, etc.).

Staying healthy on the road can be tough especially if you are a business travel road warrior.  On vacation, while I give myself some latitude, I do try my best to get in a workout each day. There’s a lot of wine and chocolate to negate as my “no calories on vacation” mantra can only go so far. When researching hotels, I do give extra points to those with free access to special gyms on/off site and will ask the concierge for a list of workout options in the area. So this is my list with travel workouts for everyone.

Note: If you have a local gym membership, ask if they have properties or affiliated clubs in the cities/town you are visiting. Some may allow free visits, others charge an additional fee.

Easy to Pack Items for Travel Workouts

My secret exercise equipment is small and easy to pack – stretch exercise bands and spiky massage balls.  Both fit in my suitcase, carry on or even my handbag.  Each are quick ways to recover from flights, trains and bus travel. I will tell you that I do get mileage out of these two items – the spiky ball for my sore feet does wonders and the stretch bands help my legs.  I have thought about travel TRX bands but those get a bit complicated in my experience with the hotel doors so you might need to go to the hotel gym and see if you can anchor them there (you may need to ask hotel and/or trainer).

Free Travel Workouts – Use Your Feet

The easiest (and cheapest) way to work out while traveling is to walk as much as you can in the new city/town (make sure you have comfortable travel shoes).  You can also say no to escalators and elevators for smaller distances and use the stairs.  While the aim is the elusive 10k steps per day, only you and your FitBit know if you succeed or fail.  As for me, I walk until I can’t walk anymore and need to call Uber.

When I sail on a cruise, I opt for the cheapest cabin (usually lowest deck) and use the stairs throughout the cruise.  There were many days where I regretted that decision – namely from deck 2 to 11 for the gym workouts where I arrived huffing/puffing with a red face to begin my workout.  You can also walk the outside deck for a great workout – on Holland America, they raise money for charity each cruise with their 5k charity walk.  A few spins around is quite the workout and you can meet new friends while enjoying the seaviews!

If you bring hiking shoes/boots with you, you can explore the trails near the city or more adventurous nature attractions. If you want to rent gear, then consider REI Rentals in the travel destination.  It seems that snow shoes, tents and sleeping bags are popular items to rent at REI.

With wellness travel exploding currently, it’s exciting to see an airport gym ROAM Fitness at BWI which includes workout gear and showers. If you need to wait in the airport anyway, you might as well make it count.

Travel Workouts Apps

Class Pass is an app that allows you to visit various types of workout locations for a set number of visits/credits per month per payment plan.  If you like to vary your travel workouts at boutique studios, Class Pass is a good option especially if you are keen to do yoga one day, barre the next and kickboxing another day.  Classes are available in 80+ cities including International cities.  There’s really no excuse with ClassPass to say you can’t find a workout option.  Now as for leaving the pub on time in London or pulling yourself away from work or leisure attraction, that’s another story.

The MindBody app is a great tool to find fitness, wellness and beauty options near you. The cool part of this app is that you can see if the fitness vendor offers a free first session, discounted new member trial or other promotion for first time visitors.  You need to register to use the app and then have access to the three main categories – fitness, wellness and beauty.

1. Fitness area will show you all of the options within a time period and location. You will see gym or boutique studio info, class name, instructor and pricing.
2. Wellness has a plethora of sub-categories – Massage, Acupunture, Meditation, Nutrition, Chiropractor, Naturopathic Medicine, PreNatal, Physical Therapy, Coaching/Healing, Cryotherapy (doesn’t sound fun being that cold), Heated Therapy, Reflexology, Water Treatment, Body Treatments and Wellness for Kids.
3. Beauty includes Hair Salon, Face Treatments, Nails, Hair Removal, Makeup/Lash/Brows, Med Spa, Tanning (who still does this?), Tattoo/Piercing

Free Yoga Classes while Traveling

Google “Free Yoga in x City” and you’ll be pleasantly surprised (or overwhelmed) by the number of free yoga events throughout the city in the morning and evening.  In Philadelphia, we have yoga on the river, at the Art Museum and on rooftops all for free – just bring your yoga mat (you can borrow/rent in some cities).

Workout fashion clothing stores, Lululemon and Athleta, offer free in store yoga classes during the week and will often offer free passes for a workout studio in the area (ask at the sales desk).

Airport Yoga – Travel Workout in the Airport

I’m sure many of you have found the quiet spots at the airport to do a bit of yoga before boarding the plane. I’ve even done some yoga on the plane (best on international flights in the small aisle between the restrooms). A few airports have added Yoga Rooms for travelers where yoga basics are supplied (mats and blocks). Some offer  music, videos, meditation and guided assistance depending on the airport. Many are free to passengers, a few require lounge access on eligible tickets/status and a new airport vendor, Yoga on the Fly, charges a fee. You can also bring your own travel yoga mat if you want.

Here are a few airports with yoga options for now (I would expect more to come online as companies expand and airports look for new vendors to manage the amenity).

Domestic U.S. Airport Yoga Rooms

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Yoga – Terminal 3

Chicago Midway (MDW) Yoga – Concourse C

Dallas (DFW) Yoga – Terminal B (D40/B1) and Terminal E (E31)

Denver (DEN) Yoga – Concourse A – Yoga on the Fly (paid access)

San Francisco (SFO) Yoga

International Airport Yoga Rooms

Frankfurt (FRA) Yoga – Terminal 1 (gates C14-16) and Terminal 2 (gate D1)

London (LHR) – SkyTeam lounge access (paid)

Hong Kong (HKG)

Cathay Pacific just opened The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga Hong Kong in their lounge and it looks fabulous! With space for yoga and private meditation space, it’s a relaxing oasis before your long haul flight. Sky Team has yoga room in their HKG lounge for members and passengers flying on eligible tickets.

Travel Workout in the Hotel Gym

The place that gets no love is the hotel gym which has, in the past, been an afterthought by the hotel owner in terms of space and equipment.  Some will surprise you with the latest tech and equipment while others might just put a treadmill and weights.  The hotel gym is rarely crowded in my experience (except in Miami and Las Vegas).  The hotel may have its own gym or be associated with the gym onsite to offer hotel guests free or discounted access. The luxury hotels is where I’ve found the most interesting gym options.

