VS046 JFK-LHR 23 DEC 14 (Upper Class)
Posted: 21 Jan 2015, 17:15This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
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Excellent time was had in NYC on all fronts. We stayed in a suite at the W Hotel Times Square, which we thought was great. Although you are right in the middle of it all, the height of the hotel meant that there wasn't much noise in the evenings.
Managed to squeeze in the 9/11 Museum, Central Park, LOTS of shopping, very foggy Statue of Liberty cruise on the Circle Line and a peek at Grand Central Station. Would definitely recommend The View restaurant at the top of the Marriott - it slowly rotates over the course of an hour to give some very impressive views!
FH presented me with an engagement ring as up until this point I was without (I proposed in Paris in the summer - I know, get your sick buckets out
lol), so it certainly was a memorable trip.The return journey would be 747-400. Unfortunately we were beaten to it getting the much coveted nose seats, but managed to get 16 and 17A so not too shabby
After an hour long taxi journey, which caused some undue concern (where was he taking us??!
) we arrived at JFK. Upper Class area was easy to spot on the far right, and then a walkway down into a more private check in area. The lady at check in was prompt, efficient and good - but not 'LHR good', if you know what I mean. 
Fast-track security - again not 'LHR good', but did cut out a good chunk. Lounge was easy to find, and excitement kicked in once again as we arrived at the CH entrance, much to FH's embarrassment I'm sure!
Again friendly intro by the desk clerk and pointed us in the direction of the spa. We had around 3 hours to kill, so booked in head massages for each of us, and plonked ourselves down in the dining area.
On the whole staff were great, particularly one lady who was singing her way around the CH! One of them seemed like she didn't really want to be there, and also came out with a meat burger when I had ordered the veggie version
. Very quickly sorted though. A few mojitos later it was time for the head massage. Very good again, although we both seemed to get something a little bit different: he got the hot stone in hand treatment and I didn't... no real bother though.Had a wander around and CH was still nice and quiet.
Settled down in one of the nice big sofa chairs, and ordered some cheese. I didn't intend to eat on board so I probably did overindulge somewhat.
Boarding was called for the very short and sweet walk downstairs. Another lovely welcome by CC but not by name (have they stopped doing this?). Champagne in hand while we wait for the stragglers...
I love the way the seats curve in at the nose, creating so much free space in the middle. I almost had the urge to do star-jumps in the middle...
I settled in and once again wrestled to get that pesky armrest down, one of few criticisms of this version of seat.
Turned my seat into a bed - FH and I were in close competition to make the bed first! Breakfast orders in, then had a good snooze. Peeped over the 'wall' in the morning to see if FH was ready for breakfast. Asked if we could dine together and CC lady said it was fine. VERY turbulent flight so he was pretty terrified, but still managed to eat
Landed on time, luggage out very quickly, and then a mission to find the Revivals lounge. We might be forgiven this early in the morning, but we took a wrong turn at first and walked straight past it.
Another head massage and another nice mini breakfast was our last VS treat.
What a fantastic experience overall. I've only done BA CW before, and this has completely swayed me over. The service was magical, and BA doesn't come close in terms of style and appeal, IMHO.
I can't wait until my next UC trip
to take them. Yours make me want to reach in and be there.
