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London with my dad

2008-09-24 14:54:54

This is a very dear trip, not just because we rarely get to travel alone together, but also because my dad's never been to London and has always wanted to go. Who knew? If you want to tag along but don't have time to sit back, relax and read this week's story, don't worry. There's a two-minute Johnny Jet video at the end. Don't feel like heading to London this week? Then join our newest writer Natalie Bahadur as she makes her maiden voyage to Finland's capital and tours you around Helsinki.

HOTEL 41 LOCATION
I took the tube to Victoria Station and walked three blocks to where I was staying at Hotel 41. TIP: When you get to Victoria Station, don't walk down the stairs and then back up the pedestrian alley, which is a huge pain with luggage. Instead, just walk half a block to the right and cross at the underground crosswalk. Hotel 41 is directly across the street from the Queen's Mew, home to many of the horses and coaches used on state occasions. There aren't many hotels around so when darkness falls, the street goes from being a tourist haven to being eerily empty. But hey, it makes for good sleeping.

BLACK AND WHITE
The moment I walked into the entrance of Hotel 41, I was greeted by the hotel's signature color palette – black and white. It's modeled after the 21 Club in New York City. From there, the elevator whisks guests up to the fifth floor, where the hotel officially begins ... and ends ... it's just one floor. Because Hotel 41 only has 30 rooms, it doesn't really feel like a hotel. It feels more like a club, which might explain the black and white color scheme. After doing some quick online research, I discovered that the hotel was ranked #9 out of 1,011 hotels in London on TripAdvisor.com. Pretty impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that it just placed 10th on Travel and Leisure's World's Best Awards 2007 list of the top 50 hotels in Europe.

MY DAD
I was pretty anxious to get to my room to see if my father had made it safely. You see, my dad is legally deaf, does not often travel alone, (especially internationally) and tends not to follow my instructions. He says I'm bossy. I booked him on a flight using my frequent flier miles and the only business class seat I could find for him, got him into Heathrow six hours earlier than me.

CHAPERONING SENIORS
I worried about my dad finding his way through the airport and switching carriers. The positive aspect about my dad flying alone was that it was much easier to secure one seat using frequent flier miles. The negative part is that I would have felt a lot better if he had had someone accompanying him. In fact, I briefly looked into hiring a personal chaperone and found a new company, based out of Georgia, which specializes in giving seniors the freedom to travel anywhere in the world. But it's expensive! You have to pay the chaperone's travel fares on top of their daily rate. Instead, I arranged for airline representatives to escort my dad to his gates. This was free of charge and my dad said that the representatives all showed up and that it all worked out well. His only regret was turning down the golf cart ride at Heathrow; he didn't realize how long the walk to baggage claim was and while schlepping his carry-ons, he re-injured his bad back, putting a slight damper on the trip.

MY DAD ARRIVED!
My biggest concern was that my dad wouldn't make it to the hotel. If he got lost, there would be no way for me to get a hold of him. But the helpful staff at Hotel 41 solved that predicament. When I emailed them a few days prior and explained my dilemma, they had a solution. They suggested my dad take the Heathrow Express train (15 minutes from London's Heathrow Airport) and they would send a representative to meet him at the train platform. We swapped photographs so that each knew what the other looked like.

The rep who met my dad was actually the hotel manager, Chantal. What a lovely person. She's originally from Martinique and she had that innate, friendly Caribbean attitude that I love. When I arrived at the hotel, my first question for the pretty receptionist was whether or not my father had made it. With a big smile, she confirmed that he was in the house and that he was sleeping. Relief flooded over me. She went on to tell me that my father is a real character, that he was so excited to be in England and that all the staff who had met him, wanted to adopt him. Chantal expressed the same sentiments and I thought that maybe they were just being overly kind because they knew I had a travel website or something. But that didn't appear to be the case; the next morning, as I milled around the breakfast room, I took a look at the guest book and sure enough, it was filled with nothing but high praise, especially commenting on the hotel staff's friendly attitude. FYI: 60% of the guests are from the U.S., while 35% hail from the U.K.

