Hi all:<BR>Finally plowed through my mail, phone messages and caught up on sleep and ready to give a bit of a trip report.<BR>Check in and security in JFK was painless and quick.<BR>United to London was great! 777. Legroom was fine. Flight was full. I was a bit surprised. Plentiful food and refreshments.<BR>Flight arrived early.<BR>Ray Skinner from London-Transports was waiting for us at Heathrow. Off to Central London. <BR>Park Lane Sheraton in Mayfair was home for 5 days. I was a bit disappointed with the gentleman who checked us in. I was using Starwood Points for two of the nights and had a half price discount for the other three nights. He charged my Visa outright for 5 nights at full price. We went back and forth for about 5 minutes before I requested to see a manager. The situation got resolved to my satisfaction until I saw the room he assigned us. Small, dark and not updated. Back to Reception, another person at reception who a bit more amiable. Back upstairs, much nicer. Facing Green Park, marble bathroom, etc. Location was unbeatable!<BR>Shower, nap and off to the Ritz for tea. Loved it! Yes, touristy, but heck I am a tourist! Off for a trip on the Big Bus to get a feel of London. The ticket was good for 24 hours so it got well used.

Part II Friday<BR>Had Brunch of sorts at Pret A Manger. Definitely recommend this place for a quick bite and good coffee and hot chocolate. Off for tours on the Big Bus. Took all three RED GREEN BLUE. Got on and off numerous times. Stopped in Harrod's for cookies and candy to take home as gifts. Quick lunch in Mo's diner at Harrod's. Not bad ant not too expensive.<BR>Went to see Phantom of the Opera. This was the one I have not seen on Broadway. I look forward to seeing it again here in NY.<BR>Saturday-<BR>Off on a day trip to Bath with Ray Skinner. This was the way to go with my MOM. She has a bit of a time keeping up so this was perfect. We stopped in Stonhenge first. Awe is all I can say. We got there very early and there was only a few people around. When we were leaving, the tour buses were pulling in by the dozens. Time to get going!<BR>Lunch in a lovely pub called the Fox and Hounds. Just recently reopened. When tourism dived, these folks closed up. Now things are rebounding a bit, so they were able to re-open. Good thing for us. Food was terrific.<BR>Bath was very nice. VERY crowded! I was glad we had gone.<BR>Got back aroung 6PM and did some strolling along Picadilly to Picidilly Circus and just people watched. Always fun! Found a small souvenier stand outside St James's Church. Cute stuff, reasonable prices!

Part III Sunday<BR>Kind of a restful day. We strolled and stopped in Fortnum and Mason for some more cookies (can never have enough of them). Walked over to Buckingham Palace Mom wasn't feeling too well so we sat in Green Park for a while and people watched.<BR>We decided to go to Hard Rock. I had never been to one before. I did not even realize tha the London was the original. We had a Great time. We were seated with folks for all over the world. All age groups. Stopped over at the new Hard Rock store across the street in an old bank building. The old Vault is where they are keeping some really priceless items though you are allowed to look and touch. Great tour given given by a fellow named Tony. Good time had there.<BR>

Part IV Monday-<BR>Our last day, slept really late! Had breakfast at the hotel. Yikes, the prices!!!<BR>Went to Westminster and St Pauls. Strolled around the area.<BR>Headed back to have tea at Browns'<BR>It was okay, but we preferred Ritz. Thought Brown's was a bit stuffy and the staff was not as friendly.<BR>Ray Skinner was prompt for our return to Heathrow. Again smooth check in and security. Flight was great and again lots of food....ice cream, giant cookies....great crew!<BR>United got us there and back with now problems whatsoever.<BR>Well kind of a nutshell report.<BR>I am now planning my Honeymoon for next Spring. We will be heading to London and Paris and looking forward to returning to both cities.

Hi annie<BR>I just found your post. Sounds like you had a good time.<BR>I was looking to take United to London. Glad to see you were pleased.