Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Thailand

The Four Seasons Bangkok was for a longer time on our list of hotels we always wanted to stay and finally the chance came to do so. We used their offer of every third night free, so we stayed 6 nights and paid for 4.

We had chosen an Executive Club Room.

We took a taxi from the Banyan Tree - see review -, which cost around 60 THB (ca. 1.40 Euro or 1.90 USD).

We were welcomed friendly and as a returning guest - we have never stayed there before, but visited each time we were in Bangkok - and accompanied to the Executive Lounge on the 7th floor, where all the check in formalities were taken care of.

We were also offered a welcome drink of our choice. When we were ready we were given our keys and brought to our room on the same floor. We were located at the Parichart Court and our room overlooked the pool and the neighboring apartments.

The room was large. The furniture was dark and a mix of Colonial style and contemporary. There were some green splashes as well and the wallpaper was yellow.

A small hallway led off to the bathroom and the bed room.

The art work was traditional Thai.

The bed was comfortable and large. Beside it were two chairs and a coffee table with a fruit plate and welcome note.

Unusual for a Four Seasons the writing desk had only one chair instead of two. 

There was also a wardrobe, luggage rack and credenza with a large TV and about 65 channels, which covered everything from Indian TV to CNN and Bloomberg. We liked watching Channel News Asia, LI Living Inspired and Channel 4.

On the credenza were the Four Seasons Magazine and others. There were also two books, one about Thailand, the other was the autobiography of the King of Thailand.

The minibar contained local juices and international beverages. There were also free bottles of Singha water. The company is more famous for their beer.

During our stay we received more and more water, depending how humid it was.

The granite bath room was large with a separate bath tub and shower, sink and toilet. The amenities were by L'Occitaine and generously supplied. 

We enjoyed spending time on our room, relaxing and talking. We also liked that the art work above the bed was a continuation of the stunning lobby murals.

The wakeup call was always on time and personalized.

One morning we managed to oversleep, even with the wakeup call and morning coffee and we missed breakfast.

On our first day we explored the hotel and found out that beside the lobby lounge, there are a few meeting rooms, Biscotti Restaurant for Italian cuisine, Shintaro for Japanese, the reception and the concierge.

There are more meeting rooms on the first floor. We had a closer look at the murals on the wall and ceiling, which was created by a Thai master, but he unfortunately died before the work was finished, so it was completed by his apprentices and family members. 

The spa and swimming pool are located on the first floor too. The pool is romantic with sun loungers and greenery.

The fitness center is located in a different building.

Other restaurants and lounges are the Pop up wine and charcuterie, Madison for steaks, Spice Market (Thai), Mocha and Muffins, Aqua and the Terrace.

We went to Mocha and Muffins in one of the courtyards, one of our favorite places in the hotel. There was a koi pond, shops, including an art gallery, a book shop and a Jim Thompson's outlet.

Mocha and Muffins has fantastic bakery goods, sandwiches, chocolate, coffee, teas and wine.

After choosing our drinks and a smoked salmon bagel, we took a seat at the back, overlooking Rajadamri Road and the BTS Sky train. We could watch the comings and goings. The staff was attentive, the cappuccinos creamy and strong and the salmon bagel very delicious. We paid 1.107 THB (ca. 25.90 Euro or 34.80 USD).

We really loved the nooks and crannies of the hotel and every corner seemed to reveal something new, like elephant statues at the entrance of the hotel, ponds with little sculptures and other art work.

During the day we were out exploring, but we used the executive club lounge nearly every day.

It is a very nice space, large with a reception at the entrance and lounge and restaurant style seating with a small library and internet corner. 

Breakfast is served daily until 10.30 hours. The buffet selection was not the largest, but of the finest quality. There was also an egg station with a chef, making all dishes to order.

Some of the choices were sausages, a local noodle or rice dish, congee with condiments, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, milk drinks including shakes, bread and much more.

