Not content to settle for an extra Bank Holiday and late openings for pubs on the Royal Wedding Day (RWD), airlines and hoteliers are offering extended getaway specials themed around the Big Day. British Airways is offering Royal Wedding weekend packages and London hotels have been raising their room rates over the weekend accordingly, but really, anyone can book a BA flight or a room at the Savoy, no matter how inflated the cost. So, we’ve rounded up some unique options for the big RWD, each with its own twist on the festivities and all far away from the madding RWD crowds. Book early!
Why not book yourself into the Celtic Manor Resort, where they’ll be throwing a RWD Street party? Their website invites us to “join (them) to celebrate the Royal Wedding in the most traditional British way, with a spectacular outdoor ‘street party’ with live entertainment and big screens to watch the wedding celebrations, in the glorious surroundings of the Rooftop Garden. Immerse yourself in nostalgia with Union Jack bunting and trestle tables laden with tasty treats including jam sandwiches, homemade pork pies, Scotch eggs and sausage rolls, along with favourites such as Victoria sponge, fondant fancies, trifle and of course, traditional wedding cake.” This Five Star Welsh resort features award winning dining, the Forum Spa and was home to the 2010 Ryder Cup.
Forget the RWD, The Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset, is offering a Royal Honeymoon package to die for – it includes penthouse accommodation, a private butler, massage, flowers, wine and . . . a throne. I’ve stayed here and it’s just lovely. Of course, I didn’t have a butler. Or a massage. But it was still lovely.
Personally, the offer from the Ambassador Bed and Breakfast in Brighton sounds like a hoot – book into the gay friendly hotel for a minimum of 3 nights over the Royal Wedding weekend and you’ll be invited – at no extra cost – to join them at a garden party where you’ll watch the wedding and be treated to a free buffet lunch, afternoon tea and wedding cake.
Even Grand Rapids, Michigan is getting in on the weekend wedding getaway deals, which isn’t as far fetched as it seems once you realize that the exhibit, “Diana – A Celebration” will be in town over that weekend, with items on loan from the Spencer family.
And lastly, if you want to do the Royal Wedding in royal style stateside, The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago has announced the “Trump Royal Wedding Experience” where guests will watch the televised version of the Royal Wedding during an exclusive breakfast at the Michelin three-star restaurant Here’s the description from the official press release: “After a night of ultimate comfort in a newly renovated guest room designed by Ivanka Trump, guests will descend to Jean Georges for an exclusive breakfast in the restaurant’s main dining room starting at 5 a.m. A special tasting menu fit for a prince or princess will include selections like scrambled eggs with caviar, mini-French toast, and pains au chocolat. Guests will toast the royal couple with sparkling mimosas as they watch the Royal Wedding on monitors strategically placed around the dining room. The breakfast event will conclude by 9 a.m., at which time guests may choose to hit the town or return to their rooms for a nap. A 4 p.m. late checkout is guaranteed. As a memento of the occasion, each guest will receive a piece of official Royal Wedding china commissioned by The Royal Collection.” What, no massage?
Any of the British packages would be fine, thank you! If I'm going to spend the money to celebrate the Royal Wedding properly then I would insist on spending it on British soil! Brighton ! Sigh!
Louisa – Brighton does sound like a hoot, doesn't it?