Claire L
<font color=blue>Enjoys a good broadway show<br><f
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2002
- Messages
- 10,782
Friday June 16th 2006
We were up by 3.45am and got dressed making sure we had all important documents ie passport, flight tickets and money, anything we had forgotten could always be bought
DMIL and DSFIL arrived at about 4.20am and soon the car was loaded and we were off. Traffic was good so we were at the airport by 5.50am 
Check in opened at 6.00am so we were first in the queue and had to wait a few minutes whilst the desks were got ready. Tickets were soon issued for the seats I had pre booked which meant we were right at the back of the cabin by the stairwell and could recline without hindering someone else. It was then time to get the TC's from Travelex so DMIL and DSFIL went off to get a drink, some 20 minutes later we met up with them and had a farewell chat before heading through passport control and onto the Virgin Clubhouse. We didn't stop in the departure lounge as thought we could pop back later after our carryon had been stored in the Clubhouse. Well we found the Clubhouse and what can I saw wow the staircase up was impressive and I then handed over our voucher to the attendant at the door and we were quickly in. Our carryon was then handed into the storage desk, which was so different to Gatwick where you just have lockers to use. The new Clubhouse hasn't been open long and WOW it is huge and very very nice.
We had a quick nose around and decided to have a wander before ordering any food. There are so many seating areas including a formal dining area, the bar, a library, a chill out area, a deli bar, games area, huge TV screen and loungers along with a roof top terrace and a Beauty/relaxation area.
We decided to sit in the chill out area and ordered breakfast which was a full English breakfast with tea and an orange juice for Nathan. Soon after ordering the drinks arrived followed by the brekkie.
Mmmmm it was yummy
After this we took a stroll around the lounge, checking out all the different area and then out onto the roof terrace. And then over to the Beauty/relaxation area which is called the 'Cowshed'. A very pleasant assistant showed us around and we took a look at the Spa.
We then took a brochure away to look at, soon after Nathan had a 'Floaty Cow' massage booked in for 8.30am and I had 'Fresh as a daisy' booked in for 9.30am. As we had a few minutes to spare we went to the internet bar and logged on whilst deciding what else to order. Nathan soon disappeared for his massage and returned 15 minutes later looking very relaxed
We then ordered more food a bacon muffin for Nathan and a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for myself which I ate after my treatment as it was nearing 9.30am. Mmmmmm what a fab 30 minutes I had prior to the flight very relaxing After this I ate my bagel and we made our way to the gate as boarding had been called. Upon arriving at gate 19 the queue was rather large but as we had PE tickets we were able to us the Priority queue and we were soon onboard and settling in with champagne for me and orange juice for Nathan. I must say and Nathan agrees the Heathrow planes are so much nicer than the Gatwick the seats were more comfortable and the entertainment system was the on demand system 
Take off was nearly on time at 11.25am. The crew were soon round with the drinks trolley I had vodka and diet tonic and Nathan stuck with coke. It was then time for the main meal which was a small salad then I had the chicken and pasta with mushroom and broccoli, which was quite tasty and the pudding was a chocolate mousse, very very yummy, all washed down with white wine. Soon after liquers were offered and I ahd a Baileys. The flight was smooth and the time passed, having the on demand entertainment system helped with loads of movies and games to choose from. Later in the flight we had a doze as the head rests were very supportive. Soon we were nearing the end of our flight and as we came into land got a great view over SF.
We landed at 1.30pm ontime. Once off the aircraft we headed staright for Immigration which had a huge line
Eventually we were through and the luggage was only just starting to arrive, surprisingly ours all arrived very quickly so we soon scooted off to collect the car via the airport monorail. As we were doing a fair few miles we upgraded to a Jeep Cherokee.
At last we were heading to SF at 2.30pm The freeway was running smoothly until one point where the traffic slowed but it soon started moving again and by 4.15pm we had reached our hotel which was the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf. I had booked this myself as a special package to include parking and brekkie, knowing that valet is not cheap ($36 a day) it worked out to be a good deal. Checkin went smoothly and we got a nicely refurbished room overlooking the pool. The walk in shower was lovely and the LCD tv fitted the bill nicely.
Last time we arrived in SF we decided to have a doze, big mistake as we slept til 3am and woke up starving so this time we made the effort to stay awake and go and get a light dinner. Not wanting to venture far we settled for Knuckles Sports Bar at the hotel.
Not wanting much we shared a plate of Buffalo wings and I followed it with the BLT and Nathan had the BBQ chicken pizza, which was huge, all washed down with a Bud Light or 2. Soon after we head upstairs and fall asleep.
Claire
{ From the VA website a description of the treatments }
The following treatment includes their signature shoulder massage and takes 30 minutes, which includes consultation and changing time. So relax, sit back and enjoy the ride. Treatments must be completed at least 45 minutes before your flight departs.
FRESH AS A DAISY
An express facial pick me up, designed for people who need a refreshing and energising lift or have been travelling and find their skin dehydrated. Included in the treatment:
Shoulder massage
Double cleanse-exfoliation
Hot towel infusion
Eyebrow tidy
FLOATY COW
A 15 minute treatment on the massage horse concentrating on your back, shoulders and the pressure points on your neck and head. Oil- free, it is a quick fix to relax you for the flight.
