As per usual, Abbotts Travel excelled.
Our trip was yet another success and we cannot thank Sharron enough for her support and help. We flew to Seattle via Virgin Upper Class, which from arriving at Heathrow to landing in the USA was a fantastic experience.
We were greeted at London Heathrow, presented a champagne breakfast and boarded without any queues - it was just perfect.
Our only problem was at arrival in Seattle, where it took over two hours to get through Border Control. Not a problem Abbotts Travel could help with. Seattle is the worst airport we have visited in the USA.
After the first set of security, you must collect your luggage and go through yet another security check, this time placing your bags on an additional conveyor and collecting them upstairs. A terrible system.
On arrival at the Thompson Hotel, we were greeted wonderfully and as it was Lynda’s birthday, we were upgraded to a suite. Our concierge, Lusitca, also arranged for champagne and chocolates to celebrate the special occasion. The service and hospitality were fantastic.
The boutique hotel was perfectly located and very close to Pike Place Market. Everything was within walking distance.
We took the ferry to Bainbridge, which is a local island full of antique and tapestry shops, which Lynda loved. It was a lovely day out and we would recommend it to anyone who is planning to visit the city.
Seattle was fantastic, we loved the atmosphere and ambience all around.
Palm Springs Avalon Hotel could have been excellent. The location is great but we don’t think the facilities of the hotel were four-star. Although the bedrooms are large, there is no hanging space, no dressing gowns or slippers and no tea/coffee in the room. The staff acknowledged all of this but nothing was done to improve it.
Chi Chis restaurant for dinner was awful and we had some issues while there. Breakfasts were ok but much more expensive than local locations. We would suggest that anyone staying here dines outside of the hotel.
Staff were very friendly but young and with limited experience. The hotel is geared for a two day stay, any longer and we would suggest staying next door at La Serena Villas.
Celebrity Tours in Palm Springs offer a tour around approximately 68 celebrity homes, which we found to be a fantastic trip. We saw the homes of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe to name a few. It was a great experience.
Five days in Palm Springs is enough to see the highlights. Our next stop was Orange County California to stay with family. We love Orange and had day trips to Laguna Beach, Dana point etc. Sitting in the Jacuzzi with a Gin and Tonic watching the fireworks at Disney is heaven.
Many thanks to all at Abbotts Travel for ensuring our trip met our expectations.
Robert and Lynda Mckill