Splurge Birthday in London
Dec 17th, 2021, 01:20 PM
#44
Original Poster
Thanks everyone -- still haven't dealt with my photos -- maybe over the weekend??
Anyway - Next: Dec 4 - Last day in London, Dr Johnson's house, Mostly comped lunch, covid test.
In the last couple of days the US rules had changed and while either an antigen or PCR, was still OK for entering the States - now it had to be the day before the flight, and not within 2 days. Note: They actually mean the day before - not '24 hours'. So I booked a 4:20 antigen test at DAM Health on Pentonville road just up the road from Kings Cross.
But first I had booked Dr Johnson's House (have no idea why I haven't visited before in the many times I've been to London). They recommend pre-booking but you aren't tied to a specific time. Currently the house is only open Fri and Sat 11-5. It is about a 10 to 12 minute walk from the Citadines in a small square off Fleet Street/Fetter Lane. What a fascinating place. Practically no original furniture (he owned almost none and rented the house furnished) His actual desk where he wrote the dictionary is in the top floor study. But that are lots of other artifacts, prints and paintings of him and friends and benefactors - including a large one of Francis Barber, his Black manservant, friend and heir. There are also several of his personal effects like his walking stick, etc.
Was going to stop in the Silver Vaults in Chancery Lane on the way back to Holborn . . . but decided instead to try to have lunch at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel so jumped in a cab on Fleet St. No joy
the Booking Office restaurant doesn't open til 4PM and the Hansom all day restaurant was totally booked up. Did some shopping in the station - lots of shops including Fortnum & Mason, Whistles, Dune, and even Hamley's. There's also a Collinson covid test centre (one of the biggest providers in the country - If I had known about this location I would have booked there). Headed upstairs to to eat at Searcy's but on the way passed Carluccios and decided a quick Italian lunch would hit the spot. BIG mistake -- or maybe not since almost my entire meal was comped. Inside was full but out on the concourse had tables and they have good heaters so that's where I sat. Ordered a prosecco and soup which came semi reasonably quickly - well not actually - about 15 minutes. More an more people were being seated but almost nothing was coming out of the kitchen, including my risotto. They were obviously having some sort of staff issues. 45 minutes after the soup was cleared I said (nicely - honest 
) that if I didn't have my main in 5 minutes I was going to walk. They said it would be ready soon. Miraculously it appeared in about 8 or 10 minutes (I'd made an idle thread obviously 
). Only had about 45 mins til my covid test so I scarfed up the risotto - which was actually pretty tasty and even hot. I asked for the bill and they only charged for the prosecco - which I wasn't expecting at all.
Bundled up and headed up Pentonville Rd where I had a quick antigen test. The clinic was very efficient with the only problem being they have no waiting room inside so there was quite a queue huddling in the cold. But they book in 10 minute groups so unless one shows up early, you're only outdoors for about 10-15 minutes. Stopped for a cappuccino back in Kings Cross mainly to warm up then took the tube back to Holborn. Stopped in Pret and got a sandwich and chips for my gourmet dinner. What a come down . . . Alain Ducasse and the Savoy to Citadines and pret sandwich/chips
While watching telly and relaxing before packing I decided that I really really didn't want to take the tube out to LHR Sunday morning after all. So I booked JustAirports for 11AM - but I had very little cash left so had to book at the credit card rate which is always significantly higher. But weirdly it quoted the same as for cash - £46. Maybe it was a glitch on the website - I didn't ask, didn't want to jinx things. This is about £5 or £6 more than the last time I used them 2 years ago but with all the intervening price increases/infaltion and covid impacts on travel I thought it was reasonable.
