I was staying in Merseburg at the Radisson Blu during a week-long business trip at Leuna. The original plan was Gayle to arrive (from Paris) on Thursday night, and that we'd stay at the hotel until taking a cab to Leipzig on Saturday morning, We'd then take the train to Prague. However, my host convinced me that staying at the Westin in Leipzig and taking a little time on Friday to explore the City would be an excellent alternative.
I was easily able to take one night off the Radisson reservation and add a night at the Westin. The only "complication" was that the standard Company room was sold out and that I'd need to spend a few more Euro for an upgrade. The new total was still well within Company guidelines, but a bit higher usual. The travel agent also advised that I could check in at the front desk to see if the Company rate had become available.
I started to do that when Gayle and I arrived at the Westin Leipzig. After feeling a couple swift kicks, I decided to abandon that line of inquiry. Or as Gayle later remarked: Why would you turn down an upgrade? And that's one difference between an economy husband and his first-class wife.
We ended up getting an upgrade to the upgrade, at no extra charge. The room was fabulous and in Gayle's mind one of her best stays ever. The room was spacious, accented by white leather furniture, comfy chairs, a great bed and a complimentary bottle of wine. The view was panoramic and facing away for city centre. It was one of those rooms that you really didn't want to leave, regardless of city sights that were waiting.
The next morning, an enormous breakfast buffet was available and included with the room. And since the train station was literally across the street, it was an easy walk to our next destination.
If I'm lucky to pass this way again, I'll make it a point to stay at the Westin Leipzig. It was that memorable of an experience. read more