Happy Hour had a small selection of alcoholic beverages. We tried the red (New Zealand) and sparkling wine (France, but not from the Champagne region).  Every evening we were there a different themed buffet was available from Italian to Japanese. 

It contained mostly seafood and mushrooms (one of us has an allergy of both), but there were enough other choices to satisfy us. The desserts were a hit, especially the coconut panna cotta.

Unlike other club lounges the Four Season's was never over run. When there were other guests they were quiet and considerate.

The club lounge staff was always welcoming, asked about our day and knew our preferred drinks and seating arrangements.

When we didn't arrive one day at all - the one we over slept - the staff was already missing us and relieved to see us again the next morning.

The location of the Four Seasons is ideal. The Erawan Shrine and Central World Shopping Mall, Gaysorn Plaza and the Centara Grand Hotel are just a short walk away.

The nearest BTS Sky train Station is Rajadamri Road. It's maybe five minutes walk away and gives you / us affordable access to the city. On the other side Bangkok is very walkable and we went one evening to Wireless Road within twenty minutes.

Check out approached way too fast. It was done very efficient and with a smile. A taxi to Phaya Thai Airport Link Station was organized as well.

All staff encountered from the back of house to the door lady and gentlemen were warm, hospitable and efficient.

The Four Seasons is very romantic, the location ideal, the rooms luxurious and spacious, the food great and the staff exemplary. We would love to return soon and recommend it highly.

©2014

Just Playing Detective

Nine year old Javier Loesing stared at his parent's guest. Allman Gregory Noose was nearly peeing in his pants because a bee was circling around the dinner table. Javier realized then it must be their former driver Coldham Fintan Noose III, the twin brother of Allman. While Allman didn't have fear of bees Coldham did. That didn't make sense, though, because Allman was married to Frieda and she was here. Javier was confused. Was Frieda also a twin? He was going to test them. Innocently Javier asked when the Nooses would reciprocate the invitation to dinner. For a moment Javier thought Allman or Coldham was angry with him. The impression was gone within seconds, so Javier wasn't sure. Frieda smiled at him and agreed it was no problem. Javier's parents and Frieda set a date. The mystery didn't leave Javier alone, though. He decided to investigate himself.

At the first chance Javier went online.
He googled Allman and Coldham. There was no information at all about Coldham, but plenty of photographs of Allman and a CV. The similarities between the brothers was stunning. Unfortunately the CV didn't mention if Allman had any siblings. Something didn't add up, though, because he knew Coldham had grown up in Miami, but Allman had lived most of his life in the North East of the US. Javier was stuck and looked for inspiration.

A few days later Javier talked with his oldest brother Wylie and how he would go about investigating people. Wylie mentioned their father used different search programs.
Javier worked out how to get access to them.

Interesting enough Javier found out Coldham wasn't a driver. He owned a security company, which made good profits. He was married to Frieda and lived in Miami with their daughter Casey.

Allman on the other hand was a psychiatrist and lived currently in California. He was happily married to Jennifer, a landscape gardener.

Javier noticed also that Allman was around one and a half years older than Coldham. Ergo they weren't twins.

Further digging revealed Allman was an only child, while Coldham had a younger brother Holiday Michael.

Javier combined some things Coldham had been telling them were true, but also that he had been lying in regards to others

Javier was sure now the person, who had been there for dinner and whom they had encountered on a Scotland vacation a few years earlier had been all along Coldham.

Javier felt betrayed. They had been very close when Coldham had worked as the family's driver. After Coldham had left them, they had lost contact.

Javier called the real Allman. Coldham and he might looked the same, but the voices were totally different. Allman's was high pitched, while Coldham's was deeper.

Javier managed to get Allman to talk about his dissertation and the newest project he was working on amongst other things.

Javier collected all the evidence and was going to show it to the whole family during dinner at the Noose's home.


