News: Aer Lingus quits Gatwick airport, South Place Hotel joins Preferred Hotels

News in brief:

Aer Lingus drops London Gatwick flights

Aer Lingus appears to be ending services to Dublin from London Gatwick.

Flights have been pulled from the booking system for the summer 2024 season, with the last flight scheduled for 30th March.

This was an attractive flight for British Airways Gold card holders, since they could use the British Airways lounge at Gatwick. You can’t bring any guests and you can’t get in with a Silver card – it is purely a Gold perk.

South Place Hotel joins Preferred Hotels

This is a little niche but will be of interest to some of our City readers.

South Place Hotel, the smart hotel between Liverpool Street and Moorgate which was once part of the D&D Restaurants group, has joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

As well as having 80 rooms, the hotel includes Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, above, and five bars (it knows its local market well …..)

It will be part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts ‘L.V.X. Collection’ which represents ‘renowned properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive, engaging, and exclusive personal service.’

Preferred Hotels is an independent marketing group, similar to Leading Hotels of the World, with properties in 80 countries. Most relevant for HfP readers, it runs the ‘I Prefer’ loyalty scheme which allows you to earn cash credit towards future stays based on your spending.

You can learn more about the ‘I Prefer’ programme on its website here.

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