Finished packing, watched Graham Norton who I always enjoy, rolled in to bed
Next Morning I checked out and the driver arrived about 5 mins early. Because I could use the priority check in and security lines I was upstairs in the Departures Lounge about 10 minutes after driving up to T-3. The Admirals Club still hasn't reopened so used the BA Lounge which was pretty bleak and more crowded than usual. Bought a few last minute small gifts for my cat sitter. Boarding was on time and even though I was re-booked on this flight which was very full I still got a window seat 'pod'. Dinner was really good -- better than Carluccios for sure Starter was poached prawns w/ lemon grass, coriander and quacamole. Then a salad of baby greens w/ cherry tomatoes, raisins and carrots. My main course was Salmon filet w/ sun dried tomatoes and spinach. Finished with a nice cheese plate. Pre arrival they served either a Med. salad or mini steak & ale and chicken & mushroom pies but I really wasn't hungry so just had chips and cookies.
Had barely 1 hour on the ground at DFW and had to change terminals using the sky train - but with Global Entry and no checked luggage I ended up with about 20 minutes to spare before boarding. Uneventful flight home (except it was 2.5 hours later than my original ETA due to the flight change). Walked in my door just before midnight . . . and wasn't the least bit sleepy Ended up having to take a sleeping pill.
Take aways: All in all it was a GREAT trip and easier / less complicated than I had imagined in the days of covid. Of course now with omicron causing havoc on both sides of the Atlantic things would be different now. By pure accident I traveled during the short window of time when things were easy. I wouldn't be at all reluctant to travel again once the current surge calms down at least a little.
Anyway - Next: Dec 4 - Last day in London, Dr Johnson's house, Mostly comped lunch, covid test.
In the last couple of days the US rules had changed and while either an antigen or PCR, was still OK for entering the States - now it had to be the day before the flight, and not within 2 days. Note: They actually mean the day before - not '24 hours'. So I booked a 4:20 antigen test at DAM Health on Pentonville road just up the road from Kings Cross.
But first I had booked Dr Johnson's House (have no idea why I haven't visited before in the many times I've been to London). They recommend pre-booking but you aren't tied to a specific time. Currently the house is only open Fri and Sat 11-5. It is about a 10 to 12 minute walk from the Citadines in a small square off Fleet Street/Fetter Lane. What a fascinating place. Practically no original furniture (he owned almost none and rented the house furnished) His actual desk where he wrote the dictionary is in the top floor study. But that are lots of other artifacts, prints and paintings of him and friends and benefactors - including a large one of Francis Barber, his Black manservant, friend and heir. There are also several of his personal effects like his walking stick, etc.
Was going to stop in the Silver Vaults in Chancery Lane on the way back to Holborn . . . but decided instead to try to have lunch at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel so jumped in a cab on Fleet St. No joy
the Booking Office restaurant doesn't open til 4PM and the Hansom all day restaurant was totally booked up. Did some shopping in the station - lots of shops including Fortnum & Mason, Whistles, Dune, and even Hamley's. There's also a Collinson covid test centre (one of the biggest providers in the country - If I had known about this location I would have booked there). Headed upstairs to to eat at Searcy's but on the way passed Carluccios and decided a quick Italian lunch would hit the spot. BIG mistake -- or maybe not since almost my entire meal was comped. Inside was full but out on the concourse had tables and they have good heaters so that's where I sat. Ordered a prosecco and soup which came semi reasonably quickly - well not actually - about 15 minutes. More an more people were being seated but almost nothing was coming out of the kitchen, including my risotto. They were obviously having some sort of staff issues. 45 minutes after the soup was cleared I said (nicely - honest ) that if I didn't have my main in 5 minutes I was going to walk. They said it would be ready soon. Miraculously it appeared in about 8 or 10 minutes (I'd made an idle thread obviously ). Only had about 45 mins til my covid test so I scarfed up the risotto - which was actually pretty tasty and even hot. I asked for the bill and they only charged for the prosecco - which I wasn't expecting at all.Bundled up and headed up Pentonville Rd where I had a quick antigen test. The clinic was very efficient with the only problem being they have no waiting room inside so there was quite a queue huddling in the cold. But they book in 10 minute groups so unless one shows up early, you're only outdoors for about 10-15 minutes. Stopped for a cappuccino back in Kings Cross mainly to warm up then took the tube back to Holborn. Stopped in Pret and got a sandwich and chips for my gourmet dinner. What a come down . . . Alain Ducasse and the Savoy to Citadines and pret sandwich/chips
While watching telly and relaxing before packing I decided that I really really didn't want to take the tube out to LHR Sunday morning after all. So I booked JustAirports for 11AM - but I had very little cash left so had to book at the credit card rate which is always significantly higher. But weirdly it quoted the same as for cash - £46. Maybe it was a glitch on the website - I didn't ask, didn't want to jinx things. This is about £5 or £6 more than the last time I used them 2 years ago but with all the intervening price increases/infaltion and covid impacts on travel I thought it was reasonable.