©2014

The Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok, Thailand

After booking our flight, the discussion which hotel(s) to take in Bangkok started. There were a lot to choose from. We whistled our list down after spending a lot of thought what would be suitable and what our expectations were. 

At first I had my doubts I would like the Banyan Tree. My fiancé brought a lot of positive arguments forward and in the end we decided to take it. I'm glad he convinced me. 

There was a good offer at the Banyan Tree website, which included two dinners (one at Vertigo, one at Bai Yun), club lounge access, two pieces of laundry per day for free, free internet access and a discount when using the spa.

Before we even travelled we also requested a BMW 7 pickup from the airport, made appointments for a spa treatment and haircuts for both of us. All requests were replied to in a quick, warm and friendly manner. We felt already welcomed.

After dealing with immigration and customs and collecting our luggage, we went to Exit Gate B, Door 5, where a representative from the Banyan Tree was already waiting with a sign. We confirmed our name and were brought to our limousine.
 
The journey took about 40 minutes and the cost was 2900 THB (ca. 67 Euro or 90 USD). In the limousine refreshing towels and water was waiting for us. The driver was friendly.

We were greeted at the front of the hotel with a Lei, a flower garland, and our luggage was taken. We were brought up immediately to the club lounge on the 19th floor, where all formalities were taken care off and we received also a herbal welcome drink and more refreshing towels.

To our delight our room was ready long before check in time. We were brought to it on the 28th floor. Unlike at other hotels we were left to find out about our room by ourselves. My fear had been that the room was too dark, but it was unfounded. The photographs on the website don't do it justice. Since there are so many textures, it might be difficult to capture it correctly. The colors are muted beside the wall above the bed, which is red with an interesting piece of art.

Our room overlooked Sathorn Road and the city. 

The room was large. We had a huge king bed, kangaroo sized. It was comfortable and we had a good night's rest.

There was a large credenza with storage space for clothing, the mini bar (stocked with half bottles of whiskey, cognac, gin and vodka, a large selection of healthy snacks, local juices and international beverages) and a flat screen TV above it.

There were about 30 channels, 20 were international, like HBO, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC and BBC; the rest was regional.

We had a seating area with Thai silk cushions and a writing desk. The international outlets were easy to reach.

There were also the "Under the Banyan Tree" book, which describes the history of the hotel chain, international and local magazines and newspapers.

We received every day a fresh fruit platter with explanations about the different fruits delivered, a different scent, incense stick and at turn down  a gift, like a toy turtle, called Felly, or Jasmin scent to help you sleep. We found Felly cute and the other gift practical. We use it still every day, even at home.

The carpet depicted the circle of life. 

The bathroom was large too with double sinks, separate bath tub and shower and a toilet. 

The bath tub had great views over Sathorn Road.

The shower was huge and the shower head had the same size as the one at the Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur, where we stayed last year (see also review).

The safe and wardrobe was integrated in the bath room. 

The materials used were marble, tiles and granite. 

We also had a loofa, shaving kit and toothbrushes and tooth paste.

The nail file, cotton wool and other amenities were in a nice bag for him and her.

The bathroom amenities were stored in beautiful dispensers and made in Thailand. The scent was jasmine. 

The Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar are located on the roof top, the 61st floor. It's difficult to access - a lot of stairs to climb up and down -, so if you have walking difficulties I wouldn't recommend it.

During our two night stay we went twice to the Moon Bar. We loved the atmosphere, the friendly staff, the gorgeous views over the city and the delicious cocktails. We had the Chao-Pra-Ya, the Vertigo Sunset, the Catalyst and Saffron Sunrise. Snacks served with it was a nut and dried fruit mix, kale chips and spicy nuts. Cost was 1280 THB (ca. 29.50 Euro or ca. 40 USD) for two cocktails.

It was romantic to see the sunset and afterwards the twinkling lights of Bangkok and the moon. 

