Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to explore

[amaroo]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Yes, arrived safely and now ensconsed in the Club Lounge at Langham Place. This has had a massive facelift Dame. Much more open feel and larger

Nice. Just booked connecting club rooms for our 2 day stopover in DEC...

 

[jojen]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Hope you are enjoying the Langham Place Pushka. It is one of the best hotels we have stayed in. The staff in the lounge are wonderful. We have stayed there over the last 8 years and are really looking forward to returning next year. New lounge looks great. Looking forward to the rest of your trip report.

jojen

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Awake early. Planning the day. MrP - gym and pool. Me? Hitting citygate outlets. Fabulous shops. I have no room to buy anything so not sure about the outcome.

Amaroo the kids room has been replaced by a reception space



but they do have playstations etc available. And nice serving size bowls of M&M's and gummi bears. Snacks/tea and coffee, soft drink and beer available all day. It now closes at midnight. With kids I would eat the free breakfast (club) downstairs. The buffet is wonderful.



There have been some 'enhancements'. No more rubics cube. No gel eye masks. No massage tools - all of which were giveaways. No delivery of sweet treats for returning people. A shame as it was these little things that set them apart.

 

[love_the_life]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

It looks quite different now. Pity that they have discontinued those little quirky extras; as you say they made the hotel a bit different. Maybe concentrating on mainstream business people now.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Mr P takes more care with breakfast than the usual SpecialK bowl.



The club breakfast bar is bright and spacious now with the refurb.





Weather rather bleak



Lucky I can get all the way out to Chung Kung designer outlet without one step outside

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Very nice reading room off the club lounge with views to the other side.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Ladies, I've let the team down. After making the 60 min trek across the subway system to Tung Chung outlets with just one newbie traveller error, and despite some glorious pinks in this shop

I bought nothing but a starbucks coffee. . It has become a bit tatty really although there was a rather long queue for the Coach sale, which I started to join to see what the interest was all about.

Tung Chung is also the getaway to Lantau Island where the giant Buddha resides.

Last time we went on this skyrail to get there:

And along the way you see the Giant Buddha


On our first trip we went on it the week before it was officially opened. A few weeks later it was closed as several of the carousels cannoned into each other.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Back to the Langham. They provide a free mobile phone to take during your stay that has free international calls back to Australia and with unlimited data access. Thats impressive.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

We went on the skyrail and climbed to the top of the Buddha when we were there in Aug a few years ago - had a really nice day for it. Well if you have let the team down in Hong Kong, you will just have to find some sales in Europe.....

 

[Flying mermaid]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Back to the Langham. They provide a free mobile phone to take during your stay that has free international calls back to Australia and with unlimited data access. Thats impressive.

The Peninsula does the same sort of thing. I am not a phone person, but ended up phoning both Miss FM and Dr FM just to say hi. Scared them witless as they thought there must be a major emergency.....

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Grrr. This new App is a pain.

On the subway - packed to the hilt. Everyone with a phone in their hands either talking or playing games. And I'd say 90% using the large iphone/galaxy.



Nice patisseries but I am saving up for Paris

And this is weird. A display for a new bakery and adults are lining up for a photo opp. I have no idea why.





The snacks here in the club are enough for lunch.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

And now afternoon tea - never ending here:

 

[love_the_life]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

If you eat breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and canapés then do dinner (and do they still do chocolates late?), not sure how much saving up for Paris is going on
The weather looks familiar.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

If you eat breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and canapés then do dinner (and do they still do chocolates late?), not sure how much saving up for Paris is going on
The weather looks familiar.

Indeed very similar to our March experience and forecast to last until Sunday. A good thing we are off to Paris tomorrow night.
I'm not eating Dame - just looking. Just muesli for breakfast and half a sandwich at lunchtime. Noticed the alcohol is out all day now too

 

[love_the_life]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Enjoy the flight. Where are you staying in Paris? We usually take an apartment but think you are not staying for an extended period.

 

[jojen]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

The new lounge and offerings look great. Is David still in the lounge ? Any news of the name change from Langham Place to Cordis ? Not returning till March, but can't wait !!Enjoy !!!

jojen

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Enjoy the flight. Where are you staying in Paris? We usually take an apartment but think you are not staying for an extended period.

Abbatial - quarante-six Bld St Germain - Latin Quarter.



Six nights so a nice long stay.

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

The new lounge and offerings look great. Is David still in the lounge ? Any news of the name change from Langham Place to Cordis ? Not returning till March, but can't wait !!Enjoy !!!

jojen

No to both but shall enquire. Given the Langham Mall that would be quite a change!

 

[Pushka]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

The new lounge and offerings look great. Is David still in the lounge ? Any news of the name change from Langham Place to Cordis ? Not returning till March, but can't wait !!Enjoy !!!

jojen

Ok. Enquiries made. Yes David is still here. And yes, in August this hotel will be called 'Cordis at Langham Place' and when the brand is established in around 2 years they will drop Langham Place. Same group - but Cordis is more resort style.

 

[jojen]

Re: Chasing the lads in Lycra down the Champs Elysees - and other fancy places to exp

Ok. Enquiries made. Yes David is still here. And yes, in August this hotel will be called 'Cordis at Langham Place' and when the brand is established in around 2 years they will drop Langham Place. Same group - but Cordis is more resort style.

Thanks for the update Pushka. When we were there in March and heard the name was changing it was hard to imagine how it would happen overnight, but the way it is now being changed makes sense. Good to hear David is till there.

jojen