Luxury Hotel Gym Workouts

My favorite hotel gym is at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago.  Hotel Guests are allowed to visit the private, member’s only gym on the top floor and attend the workout classes which are small group trainer led for free.  I was able to work out with eight people in a cardio strength class one day and a core class the next day. I neglected to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the stunning pool.  The Peninsula Chicago is the rare hotel that can keep you inside the entire visit with luxury options in food, drink, wellness and outdoor roof attractions (skating rink in winter, patio bar in summer).

In London, the Marylebone Hotel allows hotel guests access to the private members only gym, Third Space London, in the building.  I was so excited for this opportunity that I brought my gym clothes, a bathing suit for the sumptuous pool and my trainers (sneakers).  Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t gel with the workout times so my gym workouts were nil that trip.  It’s tough in London to go out to the pub at night and try to wake up early to workout.  I really tried but will need to go back and try again because seriously this place looks amazing!  The same with The Mondrian London gym.

Hotels with Travel Workout Essentials

The Westin hotel chain has a two wellness fitness programs – Run Westin and Gear Lending. Run Westin which provides running maps for 3 and 5 mile runs as well as options in some cities to join the Run Concierge small group runs.  Westin Gear Lending provides workout clothes, socks and sneakers. The socks are yours to keep as part of the rental fee (usually $5+).  You return everything but the socks once done. This helps keep your packing to a minimum because if you aren’t already traveling in your sneakers they can be problematic for carry on only packing.  I’ve not tried the Gear Lending program yet to see if they offer plus size workout clothes and size 11 sneakers so watch this space for future updates. As for running, I’ll be the first one eaten by the zombies because I’m not a runner.

Kimpton Hotels wellness provide in room yoga mats, bike rental at select hotels and jogging stations filled with granola and healthy drinks.  Some Kimpton hotels have affiliated local gyms on property, like the EPIC Hotel Miami which has Exhale Spa Miami  which offers fitness classes (barre, cardio, yoga) for an additional fee.

Hotel Gym Las Vegas

Las Vegas is notorious for the see and be seen atmosphere and the gym is no exception.  The dreaded “resort fee” includes access to the gym which you can’t remove if you don’t use. Rarely do I see women sans makeup or in unfashionable workout clothes.  I usually skip the gym because I can’t be bothered with the scene which is silly given that I workout 5-6 times a week at home and have my lululemon with me.  On a recent visit to The Wynn Las Vegas the gym charged an additional $30 per Yoga Class and I couldn’t hide my disgust with paying a resort fee to use the gym that didn’t include classes.  One cool Las Vegas experience yoga I did consider was Yoga on the High Roller ferris wheel at the LINQ Promenade but the cost was prohibitive and doing downward dog while the pod is moving was a bit too much for my clumsy self.

Cruise Ship Gym & Wellness Spa

You are stuck on a floating hotel with 24/7 food options and buffets that bring out your inner glutton so visiting the gym should be on your itinerary.  In my experiences sailing with various cruise lines around the world, the small gym has the latest equipment, personal training options and group classes with great views in the front of the ship.  You pay extra for personal training and group classes depending on the cruise line.  On one ship, I went to the boot camp class ($20) and was one of two passengers to show up so we essentially had a private training session (normally $100+) for less.  Another cruise had TRX classes for free and was limited to ten people (only five signed up).  Daily yoga is usually available for free to $10+ per class. Each cruise line and ship differs in their offerings and pricing. One funny coincidence – the trainer on the Celebrity Constellation (Turkey/Greek cruise) was the same on the Carnival Caribbean cruise – we laughed when we recognized each other.

The cruise ship usually has the spa connected to the gym with saunas, hydro pools and relaxing salt rooms and heated lounge chairs.  These are, of course, extra with varying prices.  Many spas will offer the special visit pass on the first day of sailing as they limit access.  If you are keen to wellness options in addition to your gym workout, then consider the spa pass.  Massage, acupuncture and other treatments are extra.  A few ships now offer spa cabins, special spa programs and wellness cuisines.

Wellness Spa and Spa Resort Adventures

If you are keen to focus exclusively on your health and wellness, then consider going to a destination resort to sort yourself out.  I’ve had fantastic wellness adventures at Red Mountain Resort & Spa in St. George, Utah and a luxury escape to Miraval in Tucson, Arizona.  Miraval, now owned by Hyatt, is expanding the Miraval concept to additional cities in the U.S.

The game changer in 2019 will be Equinox Hotels and Cruises.  The luxury Equinox gym is expanding the wellness concept to your travels full stop.  Your food, workout and lodging options will all be healthy options and products.  I wonder if the hotel is a gym or the gym is a hotel if I will manage to make it to a workout on time.

Travel Workouts – Don’t Sweat It

So I try my best to negate all the wine, chocolate and cheat day foods when I’m traveling by working out the best I can.  While I’d love to try all the new trends in workout classes around the world, I’m yet to accomplish that feat despite good intentions.  For now, I do my best to ensure wellness on the road and that my travel workouts fit my busy schedule.  I try to schedule a spa day when I travel to take the day off to recover and that’s what works for me.  When all else fails, I take the stairs and consider it a win!  What about you?  How do you workout on the road?

Note – this post contains Amazon affiliate links where I could potentially earn commission if you choose to make a purchase of the items listed.  

(Note: My backup option was using my Priority Pass at Gatwick for No1 Lounge (3 hour max visit) access or for a discount at the Grain Store Cafe & Bar in the main terminal. I was remiss not to visit either during my long layover – rookie layover mistake!)

Connecting at Gatwick

The connection at Gatwick could have been easier if I wasn’t flying on separate tickets (award in business class JFK-LGW + cash from LGW-AMS) in order to hit my required flight segments to maintain my elite status. I had to deplane, go through immigration (thankfully I have UK Registered Traveller for e-gate usage) which was quick through the e-gates and then collect and recheck my checked bag.  That gave me an opportunity to stretch my legs and experience the surprisingly small arrivals and departure terminal for British Airways.  Once my bag was checked, I proceeded to security before entering the terminal which looked like a two level shopping mall.

Finding the BA Gatwick Lounge

BA should really put a path on the floor as you zig and zag around the corridors, hallway and then use the lift (elevator).  I followed other travelers in search of the lounges (No1 and British Airways). Once I arrived at the end of the hallway, the BA lounge welcomed me.  There were staff at two desks to check me in.  First Class turns left of course while Business Class and elite members go right into the expansive lounge which has two levels, shower suites and a kids enclosed play area.

