London Redux
We were up at 4 this morning, the driver came at 4:30, at 7:10 we were in Calais, and at 8:02 boarded the Eurostar. We arrived in London at 8:10 (an hour time difference), the hotel driver met us and by 8:45 we were in our suite at the Lanesborough. Centurion arranged the hotel, and we’re in a sumptuous, incredible corner suite that was ready for early arrival. The front desk manager escorted us up and I noticed a woman following her who had arrived from a different direction. Once in the suite, we were introduced—she is our butler.
We’re adjacent to Mayfair and Buckingham Palace.
A few words about the Eurostar, the high speed train that connects London through the Chunnel with Paris, Brussels, Calais and Lille. On the return, for the first time, the premium car was a third occupied. The passengers had boarded in Brussels, and we were the only passengers for that coach in Calais. All of the passengers already on board were male, and every one occupied a two- or four-seat area by themselves. Maria and I were shown to a pair of opposing seats, not our reserved seats, and not one person offered to exchange with us. When I mentioned this to the crew, they simply smiled and said there was nothing to be done but we could move to other cars!
This would never happen on the Acela in the US, where the first class crew routinely asks people to move so that couples and families can sit together. Another thing that is incredible: On the Acela, the car crew always helps you with your luggage, and the car is at station level. On the Eurostar, you have to climb three steps into the coach, and the crew merely watched us each time load four bags and unload them. They never lifted a finger to help.
This, unfortunately, is too often the level of service in Europe. The hotels I patronize are rare exceptions. It’s unfortunate the the Eurostar staff is so totally unmotivated.
At the customs and immigration area in Calais (don’t let the European Community fool you—ALL passengers must show ID for immigration officers in France and the UK, have passports stamped, go through security, and submit to searches), the French officials just watched as we and others struggled with very large luggage that had to be placed on a three-foot high conveyer. Then they watched as the luggage crashed if you didn’t remove it at the other end fast enough. Say what you sill about TSA, they’re a lot better than that.
You travel to appreciate the world and, in the process, appreciate what you’ve got!
© Alan Weiss 2011. All rights reserved.
Garry Beavis
My experience with Eurostar in Paris just before Christmas was frustrating and resulted in hours of standing in lines to check in and then to board. The staff directing passengers showed little interest and when they stopped lines from moving they refused or were unable to provide any explanation to the complaining masses lined up.
Alan Weiss
I can sympathize. The regular coach and business lines in London looked like they were run by some third-world country for the sole flight leaving every month. And the first class lounge is ridiculous.
Richard Millington
Just to clarify the ‘need a passport’ point. That’s because Britain didn’t sign the Schengen agreement. This created a passport-free zone for much of Europe. You can travel across borders without a passport (usually without any passport control too). Because of immigration issues, Britain didn’t join and we still need to make a passport.
Eurostar is a good alternative to budget travellers making a simple hop from London to Paris, it’s not so great for business/first-class travellers.
Alan Weiss
It used to be far better. The service has deteriorated and the employees are arrogant and don’t give a rap. The boarding process is ridiculous, and there are no porters whatsoever. It’s like a high speed train in third world countries. And that’s just the UK side!