London and the beach?
Aug 8, 2014, 8:46 am
#16
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: London, England
Programs: Intercontinental Gold Ambassador | British Airways Silver EC
Posts: 36
If you are not completely set on a beach resort then I would definitely recommend a nice country house spa hotel. There are a lot of them around London and they won't feel as chaotic as a seaside town in England on a bank holiday weekend (which can be pretty hellish to be honest). Alexander House in Sussex has a gorgeous spa. There are tennis courts, manicured gardens, reading rooms etc. Or for the best of both worlds, check out Chewton Glen Spa Hotel in Hampshire. It's quiet with an amazing spa and is a 10 minute walk from a lovely shingle beach.
Aug 12, 2014, 1:41 am
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Actually, this is a good idea. Throw in some fine food and friendly people, and it's ideal for a short break. If you want to drive to a sandy beach from London, try West Wittering. Depending on where you are starting from, it's about 80mins or so.
Aug 20, 2014, 8:54 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boston Suburbrs
Programs: AA ExPlat, IHG Spire Amb
Posts: 1,205
Indeed the BA taxes are brutal. Found low level Bus awards on BA, but taxes over $1200 per ticket. Out in Coach and returning in the upper deck of the 747 only saved a few bucks. Thus, it's a US A330 to MAN, returning AA 777 to ORD. Maybe they'll offer a paid upgrade at check in... we'll see.
Chose Conwy area for the "beach" portion -- the St George hotel in LLandudno. Looks nice. Fairly reasonable deal on a room and half board 's package. So a few chill days of castles and beach in Wales, and then city life in London. Gonna post for advice on the tube separately.
Chose Conwy area for the "beach" portion -- the St George hotel in LLandudno. Looks nice. Fairly reasonable deal on a room and half board 's package. So a few chill days of castles and beach in Wales, and then city life in London. Gonna post for advice on the tube separately.
Aug 21, 2014, 11:52 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,209
You'll save a bit by making your business class leg be the one not departing the UK, therefore attracting a lower sin tax.