Our dinner at Vertigo consisted of a three course. We had a bottle of water, mango juice, apple spritzer, tuna ceviche, wild salmon trout with Moroccan salsa, spiced aubergine with saffron rice and mango cheese cake.
 
We had to pay only for the drinks, which was 880 THB (ca. 20.25 Euro or  ca. 27.40 USD). The dinner was very enjoyable and in my opinion especially memorable was the ceviche. The textures of the aubergine dish were interesting and flavorful. 
The quality at Vertigo is very high and it is priced accordingly. I would guess to calculate in per person around 100 Euro or 140 USD for a three course meal.

The staff was attentive. Food allergies can also be accommodated.

Our fellow diners were couples or small groups. One of the groups had a celebration, the other was business related.

During our dinner the hotel's photographer took pictures of us and by the end of the meal we had a framed memento, all complimentary.

Our dinner at Bai Yun, the Chinese restaurant, the next evening was tailor made, because the set menu was based mostly on seafood. One of us can't eat shellfish and mushrooms, so it was completely changed. Bai Yun is located a floor below Vertigo.

There are two huge windows overlooking the city. 

Our fellow diners were couples and a family.

The meal we were served was duck, corn soup with chicken, beef, cod, egg fried rice and 
sago, vanilla ice cream and cantaloupe melon as dessert. A gorgeous six course affair.

It was sumptuous and delicious. I liked the duck especially. The dessert was his favorite. We both liked the cold ice cream, the sago and the sweetness of the melon, setting it up nicely.

Vertigo won in 2013 best restaurant in Thailand, while this year’s [2014] winner is Bai Yun.

Beside those two restaurants are Apsara, the dinner cruise, Taihai (Teppanyaki), Saffron for Thai, Latitude Lounge and Bar, Romsai (international), the Lobby Lounge, the Juice Bar, Pier 59 for modern seafood and 24 hours in room dining.

We had a sneak peek at Pier 59. We liked the ultra-modern design with blue and white color scheme.

Every morning we went for breakfast to the Executive Lounge. The buffet was huge with so many items to choose from it would take at least a week to try them all. There was a Chinese, Thai, Japanese  and European section. All hot items, like Eggs Benedicts could be ordered and were freshly prepared. 

The lounge had restaurant and lounge style seating. There were more magazines and newspapers, books and games available.
Part of a photo exhibition, called Memories, was also displayed at the club lounge. It was created to commemorate 20 years of Banyan Tree around the World.

More of the exhibition was in the lobby and we really liked it. Sometimes the art depicted the members of staff of a certain Banyan Tree or guests celebrating their wedding, Christmas or other occasions. It was inspiring, and at least I felt like immediately booking another Banyan Tree.

In the lobby we could see the florist create leis and other flower arrangements. 

The Lobby Lounge also overlooks the koi pond and waterfall. There is also some outdoor seating.

There is a pedestrian connecting walkway through an office building to Sathorn Road. There are two BTS Sky train stations within walking distance. We went a bit exploring and found ourselves at Chong Nonsi station. On the way, which took about twenty minutes, we passed the Met Apartment block, the Australian, Malaysian and Singaporean Embassies. There is also a hospital, the Evergreen Laurel Hotel and a few famous restaurants.

Of course the Metropolitan Hotel and Sukhothai are only a stone throw away and we could, depending on the view, spot both of them.

We liked the location, but had chosen the Banyan Tree because we looked for relaxation before getting more active. The hotel fulfilled our needs and some more.

The 20th and 21st floor are dedicated to the spa, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, the Banyan Tree Gallery and the Juice Bar.

Treatment rooms are located on the 20th floor and have an interesting art installation, depicting bamboos. 

When the time was due for our haircuts we were asked to take a seat and were served cold tea. 

When our hair dressers were ready we were taken downstairs and our shoes were removed and replaced with slippers. The haircuts were done expertly and we enjoyed it. Afterwards our slippers were replaced with our shoes again and we were brought upstairs, where natural yogurt, fruit salad and hot tea were waiting for us.

