Christkindlesmarkt villages in Germany via British Airways and Lufthansa First Class
Mar 2, 2019, 3:07 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: LAX and LHR. UA lifetime Gold 1.9MM 1K , DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis President's Club
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Thanks for the TR. That food is substandard biz, certainly not First. And the wines are OK for biz but not appropriate for international First. Really!
Just a little bit of translation help re the lounges, if you'd be so kind: is a lounger the same thing as an armchair in your terminology? I'd think of a lounger as something like a reclining deck chair with a foot rest.
Just a little bit of translation help re the lounges, if you'd be so kind: is a lounger the same thing as an armchair in your terminology? I'd think of a lounger as something like a reclining deck chair with a foot rest.
Mar 2, 2019, 9:36 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: St. Paul, MN
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, IHG Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 448
Looks great so far and looking forward to the rest. BA F looks nice, but the food and seat looks a bit lacking compared to other reports I've seen of international F class products.
Mar 4, 2019, 8:56 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2013
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Posts: 1,307
Good grief!! Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray Gin and then Highland Queen Scotch??? They really want to chase the Scotch drinkers away
Great report so far, looking forward to much more.
Mar 7, 2019, 9:13 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
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British Airways – The Concorde Room
London Heathrow Terminal 5
We arrived at London Heathrow Gate 340. As I got off the plane, we followed the purple connections path. It is always a maze at Heathrow and I doubt I will ever get the opportunity to fully know it’s design secrets.
The transfer over from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 occurred on the semi-secure side. We bussed ourselves over where, on arrival to Termina 5, security took a run at examining the Refinery Amenity Kit that I had just picked up from the First Class flight. As my bag entered the secondary channel behind that plexiglass wall, not only did I have to wait 5 secondary bag screening examinations until they could get to mine, but they were a bit surprised at how many toiletries British Airways had given out with said kit. Even another economy passenger from some other flight was impressed. After another 15 minutes lost, the screeners eventually threw me a new plastic bag and told me to beat it.
We headed over towards the Concorde Room and eventually found the non-descript “millionaire’s” door. After we were screened in at the host at the outdoor podium, “please see my colleague inside”, we were admitted entry into the best lounge that British Airways had to offer.
It was my first visit to The Concorde Room. Immediately in the entry area was a grand piano. Unlike the Asiana First Class lounge, this one actually offered passengers the opportunity to play it. Although throughout my visit, I didn’t see anyone make a piano playing attempt.
Having done a little advance research, we headed straight out to the indoor terrace balcony to set up and pass our time tonight. The lounge has been recently refreshed in the last year or so and looks quite comfortable.
The terrace had over concourse views, which is better than looking into a wall or some other cargo container view. There were also nice sun set views casting a warm glow over the terminal during our visit.
I didn’t bother to have booked a travel spa experience this trip as it was more of an inconvenience than a perk the last time I went through.
The bar in the Concorde Room was a lovely addition to the lounge. I ended up ordering a Gin Fixx drink, along with a Laurent Perrier Grand Sciele. While I was out exploring, MrsWT73 had ordered me a macaroni and cheese. It came while I was around taking photographs and was actually surprisingly tasty.
There isn’t any food out on offer in the Concorde Room. All the food is ordered off menu where waiters bring it over to you. You can also dine in the dining area; which we didn’t visit this time around. I actually found the ordering "a la carte" to be a bit of a pain. It would have been nicer to have something light to snack on that was easy to get without having to wait for it.
MrsWT73 actually quite enjoyed the Concorde Room. She particularly liked the attention to detail for the drinks made at the bar, and the spacious terrace and views from it. Although not one of the world’s best lounges, it would probably be in my top ten. I’d be happy to spend a much longer layover here. Unfortunately, a lot of connection time was lost thanks to ground operations and over zealous security screeners.
London Heathrow Terminal 5
We arrived at London Heathrow Gate 340. As I got off the plane, we followed the purple connections path. It is always a maze at Heathrow and I doubt I will ever get the opportunity to fully know it’s design secrets.
The transfer over from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 occurred on the semi-secure side. We bussed ourselves over where, on arrival to Termina 5, security took a run at examining the Refinery Amenity Kit that I had just picked up from the First Class flight. As my bag entered the secondary channel behind that plexiglass wall, not only did I have to wait 5 secondary bag screening examinations until they could get to mine, but they were a bit surprised at how many toiletries British Airways had given out with said kit. Even another economy passenger from some other flight was impressed. After another 15 minutes lost, the screeners eventually threw me a new plastic bag and told me to beat it.