HOTEL 41
The staff alone is reason enough to stay at Hotel 41. The location is another; its just blocks from Buckingham Palace, the tube and bus station. But most of all, the rooms are really comfortable. They're all beautifully decorated with traditional mahogany furniture, a flat screen TV, an iPod docking station, warm feather duvets, a clean bathroom with strong water pressure and fancy toiletries. Internet is free of charge and some rates include breakfast. It's served in the civilized library/dining/TV room. Some tables are made just for one and face the TV, which is nice for business travelers. The service is refined. The waiters are dressed in tuxedos with tails and they take their time. It seemed like each piece of china was being brought to the table one by one. The final touch was a single red carnation, a subtle reminder of the company the hotel belongs to. Breakfast was worth the wait; they served freshly squeezed orange juice and I had one of the best Belgian waffles ever. Room rates begin at £225.00. Hotel 41, Buckingham Palace Road, London, Tel.: +44 (0) 20 7300 0041.

MILESTONE HOTEL
While on the subject of Red Carnation Hotels, I might as well tell you about the company's signature property, The Milestone. The Milestone Hotel is adjacent to Kensington Gardens and is a real gem. I thought Hotel 41 was amazing but The Milestone is just flat-out superb. The staff was as chummy as Hotel 41's and called guests by their names. Good thing my Italian father couldn't hear them saying "Mr. Jet". The Milestone's decor is the complete opposite of that at Hotel 41. The only black and white room can be found in a parlor off the bar. The Milestone is traditionally English. There are 45 guest rooms, 12 luxurious suites and six apartments. The service was prompt. I mean instantaneous. By the time I hung up the phone after requesting something, there was a gentle tap at my door. No wonder this place was voted the fifth best hotel in the world, according to a 2007 survey by Travel & Leisure magazine, and placed second on their list of the top 50 hotels in Europe.

THE SAFARI SUITE
Fortunately, there was a large conference in town so all of the hotel's standard rooms were sold out ... which meant we got upgraded to the Safari Suite! There were a lot cheetah and zebra patterns going on and the room had little touches like elephant pillows on the leather couch and safari photos dotting the walls. Between the motif of our room and the South African accents of half the staff members (Red Carnation is South African owned), at times I felt like I was on a safari. It was so cool that they acted like we were paying suite customers because each night we were treated to canapés, mini books and treats left on the pillows. Heck, our oversized tiled bathroom had huge containers of expensive Penhaligon's toiletries. They even brought out the soap tray for us. Our room had the same amenities as Hotel 41, including free Internet access and a desk, stocked with everything your desk at home has, except a lot less messy. There's a gym, indoor swimming pool and a small bar, which, on occasion, can be the stomping grounds of low-key rock stars. Room rates begin at £250 a night and include breakfast. The Milestone Hotel and Apartments, 1 Kensington Court; Tel.: +44 (0) 20 7917 1000.

PRINCESS DIANA
Our room overlooked Kensington Park. One evening, my dad and I took a stroll through the peaceful park. We passed lots of joggers and pick-up soccer games until we came to the gates of Kensington Palace (website), where Princess Diana lived. We were there the day after the 10th anniversary of her journey into Heaven and it was remarkable how many letters, collages, candles and flowers were left in her honor.

WHOLE FOODS AND GOAT TAVERN
Around the corner from the hotel is the world's largest Whole Foods Market. I love Whole Foods (though I wish it wasn't so darned expensive!) but my dad, understandably, didn't want to eat there. Instead, he had his heart set on some English beer and traditional pub food so we popped into the historic Goat Tavern, which was just a few doors down from The Milestone. The Goat, as it's called, has been around since 1697! The food (fish ‘n' chips, steak and mushroom pies, for example) wasn't great and the service could use some help ... perhaps from the Milestone staff? I forgot that in a pub, you need to order at the bar, which took us a while to realize. But my dad loved it and really, that's all that matters. Goat Tavern, 3a Kensington High Street; Tel.: 020 7937 1213.

