London trip with Do Something Different and Theme Park Beds on the 27th April 2016 and TravelCube on the 28th April 2016

On arrival at Disney’s headquarters in Hammersmith the large group of us were offered a buffet lunch followed by a Disney presentation. Afterwards we met our room companions and made our way to the Novotel which is a short walk away. After a quick freshen up we headed to Embankment Pier for our Bateaux Dinner Cruise, one of DSD’s top selling attractions. We embarked the largest dinner cruise boat in London, the magnificent Symphony. The glass walled vessel is one of the most luxurious boats on the Thames offering passengers sweeping waterfront views of London and due to the glass sided design the view of the Thames is good irrespective of where your table is. The boat took us to the Houses of Parliament and then to Canary Warf before returning to its original mooring. After dinner the entertainment started with a female vocalist accompanied by a saxophonist and a keyboard player. I immensely enjoyed the night time river cruise; the staff were friendly and attentive, the quality of the food was very good and the views were wonderful. Dress code is formal so no jeans, trainers or sportswear permitted and gentlemen are advised to wear a smart jacket and a tie.

The following day I made the easy Tube journey from Hammersmith to Green Park for my lunch appointment at Claridges! This was an invitation from TravelCube to showcase their destination, London, and two of the hotels they feature. The small group of us met the Sales Director and she showed us around the glamorous and elegant 5 star luxury hotel in the heart of Mayfair. The hotel embodies grand English style and timeless glamour. It is spacious, luxurious and finished with beautiful art deco furniture. It has a wonderful atmosphere, lots of art deco, high ceilings, grand chandeliers, mirrors and sumptuous carpets. Kings, queens, statesmen, movie stars, the rich and the famous have all stayed here. My lunch was delicious and the setting in the Foyer restaurant was calm and beautiful. The service was exceptional; not stuffy or pretentious but friendly and efficient. After our wonderful lunch we had coffee in the stylish 1930s themed Fumoir, which offers unique spirits and 1930s inspired cocktails.

Sadly we had to leave Claridge’s and walked the short distance to the Connaught Hotel. The Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most renowned luxury London hotels. The Connaught has a more cosy, intimate country house hotel feel to it. A portion of the hotel has been designed in the more modern, art deco style while the original part of the property keeps its classic English decor. It also has the world famous Aman Spa offering a host of therapies, beauty services, subtly lit swimming pool, steam room and fitness studio.