My massage "The Asian Touch" was very good and I received tea, yogurt and fruit salad again.

The haircuts were together 3.811 THB (ca. 88.35 Euro or 119.50 USD), while the massage was 2900 THB (ca. 67.25 Euro or 90.95 USD).

The swimming pool overlooks Sathorn Road and the Metropolitan.

The Banyan Tree Gallery offers souvenirs, Angsana and Banyan Tree shampoos, soaps and other nice amenities. There was a discount if you bought three items and also one if you didn't take a plastic bag.

The time flew by and before we knew it was time to check out and take a taxi to the Four Seasons Hotel. Review to follow soon.

I was a bit sad, but also happy, because we had our memories, a photograph, "Felly" and the Jasmin scent.

Check out was done quickly, warm and efficient.

The Banyan Tree has grown to our hearts. We can only say positive things about the friendly and caring staff. They are trying really hard to make you comfortable and the stay a memorable one.

By the way the hotel was built on Feng Shui principles and is only 16 m wide. 

So, there's no doubt at some stage we are going back and would recommend to stay there to anyone for a relaxing stay in Bangkok.

©2014

Hilton London Gatwick, United Kingdom

When we bought our flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, we wanted to make our journey as smooth and convenient as possible.

Since we had to buy separate tickets (We had to find our way from Dublin to London Gatwick.) we also didn't want to run the risk of missing a connection, so we booked the Hilton London Gatwick on the night before and after our flight to Bangkok.

Please see also the flight review.

We had still points left from the Hilton Honors rewards program and used them for both nights.

Arriving with Aer Lingus at London Gatwick's South Terminal we followed the signs to the hotel. It meant going to the parking garage and taking a lift.

It wasn't our first stay. When we were last there we were impressed by the friendliness of the staff and our treatment as entrance Hilton Honors Blue members. We received an upgrade to a newly renovated room at the time. Only parts of the lobby had been accessible then due to building work. Now the hotel is completely renovated.

As soon as we entered the hotel we encountered a nice atrium with Amy's Restaurant and Bar as center piece.

There was also a Costa Coffee and Journey's Friend gift shop.

At check in a few people were queuing in front of us, but it didn't take too long. We were welcomed as return guests (on both occasions) - even though it had been a few years back - and as Hilton Honors Gold members upgraded to an Executive Room with Executive Lounge access. We were pleased with this.

The hotel is large with over 900 rooms, so to locate the room can be an issue (which lift to take) and the walk could be long.

Besides Amy's there is also the Garden Restaurant and Charlie Fly's Sport's Bar. In room dining is 24 hours available. Starters begin at 7.50 GBP (ca. 9.45 Euro / 12.85 USD), pasta and pizza from 13 GBP (16.35 Euro / 22.25 USD), mains from 16.50 GBP (ca. 20.70 Euro/ 28.20 USD) and desserts from 8 GBP (ca. 10.05 Euro / 13.70 USD).

Our first room was located on the 2nd floor of the new wing with views over the garden and another wing of the hotel, while the second room was on the fourth floor in the same wing. The layout was slightly different, but the color scheme in different shades of brown and furniture was the same.

We had a queen-size bed, a chair with ottoman, coffee table, writing desk, credenza, large flat screen TV (with all important channels) and a wardrobe.

The artwork was photographs depicting nature, like leaves.

The tea/coffee making facilities were by Twinning’s Tea (Every day and peppermint) and Douwe Egberts Coffee, brown and white sugar and sweetener. The cups were by Villeroy and Boch.

The mini bar contained Pago juices from Austria, which we liked and took all two of them, one was 2.95 GBP (ca. 3.70 Euro / 5.05 USD).

The rest was more typical beverages like Coca Cola.

There was a short hallway with a wooden floor, leading off to the bath room. The bed room was carpeted.