There is a closet area to leave your bigger bags or stuff (note: at your own risk as not supervised) and the shower suite door which has an attendant inside to assign you to a shower suite.

Shower at Gatwick at the BA Lounge

My review of the shower at Gatwick goes into more detail with photos but suffice it to say, a shower after a long haul flight really does wonders and I’m now a convert.  If only they had expanded this area to include a spa area with sleep pods I’d have really enjoyed the long layover.  As it was, it definitely is a nice option to have.  Much nicer than the showers at Heathrow in the BA Terminal 5 arrivals lounge.  I had no time limit and was provided plush towels and toiletries.

Décor at the BA Gatwick Lounge

Since this lounge was updated in the past few years, you can see the differences vs other lounges you may have experienced at Terminal 5 Heathrow (Galleries Lounge T5 or Concorde Room LHR) or in my hometown of Philly (BA Lounge Philly).  While there are many seating areas, this lounge included booths to work in or chat with a group, high top communal tables as well as couches, individual sunken chairs and a second level of options accessed via an elevator or stairs (one spiral, the other straight).  Televisions were on throughout the lounge.

Second Level (Mezzanine) Lounge at BA Gatwick

One nice feature of the BA Gatwick Lounge is the second level mezzanine seating area which overlooks the lounge and runway views below. I sought this quiet area out when I first arrived but surprisingly it was crowded and loud with business travelers and groups.  When I returned after breakfast, it was empty and quiet (for a short while anyway).  I found a seat and plugged in to recharge my phone and was quickly on the lounge internet to kill some time. There are several configurations – separate lounge chairs, sofas and a high top communal table – to relax and/or work with while in the lounge.  The lift can take you to the mezzanine level or you can use one of the two stairs (circular or straight).

Free Food at the BA Gatwick Lounge

For an airport lounge, I think British Airways does a nice job with food options considering they are free. Plus they have a good selection of alcohol, cookies (bring a Ziploc if you want more than a few for the flight or wrap in a napkin – yes I know I have a problem!) and snacks (crisps, pretzels, etc.). I’ve never gone hungry at a British Airways lounge. Since I was grounded in the lounge for three meal services, I was able to see what was on offer that day for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea time. The drinks area with liquor and other area for coffee/tea are available all day.

I arrived when the breakfast options abounded – baskets full of croissants and breads,  bowls of fruit, oatmeal, bacon sandwiches and an assortment of cereals and yogurts.

Lunch selections included salad, sandwiches, soup as well as hot options – pasta, beans and a curry. Lunch time was quite crowded so the food turned over quickly and was refreshed by staff.

I was still there……for cake! It was afternoon tea time. Selections included sandwiches and a table with cakes and scones with jam and creme.

Overall – BA Gatwick Lounge Review

The British Airways Gatwick lounge was a nice respite from the chaos and noise of the main terminal. I did leave the lounge to take a walk to break up my sitting time and was ok to leave my bag in the cloak room for the short time. Since I was in the lounge for a chunk of time, it was interesting to people watch as the lounge quiet in the morning, swelled during lunch time and then returned to quiet for the late afternoon.  I wished they had sleep pods/rooms for those of us waiting on the longer layover but otherwise, the lounge is a really nice option to wait it out. I can’t even believe I gave thought to transferring between Gatwick and Heathrow thinking it was easier?!

Your flight has been canceled – what do you do? In the U.S., probably cry, get stressed out trying to salvage things and hope for an open seat the same day.  Well, if you are originating in Europe, you can actually get canceled flight compensation if you meet all the requirements of the EU law and file your claim within three years with the airline.  Now, while I was vaguely familiar with the EU law (EU Regulation 261/2004) and have the  EU Passenger Rights app on my phone to reference it was three days before the three year deadline that found me filling out my canceled flight claim with British Airways online.

Why did I wait so long?  I hadn’t waited because I didn’t think, at the time, that my EU flight cancellation had met the rules. My flight was canceled and I was able to rebook on the same day. It wasn’t until my TripIt app sent me an email from a third party vendor, AirHelp which said they thought I was entitled to compensation (I didn’t know that my travel data was being shared by TripIt so I’ll need to look into that). Of course for a fee, they were happy to help me process my claim with the airline (fee varies but is generally 25% of the compensation amount).  I guess if you thought you were getting $0 and they can help get a refund up to 600 Euros, a share arrangement might be ok.  Unfortunately, my situation wasn’t straightforward, AirHelp response time was dreadful and I was running out of time. So I decided to pursue on my own. So many eligible travelers never file claims either not knowing they are entitled to compensation or thinking it is cumbersome process abandon the monies.

Background Story – the European Sabbatical

Three years ago I ran away to Europe for a few months – not quite eat, love, pray, but more eat, drink, eat my feelings away from a job loss.  I had sailed from Miami to Barcelona on NCL Epic cruise ship and booked a one way flight on British Airways with my points from LHR – EWR (Newark).  The day before I was scheduled to fly home, before I could check in online, I received an email that my flight was canceled (the EU law is 14 days’ notice).  Of course, I was in a panic because I didn’t have travel insurance on this flight as it was an award ticket so any out of pocket costs would be mine to bear. But luckily I was staying with a friend outside of London so no additional hotel costs to worry about.  It was a weird one though because usually, with so many direct flights to New York airports (JFK and EWR) each day, I thought I would have been automatically rebooked but I wasn’t. So I had to call customer service.  Little did I know three years later, each step of that call would need to be recalled and the story retold.

Rebooking the EU Canceled Flight from LHR – EWR

I called British Airways and was told that the flight was canceled without a real reason quite frankly (which generally means it wasn’t a full flight and easier to cancel and move everyone to other flights – I’m just guessing here though).  The agent said that British Airways would waive the rebooking fee (gee thanks for not charging me for something you initiated). There were no seats available on any of the flights to Newark which is why they couldn’t rebook me automatically.  Could I fly into JFK she asked?  I wasn’t keen on that option as the added cost and time to get home would be an inconvenience and BA wouldn’t pay the out of pocket I incurred (cab to Penn Station, train to Philly). So I decided why not ask for what I really wanted – direct to Philly?

I asked if I could fly home direct to Philly (PHL) instead and she found me a seat on the same day leaving many hours later than I was originally scheduled. Flying into Philly was definitely my preferred option as there would be no train or cab costs or the additional 2-3+ hours of commuting. My friend was listening the whole time and didn’t interject his thoughts (I’d get those on the ride to Heathrow as he wanted me to stay longer especially if I could have changed the flight for free.).  We had a bit of a tiff over it on the drive so I remember all of the details of the flight cancellation, customer service conversation and ensuring itinerary. Funny how fights and every word said can be so memorable but I walk into the kitchen for something and I forget why.

