Patrick

I don't know what people would think, and frankly why would I care what other people would think? But I'd be more impressed by someone who did it because they wanted to than someone who did it only because they were concerned with others thought.

Believe it or not, some people don't drive a flashy car to impress the valet parker. Some people actually order the cheapest thing on the menu at a very expensive restaurant because it is what they want, rather than ordering the most expensive thing because they feel they should! Some people don't deliberately hire a taxi when the tube is convenient just because they are concerned with their image. But I know all those things are beyond the grasp of people who spend their lives being pretentious, showing off, and worrying about their image.

Your wine reference is more than a bit absurd, but if someone wants to do that -- more power to him. To me it makes more sense than the type of person who would order that wine just to impress the people around him -- and we all know there are lots of those types out there.

m_kingdom2

It's not so much about doing things for other people, but consider this scenario, the reverse.

If one were staying at a youth hostel, would you think it a little strange if the person wanted to organise a transfer in a Rolls Royce Phantom?

Patrick

Again, you really don't get it do you?
I wouldn't think anything about such a scenario, because I could care less about the image another person is making. Maybe he's really into cars and wanted to splurge on a Rolls on this trip because he's never done that, but wants to stay at a hostel with his friends. It doesn't bother me one way or the other how he spends his money. Just like I see nothing wrong with a person staying in one grand hotel and splurging on one grand meal on a holiday, that is otherwise a budget trip. "Some" people think that is horrible, that it has to be all or nothing. I don't spend my life worrying about the "image" one projects.
Now, that was my last post, since obviously we are from different worlds in how we react to such things. If you want to feel the way you do, fine, that's your business. I just thought it was unfair to try to impose your standards on someone who was merely asking about transportation to a hotel, not about how to "keep up appearances", Mrs. Bucket.

vabarone

I'm almost sorry that I couldn't have part of this exchange earlier, however regardless, I'd like to thank those of you who have been helpful. Why I am at the Ritz is really neither here nor there... but maybe the reason I can stay at the Ritz is because I take the metro and not private cars. And maybe because more often than not I'm in a private car and I'm bothered the expectation that I am "snotty" becasue of it.

However, to recap and correct me if I'm wrong my best bet on travelling from the air port is.....

1. The free shuttle to the Thameslink
walk s fair way, yet well marked? to..
2. Thameslink to St Pancras
3. St Pancras walk to the Kings Cross Station and then the Green Line to Green Park Station???

vabarone

PS... I will have just spent a week working in the south of France and will be travelling with a good size piece of lugguage and my laptop bag... My flight gets in around 4pm on a Thursday.

flanneruk

Vabarone:

You're right.

Whether, at the end of the 20 yard walk from Green Park tube, the Ritz's Transportation Appropriateness Committee lets you in, or whether you'll be the subject of a Bateman-style cartoon ("The Vabarone who carried his/her laptop into the Ritz&quot is a different matter.

Personally I'd grab a cab at St Pancras with luggage, but that's probably why I rarely can afford to stay at Ritzes. You'll be richer and fitter for the exercise. Ignore anyone who comes onto the board and tells you it's impossible to travel on the tube at rush hour (you'll be arriving round 6).

Millions of us do, and in spite of the whines, none of us are any the worse off for it.

WillTravel

The way to the free shuttle from Luton Airport to the train station is clearly marked within the airport.

Once you do the walk that flanneruk describes from St. Pancras to the Piccadilly Line at Kings Cross station and get on the tube, you will then proceed directly to Green Park and you do not have to change tubes. I can verify from experience that the Ritz is 1/4 block from one of the Green Park tube exits - unfortunately I can't tell you which one to take although it won't be much of a walk with any of them.

PatrickLondon

Haven't been in Green Park tube for a long time, but if the Ritz itself isn't signposted, then the key words to look for would be Piccadilly (south side) or Green Park.

And for my own two penn'orth (I'm so cheap I wouldn't expect much more for my opinions), I wouldn't presume to go behind other people's reasons for doing what they do, whoever odd it might appear - except insofar as understanding them might help answer their question or warn them of potential embarrassments. And if the Ritz lets its guests get embarrassed about their mode of transport, luggage, appearance or any other appurtenances that don't affect anyone else, it would be so far up itself as to be unworthy of anyone's money anyway.

TopMan

PatrickLondon is exactly right...come up the stairs and then turn LEFT..the Ritz is across the street (road)and it is hard to miss the place.

The two ageing divas arguing outside will be Patrick and M-Kingdom!

m_kingdom2

My dear, a kept man is ringing alarm bells.

It's just mighty queer that someone who is paying to stay at The Ritz can't afford a private car. You say that perhaps for "snob" reasons you don't like them, then why on earth are you staying at the snobbiest hotel in London? There are so many more worthwhile hotels that offer finer accomodations and cuisine, yet the person of the people that you are chooses The Ritz?

PatrickLondon

Ageing, I accept - my mirror permits no less. But 'diva' - moi? and as for 'kept man' - I wish!

m_kingdom2

"'diva'" Patrick, vabarone is the kept one, not you.

PatrickLondon

Story of my life...