I got back from Paris & London yesterday. Like last year, I arrived home sick ugh.
London was amazing, but the shopping crowds were intense. For the first time in London I had an attempted pick pocket. Sadly they did get around 80 GBP, but I managed to salvage the 2 my ccs in my wallet and 30 pounds. Not sure how it happened, I was at the intersection of Oxford & Bond on Sunday, crowds were insane and I heard my platinum card hit the ground. Of course I immediately grabbed the card and a lady next to me got my CSR and the cash. Luckily I had my wallet 'tied' into my bag (attached a safety pin to the lining of the bag, then attached a hair tie to the pin, then I secure the wallet to the hair tie -- were it not for my wallet being attached to my bag I most likely would've lost everything). What makes me angry with myself is that I bought a small
s-clip on
Amazon that I use to 'lock' my purse (zipper pull to a ring on the strap of the bag), but for some reason I didn't lock my bag. Lesson learned. I feel stupid for this happening to me because I know better, but am sharing because it's important to always be vigilant.
Anyways, as previously posted, dd and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Churchill for 5 nights. I booked the base room on points (175k total) and a generous member gifted us a GoH, which gave us an upgrade to a Regency Suite! We had breakfast every day in the restaurant, where we could graze from the buffet and order off the menu (I did both each day since I'm not a fan of buffet food). The cooked breakfasts were excellent and the smoothie they had at the buffet each day was delicious! I only made it to the lounge once at 5pm and partook in the food -- there were chicken strips (yummy!), cheeses, crackers and flat breads, lettuce & dressing, rolls and a few other items that I cannot recall. I was in the lounge before 5pm -- as soon as the staff brought out the alcohol a line appeared. I went for the food so was able to enjoy before everyone descended on the food! The food was good, not enough for dinner, but definitely nice appetizers.
Location is excellent. Five mins walk to Marble Arch tube station, 12-15 mins to Bond Street (for the Lizzie line, which goes directly to Heathrow). I went to Harrods once (had to get my annual tree ornament) and took the bus each direction -- was max 20 mins and very easy. Dd and I ended up taking a taxi to her interview because it was raining and we had a good 12 min walk from the tube station to the school (didn't want to show up soaking wet). I also took a taxi to St. Pancras station to catch the Eurostar to Paris (I didn't want to deal with the stairs again). Most places I wanted to visit were within a 20 min walk. Would def stay here again if it was available on points.
Room was super quiet, loved having a walk-in closet and the extra space to move around is always appreciated. Bed was very comfortable, pillows were perfect. No welcome amenity in room -- called down and that night a tin of shortbread was left out (brought home -- will put out for Christmas!). Almost all of the concierges were Cles d'Or and had access to reservations at every restaurant that I asked for (including 1 that I couldn't get at Mayfair Chippy). I had read on FT that the rooms are getting dated and I would somewhat agree with that, but I liked the vibe. One thing they need to change is the toilets -- ours was so low to the ground it reminded me of the kindy toilets at elementary school lol (I am tall with arthritic knees, so I very much appreciate ADA facilities lol). Very minor issue in the grand scheme of things. Amenities were Molton Brown and we had large dispensers in the room, but housekeeping left small bottles each night as well! I would stay again without hesitation. For the time we were in London a room at any other decent hotel would've run us at least $800 + taxes / night, so I was thrilled with the value. In the Regency Suite the beverages in the fridge were free (one free fill) -- included juices and soda. We only drank the water, but if someone drinks soda and juices, it's a very nice perk.
Dd felt that her interview went very well and we both really liked the Uni of London. She won't know if she gets a seat until mid-January to mid-February, but we both had very good vibes, so fingers crossed. The girls in her group of 5 for the sessions were all really nice and she exchanged socials with them. I met a few nice parents and we spent the afternoon together while the girls were rotating through the various stages in the process (it was all afternoon). I am very glad that we went to London and toured the school -- it really helped her appreciate all it has to offer. Would appreciate as many positive vibes as possible because I think it's 1 of her top choices!
large and very comfy bed
I loved the huge closet!