EU Canceled Flight Compensation Claim Process

So I started my claim with AirHelp (third party vendor) online in February and then was notified by email for a few months that it was “in process”.  I then received an email asking for additional information such as a copy of my passport and identification information (personal information I was reluctant to share without a valid reason).  I replied to AirHelp asking why they needed the personal information beyond the basic details of the flight. A few months passed before a reply arrived that didn’t answer my question. I was not able to contact AirHelp by phone (email only) and having read that they are quite busy, the lack of timely response was expected, however, with less than a week left in my claim window of three years (I had until July), I decided to try to file my claim myself.

Prior to February, I didn’t research my options and a quick search on British Airways took me to the BA canceled flight claim form page full of information.

I completed the information requested with ticket locator numbers (this is where the TripIt app and iPhone Wallet on my phone came in handy).  I easily located the information and boarding pass information from three years ago to add.  I had no out of pocket expenses but did need to add context to my claim (i.e. – original flight Newark, new flight Philly).  With that, I hit submit and was annoyed with myself that I hadn’t tried this five months earlier when contacted by AirHelp.

British Airways Canceled Flight Compensation Assistance

A week later, I received a phone call from British Airways.  I was surprised by the British voice attempting to leave a voicemail when I ran to the phone to pick up.  The agent was very friendly and told me she needed additional information about my claim.  First of all, they saw it incomplete in the system by AirHelp and I can’t have two claims for the same canceled flight.  I explained the impasse and lack of response so she closed the AirHelp claim and processed my new one instead.

A few days after we spoke, I had an email from another British Airways rep who needed more information on the details.  So I mapped out why I thought I qualified for the claim

• Notification less than 14 days in advance
• No Club World (business class) seats on the flights to Newark from London on my scheduled departure day
• JFK being too far away and costly out of pocket expenses that BA wouldn’t cover
• Philly being the best option on the same day. The only Philly flight available was more than three hours after the original flight schedule.
• I threw in the tiff with my friend just to add a bit of sympathy because what person hasn’t had a fight over travel with their friend, family or significant other?

She replied “thank you, we will process”

A few days later, I received notification from my bank of a deposit by British Airways for the full 600 Euro converted to US$.  Start to finish claim time with British Airways – less than one month!  It was almost too easy – I kept thinking it should have been more complicated but it wasn’t.  You really can do it yourself.

Final Thoughts – EU Compensation for British Airways Canceled Flight

So thanks to AirHelp for letting me know I had a potential claim but after five months they ended up being no help to me.  Given that my claim was quite unique in the situation, I doubt that they would have been able to be the go between I needed with BA.  It was much easier to talk to someone on the phone and in email with prompt responses.  If you have a straightforward claim, I would suggest you go to the airline website directly to submit your claim.  There are many websites offering to help you get your EU compensation (for a fee) but you really can do it yourself in my experience.  Make sure to prepare your documents in advance (ticket numbers, flight schedules – original and new with times, applicable out of pocket expenses, bank account information for wire payment, etc.) to make it easier to complete the form.  So while no one likes a canceled (or delayed) flight, at least the European Union (EU) has rules to make the airlines accountable and take the sting of the disruption a bit easier.

Have you ever had to file for compensation for a delayed or canceled EU flight or other transportation method? Did you submit directly with the airline or use a third party service? What was your experience like?

I’m a sucker for a boutique hotel even more so when it’s new and no one has heard of it yet.  It gets to be my secret happy place for a time, usually a short time, until the awards start to come and everyone starts shouting about it.  One such hotel, 1898 The Post, is in Ghent (or Gent) Belgium and needs to be on your list.  I originally thought of doing a day trip to Ghent (or Gent) but after researching the 1898 The Post Hotel, which opened in August 2017, I decided I had to stay overnight in Ghent to experience the stylish, luxury boutique hotel by the Zannier Hotel Group.  Zannier hotels are quite exclusive to only a few hotel properties (six so far) around the world and this is their first property in Belgium and is quite the stunner. The historic Ghent Post Office building was abandoned for nearly thirteen years before it was restored to host shops, a supermarket and the luxury hotel, 1898 The Post.  The remarkable architecture is all around you so don’t be remiss to look up and closer at the details especially the bell tower.

Location of 1898 The Post Hotel

The restored post office building sits in a fantastic location facing the canal (River Leie) across from St. Nicholas’ Church on one side and facing the town square with St. Bavo’s Cathedral on the other side.

With an Albert Heijn supermarket in the basement (separate entrance from the square) and shops and cafes on the first floor, this hotel pretty much has it all within walking distance for any first time (or return) visit to Ghent.

The hotel entrance was a bit hidden behind the fence on the canal side but luckily the taxi driver drove me to the gate.  From there, I walked through the small courtyard and up a few stairs outside with a few more stairs inside to the elevator. The hotel does not have a doorman or bell staff.  If you require mobility assistance, there is another entrance that can accommodate on the market side of the building.

Historic Features – Ghent Post Office

The rooms have large ceilings, large windows and in some areas on the guest room floors sloped walls.  You’ll look twice and think “I’ve seen this pattern before” and realize it reminiscence of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  The original staircases will definitely take you back to the past when this building was built and used from 1898 until 2001.  Throughout the building portions of the stairs are open to the public.  For those entering from the canal side to go to The Cobber Cocktail bar you can use the steps or take the elevator to the main hotel floor.  I chose the small elevator as I had luggage.  Nice stairs but not for those with luggage.

Arrival at 1898 The Post Hotel in Ghent

When the elevator opened and I arrived at the hotel main floor, I immediately knew I was going to like it here.  The first view was hardwood floors and a hallway decorated like a warm, comfortable home.

As I passed the larger Cobbler Bar & Kitchen area, I arrived at the small check in desk hidden in a nook on the right side. Since I was quite early (11 a.m.) coming from Bruges (about ½ hour by train), I didn’t expect my room to be ready as check in is at 3pm.  With only 37 rooms (over two floors) chances are the hotel was full the night before especially at my lowest price room category – a Stamp Room.