Finished packing, watched Graham Norton who I always enjoy, rolled in to bed
Next Morning I checked out and the driver arrived about 5 mins early. Because I could use the priority check in and security lines I was upstairs in the Departures Lounge about 10 minutes after driving up to T-3. The Admirals Club still hasn't reopened so used the BA Lounge which was pretty bleak and more crowded than usual. Bought a few last minute small gifts for my cat sitter. Boarding was on time and even though I was re-booked on this flight which was very full I still got a window seat 'pod'. Dinner was really good -- better than Carluccios for sure
Starter was poached prawns w/ lemon grass, coriander and quacamole. Then a salad of baby greens w/ cherry tomatoes, raisins and carrots. My main course was Salmon filet w/ sun dried tomatoes and spinach. Finished with a nice cheese plate. Pre arrival they served either a Med. salad or mini steak & ale and chicken & mushroom pies but I really wasn't hungry so just had chips and cookies.Had barely 1 hour on the ground at DFW and had to change terminals using the sky train - but with Global Entry and no checked luggage I ended up with about 20 minutes to spare before boarding. Uneventful flight home (except it was 2.5 hours later than my original ETA due to the flight change). Walked in my door just before midnight . . . and wasn't the least bit sleepy
Ended up having to take a sleeping pill.Take aways: All in all it was a GREAT trip and easier / less complicated than I had imagined in the days of covid. Of course now with omicron causing havoc on both sides of the Atlantic things would be different now. By pure accident I traveled during the short window of time when things were easy. I wouldn't be at all reluctant to travel again once the current surge calms down at least a little.
Dec 17th, 2021, 03:38 PM
#45
What a wonderful trip! Thanks for the TR.
I would really like to see the Kew spectacle, but after growing up in England, and going back multiple times for Christmas, I have a hard time psyching myself up for London in December. Although the last time, it was better weather than Trieste and Venice...
I would really like to see the Kew spectacle, but after growing up in England, and going back multiple times for Christmas, I have a hard time psyching myself up for London in December. Although the last time, it was better weather than Trieste and Venice...
Dec 18th, 2021, 05:53 AM
#46
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I also had the thought while following along with you that you had perfect timing - even a few days later and I expect you couldn't have done the trip (due to omicron). You visited many of my favorite places - the Courtauld, Wallace Collection, British Museum, Kew....
Dec 20th, 2021, 08:34 PM
#47
Original Poster
Just a few of the photos -- of my room at the Savoy, Afternoon Tea and Alain Ducasse.