We headed over towards the Concorde Room and eventually found the non-descript “millionaire’s” door. After we were screened in at the host at the outdoor podium, “please see my colleague inside”, we were admitted entry into the best lounge that British Airways had to offer.
It was my first visit to The Concorde Room. Immediately in the entry area was a grand piano. Unlike the Asiana First Class lounge, this one actually offered passengers the opportunity to play it. Although throughout my visit, I didn’t see anyone make a piano playing attempt.
Having done a little advance research, we headed straight out to the indoor terrace balcony to set up and pass our time tonight. The lounge has been recently refreshed in the last year or so and looks quite comfortable.
The terrace had over concourse views, which is better than looking into a wall or some other cargo container view. There were also nice sun set views casting a warm glow over the terminal during our visit.
I didn’t bother to have booked a travel spa experience this trip as it was more of an inconvenience than a perk the last time I went through.
The bar in the Concorde Room was a lovely addition to the lounge. I ended up ordering a Gin Fixx drink, along with a Laurent Perrier Grand Sciele. While I was out exploring, MrsWT73 had ordered me a macaroni and cheese. It came while I was around taking photographs and was actually surprisingly tasty.
There isn’t any food out on offer in the Concorde Room. All the food is ordered off menu where waiters bring it over to you. You can also dine in the dining area; which we didn’t visit this time around. I actually found the ordering "a la carte" to be a bit of a pain. It would have been nicer to have something light to snack on that was easy to get without having to wait for it.
MrsWT73 actually quite enjoyed the Concorde Room. She particularly liked the attention to detail for the drinks made at the bar, and the spacious terrace and views from it. Although not one of the world’s best lounges, it would probably be in my top ten. I’d be happy to spend a much longer layover here. Unfortunately, a lot of connection time was lost thanks to ground operations and over zealous security screeners.
Mar 7, 2019, 9:17 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
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Posts: 4,609
British Airways
BA 956 – Club Europe Business Class (U)
LHR-MUC (London Heathrow Terminal 3 – Munich)
December 8, 2018
05:20 PM – 8:15 PM
Booked: Airbus 320
Flown: Airbus 319
The boarding gate was not posted until about T-40 minutes. At about T-30 minutes, we left The Concorde Room. Using the opposite entrance, we headed down past the British Airways Galleries First Lounge into the retail duty free mayhem over towards Gate A12. Heathrow Terminal 5 was nicely decorated tonight with Christmas coming near.
The boarding was a mess at the gate, mostly due to poor planning and space constraints around the gate. Gate A12 appears to be almost directly under a terrace staircase which contained access and mazes. Despite the plane only being an Airbus 319, the gate area was packed.
We made our way over to the Group 1 boarding area and queued. There was another 10 minute flight delay thanks to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft.
Eventually, we got on board. The seating configuration is the standard European economy seat with a blocked middle. I didn’t bother to pay for a seat assignment for this leg and as a result, I ended up seated apart from MrsWT73. Truth be told, I didn’t bother to engage in the seat swap discussion that appears to be common in Club Europe on my last few BA flights.
We had a long taxi over to the take off runway and were eventually underway.
Thankfully, tonight’s light dinner was DO & CO catered. The food was miles ahead of the First Class food I’d had on the inbound flight, which is saying something for a short haul Club Europe. It was a light beef salad, paired with a Tanqueray Gin along with Fever Tree light tonic tonight. Although it was a smaller snack, it was tasty and really appreciated; much better than buy on board.
We had a windy landing in Munich. Once we were off, we had a friendly immigration agent ask me a few questions and we were stamped into Europe without issues. Since I was travelling with carry on only, we bypassed the baggage hall and headed for the S8 train into the Munich Hautbahnhof pretty quickly.
Sadly, the British Airways Club Europe food experience was better on this segment than the long haul in First Class. I still can’t figure out how these European Airlines get away with the same economy seats sold as business up front? While it’s nice to have a blocked seat, it isn’t all that useful or comfortable.
BA 956 – Club Europe Business Class (U)
LHR-MUC (London Heathrow Terminal 3 – Munich)
December 8, 2018
05:20 PM – 8:15 PM
Booked: Airbus 320
Flown: Airbus 319
The boarding gate was not posted until about T-40 minutes. At about T-30 minutes, we left The Concorde Room. Using the opposite entrance, we headed down past the British Airways Galleries First Lounge into the retail duty free mayhem over towards Gate A12. Heathrow Terminal 5 was nicely decorated tonight with Christmas coming near.
The boarding was a mess at the gate, mostly due to poor planning and space constraints around the gate. Gate A12 appears to be almost directly under a terrace staircase which contained access and mazes. Despite the plane only being an Airbus 319, the gate area was packed.