So I dropped my bags (and chocolate) for storage and did the pre-check in.  The staff were lovely to provide me an English Gent (Ghent) guide book for my brief time exploring the city.  I did have a chance to peek into the restaurant/bar space and use the facilities before embarking on my tour of the city.

When I returned later near 4 p.m., my room was ready and I was given the key at the desk with directions to go down the hall to the elevator and go up one floor to my room where my bags were waiting for me.  I was also told of access to the common area that has an honesty bar and living room setup.  After nearly six hours walking around town in the sun, I was so ready for a shower before dinner.

1898 The Post Hotel Room Categories

Sticking with the Post Office theme the room categories are Stamp, Postcard, Envelope, Letter, the Carriage and the Carriage with Terrace. They also have The Loft and a few Suites. The high ceilings, dark woods, contemporary details mixed with antique furniture creates a warm and cozy experience that frankly was hard to leave because it was sumptuous (a word I rarely use).  Lucky me, that I got to tour the various room types and fell even harder for this unique property that caters to both the design minded traveler as well as the luxury traveler.

The Postcard Room at 1898 The Post

When I opened the door to my room, I instantly knew I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  The colors, the high ceiling and the comfy bed were wonderful but it was the design of the room with the bathroom loft and the great view that sold me. While there are a few quirks, they can be overcome with the general feeling of comfort and luxury.

The entrance hall had stairs on the left which I, at first, thought led to the bedroom until I walked further to the bedroom.  I passed the wardrobe, water closet and luxury bespoke minibar prior to the desk area and bedroom.

Of course, like a little kid, I had to run up the stairs to check out the bathroom vanity, walk in rain shower and view from above.  It was lovely.

With robes, slippers and heated towels, this checked off the “amenities I like” box.  But then my brain said “hey wait a minute, toilet down stairs, sink upstairs, that’s a bit annoying to wash your hands” and it was but, like others with the same compliant, it was easy to get over.  This is a historic building so you need to compromise on a few things when designing space and staying here.

Downstairs, the desk was full of neat design accessories (all for sale of course, see below) and the bookcase next to the bed held a few interesting titles to read.

The view from the window was fantastic (this is how I knew I wasn’t in the room I initially booked because I rarely book or pay for a room with a view).

Upgraded to The Postcard Room at 1898 The Post Hotel

I booked the Stamp room which is the smallest at 19 sq. m/204 sq. ft. (and cheaper) of the room categories but a funny thing happened to that room which I learned only when chatting with the front desk staff on my way to dinner. I asked about my room as it seemed “a bit large for a stamp” and was told that my Stamp room was taken out of inventory that morning when a guest “accidently” spilled an entire bottle of wine on the hardwood floor and the room was being aired out to remove the red wine aromas.  I was upgraded to The Postcard Room at 25 sq. m/269 sq. ft.

Luxury Mini Bar at 1898 The Post

So this isn’t your hotel mini bar – this is a fully stocked luxury masterpiece of a hotel minibar.  With the standard snacks and Belgium chocolate from local chocolatier, Luc Van Hoorebeke you won’t go hungry when in the mood for a snack.  There’s also coffee and tea in room but it’s the cocktail menu that steals the show.  The minibar has a specialty gin by Save the Queen as well as their own Cobbler’s Negroni to mix your own cocktail.  Don’t forget to cut the fresh lemon and orange to add a twist to your favorite cocktail.

1898 The Post Hotel Breakfast in Gent at The Kitchen

When I arrived at The Kitchen for breakfast, the staff of two was still setting up as it was right before opening (7 a.m.)  The open air kitchen area is on the far left side of the combination room which houses The Cobbler Cocktail Bar at night. The American style buffet is displayed in the open kitchen with drinks (various milks and juices) set up on the bar.  I was able to order ala carte and my made to order eggs were brought to my canal view table. As it was a warm day, the large windows were open for fresh air.

The Cobbler Cocktail Bar in Ghent

The Cobbler Cocktail bar is open from 5pm to midnight.  On the day I arrived, there was a photo shoot in one corner while others were occupying various tables throughout the room using it as a common space lobby. At night, there was a good crowd for a Wednesday. The high ceilings add to the atmosphere of this bar which sits in the center of the room as its own design element.

Ghent Meeting Room Event Space

I was able to tour the Meeting Room at 1898 The Post and it’s definitely a great option for business travelers who need to host a meeting. The entry space is good to set up food, the boardroom table seats 12 and the living room space is nice for a break out session or a break.  There are two restrooms in the space.  If you need meeting space in Ghent, this is pretty special option in the hotel.

Bring 1898 The Post Souvenirs Home With You

Located throughout the guest room are decorating details that are (not surprising) for sale!  You can bring home these unique items for a price.  No longer is it about buying the hotel robe.  From colored pencils to magnifying glasses, prints and books – each is unique item in keeping with the historic Post Office theme to add a touch of luxury to your home. My inner primary school girl really wanted those colored pencils but alas, I had to decide what to give my luggage space to and in Belgium, it was a suitcase full of chocolates!

Video of Rooms at 1818 The Post

When chatting with the front desk staff, I learned about why my room was upgraded and asked if I could see the original room to understand the size and was happily obliged my request.  I mentioned having come from a travel writer’s conference in Rotterdam and how thrilled I was to stay at the hotel. I was then surprised even further than my upgraded room to take a peek inside the suites and loft room, each empty on the Thursday night.  All I can say is “Wow” – here are a few of the videos of the other rooms – while the design is the same (green walls, marble bathroom, etc.) each is unique in the space, its view and luxury details.  Frankly, any room type will suffice at 1898 The Post in my opinion.

Final Thoughts – 1898 The Post Hotel Luxury in Ghent

Just in case my gushing isn’t clear – I really loved the hotel and was sad I didn’t book a longer stay to enjoy the room and the town.  Ghent (or Gent) is really a great add on to your Belgium vacation or can serve as your base while you day trip to other cities like Bruges, Brussels or Antwerp.  The location is fantastic, the staff were friendly from start to finish and the rooms are quite simply divine. If you want a luxury and stylish experience in Ghent, 1898 The Post is the best place to start.  Boutique luxury on the canal in the center of town – really doesn’t get any better than that!  Did I mention the views?

Booking – You can book 1898 The Post direct on the Zannier hotel website like I did or try your luck with Hotel Tonight to see if a Stamp room (lowest category) is available (my discount code is SWOLKO1).