SIGHTSEEING
This was my dad's first trip to London, so we made the rounds to some of the famous landmarks. Since my dad can't hear, we skipped the guided, hop-on-hop-off bus tour and took the public bus. We got the same experience but it was a whole lot cheaper. One incredibly friendly driver even made announcements over the PA to alert me which stop to get off at and helpfully pointed us in the right direction.

PORTOBELLO MARKET
It was Saturday morning and our first stop was Portobello Road for the world's largest antiques market. Held weekly, there are 1,500 specialist antiques dealers, antique arcades and galleries all along the Notting Hill road. It was a complete zoo. From there we went to Covent Garden for more shopping. PortobelloMarket.org and PortobelloRoad.co.uk.

HARRODS
No first timer's trip to London would be complete without going to the world's most famous department store. Harrods has been in business since 1849 and despite its steep prices and no-shorts rule, is a tourist haven. My dad was starving so we pulled up a chair at one of the many eateries. There are 28 restaurants on over seven floors! We actually had to wait about 15 minutes in a line before being seated at the pizzeria. With the all-Italian staff, this place might have the best pizza in London and without a doubt, it's also the most expensive. Would you believe a small pizza costs £14.50? Ouch! Harrods.com.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Next, we took the bus down to the Thames River and later had a snack at the nearby One Aldwych Hotel. My dad marveled at Big Ben, then took a tour of Westminster Abbey (£10 adults, £7 seniors). The Abbey dates back to 960AD and is the place where Princess Diana had her funeral mass. Almost every English monarch was crowned here since 1066 and many are interred here, along with dozens of great writers and artists. Since 1920, only the cremated remains are accepted and the last famous person brought here was Laurence Olivier in 1989. My dad has a love of poetry and his favorite, not surprisingly, was the Poet's Corner. This is where Britain's best writers are honored. Westminster-Abbey.org.

HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT TOUR
My dad is a retired lawyer and, if I might say so, one of the state of Connecticut's best. So it's no wonder that he had his heart set on a tour of the parliament building. We purchased two tickets (adults £12, seniors 60 and over £8) for the 75-minute tour. The English are so hospitable; when I told them that my dad couldn't hear well and that his back was hurting, they arranged for a wheelchair and gave him the tour guide's transcript to read in advance and take home. He loved it. And so did I! But if I had one complaint, it's the scheduling of the tours. They have several groups touring at the same time instead of staggering the times. So when you're all huddled up in a room, you can hear the guide next to you, which makes it a bit difficult to pay attention, especially for someone with ADD ... yeah, that's me. That aside, I did learn all about the English government (it has three bodies like ours), saw where the Queen puts on her robe and speaks to the country once a year, and I saw where the Prime Minister addresses his colleagues. If you've ever watched it on TV and wondered why people in the crowd keep popping up and down, it's because they are trying to get the speaker's attention. If he or she doesn't call on them, they sit down. The red rooms in the parliament are for the royalty, while the green ones are for the commoners. Unfortunately, no picture taking was allowed. Parliament.uk and Overseas Visitors.

NEXT WEEK
Next week, my dad and I put our RailEurope passes to good use by hopping on a train and traveling to another country!

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa pampering parents-to-be

2008-09-29 09:50:21

Home to exquisite luxury, opportunities for ultimate rest and relaxation and heavenly delights for the senses, the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa offers parents-to-be a special package that will cater to their every whim on the cusp of impending parenthood.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, nestled in one of Africa’s most unique marine nature reserves in Cape Town, South Africa is flanked by Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostle Mountain range. A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, this hotel lives up to this stunning location through its exceptional service standards and relaxed Cape hospitality.

‘Babymooning’ packages are new to the travel industry but something essential for parents-to-be. This is your time as a couple and the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa have worked out a tailored package to ensure that you are able to spend a memorable holiday together before embarking on your new roles.