We made our way over to the Group 1 boarding area and queued. There was another 10 minute flight delay thanks to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft.
Eventually, we got on board. The seating configuration is the standard European economy seat with a blocked middle. I didn’t bother to pay for a seat assignment for this leg and as a result, I ended up seated apart from MrsWT73. Truth be told, I didn’t bother to engage in the seat swap discussion that appears to be common in Club Europe on my last few BA flights.
We had a long taxi over to the take off runway and were eventually underway.
Thankfully, tonight’s light dinner was DO & CO catered. The food was miles ahead of the First Class food I’d had on the inbound flight, which is saying something for a short haul Club Europe. It was a light beef salad, paired with a Tanqueray Gin along with Fever Tree light tonic tonight. Although it was a smaller snack, it was tasty and really appreciated; much better than buy on board.
We had a windy landing in Munich. Once we were off, we had a friendly immigration agent ask me a few questions and we were stamped into Europe without issues. Since I was travelling with carry on only, we bypassed the baggage hall and headed for the S8 train into the Munich Hautbahnhof pretty quickly.
Sadly, the British Airways Club Europe food experience was better on this segment than the long haul in First Class. I still can’t figure out how these European Airlines get away with the same economy seats sold as business up front? While it’s nice to have a blocked seat, it isn’t all that useful or comfortable.
Mar 7, 2019, 9:30 pm
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Le Meridien Munich.
Suite, King
We stepped off the S8 and arrived the Munich Hautbahnhoff, which was all decorated for Christmas.
We walked out the south door. The Le Meriden Munich is right across the street from the Hautbahnoff and next door to the Aloft. The Meridien's location, although not in the nicest neighbourhood of Munich, is exceptionally convenient to access Munich's transit systems. It’s also within reasonable walking distance of Marienplatz. Some photos from throughout the stay.
Along with a daytime photo from the next day. . .
We found our way into the lobby at about 9 PM where there was no line to check in. The lobby is a reasonable space and there were often people hanging out there.
Our reservation for this stay was on a back to back reservation with two booking numbers. One half of our reservation was on a free night award courtesy of the Canadian Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card and the other night was on a cash basis. On top of this, 2 suite night awards had cleared into a Suite separately on both reservations. The front desk host was able to merge our reservation(s) and keep us in the same room so we wouldn’t have to transfer mid stay.
We self led ourselves to Room 525, which was a corner suite. The room was a great and comfortable size, and just the thing we needed after a long day of traveling.
There was a separate seating area, along with a sofa bed that was actually comfortable to sit on.
The bedroom faced the street side. It had a nice comfortable bed which was great for relaxing. Unfortunately, the street side is quite noisy with both ambulances, street cars and a taxi stand within proximity of the North Side of the hotel. This made getting a restful sleep a little challenging at times.
The bathroom had a separate dressing area, which was convenient for getting ready.
The bathroom was the standard variety; nothing all too special.
This hotel participates in Make a Green Choice.
During our stay, we enjoyed two great SPG Platinum Breakfast(s). The breakfast was offered 6:30 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 1 PM on weekends. We were able to roll in at 11:00 AM on Sunday morning which was really appreciated after a late and jet lagged arrival the night before. The breakfast space is the contemporary breakfast room where a cheery attendant led us to available seats.
The breakfast offered an egg station, espresso coffee machines and free pour prosecco sparkling wine on the weekends only.
The hotel also offers a small bar / lounge. The lounge was typically full and appeared to be difficult to get a seat in, often resulting in customer spill over into the lobby. This was a pay lounge and not a dedicated lounge for Club Level or Platinum members.
All in all, I was really satisfied with the Le Meridien Munich. The hotel offered a comfortable stay and met everything for our needs in the area. The breakfast was substantial and the condition of the room was in solid shape. I also enjoyed Le Meridien Munich more than our past stays in Munich in the Arrabella Park areas where the hotels are a little older. The only minus was the room assignment which faced the street As a result, it was a little noisier than we would have liked. I would have asked for a room assignment facing the back or courtyard of the hotel if it was offered.
Suite, King
We stepped off the S8 and arrived the Munich Hautbahnhoff, which was all decorated for Christmas.
We walked out the south door. The Le Meriden Munich is right across the street from the Hautbahnoff and next door to the Aloft. The Meridien's location, although not in the nicest neighbourhood of Munich, is exceptionally convenient to access Munich's transit systems. It’s also within reasonable walking distance of Marienplatz. Some photos from throughout the stay.
