Get out of here!

etnnn
etnnn
Avatar of Linda Hohnholz
Written by Linda Hohnholz

As cold, wet and dreary weather heralds the arrival of winter, New Yorkers’ thoughts frequently focus on the Caribbean with visions of warm sand, blue-green water and drinks decorated with umbrellas

As cold, wet and dreary weather heralds the arrival of winter, New Yorkers’ thoughts frequently focus on the Caribbean with visions of warm sand, blue-green water and drinks decorated with umbrellas. The surprise is that as we think of suntan lotion and tank tops, people from other parts of the world plan to spend their winter break in Times Square watching the glass ball drop as Britney Spears promotes the fun of being in New York during its bleakest season.

If a holiday in a cold New York City is desirable to some, it struck me that other major cities might be just as wonderful (or better) in the winter as hotels are less expensive, museums less crowded, restaurants less busy and shops screaming Buy Me at colossal sales (since all the locals are in NYC).

HotCities. ColdClimates

Which cities deserve attention? Criteria: Major destination with cold weather, at or near the top of bucket lists, noted for fabulous hotels managed by top-of-the line executives, chefs running outstanding food / beverage venues, shopping that motivates leaving home with an empty suitcase and tourist – focused things to see/do that are so unique that they must be visited (they will not cycle through NYC’s Museum of Modern Art or the Metropolitan or the Guggenheim).

City Winners

And the winners for 2015? Dusseldorf, London, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Budapest and Helsinki.

Getting To Dusseldorf, Germany

Fly to Dusseldorf on Air Berlin (be sure to join the Top Bonus program for goodies that include upgrades award transfers to friends and family). The seats and space in Business Class makes the approximately 8 hour journey pleasant. Seats morph into beds (with working vibrators that run up and down tight muscles sending delightful electrical impulses that are incredibly relaxing). Add a tumbler of champagne followed by a vodka on the rocks and a brandy – dim the lights and a desire for sleep supersedes any plans for working or reading.

Transit Through

Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) is Europe’s 20th busiest airport with almost 19 million passengers annually. The airport’s German Rail station connects to the city using S-Bahn 11. Over 60 airlines service the airport with 186 non-stop destinations. The airport serves a metropolitan area of 18 million people, the 3rd largest in Europe and 7th in the world. For long layovers the Junkers Lounge (Level 2, Pier B, Schengen Zone) in the departure terminal offers passengers a place to plug in electronics, make a coffee and generally find a little quiet and comfort in an otherwise chaotic environment.

Getting to London from Dusseldorf

While there are many options, the least expensive transit to London is on EasyJet to Gatwick Airport. EasyJet requires that check-in be handled online and preprinted boarding passes are necessary. There is a pay-for-your-seat option, which I declined. Good luck was on my side as I was randomly assigned an aisle seat. Pack snacks and beverages as the only thing for free (almost) is bottled water and an inflight magazine. Oh yes, toilet use is still complimentary.

Gatwick to London

Transit options from Gatwick to London are numerous; however, the most desirable option is to select the No1Traveller.com car service. After waiting at haphazardly ventilated airports and flying for hours – there is nothing that makes for a happier moment than seeing a chauffeur standing at the exit with my name on a card, taking control of my luggage, and escorting me to his car at a nearby parking lot. Getting to the hotel is no longer a challenge – all I have to do is sit and be quiet.

Sleeping. Important Decisions

Travel means that you have to put your suitcase somewhere and at some point a bed and shower are necessary. Frequently hotel decisions are made on price and not on location or class of service – and this is a big mistake.

The difference between having a superlative adventure or an experience that does not make it into your diary or cocktail conversation can depend on selecting the right hotel. Many people are relying on Trip Adviser for recommendations although the credibility of the information has been challenged. Does anyone really know if a person actually stayed at a property? Can we be certain that someone was not paid to place a good/bad review? Travelers are taking the advice of people who may have different standards, values and expectations. Even trusting Facebook friends’ recommendations may be risky!

So – how to take the peril out of hotel selection? Be Brand Aware!

• Luxury/Premier Class. Kempinski hotels separate the rich from the richer. Having been a guest at hotels in many parts of the world, it has become abundantly clear that Kempinski stands for expert and experienced managers, incredible service (beyond expectations), outstanding design in public spaces and guest rooms/suites combined with convenient/exclusive locations.

• Comfort/Business Class. World Hotels has captured the formula that takes the sting out of business (and leisure) travel. Properties tend to be small, unique in their market with personalized services tailored to the needs/wants of the road warrior. Properties can be quirky, unique, and/or traditional; they can be located in the middle of a business district, or in a friendly residential neighborhood. The World Hotel brand assures a positive experience in a foreign locale that minimizes stress and enhances the travel experience.

• Convention/Business Hotel. Radisson Blu Beke (Budapest) is a hotel aimed at mid-market business travelers and weekend holiday couples looking for comfortable accommodations that are centrally located and value priced. Scheduled for renovation in 2016, this property offers huge suites suitable for meetings and small events.

Not by Air Alone

Of course there are flights from the UK to Paris; airport hassles demotivates the option. How then to cross the sea (without water wings)? The correct answer is Eurostar to Paris; connecting through to Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Budapest by Rail Europe. Actually – from springtime onward, travel from Budapest all the way to Helsinki (via Russia) can be done by train and ferry.

Boarding in London, the Aerostar security duplicates airport systems: shoes off, technology out, coats, bags, whatever – into the baskets. Show tickets, display passport, hands up and out for x-ray and body searches. Then – sit and wait in reception area for departure information, file up a steep incline to get to boarding platform, find correct car, find correct seat, stow luggage, take a deep breath and relax. On the UK side English is spoken and changes to French as the border is crossed.

Eurostar seats are amazingly comfortable and the wine options are fabulously French with a focus on Pays d’Oc from southern France. A small meal, a bit of work, and here we are in Paris!

Arrangements can be made onboard for a car service meet/greet. While the Paris train station is very busy, getting a taxi at curbside is not a challenge. Not fluent in French (or speak with a US accent)? Write the name and address of the hotel destination on a 3×5 card and show it to the driver. Pay the tab in Euros.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...