The ‘babymooning’ package includes free local destination airport and rail station transfers – to keep the “wait” off your feet, a Virgin Mary cocktail upon arrival before couples are whisked to their rooms where they are welcomed by complete comfort and lavish luxury. This is followed by a trip to the Sanctuary Spa, which was awarded Africa's Leading Spa Resort at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards Middle East & Africa – 2007. He will receive a 60 minute Swedish massage and She is offered a choice of any three out of the five 30 minute Moya pregnancy treatments.

Later that evening, you are invited to the Azure Restaurant for dinner. The Azure restaurant recently received a Blazon Award from prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs for excellence in food and service and boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa believes that Babymooners deserve to be pampered in the same way as honeymooners and their Executive Chef Roberto de Carvalho will make sure that guests dine to their heart’s content on the sumptuous menu.

Upon return to their bedrooms, babymooning guests are greeted with chocolate truffles and a romantic candle turndown. The hotel also includes a midnight snack in the package to satiate those late night cravings.

In the morning, after a good night’s rest, couples are greeted with a full English breakfast which they can enjoy on the balcony of the Azure Restaurant, looking out over a seemingly infinite ocean.

The hotel also offers a complimentary, scheduled transfer service to Camps Bay and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront between 08:00 and 20:00. With all of this pampering, babymooners are sure to leave feeling relaxed and ready.

For further information, please call the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa on 021-437-9000 or click here to view the full package

Luxury Needn't Cost The Earth

2008-09-10 14:39:55

Now that we’re all aware of the need to preserve natural resources, there’s a temptation to assume that the hair shirt approach is the only option. But being kind to Mother Nature doesn’t mean you can’t indulge yourself from time to time, as Summer Lodge Hotel, Restaurant & Spa in leafy Dorset are keen to demonstrate.

They’re offering a short break that allows you to have the time of your life while still demonstrating your eco-credentials. First of all, leave the gas-guzzler at home – take the train, travel in relaxed first class comfort, and be met at the station by the hotel. You won’t need a car during your stay, as there’s plenty to do in and around the pretty village of Evershot in which the hotel is located. Shopping in the village store, which boasts a fantastic range of gifts and organic goods, strolling up the village street for a delicious lunch at the Acorn Inn, or rambling through the pristine Melbury Estate. Enjoying an invigorating jog or bike ride, game of tennis, croquet, or outdoor chess. Or even better, try the traditional Summer Lodge pursuit of sitting in the shade (in the Summer) with a good book.

The eco-friendly theme extends throughout your stay, from the toiletries in your room to the fabulous ingredients – sustainably sourced, locally wherever possible, and individually identified on the menu – in the restaurant. The Elemis treatments available in the Spa pamper both you and the environment for a beautifully guilt-free glow: from top to bottom, you can rest assured that your relaxing break hasn’t cost the earth.

Especially when you consider that the price is just as kind on your pocket. For £245 per person sharing per night, the package includes the following:

Two nights in a luxurious double superior room
A first class return train ticket from London Waterloo
Transport from the train station to the hotel and back again
One full body massage per person
One delicious three course dinner for two
One bountiful breakfast daily
Early morning tea
Your daily newspaper of choice

For reservations and further information call Summer Lodge on +44 (0) 1935 482030 or visit www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk to find out about the many delights that await at this charming Relais & Châteaux country house retreat.

*****

2008: Recipient of Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award for hotel's strong individuality and devotion to personal service
2008: TripAdvisor's readers' poll placed Summer Lodge 91 of Best 100 Luxury Hotels in the World; and 5th in the Top 10 Best Service Europe category
2007: AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels 'Small Hotel Group of the Year'
2007: Master Sommelier Eric Zwiebel was ranked Fourth in World’s Top Sommeliers category; and in 2006 - Second – in Best Sommelier in Europe
2007: Hardens: Top Scorer: "…high praise for…'sublime' food; 'superb' wine list…"
2007: Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report – Grand Award Winner, #1 in England.
2007: Tatler Restaurant Guide: 'award-winning Summer Lodge is the place to dine'
2007: Daily Mail: "…be ready to receive… tender loving care from the capable staff"
2007: The Independent: Summer Lodge one of the "50 Best British Hotels"

Two Oceans Marathon

2008-09-24 13:02:53

Nestled between the staggering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean, the uniquely located and luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers the ultimate escape to relax and be pampered, while indulging in stunning beauty, discreet service and extraordinary charm - there is no better way to prepare and repair for the gruelling race in April 2009.