Along with a daytime photo from the next day. . .
We found our way into the lobby at about 9 PM where there was no line to check in. The lobby is a reasonable space and there were often people hanging out there.
Our reservation for this stay was on a back to back reservation with two booking numbers. One half of our reservation was on a free night award courtesy of the Canadian Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card and the other night was on a cash basis. On top of this, 2 suite night awards had cleared into a Suite separately on both reservations. The front desk host was able to merge our reservation(s) and keep us in the same room so we wouldn’t have to transfer mid stay.
We self led ourselves to Room 525, which was a corner suite. The room was a great and comfortable size, and just the thing we needed after a long day of traveling.
There was a separate seating area, along with a sofa bed that was actually comfortable to sit on.
The bedroom faced the street side. It had a nice comfortable bed which was great for relaxing. Unfortunately, the street side is quite noisy with both ambulances, street cars and a taxi stand within proximity of the North Side of the hotel. This made getting a restful sleep a little challenging at times.
The bathroom had a separate dressing area, which was convenient for getting ready.
The bathroom was the standard variety; nothing all too special.
This hotel participates in Make a Green Choice.
During our stay, we enjoyed two great SPG Platinum Breakfast(s). The breakfast was offered 6:30 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 1 PM on weekends. We were able to roll in at 11:00 AM on Sunday morning which was really appreciated after a late and jet lagged arrival the night before. The breakfast space is the contemporary breakfast room where a cheery attendant led us to available seats.
The breakfast offered an egg station, espresso coffee machines and free pour prosecco sparkling wine on the weekends only.
The hotel also offers a small bar / lounge. The lounge was typically full and appeared to be difficult to get a seat in, often resulting in customer spill over into the lobby. This was a pay lounge and not a dedicated lounge for Club Level or Platinum members.
All in all, I was really satisfied with the Le Meridien Munich. The hotel offered a comfortable stay and met everything for our needs in the area. The breakfast was substantial and the condition of the room was in solid shape. I also enjoyed Le Meridien Munich more than our past stays in Munich in the Arrabella Park areas where the hotels are a little older. The only minus was the room assignment which faced the street As a result, it was a little noisier than we would have liked. I would have asked for a room assignment facing the back or courtyard of the hotel if it was offered.
Mar 7, 2019, 9:39 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Munich, Germany.
We woke up at about 10:30 AM and had a late Brunch breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
The weather was unfortuately rainy today, making it less than ideal for a day of sightseeing. We walked from the hotel two long blocks down to Karlsplatz. Karlsplatz was festively decorated with a temporary skating rink. It marked the unofficial start of the Munich Christmas Market.
We wandered down Neuhauser Street towards Marienplatz. It wasn’t hard to find the Christmas market. They were lined up all down the street and open for business.
We stopped for our first Gluewein at a booth near Michaelskirche. Most of the booths have a small drinking area that is inside and protected from the elements.
We contined on towards Marienplatz. There were heaps of Christmas market booths. Despite this, the weather and rain didn’t let up.
Despite the weather, the crowds were out in strength at Marienplatz.
After taking in the sights at Marienplatz, we headed over to Hofbrähaus. Hofbrähaus is just off the Marienplatz and only a few blocks away. It was a smart idea to get us out of the rain and get somewhere dry downtown.
Although it’s a bit touristy in here, it’s always a fun time. This afternoon, there was an omm pa pa band playing. I had a litre of beer (one serving) and MrsWT73 had a few wines.
We headed back towards the hotel from the Hofbrähaus then over through Marienplatz wandering through the Christmas villages. The sun had set and the Christmas lights were out in full display.
We headed back towards the hotel with another stop up for Gluhwein. Our next stop was next to a wood burning bon fire which was a lot more comfortable in the rain.
Even the nearby stores at Kaufhoff were decorated with Christmas displays, which entertained the kiddies.
The rain did not seem to deter many. The Munich residents were out in force on a Saturday night.
I took a quick peek into the church near Kalsplatz on the way back; just to get out of the rain. It’s so non descript, you’d pretty much walk right by it without even noticing it there.
We headed back toward the hotel past Hirmler department store and back to the hotel to relax. I hate to admit it, but we had one last Glüwhein at the ice rink at Karlsplatz. The rink was coated into a nice blue color for the evening.
Our first night in Munich was pretty quick. We had the usual jet lag but made the most of it taking in some local activities. It was a nice experience to mark Christmas Market #1, despite the bad weather!
We woke up at about 10:30 AM and had a late Brunch breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
The weather was unfortuately rainy today, making it less than ideal for a day of sightseeing. We walked from the hotel two long blocks down to Karlsplatz. Karlsplatz was festively decorated with a temporary skating rink. It marked the unofficial start of the Munich Christmas Market.
