BACKGROUND Billed as fast and environmentally friendly, LNER's Azuma trains were rolled out in 2019, and travel between London, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The fleet is more accessible than the rail operator's previous fleet, with faster wifi and plug sockets at every seat, and more eco-friendly diesel-electric hybrids built using lightweight materials.
The Azuma trains have three different lengths (five, nine and ten coaches) all with standard and first class. This is a review of a nine-coach London King's CrossEdinburgh Waverley service, which stops at Peterborough, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, with an average journey time of four and a half hours.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS I arrived at King's Cross at 0830 for my 0900 departure, and used LNER's first-class lounge next to the Little Waitrose (open daily - scan your ticket to gain entry).
Amenities include still and sparkling bottled water, savoury snacks, orange juice, tea and coffee - plus you can pay for and order hot food by scanning a QR code.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 2024-Ausgabe von Business Traveller UK.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 2024-Ausgabe von Business Traveller UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé