While my family huddled around our gaggle of bags (we had 6 checked bags – one for FE gifts alone!) and 4 carry-ons, so we had quite the stash!) I picked up the phone and called our ride – 24/7 Transfers. Evidently, the driver had just left (he did wait an hour, so I guess I shouldn’t be too mad) but he was still in the vicinity. We pushed our stash outside the terminal and waited about 10 minutes but there he was! We had a nice big van for the 45 minute ride into London.
While we were waiting for our ride, I got an email from our hotel that they upgrading us! I was so excited I thought I couldn’t contain my excitement. I tried – I really did – but Avery noticed that I was a little TOO happy. I told her it was about the hotel, but that’s all I could say.
So, because I am a very detailed (neurotic?) travel planner, I knew when our driver made a wrong turn when getting close to our hotel. He didn’t believe me until he pulled over for directions and the pedestrian confirmed what I said! Anyway, we got to the Plaza on the River and when I tried to pay using my credit card – the driver told me his terminal was broken. AGH! So, Grumpy went to the ATM to get cash – but it, too, was broken. Never fear, the front desk at the hotel gladly exchanged some US dollars to Pounds and we were able to bid the driver adieu! Not the best airport transfer experience we have ever had and I am not sure I’d recommend them based on this trip.
However, once we stepped inside the hotel lobby, all was quickly forgotten. It’s amazing how a friendly face and a glass of champagne can turn your day around! The delightful check-in staff confirmed our upgrade to a 2 bedroom suite with Big Ben view and balcony! Now, as you may recall, I had originally booked a room at the Premier Inn County Hall as we were pleased with the very low (for London) rate. However, I kept looking, as we did have quite a long time to plan this trip, and I found the Plaza on the River – same great location BUT with a lot more room for us!. So, I contacted the hotel directly and was amazed that the reservations staff was on top of it. They actually read my email, made specific recommendations based on my requests, and actually followed up to make sure that I was happy. And, was I ever? I only booked a 1 bedroom suite, but we were upgraded to a 2 bedroom with the same AMAZING view. It would be about $1000 more for our 3 night stay than the Premier Inn, but I had NO doubts about the change once we arrived.
We stepped into our suite and my kids started running around – they were so excited! We all went out on the balcony and were grinning from ear to ear as our view was to-die-for. We were on the 4th floor and we could see so much from our huge balcony – the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, etc…Then there was the suite to explore!
The view from our balcony!
We had 2 large bedrooms with floor to ceiling windows, 2 bathrooms – the master even had an enormous soaking tub and shower big enough for 2! We had a full kitchen with table, dining table for 6, living area with chairs and a sofa and even a washer/dryer! So – much – space! Combine this with the great service, and I knew I had picked a winner!
By this time it was past 8pm and we needed to figure out whether to head out or stay in. I knew most restaurants were about a 10 minute walk, so I suggested room service. Grumpy, on the other hand, wanted to get out and explore. I tried to tell him that we didn’t want to push it too much with the kids on the first day. So, we compromised and went downstairs to the hotel restaurant, Chino Latino.
It was a trendy-looking restaurant, and we weren’t sure we’d do well with the kids, but no worries, we were shown a great table and had an even better meal. The food was outstanding – especially the kids’ meals! We had a small smattering of small dishes to share and were thrilled with everything. The restaurant was supposed to be a pan-Asian style restaurant with some Latino influences, but we felt that it was strictly Asian. What do we know? All I do know is that it was outstanding!
After dinner, we went back upstairs, got comfortable and tried to put the kids to bed. Avery was easy – she was thrilled to have her own bed AND her own bedroom! Beau was not convinced it was bedtime, though, and we had quite the time settling him down in his crib.
Would Beau sleep? Would any of us? Tune in to our next installment to find out!
As this is our last stop in Norway, I imagine we’ll be making a mad dash for any souvenirs that we’ve missed along the way.
