Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England

The Clarence Hotel in Windsor, England, was a lucky find. It is located only a few blocks from the beginning of a nice pedestrian shopping/dining area, and only a few minutes more walking to Windsor Castle.

Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

This is a cozy place with friendly and helpful staff. Because I stayed two different nights several days apart, I had the benefit of two different rooms. Here’s a look at the first room:

First floor room at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

First floor room at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

During my second stay, I was in this room, which I believe was called the “Emma Suite.”

Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

And here’s a look at the bathroom, which was kind of like the one you might find on a cruise ship:

Bathroom of the Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Bathroom of the Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

There’s a lovely garden on the grounds, a great place to relax, enjoy a beverage, and recuperate from a day of sightseeing.

Garden at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Garden at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

As mentioned above, staff are very helpful, assisting me with the printing of my boarding pass, as well as providing a “full English” breakfast that you see in the next photo:

"Full English" breakfast at Clarence Hotel, Windsor England.

“Full English” breakfast at Clarence Hotel, Windsor England.

A big breakfast is part of my day, and The Clarence Hotel did a great job with the one you see above. I would recommend this place for those looking to have the comfortable bed and breakfast experience. Enjoy the journey and all the stops along the way.

East Coast Line to Edinburgh

As part of the current journey, I took the East Coast Line from London (King’s Cross Station) to Edinburgh, Scotland (Waverly Station). The entire process was quite easy and very comfortable. Upon arriving at the station, I went to the automatic ticket machine to collect my pre-paid tickets. Using the same credit card with which I purchased the tickets and the record locater, I was able to get the tickets in about 1 minute. There was a supplemental charge for use of the 1st Class Lounge, which was okay with me because I wanted to relax after the car ride in from Windsor. So, here’s a photo of the tickets:

Tickets and seat reservation for East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Tickets and seat reservation for East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

About ten minutes before departure, the platform was announced and I made my way to the train. A reserved card was tucked into the back of my seat as you see in the next photo:

Card marking reserved seat on East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Card marking reserved seat on East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Seating was spacious in the first class carriage. There are several different seating arrangements including two facing a table as you see in this photo:

Two seats facing table aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Two seats facing table aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

There are also groups of four seats facing a table as you see in the next photo:

First Class seating aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

First Class seating aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Naturally, snacks were on offer, including cooked meals from a menu as well as sandwiches and beverages from the “trolley.” I went with the sandwiches, which were egg and/or salmon. Both were quite tasty and served with a smile.

Egg salad sandwich aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Egg salad sandwich aboard East Coast Line train to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Along the trip, cabin staff regularly pass by asking if you would like more drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and so forth. The ride is incredibly smooth and punctual, making for a pleasant journey without the hassle of airports. Scenery along the way was another bonus, although shrouded in rain and mist for much of the time. All in all, I recommend this form of travel within the UK. And finally, a special thanks to “The Man in Seat 61” who operates a fantastic website that is chock full of information about train travel around the world. Please, avail yourself of his website. I did and it helped me plan this trip perfectly. (I hope to make a video showing clips from this and the return journey aboard the East Coast Line.)