When I arrived to the boutique Rotterdam hotel, the Mainport  Rotterdam Hotel, I was exhausted.  It was a very long travel day with the overnight flight from New York, the six hour layover in London, the train from Amsterdam and the taxi from the train station.  Luckily, the hotel restaurant was still open, my check in was quick and I would be able to fall into bed soon. Everything about the hotel was five star boutique hotel easy – the staff were fantastic, the harbor location perfect to explore the city and the food was fresh and tasty.  Did I mention the very cool design features and focus on wellness?  A good hotel is one you don’t need to (or want to) leave and the Mainport Hotel, a member of Design Hotels (partner in the Starwood/Marriott Hotel program) is one of those hotels.  You do need to leave at some point because Rotterdam is a surprising city to discover through its food, architecture and street art.

Location – Mainport Rotterdam Hotel

The Mainport Hotel, part of the Netherland Inntell Hotel chain, is across the street from the iconic design Erasmus bridge and river Maas and a short walk (15 minutes) to the Markthal (Market Hall Rotterdam), Cube Houses of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Street Art Tour and over the bridge to the Cruise Terminal, Fexix Food Factory and Hotel New York (formerly the home of Holland America Cruise lines). The taxi from Centraal Station was ten minutes and 10 Euro without traffic.

With both the tram lines, metro stop outside the hotel (stop is Neuhaven) and water taxi stop on the water side, the location is easy to reach by public transit.  You can buy a metro card at the Tourist Office for 3 number of days for €21 unlimited use of transit (metro & tram) and discounts to attractions.

Check In Mainport Rotterdam & Lobby Experience

Arriving at 8:30 pm, the sunlit lobby was empty and my check in quite quick and friendly.  The hotel has a table with fruit flavored water all day in the lobby along with a few seating areas as well as a smoking room off to the side. The colorful furniture, design elements such as a world map and bespoke lighting features add to the open feel of the hotel.

The North American Room at Mainport Hotel Rotterdam

Each floor of the hotel has a different theme aligned to a continent (associated with shipping routes) which is highlighted in its design inspired rooms and floor decor.   I was assigned to the top floor, North America.  I had just left NYC and had wanted to be on the penguin floor or other themed floor but alas, I was surrounded by the Statue of Liberty in the hallway and western patterns in my room.

The elevator requires key card access to access your floor and shared services floors (spa/gym, restaurant). With clear walls, the elevators provide a visual reward for your eyes as you spy the area’s waterfront and residential buildings.  As I exited and turned right, I began the long walk away from the elevators toward the end of the darkened hallway. When I opened the door to my room, I first saw the big buttons and the hardwood flooring.  I could instantly tell I was going to LOVE it here in this design hotel.

The room was nicely planned out – I had space at the entrance to drop my stuff then on the right the bathroom and on the left the closet, minibar and other amenities. Walking ahead on the wooden floors to the bedroom, the television was on the left wall and could pivot out toward the bed to watch.  The bed was flanked on both sides by a small table with a desk in the corner and chair ahead by the windows.  The view was the street below (I did not upgrade to a water view or spa room).

The Wellness Bathroom at Mainport Hotel Rotterdam

My friend said the bathroom was “swish” when she saw the large soaking tub with bath salts (I sent her a photo as she loves baths while traveling).  The hotel focuses on wellness and the large tub was just one part of the theme. The shower was in the corner (no door) and the large vanity (with imbedded television) across from the tub.  It took a few minutes to realize that the water closet was separate in the hall behind the frosted glass door.  The spa toiletries were by Malin + Goetz.  The towels were plush, the water pressure prefect and the contemporary design just soothing.

Restaurant Down Under at Mainport Hotel Rotterdam

The restaurant called “Restaurant Down Under” has a bar, lounge and outdoor patio tables along the water is located one level below the lobby and can be reached by stairs or the elevator (-1).  The small bar area has a wall of colorful furniture that serves as the lounge while tables cluster to make up a small dining area outside of the much larger dining room used for breakfast.

Breakfast Buffet at Restaurant Down Under

The hotel has what they call a “live cooking buffet” which means there’s a sous chef to make eggs, omelets, waffles, etc. surrounded by a buffet of hot and cold foods.  The champagne and daily changing smoothies welcome you at the restaurant entrance.

I received an email to add the breakfast to my reservation but given my food intolerances, I tend to order ala carte for less when I’m onsite.  When I arrived and asked the front desk for an ala carte menu (I couldn’t find one online), I was told they didn’t have that option.  I explained that I couldn’t eat most of the foods in the buffet so I only needed fried eggs, fruit and juice so they very nicely set up a daily rate that allowed me to eat at the buffet for less.  I was happy that they were willing to work with me on this especially as the area doesn’t have early morning breakfast options and I wasn’t keen to walk 15-20 minutes or take transit elsewhere because of my conference schedule.

For the rest of the world who can eat without food allergies, the buffet is jam packed with options – a hot bar, cold bar of meats, cheeses and salads, cereals, fresh fruits and yogurts, a bread table with loaves to slice and croissants and pastries.  There was a juice area, coffee/tea area as well as the chef making eggs to order. The people around me were indulging in many plates of breakfast treats.

Dinner at Restaurant Down Under

At dinner, the restaurant was generally empty which was somewhat surprising as the menu was quite nice with influences from around the world to match the theme.  I enjoyed two dinners (steak entree and then a cod special)  that started with a bread tray that was amazing!  My healthy cod dinner was a plethora of colors – purple potatoes, white asparagus, and pesto – yum! Dessert was just as colorful and full of flavor and textures.

Spa Heaven at Mainport Rotterdam

The hotel’s focus on wellness can be experienced in the Spa Heaven.  The area has a small gym, pool, spa treatment rooms, Turkish steam room and a hammam area.  I did a drive by of the area for the pictures as my conference timing didn’t allow me to take advantage of these amenities (treatments have a separate cost). My loss as they seemed quite lovely options.

Final Thoughts – Mainport Rotterdam Boutique Hotel

The Mainport Rotterdam Hotel was fantastic design hotel with friendly staff and a comfortable room. I was happy to have found this boutique hotel option for the conference visit.  I really enjoyed the hotel and would make it my go to for future visits to Rotterdam. Bonus points for being associated with Starwood (now Marriott) Hotels.  I find myself drawn to these unique design focused boutique hotels and have not been disappointed yet.  In fact, I’m constantly surprised by how the hotel product continues to evolve with wellness features to make the stay comfortable and relaxing.