My room at the Savoy
another view
Part of the bathroom
Residents Lounge decorated for Christmas
Ditto
Ditto 2
Thames Foyer for afternoon tea
Afternoon tea (after pigging out on the sandwiches)
Most of these went up to my room
Main Lounge at the Dorchester
Alain Ducasse
Amuse buche
Venison two ways
Dessert #1
Dessert #2 (this one came with a birthday candle)
Dessert #3
My room at the Savoy
another view
Part of the bathroom
Residents Lounge decorated for Christmas
Ditto
Ditto 2
Thames Foyer for afternoon tea
Afternoon tea (after pigging out on the sandwiches)
Most of these went up to my room
Main Lounge at the Dorchester
Alain Ducasse
Amuse buche
Venison two ways
Dessert #1
Dessert #2 (this one came with a birthday candle)
Dessert #3
Dec 21st, 2021, 06:48 PM
#50
Original Poster
A few more photos -- Christmas at Kew and Dr Johnson's House
And a Merry Christmas to all
Doctor Johnson's House
4th Plinth Trafalgar Square (There have been some weird ones over the years but this takes the [cup]cake)
And a Merry Christmas to all
Doctor Johnson's House
4th Plinth Trafalgar Square (There have been some weird ones over the years but this takes the [cup]cake)
Dec 22nd, 2021, 05:48 PM
#53
Original Poster
And . . . the trip just keeps giving
I'd made AAdvantage Platinum a few years ago. Lowly platinum isn't that special but I felt it was pretty good doing it all on my own dime with just leisure travel. I seldom use the free checked bags benefit since I normally travel carry-on only. But some of the other benefits are quite nice -- Complimentary upgrades, 60% mileage bonus, etc. But even with AA lowering the miles/$ spend qualification for this year due to covid, since I haven't flown in 2 years, It was fun while it lasted, but I figured my days of 'elite' status were over.
Back in '19 I'd originally paid 110,000 miles and (I 'think') $2200-ish for the whole Vacation package. $2200 is far short of elite qualifying dollars, plus part of that was for the hotel which wouldn't count towards AAdvantage anyway. And you don't earn miles when you pay with miles - duh . . . But I guess because AAVacations converted my miles to cash . . . I just received a 'congratulatory' e-mail that I've re-qualified for Platinum til March of 2023. Woo Hoo 
I'd made AAdvantage Platinum a few years ago. Lowly platinum isn't that special but I felt it was pretty good doing it all on my own dime with just leisure travel. I seldom use the free checked bags benefit since I normally travel carry-on only. But some of the other benefits are quite nice -- Complimentary upgrades, 60% mileage bonus, etc. But even with AA lowering the miles/$ spend qualification for this year due to covid, since I haven't flown in 2 years, It was fun while it lasted, but I figured my days of 'elite' status were over.
Back in '19 I'd originally paid 110,000 miles and (I 'think') $2200-ish for the whole Vacation package. $2200 is far short of elite qualifying dollars, plus part of that was for the hotel which wouldn't count towards AAdvantage anyway. And you don't earn miles when you pay with miles - duh
. . . But I guess because AAVacations converted my miles to cash . . . I just received a 'congratulatory' e-mail that I've re-qualified for Platinum til March of 2023. Woo Hoo
Dec 28th, 2021, 09:05 AM
#56
Original Poster
Hi Northie. Didn't see your post. Not sure what you meant by OTT (I assume over the top?? ) How long ago did you visit/. Maybe they've altered the displays because it didn't seem messy (a couple of display cases were definitely 'untidy'
) or OTT, in fact some rooms were pretty bare. I did comment to them that they must have cornered the market on gate leg tables and ladderback chairs. There must have been 8 or more large gate legs scattered around in various rooms and probably 20 ladderbacks. None of which were particularly relevant to the house.One floor was really ingenious - I've probably been to 75 or 100 stately homes, castles, palaces, manorhouse museums in the UK and not seen anything like it. Wish I'd taken a photo. One floor had floor to ceiling swinging/hinged walls that could convert the area from two rooms and center hall to two connecting rooms w/o a center hall, to one large open room. They said other people including some historians who toured the house had said the same thing. Seems a unique feature not seen anywhere else in the UK.
And thanks everyone for the nice comments . . .
Dec 28th, 2021, 10:23 AM
#57
Love the trip report and the photos are wonderful! Such a glamorous trip - love the elegant hotel, the delicious food - especially the desserts and treats from tea- and the lights at Kew. What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday. Thanks for posting.
Dec 30th, 2021, 07:06 PM
#58
Original Poster
And since most everything except the Citadines and Alain Ducasse was fully paid for weeks, months or years ahead I kept rationalizing that I wasn't really spending anything. Glamorous/elegant . . . and free! LOLNext trip I'll probably fall back down to earth, and rent a studio in Pimlico again (but hey, a girl can always add a night or two at the Savoy
)