We wandered down Neuhauser Street towards Marienplatz. It wasn’t hard to find the Christmas market. They were lined up all down the street and open for business.
We stopped for our first Gluewein at a booth near Michaelskirche. Most of the booths have a small drinking area that is inside and protected from the elements.
We contined on towards Marienplatz. There were heaps of Christmas market booths. Despite this, the weather and rain didn’t let up.
Despite the weather, the crowds were out in strength at Marienplatz.
After taking in the sights at Marienplatz, we headed over to Hofbrähaus. Hofbrähaus is just off the Marienplatz and only a few blocks away. It was a smart idea to get us out of the rain and get somewhere dry downtown.
Although it’s a bit touristy in here, it’s always a fun time. This afternoon, there was an omm pa pa band playing. I had a litre of beer (one serving) and MrsWT73 had a few wines.
We headed back towards the hotel from the Hofbrähaus then over through Marienplatz wandering through the Christmas villages. The sun had set and the Christmas lights were out in full display.
We headed back towards the hotel with another stop up for Gluhwein. Our next stop was next to a wood burning bon fire which was a lot more comfortable in the rain.
Even the nearby stores at Kaufhoff were decorated with Christmas displays, which entertained the kiddies.
The rain did not seem to deter many. The Munich residents were out in force on a Saturday night.
I took a quick peek into the church near Kalsplatz on the way back; just to get out of the rain. It’s so non descript, you’d pretty much walk right by it without even noticing it there.
We headed back toward the hotel past Hirmler department store and back to the hotel to relax. I hate to admit it, but we had one last Glüwhein at the ice rink at Karlsplatz. The rink was coated into a nice blue color for the evening.
Our first night in Munich was pretty quick. We had the usual jet lag but made the most of it taking in some local activities. It was a nice experience to mark Christmas Market #1, despite the bad weather!
Mar 7, 2019, 9:56 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Thank's Andriyko; I appreciate it.
Alberta beef?
Jerusalem potato?
Provencale tomato?
LOL
Good lord BA get rid of the silly descriptors.
Great report thank you! The CX lounge looks great whereas the BA lounge looks awful and way too small to support all the chairs they stuffed in there.
That F product looks horrible and like you said circa 1990. The IFE screen!?
BA is living in the dark ages. It's time for them to dump those bucket o' bolts 744's in the desert and chop 'em up.
Jerusalem potato?
Provencale tomato?
LOL
Good lord BA get rid of the silly descriptors.
Great report thank you! The CX lounge looks great whereas the BA lounge looks awful and way too small to support all the chairs they stuffed in there.
That F product looks horrible and like you said circa 1990. The IFE screen!?
BA is living in the dark ages. It's time for them to dump those bucket o' bolts 744's in the desert and chop 'em up.
Thanks chongi...
Thanks gaobest.
I appreciate it Madone 59
You're welcome lloydje33.
Thanks for the TR. That food is substandard biz, certainly not First. And the wines are OK for biz but not appropriate for international First. Really!
Just a little bit of translation help re the lounges, if you'd be so kind: is a lounger the same thing as an armchair in your terminology? I'd think of a lounger as something like a reclining deck chair with a foot rest.
Just a little bit of translation help re the lounges, if you'd be so kind: is a lounger the same thing as an armchair in your terminology? I'd think of a lounger as something like a reclining deck chair with a foot rest.
You're likely bang on Brettee. With the cuts in both areas, they are probably near the same.
Thank's mike&co.
I would tend to agree offerendum...
Mar 8, 2019, 11:58 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,596
Great start to your report worldtraveller73. Yeah, BA First is pretty cramped on the 744 especially if seated behind row 2. And 14 pax in the pointy end of a 744 is just awful.
I connected to CX in YVR last summer and also liked the new shops and feel. I too found the SkyTeam Lounge equally empty and pleasant. Since I arrived before the CX Lounge opened, I had originally tried the BA Lounge but was denied because they restricted the lounge to BA pax when they flew the A380. After reading your report and seeing the pics, I'm glad I was denied, and happy to go back to the SkyTeam Lounge.
I connected to CX in YVR last summer and also liked the new shops and feel. I too found the SkyTeam Lounge equally empty and pleasant. Since I arrived before the CX Lounge opened, I had originally tried the BA Lounge but was denied because they restricted the lounge to BA pax when they flew the A380. After reading your report and seeing the pics, I'm glad I was denied, and happy to go back to the SkyTeam Lounge.