The many brands of Starwood Hotels (now part of Marriott) range from budget to luxury and I tend to stay mid-range hotels (Westin, Sheraton, W) when I travel.  As I needed to reposition myself to New York for an award ticket on British Airways from JFK,  I figured why not stay overnight, go to a Broadway Show and catch up with friends in New York City.  I’m not sure what was going on in the city for that night but rates were $400+ at even the most budget of budget hotels.  This is why having points currency available in my Starwood hotel account was key to being able to book a last minute room in Midtown Manhattan at the Four Points Times Square (aka Four Points by Sheraton Midtown Manhattan). I’d never stayed at a Four Points by Sheraton before but for one night, it looked like a good option with positive review and at 12,000 points (more than 3% ROI for me) was a great points deal.

Four Points Time Square Location

The hotel (SPG category 5), is pretty central for most of the things you want to do, see and taste in New York City Midtown.  Located at 326 West 40^th Street, the hotel is between Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square (a 5-10 minute walk to the Theatre District and Times Square) and about 25 mins to Rockefeller Center. The Port Authority bus station entrance is at the corner across from the NY Times building, which meant that the area is busy with people.  Also at the corner is the subway entrance for the A line which I took to meet the Brooklyn Walking Tour.

Arrival in Midtown

From Penn Station, I took a taxi to the hotel due to my luggage, otherwise, I would have easily walked. I arrived after the standard 3pm check-in so my room was thankfully ready.  I was acknowledged as a loyalty Marriott member and thanked for my loyalty.  The Times Square Four Points hotel features were explained to me (lobby bar, restaurant, coffee area, free Wi-Fi, etc.) before I waited for one of three elevators to whisk me up to the 19th floor.  For a hotel with 244 smoke free rooms, I was surprised that the elevator wait was minimal in the lobby and on the guest room floor.  When I arrived on the preferred floor, I found my room around the corner.  This floor was small with only eight rooms. It was nice not having to walk down that long hallway to the room.

Four Points Times Square – Standard Room

When I opened the door, to be honest, I was surprised that this was a Four Points by Sheraton (its a category 5 and I thought Four Points were budget hotels but I was wrong).  The room décor and flooring (cute plaid carpets) was recently updated as the hotel has done a refresh (it still had a bit of new room smell). It definitely shared features with The Sheraton in the way that Aloft is the companion property of W Hotels. The only initial disappointment was the loud air con/heater in the wall.  You can’t have everything with older buildings in New York City.

The bed, a Four Points signature bed, was a comfortable respite from my journey from Philadelphia so I crashed out for a few minutes before walking to the Broadway theatre for my ticket to “Dear Evan Hansen” later that evening. There is a storage cabinet that held an iron, ironing board, safe and to my surprise – SLIPPERS!  Seriously folks, slippers have become my thing now – in many hotels only suites get slippers so I always ask for them because I will not walk in any hotel room in bare feet or in my socks (my OCD moments).

The room had a full length mirror, flat screen tv, ample desk working space, free bottle of water (usually a SPG member only benefit but at the Four Points Times Square it’s standard for all) and many outlets.

The bathroom contained a newer walk in shower with a small sink and shelf for your stuff (a bit too small for my stuff).  The amenities were in environmentally friendly refillable containers in the shower so nothing to steal take with me.

The weather was unusually hot so I did need to kick off the air conditioning for just a little bit.  The noisy machine was distracting and if you are a lite sleeper might bother you.  I slept a good bit as the black-out shades were pulled shut but the noise did disrupt my sleep a few times during the night.

Lobby Bar Happy Hour

The lobby bar was surprisingly crowded the night I arrived and the day I left, from Happy Hour into the late night.  On the Wednesday after check out, the lobby bar was hosting a happy hour with free appetizers that the chef was walking around.  He had chips, dip and empanadas on the first go round and said he had more to bring out.

Breakfast at Gotham Bistro

Breakfast is served (for a fee) in the back dining room.  I didn’t stay for breakfast given my early time for the Brooklyn Walking Tour.  The menu prices seemed quite fair for an ala carte breakfast and the dining room pleasantly designed. There are many options for breakfast in the area (sit down and takeaway) but the Gotham Bistro would have been my first choice if I didn’t have the early appointment.

Overall – Four Points Times Square Hotel

One night in Manhattan, the Four Points Times Square Hotel was a nice surprise.  That it was recently renovated even better and an option for a Marriott award stay perfect for the trip. The staff were lovely and ordered me a car to JFK with their preferred vendor which saved me time from searching online.  The hotel is a nice base for visitors to New York City and the Time Square/Hell’s Kitchen area for one night or longer.

Take a Shower at Gatwick in the BA Lounge

The newly renovated lounge has five shower cabanas – each has a toilet, sink, seating area and walk in shower with Elemis products in environmentally friendly refillable containers in the shower. I was given Elemis conditioner, a toothbrush/toothpaste combo pack and a bundle of towels sealed in plastic. A washcloth is not provided so if you absolutely need one, pack your own.

The design was a massive step up from the Heathrow showers which are quite dated and sterile in design and feel. This contemporary shower had both a handheld option as well as the overhead rain shower feature.  It was easy to toggle between the two settings. Water pressure was good, temperature easy to set and no time limit on my stay, which after a long flight was perfect not to be rushed.  The hairdryer is not my favorite as my hair takes forever to dry so I did my best to be presentable (which means hair still somewhat wet after 10 minutes with the hairdryer, up in a ponytail) as I was going to forage for breakfast in the main terminal (the lounge had food but nothing I was hungry for at the time).

BA Lounge at Gatwick Shower Amenities

The Elemis products provided are wonderful.  Sadly, the recently renovated (last year) Gatwick BA lounge does not have an Elemis Spa on site like Heathrow and JFK which would have bookended my shower nicely.  Elemis products are no longer offered on the in-flight amenity kits – Club World has The White Company and First Class has amenities by Aromatherapy Associates in the Liberty London kits.  What this means is that I couldn’t take any Elemis toiletries with me from the shower suite.

Final Thoughts – Shower at Gatwick Airport (South Terminal)

I used to think “eww, yuck, who uses those showers at the airport” but now I am a convert!  I use those showers at the airport and am happy they are an option in the British Airways lounges especially for overnight flights when you can’t get into your hotel room early or, like me, are connecting to continue the long journey to my destination.  So if you need to Shower at Gatwick Airport and have access to the British Airways Lounge in South Terminal – go for it!  Relax and Enjoy!