We were up by 3.45am and got dressed making sure we had all important documents ie passport, flight tickets and money, anything we had forgotten could always be bought
DMIL and DSFIL arrived at about 4.20am and soon the car was loaded and we were off. Traffic was good so we were at the airport by 5.50am Check in opened at 6.00am so we were first in the queue and had to wait a few minutes whilst the desks were got ready. Tickets were soon issued for the seats I had pre booked which meant we were right at the back of the cabin by the stairwell and could recline without hindering someone else. It was then time to get the TC's from Travelex so DMIL and DSFIL went off to get a drink, some 20 minutes later we met up with them and had a farewell chat before heading through passport control and onto the Virgin Clubhouse. We didn't stop in the departure lounge as thought we could pop back later after our carryon had been stored in the Clubhouse. Well we found the Clubhouse and what can I saw wow the staircase up was impressive and I then handed over our voucher to the attendant at the door and we were quickly in. Our carryon was then handed into the storage desk, which was so different to Gatwick where you just have lockers to use. The new Clubhouse hasn't been open long and WOW it is huge and very very nice.
We had a quick nose around and decided to have a wander before ordering any food. There are so many seating areas including a formal dining area, the bar, a library, a chill out area, a deli bar, games area, huge TV screen and loungers along with a roof top terrace and a Beauty/relaxation area.
We decided to sit in the chill out area and ordered breakfast which was a full English breakfast with tea and an orange juice for Nathan. Soon after ordering the drinks arrived followed by the brekkie.
Mmmmm it was yummy
After this we took a stroll around the lounge, checking out all the different area and then out onto the roof terrace. And then over to the Beauty/relaxation area which is called the 'Cowshed'. A very pleasant assistant showed us around and we took a look at the Spa.
We then took a brochure away to look at, soon after Nathan had a 'Floaty Cow' massage booked in for 8.30am and I had 'Fresh as a daisy' booked in for 9.30am. As we had a few minutes to spare we went to the internet bar and logged on whilst deciding what else to order. Nathan soon disappeared for his massage and returned 15 minutes later looking very relaxed
We then ordered more food a bacon muffin for Nathan and a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for myself which I ate after my treatment as it was nearing 9.30am. Mmmmmm what a fab 30 minutes I had prior to the flight very relaxing After this I ate my bagel and we made our way to the gate as boarding had been called. Upon arriving at gate 19 the queue was rather large but as we had PE tickets we were able to us the Priority queue and we were soon onboard and settling in with champagne for me and orange juice for Nathan. I must say and Nathan agrees the Heathrow planes are so much nicer than the Gatwick the seats were more comfortable and the entertainment system was the on demand system
Take off was nearly on time at 11.25am. The crew were soon round with the drinks trolley I had vodka and diet tonic and Nathan stuck with coke. It was then time for the main meal which was a small salad then I had the chicken and pasta with mushroom and broccoli, which was quite tasty and the pudding was a chocolate mousse, very very yummy, all washed down with white wine. Soon after liquers were offered and I ahd a Baileys. The flight was smooth and the time passed, having the on demand entertainment system helped with loads of movies and games to choose from. Later in the flight we had a doze as the head rests were very supportive. Soon we were nearing the end of our flight and as we came into land got a great view over SF.
We landed at 1.30pm ontime. Once off the aircraft we headed staright for Immigration which had a huge line
Eventually we were through and the luggage was only just starting to arrive, surprisingly ours all arrived very quickly so we soon scooted off to collect the car via the airport monorail. As we were doing a fair few miles we upgraded to a Jeep Cherokee.At last we were heading to SF at 2.30pm
The freeway was running smoothly until one point where the traffic slowed but it soon started moving again and by 4.15pm we had reached our hotel which was the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf. I had booked this myself as a special package to include parking and brekkie, knowing that valet is not cheap ($36 a day) it worked out to be a good deal. Checkin went smoothly and we got a nicely refurbished room overlooking the pool. The walk in shower was lovely and the LCD tv fitted the bill nicely.
Last time we arrived in SF we decided to have a doze, big mistake as we slept til 3am and woke up starving so this time we made the effort to stay awake and go and get a light dinner. Not wanting to venture far we settled for Knuckles Sports Bar at the hotel.
Not wanting much we shared a plate of Buffalo wings and I followed it with the BLT and Nathan had the BBQ chicken pizza, which was huge, all washed down with a Bud Light or 2. Soon after we head upstairs and fall asleep.
Claire
{ From the VA website a description of the treatments }
The following treatment includes their signature shoulder massage and takes 30 minutes, which includes consultation and changing time. So relax, sit back and enjoy the ride. Treatments must be completed at least 45 minutes before your flight departs.
FRESH AS A DAISY
An express facial pick me up, designed for people who need a refreshing and energising lift or have been travelling and find their skin dehydrated. Included in the treatment:
Shoulder massage
Double cleanse-exfoliation
Hot towel infusion
Eyebrow tidy
FLOATY COW
A 15 minute treatment on the massage horse concentrating on your back, shoulders and the pressure points on your neck and head. Oil- free, it is a quick fix to relax you for the flight.