In preparation for the 2009 Two Oceans Marathon, we have put together a unique package for participants and spectators. The Two Oceans Marathon package includes

Luxury Accommodation
Welcome drink on arrival
Complimentary Breakfast in your Room or Azure Full English
Breakfast daily
Transport to and from Cape Town International Airport
Pamper Kit on arrival to prepare and pamper before and after the Marathon
Indulge in a Jet-Lag Massage at The Sanctuary Spa on arrival, to overcome the effects of a long-haul flight
To prepare for your energy requirements, enjoy a carb-loaded dinner nightly
Refresh with a Deep Tissue Massage to get rid of those well-earned aches and pains from completing the Marathon
Complimentary use of The Sanctuary Spa hot jet and cold plunge pools
and flotation pool
Scheduled transfer service to Camps Bay and the Victoria & Alfred
Waterfront between 8.00am and 8.00pm

The Two Oceans Marathon rates per night range from R 5 075 to R 10 780 depending on room or suite selection and are for a minimum four-night stay. Prices are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR) and are inclusive of 14% VAT, subject to availability, and exclusive of 1% Tourism Levy.

Prices are subject to change without prior notification; package inclusions are non-refundable. Rates quoted are in South African Rands (ZAR) and are per room per night inclusive of VAT, exclusive of 1% Tourism Levy and subject to change without prior notification. Package inclusions are nonrefundable.

For further information and reservations contact your nearest travel agent or call The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa on (27) (21) 437 9000, email bookta@rchmail.com or visit www.12apostles.com.

*****

2008: Honorable Mention - Condé Nast Traveler 2008 World Savers Awards
2008: Azure restaurant accorded the Blazon for its excellent food and service
2008: Western Cape Winner - Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier
2008: Western Cape Winner - Chaine Junior Chef Competition
2008: The Sanctuary Spa was voted third in the Hotel Spas Africa/Middle East and Indian Ocean Section in Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers' Awards
2007: Azure wine list was Diners Club Award of Excellence winner
2007: The Hotel and Spa received 'Africa's Leading Spa Resort' award and was short-listed for 'South Africa's Leading Hotel', at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards Middle East Africa awards
2007: AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels 'Small Hotel Group of the Year'

Join Us, Won't You, For The Cape Argus Cycle Tour 8 March 2009

2008-09-08 09:20:45

Nestled between the staggering Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town's uniquely located and luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers the ultimate escape to relax and be pampered, while indulging in stunning beauty, discreet service and extraordinary charm. There is no better way to prepare and repair for the gruelling Cycle Tour in March 2009.

And of course, for those families out here supporting a loved-one in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the hotel offers the best vantage point to watch the cyclists on their way to the finish line as the route goes directly past the hotel.

In preparation for the 2009 Cycle Tour, we have put together a unique package, available throughout March, for participants and spectators. The Cycle Tour package includes:

Luxury Accommodation
Welcome drink on arrival
Complimentary Room Service or Azure Full English Breakfast daily
Transport to and from Cape Town International Airport including space for the bicycle
Pamper Kit on arrival to prepare and pamper before and after the race
Indulge in a Jet-Lag Massage at The Sanctuary Spa, on arrival, to overcome the effects of a long-haul flight
To prepare for the energy requirements, enjoy a carb-loaded dinner each night, prepared by our Chef with your requirements in mind
Refresh with a Deep Tissue Massage to get rid of those well-earned aches and pains from completing the race
Complimentary use of The Sanctuary Spa hot jet and cold plunge pools and flotation pool
The hotel offers a complimentary scheduled transfer service to Camps Bay and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront between 8.00am and 8.00pm

Rates per night range from R 5 200 to R 10 900 depending on room or suite selection and are for a minimum four-night stay. Prices are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR) and are inclusive of 14% VAT, subject to availability, and exclusive of 1% Tourism Levy. Prices are subject to change without prior notification; package inclusions are non-refundable.