Your Thoughts on Showers at the Airport?  Have you used one?  Would you?

Have you ever camped out at a hotel?  I got close to it at the Westin Milan when I stayed inside all day for a spa day in Milan but it was truly at the Milan Sheraton Diana Majestic that I can say I was luxury camping.  It’s an interesting stay and a wonderful example of how Starwood (SPG) points (now Marriott) are both valuable and convenient on the road.

When I was on sabbatical (aka drowning my sorrows of a job loss on a three month European jaunt), I planned for a month in Italy from the bottom (Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Capri) through the middle (Florence) over to the right (Venice) and ending in Milan for the Expo (an exhausting event that caused my feet to call in quits).  I was to stay in Milan only a few days, first for Expo at the Airbnb in Milan Navigli and then for a weekend of luxury at the Westin Milan.  The Westin was my swan song to Italy or so I thought.

A Luxury Camp Out at the Milan Sheraton Diana

Ok, so I wasn’t camping out in the normal sense of camping (i.e. a tent) but rather staying at the hotel with nothing to do from my check in on Monday until my flight to Malta on Thursday.  It was a last minute change of plans, my flight to Malta, and I couldn’t figure out where to go in three days that wasn’t both time consuming and expensive (i.e. Lake Como) so I decided to redeem points (a great deal) and wait it out at the historic Milan hotel,  the Milan Sheraton Diana Majestic.  Sadly, the Westin Milan, where I could have happily lived on room service and movies, was full.

Camping out with nothing to do at the four star Milan Sheraton Diana wasn’t hard, staying in Milan was the tough part since I had already been there a week and toured the hightlights (Milan walking tour of the Last Supper) and it was my third visit to the city over the years.  Honestly, I probably didn’t try hard enough to find stuff to do. (Please share below for other to know what to do/see and how to spend a week in the city). So my day planner was empty, the only things I needed to do were eat and sleep.

Compounding my stay was that “everything is closed on Monday” I was told when I inquired about a manicure and contact lens solution which was only available from the pharmacy.  Tuesday, during my stay, was “a public holiday, everything is closed today” (it was May) so Wednesday would be my day out – my spa day.  I needed a good bit of work after a month traveling so had the concierge (older gentleman) call the Four Seasons Milan Spa (when in doubt, book a five star spa, its more money of course but they will usually speak English and you have some idea of services/expectations) to book my appointments since I had no luck with the local spas as they spoke Italian.

Location – Milan Sheraton Diana Majestic

The Sheraton Diana is a historical hotel in what appeared to be a residential area of the city.  It was a short taxi ride down the road from the Westin Milan and a trolley runs in the middle of the street.  At the intersection you only need to make a left to walk in to the center of the city to the Duomo, Opera House or Four Seasons Milan in about 20-30 minutes, more if you stop to shop and eat pastries like I did.  There are cafes, a supermarket and restaurants in the area making it easy to wander around and find what you need (except if it’s a Monday or a Tuesday holiday when things are closed)

Arrival

A bellman greeted my cab and escorted me first to the front desk and then to my room which was ready early (I asked the Westin staff to call ahead for me before leaving since I could have stayed until 4pm late checkout and didn’t want to leave if the room wasn’t ready).  The front desk gentlemen were old school classic Italian hoteliers. If you were to cast a movie, these are the guys that add character and atmosphere to what you imagine Italy to be.

Standard Award Stay Room at Milan Sheraton Diana

I had booked a Classic Double room with my Starwood points (now Marriott) and was given an upgrade (view) due to my SPG gold status to an actual green garden view not the US version of a garden view with is the highway or other dreadful view.  The king size bed took up much of the room but with two rather tall windows and higher ceilings, the room appeared much bigger.  The small desk was easy to work on and the strong Wi-Fi allowed me to catch up on some blog posts as well as do research on my vacation in Gozo, my next destination.

The bed was very comfortable and the look and feel quite antique Italian which is in line with the historic nature of the hotel.

Bathroom at Sheraton Milan

There was a step up into the bathroom, which is only important to remember in the middle of the night so you don’t trip on the way out onto the furniture or on the way in and land on the floor.  The other interesting fact was that the toilet was the loudest I’ve ever heard when it was slowly filling up after flushing (no biggie during the day but at night was noisy).  I was staying only three nights otherwise, I would have requested a new room.  I gave the front desk the note for engineering to fix upon departure.

Outdoor Garden Patio at Milan Sheraton Diana

The hotel lobby bar is definitely a place to be seen by locals as I learned during my stay.  The outdoor garden tables were quite coveted and lively during the week.  As I worked in my room, I was a bit envious of the fun folks seemed to be having below my window.  I did once try to join in but I would have been alone at the bar as people were seated in groups so I escaped back to my room to be antisocial.

Room Service at Sheraton Milan

The fun of working in the room and camping out is ordering room service which I did twice during my stay.  The food arrived quickly and was quite good.  After a month in Italy, I was thrilled with a burger and fries.

Breakfast in the Garden

While room service was good, breakfast in the garden was not during my visit. Service was forgetful, food was forgotten, and I was ignored.  I had to complain in the lovely garden setting to get my two eggs with a glass of OJ as I was ordering ala carte rather than the buffet. Unfortunately this is often the case at many hotels when you want to order ala carte which I need to do because of my food allergy.  My breakfast bill was waived as it should have been given the lack of service. Hopefully this was an isolated incident but I went elsewhere for breakfast the other days.

Staff at the Milan Sheraton Diana

The front desk was consistently wonderful during my stay.  I rarely saw a line and they were helpful to suggest restaurants in the area, apologetic about the two days of nothing open and consistent in attempting to find a way to ship my clothes to London (we found no good options, I would ship items from Malta to London).  I was greeted each time I entered the hotel.  If you want to feel special and acknowledged, this is the place for it as they are keen to make all stays memorable.

Overall Thoughts – Milan Sheraton Diana Majestic

The Milan Sheraton Diana Majestic is a lovely hotel for your visit to Milan whether for business or leisure.  It is an excellent use of SPG (now Marriott) points for a reward stay. At night, locals were enjoying the hotel bar and garden which is always a good sign of how integrated the hotel is with the citizens offering a good experience.  The staff were lovely and if you ever need to camp out in luxury and relax, this is a great hotel to do so.