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Back to the UAE on Qatar's A380 in J, Al Safwa Lounge, FS J Beach, PH Abu Dhabi

Back to the UAE on Qatar's A380 in J, Al Safwa Lounge, FS J Beach, PH Abu Dhabi

Old Mar 13, 2017, 1:24 am
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Back to the UAE on Qatar's A380 in J, Al Safwa Lounge, FS J Beach, PH Abu Dhabi

November is a great month not to be in foggy Geneva or rainy Paris. In the Gulf region on the other hand the weather conditions are perfect, which is why we headed back to the UAE for some Vitamin D. Qatar's A380 is one of my favourite planes in the world and as I flew it many times on the CDG-DOH route I was curious to try the LHR-DOH route this time, also to check out Qatar's Heathrow Premium Lounge. A glorious London weather forecast and the desire to go back to the newly-renovated Lanesborough sealed the deal.

Here's the itinerary:

-Eurostar Paris-London
-The Lanesborough London
-Qatar Premium Lounge Heathrow
-QR J A380 London-Doha
-Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha
-QR Regional F Doha-Abu Dhabi
-Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
-Out and about in Dubai
-Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
-Out and about in Abu Dhabi
-QR Regional F Abu Dhabi-Doha
-Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge Doha
-QR J A380 Doha-London


My kind of November weather.



Stay tuned...

Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 13, 2017 at 7:25 am
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Old Mar 13, 2017, 3:36 am
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Sounds like a good one! Subscribed!

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Old Mar 13, 2017, 1:22 pm
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So looking forward to this one!!
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Old Mar 13, 2017, 4:45 pm
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Woohoo...another JohnRain report!
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 4:39 am
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Originally Posted by louislitt
Sounds like a good one! Subscribed!

LL (Fellow Disillusioned Cent)
Thanks louislitt!
Funny, I've yet to meet a European Cent customer that's satisfied...


Originally Posted by roadwarrier
So looking forward to this one!!
Thank you very much roadwarrier...


Originally Posted by chongl
Woohoo...another JohnRain report!
LOL chongl, thanks so much for your enthusiasm...
I hope I'll live up to your expectations!

Update: the next installment will be online later today.
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 8:37 am
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Every trip to London starts with a pit stop at the very enjoyable Eurostar Lounge at Gare du Nord, the perfect spot to stock up on newspapers, magazines, croissants and caffeine.




My first ride on one of the new Eurostar trains. The cabin is more spacious...




... but the seat padding brings back memories from my last stay at a Ryokan.




The 2h15min trip is just long enough for a weekend edition of the FT...




...and another round of croissants with some tea, as we were getting closer to crossing the Channel and thus the coffee/tea line.




I liked the Lanesborough when it still was a St. Regis, but after an extensive renovation and a change of management (it is now part of the Oetker Collection), I love it.





































We were escorted to our room, a lovely Junior Suite.







It took me a moment to realise that the TV was hidden behind a painting.



















For lunch we opted for Berners Tavern.



















After some Christmas shopping at Selfridges...




... we went back to the hotel for some drinks & snacks at the bar.










I think I'll have a Virgin Mojito.













Snacking usually makes me hungry. Fortunately, one of my favourite restaurants in London, Coya, is only minutes away.













What better way to end the day than Champagne and strawberries.









Conclusion: A very enjoyable stay at the Lanesborough, certainly not my last.
Up Next: Qatar Heathrow Premium Lounge

Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 20, 2017 at 3:59 am
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 9:59 am
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Originally Posted by chongl
Woohoo...another JohnRain report!
My thoughts exactly!! Looking forward to it JohnRain ^
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 11:06 am
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Wow, the Lanesborough is gorgeous!
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 11:35 am
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Something new on my regular-read list^ Always stayed at FS Park-Lane or IC (dont letss talk about it) so far. Even if the style looks "special" I hear many good things about the Lanesborough so perhaps I give it a try next time.
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 11:38 am
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Great TR, thank you and look forward to it

Cognac at 160k per liter....if only they serve it in F )
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 4:21 pm
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Respect!!!
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 4:28 pm
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Originally Posted by CGRA
Cognac at 160k per liter....if only they serve it in F )
And I would say: No thank you, just a Ginger Ale or Diet Coke
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Old Mar 14, 2017, 6:43 pm
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Another great TR! I've never seen a liquor list that is categorized by century!
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Old Mar 16, 2017, 12:38 am
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Originally Posted by Madone59
My thoughts exactly!! Looking forward to it JohnRain ^
Thanks so much, Madone59. With your permission I'll publish a picture of your other car, the one you only use in Dubai...


Originally Posted by CappuccinoAddict
Wow, the Lanesborough is gorgeous!
It is indeed, CappuccinoAddict, thanks.


Originally Posted by offerendum
Something new on my regular-read list^ Always stayed at FS Park-Lane or IC (dont letss talk about it) so far. Even if the style looks "special" I hear many good things about the Lanesborough so perhaps I give it a try next time.
You should indeed try the Lanesborough, offerendum, and don't forget to have lunch or dinner at Cleste.


Originally Posted by CGRA
Great TR, thank you and look forward to it

Cognac at 160k per liter....if only they serve it in F )
Indeed, CGRA... Even EK's Hennessy Paradis isn't remotely in the same league...


Originally Posted by BESVISOR
Respect!!!
Haha, thanks BESVISOR!


Originally Posted by offerendum
And I would say: No thank you, just a Ginger Ale or Diet Coke
Ordering a 1770 Grand Fine Champagne: 6'500 a glass.
Mixing it with a Diet Coke and looking at the waiter's reaction: priceless.


Originally Posted by United747
Another great TR! I've never seen a liquor list that is categorized by century!
Thanks a lot, United747...
It's indeed not everyday that you see such a list.

Update: the next installment will be online on Monday.

Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 16, 2017 at 11:31 am
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Old Mar 16, 2017, 9:05 am
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Originally Posted by JohnRain
Thanks so much, Madone59. With your permission I'll publish a picture of your other car, the one you only use in Dubai...
Why yes of course you may
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