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#814169 by Mikee
18 Jun 2012, 19:21
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My new wife Kay and I stayed at the Gatwick Hilton before our early morning flight (0940), having driven from Yarm (Nr Middlesbrough). We parked in the short stay car park which was booked many months ago to get a cheaper deal . Our wedding was held at the Black Swan in Helmsley and if anyone is visiting the area we would strongly recommend that hotel. It’s so lovely and the staff are Brilliant.

We stayed in a Delux King in the new wing and it was clean and tidy. We ate in the Garden Room and the food was okay, but the girl who served us was excellent and very attentive and she asked if we were celebrating (we ordered a bottle of wine) once we mentioned we were on honeymoon she was even more so. As we returned to our table with our sweet she arrived with a sweet plate with Congratulations written in Chocolate. A lovely touch.

We woke early as we always do and reached check in at approx. 0600 with very little queues.

Check in was easy having checked in on line the day before.
Although the Premium security channel stickers were provided, it was closed, however the queues at security were short and within 10 minutes we were on our way to the clubhouse, without knowing the opening times.

Clubhouse
We arrived at 0611 not knowing the time and doors were closed, although the lady who came to the door was so apologetic and said opening would be in a few minutes. After a quick shop in Boots we returned to be welcomed by the same lady, who then showed us around, having been our first time in the LGW lounge. Good first impressions to the Lounge and its staff.
There were about 6 people in at the time and with Bucks Fizz and Full English (excluding Black Pudding) on its way we settled in to enjoy ourselves. It was our Honeymoon after all.
The Bucks Fizz went down a treat and a Mojito soon followed along with another bucks Fizz.

My wife always likes to browse (and buy) when in the airport, however this time she was content to stay in the lounge.
I’m suitably informed the foot manicure my wife had was relaxing and pleasant and by the talking I could here there was clearly lots of interaction discussing our wedding day.
All the staff were friendly and welcoming.

The Flight
We were called at 0900 and we boarded Hot Lips and headed straight for 6A&K. There were 7 other pax on board which included a young lad who was very well behaved. A CC introduced herself and showed us the seat controls and said if we needed anything just to call. The glass of Champers went down nicely and following completion of fuelling we pushed back 10 minutes early.

The seat was comfortable although the surroundings were a somewhat worn and almost looked abused, but all the facilities worked. The entertainment system was poor having experience the Heathrow fleets IFE. Our food order was taken and an hour and a half into the flight we had our meal. We both had the beef which was reasonable for airline food. The red wine helped to ease it down. After a sleep which most of the pax did we awoke and shortly later had afternoon tea which does have a leisurely feel to it. Its simple and is different for a flight.

Finally a large brandy before landing and ready for what was to be a wonderful honeymoon in St. Lucia.

We landed a few minutes early and second through customs and bags soon came through and we were in the Sandals lounge and at the Grande St Lucian by 15.00
#814184 by pjh
18 Jun 2012, 20:23
Thanks for the report. We'll be doing this trip (including using the Hilton @ LGW, but not Sandals) in a few (hopefully short) weeks time in the same seats. We've always sat next to each other when in UC - what did it feel like to be opposite in 6A and K?
#814190 by Mikee
18 Jun 2012, 20:55
pjh wrote:Thanks for the report. We'll be doing this trip (including using the Hilton @ LGW, but not Sandals) in a few (hopefully short) weeks time in the same seats. We've always sat next to each other when in UC - what did it feel like to be opposite in 6A and K?


It's an excellent seat and you can play footsie when the beds are made ;)
#814193 by Petmadness
18 Jun 2012, 20:59
Congratulations on your wedding :D I'm glad your Virgin experience was a memorable one - a fine way to start any holiday especially your Honeymoon y)
Many happy years ahead ^)
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