The bath room was medium sized and tiled in different colors (green and white) and sizes. The bath tub and shower were separate and there was a sink and toilet. The first bath room was stocked with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, while the other had also body lotion.

Both rooms were good, but I thought the layout of the first room was slightly more comfortable and the shower a bit bigger.

While my better half could sleep without any issues, I had problems. The pillows were too soft for me and didn't offer enough support.

Otherwise the bed was comfortable.

As Hilton Honors Gold Members we also received free internet access. It was spotty.

During our second stay the hotel had issues with their computer system, so no swipe of the credit card could be taken and we didn't have access to the minibar and the internet log in didn't function at all.

We were glad we had stopped at the Marks & Spencer's at the South Terminal to buy our dinner and a few beverages. We were too tired to bother going to the restaurant or order room service after our long flight from Bangkok, so the internet access wasn't that important and the drinks had been thank goodness already sorted.

I also received an apology at check out when I mentioned the mini bar had been locked.

The Executive Club Lounge is located on the 4th floor and easily to identify by the aquarium.

The lounge is L-shaped and longer than wide. There is a reception area, stocked with newspapers and check in/check out facilities.

The seating is restaurant style.

The buffet during Happy Hour was small, but sufficient to make dinner out of it. There were cold cuts, vegetables, cheese, crackers, stuffed peppadew, rolls, bread stuffed with grilled vegetables, chicken wings and more.

There was a small selection of non-alcoholic drinks including Strathmore still or sparkling water, Squash and other soft drinks and a small selection of liqueurs, wines and beers.

The quality was good, so we were happy. During our second stay we missed the Happy Hour due to our late arrival.

We went on both occasions to the breakfast and enjoyed especially the fresh strawberries. There were coffee, tea, two juices, cold cuts, smoked salmon, fruit salad, cheese, scrambled eggs, cereals and much more. The items were regularly replenished, even shortly before the breakfast service finished.

Before our flight to Bangkok we arrived early; on our way back to Dublin we were there shortly before the breakfast service closed. We had already chosen our breakfast, when punctual at 10.30 hours the staff began carrying away the food without informing the guests. It would be nice if one of the hosts could go from table to table - maybe five minutes before - and advise they are clearing the buffet.

Breakfast was quieter during our weekday stay. On the Sunday nearly all tables were taken.

Wake up calls were delivered on time, so thumbs up for this.

Check out was pleasant and without any issues.

All staff encountered were very friendly and efficient.

We like the location, comfort of the rooms, quality of food and the staff.

The Hilton London Gatwick allowed us to travel without stress and arrive relaxed at our destination.

Should we need in the future again a night or two at Gatwick we would love to stay here again.

©2014

Just lying

This story  builds on Drivers, The Heirloom, Just checking, Just confirming, Talk inside the shed and Talk outside the shed.

Patsy Loesing was expecting new guests. Her son Kenneth had told her one of them was the brother of their former driver Coldham Fintan Noose III. Anna, Kenneth's wife, and Kenneth had met Allman Gregory Noose and his wife Frieda at a hotel in Scotland on a vacation two years earlier.  Now Allman, a psychiatrist, and Frieda were living in Seattle. The Loesings had a vacation home in Des Moines with direct access to the beach.