For further information and reservations contact your nearest travel agent or call The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa on (27) (21) 437 9000, email bookta@rchmail.com or visit www.12apostles.com.

****

Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa Gearing Up For Major Sporting Events

2008-09-08 10:23:56

Cape Town, South Africa, is well known for the annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon, both of which garner the interests of athletes throughout South Africa and the rest of the international sporting world. In preparation for 2009, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is offering some fabulous packages for participants and spectators of these historic sporting events.

Apart from luxury accommodation, the hotel is offering two packages designed for the serious athlete preparing for either of these challenges. Both include a pamper kit for pre- and post-race as well as a Jet-Lag Massage ideal for participants travelling long haul, whilst a Deep Tissue Massage will get rid of those well-earned aches and pains after completing the races. Participants and their families can also make use of the Sanctuary Spa's hot jet and cold plunge pools, during their stay, and the floatation pool.

Athletes can also enjoy a specifically designed carb-loaded menu during their stay at the hotel, which will prepare them for the necessary energy requirements of the races. Families are able to watch the Argus Cycle Tour from the hotel since the route takes cyclists directly past it. The Twelve Apostles Hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy the hype of this specific sporting event. Brenda.

The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is on the 8th March 2009 and special packages are available for the whole month of March, while the Two Oceans Marathon is set for the 11th April and packages run from 1st-30 April. During this exciting local sporting calendar, the hotel staff look forward to hosting national and international athletes and their families.

For more information, please call the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa on: 021-437-9000 or visit: www.12apostleshotel.com.

*****

Magical London

2008-09-24 16:19:33

At Christmas, London becomes even more enchanting than usual. To help put you in the proper Yuletide mood, Red Carnation Hotels is offering luxurious and fun-filled breaks at their three four-star London hotels - The Chesterfield Mayfair, The Rubens at the Palace, and The Montague on the Gardens - with a special Magical London package.

Available from 21 November 2008 to 11 January 2009, the Magical London package includes:

Minimum two-night stay in luxurious accommodation
Christmas gift
Santa Claus hat
Full English breakfast daily
Tea for two with Christmas Cake on one day
Taxi to Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights and to start your pre-Christmas or New Year sales shopping, plus a shopping map
If you are staying on Christmas Eve, a stocking stuffed with seasonal goodies

Magical London package rates. The Chesterfield: Doubles from £439.00 and Suites from £979.00. The Rubens and The Montague: Doubles from £399 and Suites from £699.00.

The Magical London package rates are based on double occupancy, inclusive of taxes, and subject to availability. If you are planning on a longer stay, The Rubens has splendid apartments and The Montague's Guv'nor's Suite should be given some very serious consideration. For detailed information, enquire directly with the hotel.

For further details or to make a booking, in Europe call toll free 00 800 1698 8740; in the USA call toll-free: 1-877-955-1515. Email: bookch@rchmail.com (Chesterfield Mayfair), bookrb@rchmail.com (Rubens) or bookmt@rchmail.com (Montague). View us online at www.chesterfieldmayfair.com, www.rubenshotel.com, www.montaguehotel.com and visit www.redcarnation.com.

Red Carnation Hotels is a collection of luxury family-run properties.

The Four-Star London properties are The Chesterfield Mayfair in the heart of exclusive Mayfair; The Montague on The Gardens, adjacent to The British Museum; and The Rubens At The Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace. The Chesterfield Palm Beach, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, is on the exclusive island of Palm Beach.

Image Download: A selection of the hotel's images can be downloaded
at www.rchimages.co.uk in high resolution. Free registration!

