The Iron Lady - Follow in the footsteps of Margaret Thatcher
Tuesday 3, January 2012
During her time as Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher, has visited various Orient-Express properties across the world, from staying at Keswick Hall, Virginia and Hotel Ritz, Madrid to dinning at Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town.
Why not follow in the footsteps of one of the UK’s best known political figures with a trip to one of these luxury and historic properties?
Keswick Hall, Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
In 1996 Margaret Thatcher was guest of Keswick Hall, a Tuscan-style villa hotel located on an extensive 600 acre estate, posing for a photograph with hotel staff in the ‘morning room’ and signing the hotel guest book. Lady Thatcher also visited Keswick Hall during her time as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary in Virginia and one year to celebrate the anniversary with her husband, Denis Thatcher, the hotel gave them a set of Virginia Pewter candlesticks.
Guests at Keswick Hall can indulge in the same award-wining cuisine and warm personal service enjoyed by the Thatcher’s during their visits to the property. Set in the heart of Charlottesville and wine country there is plenty for guests to explore, or equally, with its own Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course, seven tennis courts, three swimming pools, nature trails and a luxurious spa guests may never want to leave the hotel.
Visit Keswick Hall between now and 31st March 2012 and receive 50% off a second nights accommodation with the ‘Stay Another Night Offer’. Nightly rates start from 214$US (approx £136) based on two sharing a Superior Room, room only. To book visit www.keswick.com
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Over the years Margaret Thatcher has frequently visited Cape Town, often taking time to dine at the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel with her family and signing the hotel guest book in 1997.
Cape Colony Restaurant, as Mount Nelson’s restaurant was then called, has since received a stellar facelift. Glamorously restyled it is now known as Planet Restaurant and an intricate Swarovski crystal tiled walkway welcomes guests as they embark on an ‘out of this world’ dining experience.
Held once a month, the Wine & Dine Series events in Planet Restaurant are fast making their mark on the local culinary map. Each seven course culinary dinner teams up with a different talented South African wine maker enabling guests to sample a selection of wines produced from the same region and same wine-making savoir-faire. The Wine and Dine Series dinners cost from R395 (approx £30) per person including dinner and matching wines.
Nightly rates at Mount Nelson Hotel start from R3,595 (£277) based on two sharing a Superior Room, on a bed and breakfast basis. To book visit www.mountnelson.co.za
Hotel Ritz, Madrid, Spain
In 1988 Margaret Thatcher became the longest serving British Prime Minister of the 20th Century, it is also the year she visited Hotel Ritz, a baroque landmark situated in the heart of Madrid.
Built in 1910 according to the wishes of King Alfonso XIII, Hotel Ritz has welcomed visiting aristocracy and dignitaries in style and luxury ever since. A lively gathering place for Spanish high society, the hotel’s restaurants and bars are a constant buzz of activity and its leafy outdoor terrace is especially popular for a traditional summer Sunday brunch following a stroll in the adjacent Retiro Park.
To help guests explore the many museums, art galleries and boutiques that make up Madrid, Hotel Ritz has launched the Art Discovery package. Available from 405 Euro (approx £338) per night, based on two sharing a Classic Room with breakfast, the Art Discovery Package also includes: one three course dinner in Goya Restaurant, one afternoon tea in the Lounge and entrance to Thyssen Museum, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and Prado Museum for two people. A minimum two night stay is required. To book visit www.ritzmadrid.com
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