When Patsy entered the sitting room, which was furnished in a mix of contemporary and classic style, she was perplexed. The person, claiming to be Allman, was definitely Coldham Fintan. Patsy was sure of this.
She knew more about Coldham than she let on. Coldham had behaved too unusual for an average driver and had been secretive. Patsy's suspicion had been roused and she went to check out Coldham's living quarters. What she found there convinced her he wasn't what he claimed to be. A thorough investigation revealed Coldham owned a security company. Patsy combined he was there to protect the family and when she checked with Kenneth, he confirmed it. Patsy was wondering why Kenneth thought Coldham was Allman. She didn't blow Coldham's cover, but was about to say it was interesting how successful all the brothers were, when Frieda upended her glass into Patsy's lap. Patsy's gut feeling told her Frieda hadn't been clumsy and done it on purpose, even though she looked totally abashed and apologized immediately. It seemed genuine. Patsy went to change her clothing and was followed by Frieda.
Patsy was straight. "What do you have to hide?" "I didn't want you to unmask Fin." "What? Kenneth didn't engage Fin?!" "No, Burt Lewis, Tianna Loesing's son, had heard through the grape vine that Averall Loesing planned an attack against you. There were rumours he wanted to kidnap a family member. Officially Burt stayed neutral, but asked Fin to look out for you. He worked as your driver as long as there was a threat. Kenneth didn't know what Fin's real job was. Burt asked for secrecy, so Fin has taken on the identity of his second cousin Allman, who's really a psychiatrist. We would appreciate if you could keep quiet about the situation." It made sense. The Wallenstein branch of the Loesings had been always trouble makers, ruining even Patsy's wedding day. Patsy was glad she now knew the truth and promised to keep her mouth shut. Little did she know...

©2014

Flight Aer Lingus Dublin - London Gatwick / Emirates London Gatwick via Dubai International - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

My better half found a good deal on Emirates' website from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). We hadn't been there for five years and wanted to return. We were at first a bit concerned about the coup and unrest in Thailand, but it seemed peaceful enough, so we decided to book the flight. To get to London Gatwick we bought a separate flight with Aer Lingus from Dublin.

The flight from Dublin to LGW South Terminal was full. Previous experience had shown that a pre-booked seat wasn't necessary. On this flight we were unlucky and weren't able to sit together. We chose then two middle row seats behind each other. Thank goodness a lady was so nice to change seats with us when she realized we belonged together.

Next time we consider the payable option of choosing our seats when booking the flight.

We had pre-ordered a meal, because our flight left in the afternoon, and we thought we would be peckish. Since a few months in-flight catering is provided by Clodagh McKenna, an Irish chef and TV personality. We chose the quinoa chicken salad with multi seed crackers, gluten free chocolate cake, fruit salad and coffee. For those, who don't like coffee, there's also tea available. Overall we were happy with the meal. It was refreshing, healthy and tasty. We would appreciate, though, if the description of the ingredients would be slightly more detailed. The salad contains raisins. One of us is allergic to them, so he had to pick them out.

More choice in regards to the beverage selection would be also great, i.e. also juice or water.

We find it also a bit sad that the beef salad is no longer available.

This particular Airbus A319 was a former Iberian plane. When Aer Lingus bought it they didn't change the interior, so the first generation Recaro seats are a bit uncomfortable (too few leg room) and don't have a net at the seat in front to store items.

Otherwise the flight was event less.

Before our next legs to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Bangkok we spent a night at the Hilton London Gatwick.  The review for this will follow.

The next morning we made our way to LGW North Terminal, where Emirates is based. The check in went flaw less and very few people were queuing.

Having heard only good things about Emirates we were looking forward to our first flight with them and we weren't disappointed.

The plane type was a Boeing 777-300ER. The seats were comfortable and there was ample leg room.

ICE, the entertainment system, offered a wide choice of movies, series, documentaries, games and music.

We were served lunch (prawn salad, chicken curry, chocolate dessert) and afternoon tea. Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and liqueurs were also available.

I watched a documentary about Lance Armstrong and a few World Cinema Movies.

Connecting in Dubai was easy. To our surprise we were handed new boarding passes at the gate and advised our seat had changed. I thought I didn't read right. It stated we had been upgraded to business class - a first for us.

The plane type used was an Airbus A380. The Business Class configuration was 1-2-1. I had an aisle seat; he had the window seat. Our hostess introduced herself as Suzie and explained she and her colleague Fatima would take care of us during the flight. We were offered a welcome drink and had a glass of Champagne (Moet & Chandon NV Brut Imperial).