It's A Wonderful Life

2008-09-24 16:17:45

Christmas is a special time of year, and London is the special place to be. And Red Carnation is offering It's a Wonderful Life package at their three five-star London properties: The Milestone, The Egerton and "41." It's perfect if you're on a break, shopping London's stores, or visiting.

Available between 21 November 2008 and 11 January 2009, It's a Wonderful Life includes:

Minimum two night stay in luxurious accommodations
Deluxe tree ornament plus a DVD of the classic movie "It's A Wonderful Life"
Full English breakfast daily
Tea for two with Christmas cake on one day
Bottle each of red and white wine with the hotel's compliments
Lunch or dinner for two on one day - with mince pies, of course
Mistletoe on your pillow at turndown
If you are staying on Christmas Eve, a stocking stuffed with seasonal goodies
Taxi to Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights and to start your pre-Christmas or New Year sales shopping
Free gift wrapping service

Rates for It's a Wonderful Life package at The Milestone Hotel are from £699 for a Double and from £1529 for a Junior Suite. At 41 and The Egerton, Junior Suites and Studios are from £1149. Rates quoted are based on double occupancy, inclusive of taxes, and subject to availability. If you are planning on a longer stay, consider 41's exquisite apartments and the two-bedroom suites at The Milestone. For detailed information, enquire directly with the hotel.

For further details or to make a booking, in Europe call toll free 00 800 1698 8740; in the USA call toll-free: 1-877-955-1515. Email: bookms@rchmail.com (Milestone), bookeg@rchmail.com (Egerton) or book41@rchmail.com (41). View us online at www.milestonehotel.com, www.egertonhousehotel.com, www.41hotel.com and visit www.redcarnation.com.

Red Carnation Hotels is a collection of luxury family-run properties.

The Five-Star luxurious London jewels are The Milestone Hotel, overlooking Kensington Palace, and member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World; "41", overlooking Buckingham Palace's Royal Mews; and The Egerton House Hotel, in Knightsbridge. Outside of London is Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa, Evershot, Dorset, a member of Relais & Châteaux. Other RCH properties and members of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, are The Five-Star Hotel d'Angleterre on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa's Western Cape.

Image Download: A selection of the hotel's images can be downloaded
at www.rchimages.co.uk in high resolution. Free registration!

Home For The Holidays At The Fabulous Chesterfield

2008-09-09 08:56:25

The island of Palm Beach is the ideal place for those special winter holidays and The Chesterfield Hotel, with its fine, traditional hospitality, is the ideal place to be. Combine the two and you have the fabulous Home for the Holidays package.

Treat yourself to the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings of Palm Beach. Walk to the ocean – a short stroll away. Shop on world-famous Worth Avenue. Dine in the Chesterfield’s gourmet Leopard Room Restaurant; relax in the Chesterfield’s Leopard Room Lounge.

The Home for the Holidays package includes:

Four days/Three nights accommodation in a Superior Queen Room
Full American Breakfast for two each morning
One Traditional English Afternoon Tea for Two
Holiday Surprise Gift
One Complimentary cocktail in The Leopard Lounge and Restaurant for two

The Home for the Holidays package is available from December 15, 2008, through January 15, 2009, for a three-night stay, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. It is from $899 exclusive of taxes and gratuities.

For more information and reservations, contact The Chesterfield Hotel directly at 1-800-243-7871. Call Red Carnation Hotels toll free from Europe: 00 800 1698 8740. Email bookchpb@rchmail.com and visit www.chesterfieldpb.com or www.redcarnationhotels.com.

Red Carnation Hotels is a collection of luxury family-run properties. The Four-Star London properties are The Chesterfield Mayfair in the heart of exclusive Mayfair; The Montague on The Gardens, adjacent to The British Museum; and The Rubens At The Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace.

*****

2007: AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels ‘Small Hotel Group of the Year’
Registered Historical Landmark with the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation
Member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Brides Magazine: "It shines like the crown jewels"