Just Touched Down in LONDON TOWN!!

LONDON SEPTEMBER 26-30, 2012

AND now for LONDON!!!

We flew British Airways from Las Vegas to London non-stop using our miles.  We were not able to get the direct route from Los Angeles.  We took a quick 55 minute flight from Burbank to Las Vegas to catch our flight.

With this visit to London, I wanted to try the services of one of my favorite people in London, Paul Pugh of Sincerely Paul for our transfers and tours.  Paul Pugh is most loved by everyone.  Many people we met mentioned how well respected and connected he is.  Our drivers were on time and very pleasant.  Our tour yesterday to Stonehenge and Bath was led by Geoff who was part of Blue Guide which is the top guiding service in all of Great Britain.  We visited on a sunny Saturday and as a result, it was quite crowded.  Stonehenge, check...had to see it.  Bath, check again.  Saw the Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths.  The city of Bath was ok...a lot of touristy shopping.  Stonehenge is approximately 1 3/4 hour from London, then Stonehenge to Bath is 3/4 hour and finally to return to London it took 1 3/4 hours.  This is a typical day tour but to me, it seemed like a lot of driving through the English countryside.  Geoff made it interesting with stories and history but if you don't like sitting in a car...I would rethink visiting doing this as a daytrip or plan on staying for one night.

We stayed in 2 completely different hotels in London and loved them both for different reasons.  We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental London which is my friend, Ruth's favorite hotels in London.  I can see why.  It feels British but with a gentle hint of Asian influences.  Laura Ashley is not seen here.  Instead, the hues in the bedrooms have a lighter touch.  The rooms are beautiful and the rooms that overlook Hyde Park are the preferred view.  We could see people hiking and biking along the paths and the beautiful trees getting ready to change their colors.  The bathroom was elegant with dual sinks and separate shower and tub.  Lovely bedding and towels complemented the entire room as we eased passed our jet lag.  

We enjoyed 2 meals at the Mandarin Oriental London both with excellent service.  Our delicious breakfast was served in their lovely room overlooking Hyde Park.  We returned a few days later and had the most memorable meal at Dinner, their signature restaurant which I've been told is about to get its first Michelin star!  The service and care was present yet understated.  We enjoyed lobster and cucumber soup which was so fresh, an excellent and tasty prime rib for two with roasted carrots and chips and our dessert was to die for.  It was brioche which had been baked slowly with infused creme served with pineapple that had been basted for 5 hours with carmel and butter.  As I said...to die for!  

I am proud to say that the Mandarin Oriental London is a Virtuoso hotel and the Virtuoso amenities of daily breakfast for two (a savings of $80 plus) and more makes this hotel something to consider when you are considering visiting London.

Now, let me tell you about the Bulgari Hotel.  While the Mandarin Oriental looks pretty from the outside (pretty on the inside too), the Bulgari being the new kid on the block and the first hotel to be built in London in the past 40 years, reflects it's Italian heritage.  It is modern with sleek lines and emphasis with grey and steel.  The service is impeccable.  The bar is exciting and you feel like someone special from the moment you enter the hotel.  The entry level room at the Bulgari is anyone's dream.  The rooms are large by London standards with Frette linen on the large beds and your comfort has been anticipated at every turn.  The bathroom has a separate shower from the bathtub with Bulgari amenities in the rooms.  At the end of your visit, you may take a very large sample of Bulgari cologne home with you.  I love the trunk that houses your bar items in the entry level room.  It's a perfect accent for a perfect room experience.  We stayed in one of the Bulgari suites.  All I can say is that I felt like a total Princess.  Wow does not describe how amazing the room is.  The room has all of the above plus a large dining room, kitchen and living room with gas burning fireplace.  I love the steam shower and deep soaking tub.

We are off to Provence next so stay tuned for my take on France's most beloved countryside.

Mari