We were handed the wine list, which included two white (De Bortoli Estate Grown Chardonnay 2012 Yarra Valley and Voyager Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 Margaret River) and red wines (Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2005 and Te Muna Road Pinot Noir, Craggy Range 2011 Martinborough) as well as Quinta do Portal Colheita Port 2000 Douro.

There was also a large selection of spirits, beers, cocktails and liqueurs available. We tried the Patron XO Cafe. The coffee liqueur was excellent.

Our order from the light bite menu was taken. There were sandwiches, vegetable pie, Asian-style chicken fried rice, fried udon noodles, coconut tart, and instant cup noodles. We chose the Asian-style chicken fried rice. It was very tasty.

We were also asked if we wanted to be woken for breakfast and invited to join the bar at the back any time.

The amenity bag containing Bulgari toiletries was handed out and we were also offered to have our bed made.

The seat itself was very comfortable and at the press of a button turned into a lie flat bed. I thought it was romantic when looking up and the ceiling twinkled with star lights. There was enough room to either sleep fully stretched out or on the side.

There was also a minibar stocked with a Sunrasia juice, Voss water and other beverages.

ICE could be accessed via the IPad at the seat or via the large flat screen TV. Storage space was either overhead, in front of the seat or at the side.

The window blinds could be opened and closed fully automatic.

The seats were angled in a way that guaranteed privacy and nobody would disturb the neighbour, if they had to get up for some reason.

It was an overnight flight and if we hadn't taken care, we could have been easily overwhelmed with all the services provided and not slept at all. Lying flat definitely helps arriving more rested at the destination.

Continental breakfast consisted of fresh fruits, yogurt, croissants, pastries and bread, butter and preserves. He had as hot item the scrambled eggs with mixed peppers and I had the courgette and cheese omelette. There was coffee/tea, Champagne, orange or apple juice to choose from.

We were also given priority lane access at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Immigration was a breeze and the wait for our luggage wasn't too long.

After ten days in Bangkok it was time to return to Dublin.

Checking in at BKK was hassle free again and waiting time very short.

Our planes was on the legs between Bangkok/Dubai and LGW the Queen of the Skies.

It seems we had a slightly older Airbus A380 between BKK-DXB, because the seats were slightly different than between DXB-LGW and ICE slightly more difficult to use.

There was only lunch service (we had fish), but there was also noodle pots as snacks available for those, who felt a small hunger pang.

Connecting in Dubai was longer than on the journey to Bangkok. We had to take the connecting train. Previously we were able to simply walk to our next gate.

My fiancé wanted to surprise me with a watch from duty free shopping between DXB and LGW. When asking the attendant if it was available she promised me she would check with her colleague if he had it in his cart, because it wasn't in hers. After waiting for ages I had to follow up and was left disappointed. It wasn't available.

The crew on this flight seemed to be generally stressed out and tired.

For lunch we had chickpeas and sweet corn salad with tuna, grilled chicken and blueberry streusel cake.

Later afternoon tea with cheese and chutney and chicken sandwiches, double chocolate cake and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam was served. Unfortunately the scone was with raisins again and no alternative offered, so my better half had to forgo it.

Arrival at London was on time. After crossing the longest  gate connecting bridge in the world we had to walk for about ten to fifteen minutes to Immigration, where a long queue had built up. It was moving fluid and within twenty minutes we were at the baggage claim to pick up our suitcase.

We enjoyed flying with Emirates, the comfort in both Business and Economy Class, the service, the delicious food and ICE.

After staying another night at the Hilton LGW we checked in for our flight with Aer Lingus back to Dublin.

We were sitting together even without having chosen our seats prior to the flight and hadn't any meal, because we had paid access to the Number 1 Traveller Lounge at the South Terminal.

The flight was eventless, punctual and the staff as always friendly.

Dublin International Airport was efficient and we were at home two hours after landing.

©2014